Are you an accountant looking to earn extra money with your skills? You can explore profitable side hustles for accountants to develop an additional income stream.
This guide explores 23 high-income side hustles for accountants. We’ll break down services you can offer to earn money. Plus, it helps you achieve your financial goals and a better work-life balance.
A professional website can help accountants promote services, attract clients, and boost side income. Using the right website builder makes it simple to create a polished online presence without technical hassle. Check out our recommended website builders to get your accounting side hustle online fast.
Build Your Accounting Side Hustle Website with These Recommended Builders
| Provider | User Rating | Recommended For | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 4.6 | Beginners | Visit Hostinger |
 | 4.4 | Pricing | Visit IONOS |
 | 4.2 | Design | Visit Squarespace |
Leveraging Your Accounting Skills for a High-Income Side Hustle
Hustles for accountants works well because of their skills. These include financial analysis, financial management, and maintaining financial records.
These skills transfer to high-demand roles. This includes tax preparation, financial consulting, and virtual bookkeeping services for small businesses.
An additional income stream is beneficial than relying on your full-time job. Many of these opportunities allow you to:
- Set your own schedule
- Work remotely
- Build a substantial business
Your ability to interpret financial statements and understand basic accounting principles is an asset.
Top Side Hustles for Accountants Using Core Accounting Expertise
Let’s look at the top accounting side hustles where you can start using your expertise.
1. Offer Virtual CFO Services for Substantial Income
Virtual CFO services earn the most on this list. You give part-time, expert financial help to startups and small businesses. This path is a smart way to grow.
Your services include:
- Overseeing accounting
- Budget planning
- Managing financial data
- Tax reporting
- Financial compliance
Many entrepreneurs need this expertise. But lack the resources for a dedicated executive.
Income Potential: Earn $500–$2,500+ per month per client. The average US hourly rate reaches $33.84/hour. It can grow into a multi-six-figure business.
This accounting side hustle needs strong experience. But it offers big chances to grow. Start by helping local startups or online shops that need financial advice.
2. Become a Part-Time Forensic Accountant
Forensic accounting uses your skills to find financial mistakes. You may also uncover crimes like embezzlement or tax evasion. Law firms, banks, and businesses often need this help.
This work means reviewing financial statements and speaking in court as a witness. Your accounting skills become detective tools. It’s one of the most exciting hustles for accountants.
Income Potential: Commands high rates of $50–$500 per hour.
3. Provide Tax Preparation Services During Tax Season
Tax preparation remains a key side hustle for accountants. You’ll help individuals and small business owners to:
- Prepare and file tax returns
- Create a tax strategy
- Interpret complex tax laws
Many families hire an accountant for their taxes. This creates a huge demand during tax season. Your expertise becomes invaluable when clients face complicated tax forms.
Income Potential: • $30–$50 per hour or $250 to $1,000+ per tax return. TurboTax Live Tax Experts earn $24.00–$34.50 per hour plus bonuses.
Consider becoming a certified tax preparer to increase your value and rates. Many certified public accountant use this as their key side income source.
4. Start Offering Virtual Bookkeeping Services
Virtual bookkeeping involves managing day-to-day finances for businesses. This includes organizing financial records, invoicing, and payroll processing using bookkeeping software.
It’s one of the most practical side hustles for accountants. You don’t need formal certifications to start. But QuickBooks ProAdvisor certification helps attract more clients and higher rates.
Income Potential: $20–$100 per hour, with experienced virtual bookkeepers earning $60/hour or more. QuickBooks Live Bookkeepers earn $23–$33 per hour.
Small business owners need help organizing their financial records and cash flow management. Your accounting experience makes you qualified for this work.
5. Use Your Accounting Experience for Freelance Accounting
Freelance accounting means offering general accounting services on a contract basis. This flexibility allows you to earn extra income on your schedule.
Many companies need periodic financial analysis, month-end closings, or project-based accounting work. Your ability to handle these tasks makes you invaluable.
Income Potential: Earn between $20-$150 per hour.
Get Started: Find potential clients on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork. Build a strong profile showcasing your accounting expertise and past successes.
6. Become an Accounting Consultant for Small Businesses
Financial consulting involves providing valuable advice to small business owners. You can provide valuable advice on how to:
- Manage finances
- Improve cash flow
- Create budgets
Use your accounting expertise to help a business effectively develop its financial systems.
