How To Get Into Freelance Accounting

You can work remotely as a Freelance Accountant from anywhere in the world. Here is how to get into Freelance Accounting and how to use it to your advantage.

You have to be a qualified Accountant to get into Freelance Accounting.

With a reliable internet connection, you can work remotely as a Freelance Accountant from anywhere in the world.

How Do I Become An Accountant?

You need to study an Accounting or Bookkeeping Course to become an Accountant.

Here are some ICB Financial Accounting Certificate and Diploma Courses you can study:

You will need the following skills to be a Freelance Accountant:

  • Self-discipline
  • Focus
  • Dedication

What Is The Difference Between A Freelance Accountant And A Self-Employed Accountant?

Although Freelance Accountants are technically self-employed, there are some notable differences between Freelancing and Self-employment.

Freelance Accountant

A Freelance Accountant renders financial services to businesses or large companies. They are usually employed under a short-term contract and work full-time or part-time.

Freelance Accountants can work for more than one client or employer at the same time and earn more.

Self-Employed Accountant

Self-employed Accountants start their own Accounting businesses and charge companies for the services they deliver. They could also begin an agency that hires other Accountants to work for companies who are looking to outsource Accountants.

How Do I Become A Freelance Accountant?

Follow these simple steps to become a Freelance Accountant:

  1. Get an Accounting Qualification
  2. Gain experience
  3. Build an impressive CV
  4. Register with the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA)
  5. Open a bank account for your business
  6. Get suitable software
  7. Advertise your expertise
  8. Apply for freelance jobs or start your own freelancing company

Get An Accounting Qualification

To become an Accountant, you first have to study to obtain an Accounting Qualification.

Whether you study a Charted Accounting Course at a university or an ICB Financial Accounting Course at Matric College, you will acquire the knowledge you need to be a successful Accountant.

Gain Experience

Gaining experience in your field of work can help you get ahead in the competitive job market.

You can add your work experience to your CV to make it look more impressive and to stand out against other applicants.

Build An Impressive CV

An impressive CV is your golden ticket to finding employment or clients as a Freelance Accountant.

It is important to add the following to your CV:

  1. A personal statement. Your personal statement is usually at the top of your CV. It should leave a good, long-lasting impression on the reader of your CV.
  2. Skills and abilities. Any soft skills, hard skills, and job-related skills that you have should be listed to make the reader aware of what you are capable of.
  3. Areas of expertise. If your area of expertise extends beyond the accounting field, you should add it to your CV. The more knowledgeable and skilful you are, the more employers will admire and want to work with you.
  4. Academic Qualifications and achievements. Employers and clients need to know if you have the correct Qualifications for the job. Your achievements will make you stand out among the other applicants and competing Freelance Accountants.
  5. Your employment history. Your employment history makes the employer aware of the companies you may have previously worked at. If the companies are reputable, your chances of getting hired will increase.
  6. Reliable references. The references you add to your CV will influence the outcome of the freelancing jobs you apply for. Adding reliable references and the correct contact details will make you look more professional, and it will prevent your CV from being tossed out of the pile of employable applicants.

Register With The South African Institute Of Professional Accountants (SAIPA)

The South African Institute of Professional Accountants gives its members access to learnership opportunities in Accounting and Business Advisory.

A Committee oversees SAIPA’s professional development and ensures that the members undergo competency and proficiency tests to be assigned the Accounting Qualifications.

Being a registered member of the SAIPA will validate your credibility as an Accountant.

Alternatively, once completing an ICB Financial Accounting Course, you can register with the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers and Accountants (ICBA) to become professionally recognised as a Bookkeeper or Accountant.

Open A Business Bank Account

If you plan on starting a freelance accounting business, you are advised to open a business bank account. It will make tax preparation easier.

If your business runs into financial difficulties and you cannot pay off debt as a result of external factors (looting, the financial market crashing, the natural environment, etc.) creditors are legally not allowed to claim your personal assets.

Get Suitable Software

Accounting software is used to process and manage financial data. The correct software will make your job as an Accountant so much easier because it increases data processing accuracy, which will save you time and money.

Advertise Your Expertise

Marketing your expertise and sending your CV to companies will enable you to become a Freelance Accountant. The more you apply for jobs and projects, the more work experience you will gain and the more income you will generate. 

Apply For Freelance Jobs Or Start Your Own Accounting Business

You can apply for a Freelance Accounting job on many job-searching websites.

If you struggle to find employment as an Accountant, you can take the entrepreneurial route and start your own business. You can render your accounting services to small, start-up businesses to earn an income.

Where Can I Study To Become An Accountant?

You can study to become an Accountant at most universities and colleges in South Africa. 

Some distance learning institutes also offer Financial Accounting Courses you can study while working or pursuing a recreational activity (sports, a singing career, etc.) full-time.

Here are some distance learning colleges you can study an Accounting Course at:

What Can I Study To Become An Accountant?

Become An Accountant Without Matric

Did you know that you can become an Accountant without Matric? We offer Financial Accounting Courses you can study even if you do not have a Matric Certificate.

ICB Certificate And Diploma Course Entry Requirements

These are the entry requirements for ICB Certificate Courses:

To qualify for the ICB Diploma Courses, you first need to complete the ICB Certificate Courses.

How ICB Courses Work

How Much Can I Earn As A Freelance Accountant In South Africa?

Freelance Accountants can earn on average from R15 000 to R50 000 or more per month.

The salary you earn depends on:

Do you want to become a Freelance Accountant? If yes, study an ICB Financial Accounting Course at Matric College today and kickstart your career! You can contact a Course Expert to begin the registration process.

Author: Tammy Fredericks
Editor: Sive Ncanywa
Date: September 15 , 2022