1. Freelance Bookkeeping Services
Freelance bookkeeping is one of the most straightforward and profitable side gigs for accountants. Many small businesses and solo entrepreneurs don’t have the budget for a full-time bookkeeper but still need someone to manage their financial records.
As an accountant, you’re already equipped with the skills and tools to step in and handle these tasks efficiently. By offering your services on a part-time or contract basis, you can take on multiple clients and generate steady monthly income.
This side hustle offers flexibility—you can work evenings or weekends, and many tasks can be completed remotely using cloud accounting platforms like QuickBooks Online, Xero, or Wave. Plus, as your client base grows, you can raise your rates or turn the gig into a full-fledged business. The demand is strong, and referrals are common if you deliver consistently accurate and reliable work.
2. Tax Preparation for Individuals and Small Businesses
Preparing taxes is a seasonal but highly profitable opportunity for accountants. During tax season, individuals and small businesses seek knowledgeable professionals to ensure compliance and minimize liability. If you already have tax experience, offering this service can result in a solid financial boost each year. You can even niche down—helping freelancers, landlords, or gig workers with unique tax situations.
With software like Drake Tax, TaxSlayer Pro, or even TurboTax Professional, you can streamline the process and handle multiple clients without overwhelming yourself.
Once you've built a reliable client list, many of them will return annually, making this side income more predictable. You might also consider partnering with local businesses or financial advisors to generate referrals.
3. Teaching or Tutoring Accounting and Finance
Your knowledge of accounting makes you a great candidate for tutoring students or teaching entry-level courses. Whether it’s helping university students prepare for exams or teaching business owners how to read financial statements, there’s always demand for personalized instruction. You can offer sessions in person, through Zoom, or on platforms like Wyzant, Superprof, or Preply.
Alternatively, consider teaching online courses on platforms like Udemy or Teachable. Creating a course takes some initial effort, but once it's live, you can earn passive income as students enroll over time.
This approach not only diversifies your income but also helps build your professional brand as an expert in the field.
4. Financial Consulting for Small Businesses
Many small business owners struggle with budgeting, forecasting, or understanding their financial position. You can offer consulting services to help them interpret their financial data, reduce costs, and increase profitability. Your insights can be transformative, especially for businesses that don’t yet have a CFO but desperately need financial guidance.
This type of consulting can be done on a project basis or retainer model. You could help businesses develop financial models, prepare investor presentations, or create strategic plans. It’s also a good way to position yourself for future roles in fractional CFO services, which are in high demand and command premium fees.
5. Creating and Selling Excel Templates or Financial Tools
If you’re skilled in Excel or Google Sheets, creating and selling financial templates can become a surprisingly profitable side hustle. Many entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and even fellow accountants are looking for ready-made tools for budgeting, forecasting, invoicing, or tax tracking. With platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, or your own website, you can list templates for passive income.
Once your templates are created, they require little to no upkeep, allowing you to earn while you sleep. You can also bundle them or upsell video walkthroughs and guides for higher value. This is a great way to turn your daily accounting tools into digital products that serve others and create ongoing revenue.
6. Writing for Finance or Accounting Blogs
If you enjoy writing, content creation can be an excellent way to monetize your accounting expertise. Many finance websites, business blogs, and even software companies pay well for articles that explain accounting topics, tax changes, or financial strategies in plain English. These businesses often need help producing accurate, insightful content to engage their readers.
Start by pitching your ideas to sites like Investopedia, The Balance, or niche accounting blogs. Over time, you can build a portfolio and even ghostwrite for executives or firms. Writing also opens doors for other opportunities—like speaking gigs, podcast guest spots, or even publishing your own book down the line.
7. Offering Virtual CFO Services
Virtual CFO (Chief Financial Officer) services are a high-end side gig where you provide strategic financial advice and oversight to businesses on a part-time basis. Startups and growing companies often can’t afford a full-time CFO but still need help with cash flow management, fundraising, budgeting, and financial reporting. With your background in accounting, you're well-positioned to deliver this value.
This side hustle typically involves fewer clients but much higher pay. You’ll be seen not just as a number cruncher, but as a strategic partner helping guide the business’s financial future. As you gain experience, you can increase your rates and even turn this into a full-time business serving multiple clients across industries.
