How to Start an Accounting Firm and Bank 6-Figures Your First Year

Hannah Stricker, Founder of Bookkeeping Solutions of Traverse City, knew she didn't want to work under the overlords forever. For 25 years, she toiled in major accounting firms and also a decade in the local sector. But, her destiny was CEO of her own accounting firm and she needed to make it happen. "It's a scary leap," she says and you can't blame her. Casting out to the unknown shouldn't be taken lightly. For two years she thought about making the jump. At her local firm, it was a 'cushy job' with benefits and a near 6-figure salary. She loved her colleagues, her clients, the work, her pay. All she was missing the sweet taste of entrepreneurship. Finally, in September 2017, she started her own firm. Before she left, she had 6 months of savings set aside. So, even if she didn't make a dime for 180 days, she'd be okay. Because after 4 months she would know if it would work. If it didn't, she had two months to try and find a new job. On top of that, she saved $12,000 for office supplies, software, a computer, basically everything she'd need for an office space. Her first few months were nerve-wracking. But, once she covered her mortgage and bills, she settled in. By her one year anniversary, she had done $70,000 in profit and paid herself a salary of $35,000 (giving her revenues over 6-figures). Her 5-year goal was to have profits of $150,000 with up to $60,000 in salary. However, due to some new clients, she may hit that by the end of her second year! The growth is impeccable and here's how she organized her services.