How to Start a Bookkeeping Practice in 2026

In this episode, Jo and Zoe take a deep dive into what it really looks like to start a bookkeeping business in 2026. Rather than jumping straight into checklists and compliance, they challenge aspiring bookkeepers to step back and understand the real reason behind wanting to start a practice — freedom, financial stability, and flexibility. They explain how important it is to design the business around the lifestyle you want, not just the service you can offer. From choosing the right business structure to understanding insurance, personal finance boundaries, AML responsibilities, tech stacks, workflows, and pricing, the hosts walk through the updated fundamentals for 2026. They emphasise that building a practice that supports your wellbeing starts with clarity, boundaries, and intentional choices — not rushing into software subscriptions or under-charging. This episode acts as both a strategic reset and a practical roadmap for anyone wanting to launch confidently in the new year. ----------------------------------------------- About us We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective ----------------------------------------------- About our Sponsor This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper ----------------------------------------------- Promotion This video contains paid promotion. ----------------------------------------------- Disclaimer The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.