Income Potential: The average US hourly rate is $48/hour.
Focus on a specific niche for higher rates and build specialized expertise.
Building a Business: Entrepreneurial Side Hustles for Accountants
Here are businesses you can start as a side hustle:
7. Invest in Real Estate to Generate Passive Income
Real estate investing uses your financial analysis skills. You can identify and invest in income-generating properties for long-term passive income.
New platforms like Arrived allow you to start with as little as $100. Making this accessible even with limited capital. Your accounting knowledge helps assess cash flow and potential returns.
Income Potential: The average hourly rate in the US is $67.24/hour.
8. Buy an Existing Business
Your ability to analyze financial statements allows you to acquire proven, successful businesses. This removes the risk of starting from scratch while using your analytical skills.
Look for businesses with solid fundamentals but poor financial management. Your expertise can unlock hidden value and substantially increase profitability.
9. Start an Amazon FBA Business
Amazon FBA allows you to source products and sell them through Amazon. Your accounting knowledge helps identify profitable products and manage inventory effectively.
The key lies in thorough financial analysis before selecting products. Calculate all costs, including Amazon fees, shipping, and storage, to ensure profitability.
Income Potential: A six-figure income opportunity if you can master product research and inventory management.
10. Launch a Dropshipping E-commerce Store
Dropshipping involves selling products online without holding inventory. Focus on “high-ticket” items over $800. This maximizes profit margins and reduces transaction volume.
Your financial analysis skills help identify profitable niches. Plus, calculate true margins after advertising costs. Many entrepreneurs fail because they don’t properly account for all expenses.
Income Potential: Another six-figure income opportunity with low startup risk.
11. Flip Items for Profit
Flipping uses your skill for spotting value. This enables you to buy items low and sell them high. It includes anything from furniture to cars, electronics, or collectibles.
Your analytical mindset helps identify undervalued items and calculate potential profits. Start small with items you understand. You can expand as you gain experience.
Income Potential: This side hustle has six-figure income potential.
12. Create a Low-Risk T-Shirt Brand with Print-on-Demand
Print-on-Demand lets you design clothing using sites like Printful or Teespring. They handle printing and shipping when orders are placed. This eliminates inventory risk.
Your financial skills help calculate true profitability and manage advertising spend effectively.
Income Potential: A creative side hustle with six-figure income potential for successful brands.
Content & Knowledge-Based Side Hustles to Earn Money Online
Here are ways to earn money online through content and your account knowledge:
13. Create and Sell Online Courses or Software Tutorials
Transform your accounting knowledge into online courses. You can cover finance-related topics like:
- Advanced spreadsheets
- Financial planning
- Accounting software tutorials
Once launched, an online course becomes a profitable source of passive income.
Aspiring accountants and small business owners constantly seek quality education. Your real-world experience makes your content more valuable.
Income Potential: Unlimited potential. The average US hourly rate is $41.80/hour.
14. Sell Custom Spreadsheets and Financial Printables
Design and sell digital products. This includes budgeting templates, expense trackers, and financial planners. You can sell them on platforms like Etsy.
Your accounting expertise ensures these tools work. Small business owners and individuals pay premium prices for professional-quality resources.
Income Potential: You can earn up to $250,000.
15. Start a Niche Blog About Finance-Related Topics
Blogging builds your personal brand. It can also generate passive income by writing about:
- Personal finances
- Accounting tips
- Software reviews
Monetize through ads, affiliate marketing for accounting software, and selling your services.
A strong search engine optimization strategy is crucial for success. You can focus on specific niches.
Income Potential: Top bloggers earn $10,000 monthly or more through various monetization methods.
16. Launch a YouTube Channel to Share Your Accounting Knowledge
Create video tutorials and offer advice for small business owners. You can also review finance tools to build a large audience.
Video content allows you to show complex concepts visually. Making your expertise more accessible to your target audience.
Income Potential: Unlimited potential through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate sales.
17. Start a Podcast to Build a Substantial Business
Share your expertise on finance-related topics to engage an audience. Monetize through sponsorships and affiliate partnerships. Plus, you can promote your accounting services to your target market.
Get Started: Use platforms like Podbean to launch and host your show.
Podcasting builds deeper relationships with your audience. This leads to higher conversion rates for your services.
18. Use Your Expertise for Freelance Writing
Financial technology companies and business publications seek writers with accounting expertise. Your insider knowledge makes your content authoritative and valuable.
