8 Side Hustles For Accountants in 2024
Last Updated on March 31, 2023 by John Cirelly
In this post, we’ll explore 8 side hustles for accountants, so you can maximize your earnings while leveraging your expertise in finance and accounting.
Whether you’re looking to pay off debt, save for a vacation, or build your retirement fund, a side hustle can be a great way to supplement your income. Let’s dive in!
1. Consulting
Consulting isn’t for everyone, however experienced accountants can offer consulting services along with their full-time job. This works best for accountants with specific experience in a niche or particular industry.
For example, if you’ve managed the books for various SaaS startups, you can offer to consult and do audits tailored for those startups. Consulting for businesses provides you with a better effective hourly rate than working one-on-one with smaller businesses and individuals.
If your consulting career kicks off, you can eventually quit your full-time job and start a small firm to completely reclaim your time and freedom.
2. Freelance Bookkeeping
Freelance bookkeeping can be one of the most lucrative side hustles for accountants, as it allows you to use your expertise to help small businesses keep their financial records organized and up-to-date.
Many small business owners don’t have the time or expertise to manage their own books, making bookkeeping a high-demand service.
Platforms like Upwork and Toptal make it easy to find real businesses that need help. Freelance accountants can expect to earn anywhere between $25-$60+ per hour, but clever accountants can earn much more.
You can partner with brands and earn recurring commissions to increase your revenue per client. For example, if you notice your client’s accounting software is restricting their savings, you can have them sign up for a tool like Quickbooks using your affiliate code. The key is to only offer these solutions when it’ makes sense.’s helpful for your client.
3. Financial Planning
Financial planners and accountants use many of the same skills to help their clients save and earn more money. While the skills are a bit different, it could be a great side hustle for accountants looking to change their skillset on the side.
As a financial planner, you can expect to earn an average of $89,160 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, earnings can vary depending on factors such as location, client base, and level of experience.
To start financial planning as a side hustle, you’ll need to obtain the necessary credentials and licenses, such as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation.
Unlike bookkeeping, financial planners can earn serious passive income by recommending investment strategies that they’re affiliated with. Of course, it’s best to always pick strategies that are right for the client to maintain a positive reputation.
4. Tutoring Future Accountants
Helping future accountants get certified can be a lucrative side hustle for experienced accountants. The demand for accountants with professional certifications such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is high, and there are many students and professionals who are seeking guidance on how to prepare for and pass these exams.
To start helping future accountants get certified as a side hustle, you can offer your services as a tutor or exam coach. You can market your services online or through your local accounting community. You can also create a course on a platform such as Udemy or Teachable to teach exam preparation strategies, tips, and tricks.
As a tutor or exam coach, you can expect to earn anywhere from $30 to $100 per hour, depending on your level of expertise and the demand for your services. Creating a course is one of the best options, as it allows you to separate yourself from the work and earn money for each sale.
5. Tax Preparation
Tax preparation can be a popular and profitable side hustle for accountants. As an accountant, you are already familiar with tax codes and regulations, making it a natural fit for a side hustle.
As a tax preparer, you can expect to earn anywhere from $60 to $300 per hour, depending on your level of experience and the complexity of the tax returns. You can also earn additional fees for services such as tax planning, bookkeeping, and financial analysis.
One of the advantages of tax preparation as a side hustle is the potential for repeat business. Clients may return to you year after year for tax preparation services, providing you with a steady stream of income. Doing tax prep also gives you the freedom to only work during tax season if you so choose.
To start tax preparation as a side hustle, you can market your services to individuals and small business owners through social media, online job platforms, or by networking within your local community. You may also consider partnering with a tax preparation company or franchise, which can provide you with resources and support.
6. Accounting Podcast
Starting an accounting podcast can be a unique and creative side hustle for accountants who enjoy sharing their expertise with others. Podcasts have become increasingly popular in recent years, and there is a growing demand for high-quality educational content in the accounting industry.
To start an accounting podcast, you’ll need to choose a topic or niche that you’re passionate about and that resonates with your fellow accountants or target clients. You can then create a podcast format, such as interviews with industry experts, in-depth analysis of accounting issues, or case studies of successful businesses.
As a podcaster, you can expect to earn revenue through sponsorships, advertising, and affiliate marketing. You can also earn money through listener donations or by creating a premium subscription service for exclusive accounting-related tips.
Overall, starting an accounting podcast can be a great option for accountants looking for a creative and flexible side hustle. With the right topic, format, and marketing strategy, you can build a successful podcast that provides a steady stream of income and a platform to share your expertise with others.
7. Start a YouTube Channel
YouTube is the second most popular search engine after Google, and there is a growing demand for high-quality educational content in the accounting industry.
One of the keys to a successful accounting YouTube channel is providing value to your audience. Your content should be informative, engaging, and actionable. Consider including practical tips and tricks that your viewers can apply to their own financial situations.
Once you have created a library of videos, you can monetize your channel through advertising revenue, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing. You can also consider creating a premium subscription service for exclusive content.
As your channel grows in popularity, you may be able to attract larger audiences and higher-paying sponsorships. If you’re creating content tailored towards your accounting prospects, YouTube can be an excellent source of long-term business as your reputation grows.
8. Start a Newsletter
Starting an accounting newsletter can be a great option for accountants looking for a low-cost and low-risk side hustle. Newsletters are an effective way to build a community of engaged readers and share valuable content on a regular basis.
The content you create for your newsletter can range from practical tips and advice on financial management, to industry news and trends. You can also include personal anecdotes and stories that showcase your personality and expertise.
Once you have built a subscriber list, you can monetize your newsletter through sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and premium subscription services. You can also consider creating digital products, such as e-books or courses, that complement the content in your newsletter.
With the right topic, format, and marketing strategy, you can build a loyal following and monetize your newsletter through sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and premium subscription services.
Wrapping Up
There are many side hustles for accountants available to earn extra income. With the right skills and persistence these side hustles can provide accountants with more income, freedom, and flexibility.
Are you a side-hustling accountant? We want to hear from you! Let us know what you’re doing to earn extra income on the side.
