Are you thinking about bookkeeping subcontracting but unsure what to expect?
Maybe you’re hoping to gain experience, supplement your income, or avoid the hassle of finding clients.
Whatever your reason, subcontracting isn’t always what people expect—and it’s important to know what you’re signing up for before you begin.
Let’s talk about what bookkeeping subcontracting really looks like, what to watch out for, and how to decide if it’s the right move for you.
What Is Bookkeeping Subcontracting?
Bookkeeping subcontracting means working for another bookkeeper or firm rather than managing your own clients.
Instead of running your own business, setting your own rates, and dealing with client relationships, you’re helping another bookkeeper or firm complete their work.
Here’s what you might do as a bookkeeping subcontractor:
- Categorize transactions
- Reconcile bank and credit card accounts
- Process payroll
- Manage accounts payable and receivable
- Prepare financial reports
It sounds simple, right? But the reality is a little more complicated—especially when it comes to what you’ll actually get out of the experience.
Why Do Bookkeepers Subcontract?
There are a few big reasons people look into bookkeeping subcontracting:
1. You Want to Gain Experience
If you’re new to bookkeeping, subcontracting can be a great way to get hands-on experience—but only if the firm is willing to teach you. Not all subcontracting roles include training, so it’s important to ask upfront.
2. You Want to Earn Money Without Finding Clients
Maybe you love bookkeeping but don’t want to deal with marketing, sales, and client management. Subcontracting lets you do the work without the business headaches.
3. You Want More Work Without More Overhead
Some bookkeepers subcontract on the side to fill gaps in their workload or supplement their income without taking on full-time clients.
4. You Want to Test the Waters
If you’re not sure whether you want to start your own bookkeeping business, subcontracting can give you a taste of the industry before committing.
But before you start applying for subcontracting roles, it’s important to understand what it is—and what it isn’t.
Expectations vs. Reality: What You Need to Know
There are a lot of assumptions about bookkeeping subcontracting that don’t always match reality. Here are some common ones:
| Expectation | Reality |
|---|---|
| “I’ll get training and mentorship.” | Most subcontracting roles don’t include training—you’re expected to already know what you’re doing. |
| “I can work whenever I want.” | Some firms offer flexibility, but many expect work to be done on specific deadlines. |
| “I’ll learn new software and skills.” | Only if you ask upfront—most firms won’t teach you unless it’s part of the agreement. |
| “I’ll build my own business through subcontracting.” | You won’t get direct client relationships, which limits business growth. |
| “I can subcontract for any firm.” | Not all firms use the same processes or software, so experience doesn’t always translate easily. |
You might be disappointed if you’re expecting mentorship, complete flexibility, or an easy path to business growth. That’s why asking the right questions before accepting a subcontracting role is important.
Questions to Ask Before Accepting a Subcontracting Role
Before you agree to work with another bookkeeper or firm, take the time to ask these questions:
- What tasks will I be responsible for? Make sure you know exactly what you’ll be doing—don’t assume there will be variety.
- Will I get any training? If you’re hoping to learn, find out if that’s actually part of the job.
- What software do you use? If you’re only comfortable with QuickBooks but they use Xero, you’ll need to decide if you’re willing to learn on your own.
- How flexible is the schedule? Some firms let you work on your own time, while others have strict deadlines.
- What’s the pay structure? Are you getting paid hourly, per task, or per client? Make sure the pay makes sense for the time you’ll be putting in.
- Is there a contract or non-compete agreement? Some firms require that you don’t take on clients in the same industry, which could affect your future business plans.
If you’re looking for a long-term opportunity or the chance to learn, make sure that’s part of the role before committing.
Pros and Cons of Bookkeeping Subcontracting
Like anything, subcontracting has its upsides and downsides. Here’s what to consider:
✅ Pros of Subcontracting
- You don’t have to find clients – No marketing, sales, or client onboarding.
- You can focus on bookkeeping – This is a plus if you love the work but hate the business side.
- You can gain experience – Working with different businesses can help you refine your skills.
- You get paid consistently – No chasing clients for payment.
- It’s flexible (sometimes) – Depending on the firm, you might have the freedom to work on your own schedule.
❌ Cons of Subcontracting
- You won’t earn as much as direct client work – The firm you subcontract for takes a cut of what the client pays.
- You don’t control the workflow – You follow someone else’s systems, even if they don’t work well for you.
- No client relationships – If you want to start your own firm later, you won’t be able to take these clients with you.
- Deadlines can be strict – Even if it’s “flexible,” work still needs to be done on time.
- No guarantee of steady work – Some firms only hire subcontractors seasonally or on an as-needed basis.
If you’re looking for full control over your work, higher pay, and the ability to build a client base, you may eventually want to transition away from subcontracting.
Is Bookkeeping Subcontracting Right for You?
Before deciding whether subcontracting is the right path, ask yourself:
- Do I need mentorship? If yes, subcontracting probably isn’t the best way to get it.
- Do I want control over my pricing and processes? If yes, subcontracting might feel restrictive.
- Do I need complete flexibility? Some firms offer it, but many have strict deadlines.
- Am I okay with earning less than I would with direct clients? If not, you may want to start your own business instead.
If you love bookkeeping but don’t want to deal with clients, marketing, or sales, subcontracting could be a great fit. If you want to build your own business, set your rates, and have direct client relationships, you may want to use subcontracting as a short-term stepping stone instead.
Final Thoughts
Bookkeeping subcontracting can be a great way to gain experience, earn income, and focus on the work you love without the stress of client management. However, it’s not for everyone.
Key Takeaways:
- Bookkeeping subcontracting lets you do bookkeeping without finding clients, but the pay is lower, and flexibility varies.
- Not all subcontracting roles include training or mentorship—ask before you commit.
- If you want to grow your own bookkeeping business, subcontracting may not be the best long-term fit.
- Be clear about your goals and expectations before accepting any subcontracting role.
If you’ve worked as a bookkeeping subcontractor, what was your experience like? Share your thoughts in Gentle Frog’s Bookkeeping Lily Pad Facebook group!