Income Potential: Rates start around $50-$100 per article. It reaches $380+ for experienced writers with specialized knowledge.
Focus on topics where your experience shines. This includes software reviews, regulatory changes, or accounting industry trends.
Other High-Earning Opportunities for Accounting Professionals
Let’s explore other high-earning opportunities for accounting professionals.
19. Become a Private Accounting Tutor for Aspiring Accountants
Help students and aspiring accountants prepare for exams like the CPA. You can do this online or in person. This offers a work-life balance.
Your real-world experience makes you more effective. Students pay premium rates for practical insights and exam strategies.
Income Potential: Rates range from $40-$100 per hour.
Get Started: Find students through platforms like WyzAnt.
20. Become a Mobile Notary Service Agent
Accountants’ attention to detail makes them ideal for mobile notary work. This involves witnessing the signing of important legal and financial documents.
It’s valuable for real estate transactions, business documents, and estate planning. Your professional background builds immediate trust with clients.
Income Potential: Earn $50-$150 per appointment. Some agents report up to $8,000 monthly.
21. Participate in Paid Online Market Research and Focus Groups
Companies pay for feedback from professionals. Your accounting background is in demand for industry-specific studies. These sessions involve reviewing financial products or business software.
Income Potential: Earn $60-$100 per hour for participating in relevant studies or focus groups.
Get Started: Find paid studies on platforms like User Interviews.
22. Find Part-Time Remote Accounting Jobs for a Better Work-Life Balance
Many companies hire for part-time, remote accounting roles. This offers flexibility and steady additional income. These positions involve specific projects or seasonal work.
Get Started: Look for opportunities on leading remote job sites like FlexJobs.
It provides more security than freelance work while maintaining flexibility.
23. Explore Professional Opportunities with Intuit
Intuit offers remote job opportunities for accounting professionals with different experience levels. They provide equipment and training. Making this an attractive option for making more money.
Available Roles:
| Role | Description | Key Requirements |
| TurboTax Live Tax Expert | Assist individuals with tax preparation, give advice, and may handle full filing. | Active CPA, EA, or Practicing Attorney credential. |
| Business Tax Expert | Help customers with complex business tax laws (C-Corps, S-Corps, etc.). | 3+ seasons of business tax prep experience. |
| QuickBooks Live Bookkeeper | Help users set up books, manage entries, and answer questions. | 3+ years of bookkeeping experience, QuickBooks ProAdvisor certified. |
Marketing Your Accounting Side Hustle to Get More Clients
Marketing is crucial for your own business or side hustles. You can create a personal website to showcase your services. Here are ways to carry out effective marketing:
Build a Professional Website to Showcase Your Accounting Services
To attract potential clients and establish credibility, creating a website is crucial. Your professional website showcases your accounting services, expertise, and contact information.
It’s the best way to build your personal brand. Plus, you can reach a wider target audience. Getting started is easier than ever with modern website builders.
You can check out Hostinger or IONOS for their user-friendly interfaces and professional templates. For more customization, explore building a site with WordPress. It offers endless flexibility when paired with quality web hosting.
Develop a Personal Brand on Online Platforms
Find Your Niche: Decide whether you want to focus on financial coaching for startups. Tax strategy for creators, or bookkeeping for e-commerce businesses.
Use Freelance Marketplaces: Create a strong profile on online platforms. This connects you with new clients seeking your accounting skills.
Leverage Email Marketing: If you start a blog or offer free resources, use email marketing tools. Tools like Kit enable you to build a mailing list and nurture leads.
Building your reputation on online platforms helps you attract more clients.
Conclusion
Your accounting background provides a powerful foundation for launching high-income side hustles. Whether you choose freelance writing or consulting, numerous paths exist for earning substantial income.
The key lies in using your core skills. Plus, building a strong personal brand.
Good knowledge of accounting software enables you to make informed decisions. Read out accounting software for more insights.
Next Steps: What Now?
To establish a successful side hustle, you must:
- Choose a niche.
- Create a professional website.
- Market your products and services.
- Build strong client relationships.
- Create strong profiles on online platforms to attract new clients.
Further Reading & Useful Resources
Browse these useful resources:
- Explore 36 side hustles you can do from home.
- Discover how to buy a business with no money.
- Learn how to create a business email.
- Discover how to make money in finance as an accountant.
- Explore accounting software for online businesses.
