Last week, we celebrated 15 years of Pure Bookkeeping—a milestone that represents the thousands of bookkeepers who have transformed their businesses using proven systems.
But the real question is: What makes a bookkeeping business scalable?
After 15 years of working with bookkeepers worldwide, we’ve identified three key factors that separate struggling businesses from those that thrive.
1. Systemize Everything
One of the biggest challenges bookkeepers face is consistency. Without documented processes, every job feels different, and the business depends entirely on the owner.
That’s exactly where Debbie Roberts started before she built the Pure Bookkeeping System. She couldn’t trust others to do the work at her level—until she systemized every aspect of her business.
✅ Detailed checklists ensured accuracy across all client work
✅ Standardised workflows eliminated bottlenecks
✅ Training systems helped new bookkeepers get up to speed quickly
The result? A business that ran smoothly, even when she wasn’t there.
Ask yourself: If you took a month off, could your business still function at the same high standard?
If not, it’s time to build systems that remove you as the bottleneck.
2. Hire the Right People—and Train Them Well
Many bookkeepers hesitate to hire because they’ve seen too many mistakes made by inexperienced staff. But the truth is, hiring isn’t the problem—lack of proper training is.
Debbie learned this firsthand. Once she had a structured training program and a “skills and speed” test, she was able to attract and develop top talent.
The best bookkeeping businesses:
✅ Define their hiring standards—only bring in bookkeepers who meet specific skill levels
✅ Have a structured onboarding process—new hires know exactly what’s expected from day one
✅ Create ongoing training opportunities—so staff keep improving over time
By hiring strategically and training consistently, you can scale your business without sacrificing quality.
3. Charge What You’re Worth
Bookkeepers often undercharge because they think clients won’t pay more. But profitable businesses don’t compete on price—they compete on value.
Bookkeepers using the Pure Bookkeeping System have been able to confidently:
✅ Raise their rates
✅ Attract higher-quality clients
✅ Stop trading time for money
Why? Because clients will pay more for bookkeepers who run efficient, systemized businesses. They trust you to deliver results with fewer errors and faster turnaround times.
If you’re still charging by the hour, it’s time to rethink your pricing strategy. Focus on the value you provide, not just the time you spend.
Are You Ready to Scale?
If you’re feeling stuck—drowning in work, struggling to trust staff, or unsure how to grow—these three steps can change everything.
1️⃣ systemize your processes so your business doesn’t rely on you
2️⃣ Hire and train the right people so you can scale with confidence
3️⃣ Charge your worth so you’re running a profitable, sustainable business
This is exactly what we’ve helped thousands of bookkeepers achieve over the last 15 years.
Now, it’s your turn.
If you're interested in learning more about Pure Bookkeeping and how it can improve your business, visit https://www.purebookkeeping.com.
Article by Katrina Aarsman
Author of Grow, Profit, Exit, mother of two and mentor Katrina Aarsman has been with Pure Bookkeeping since 2018. As spokesperson for Pure Bookkeeping Australia, Katrina uses her role to help bookkeeping businesses in a meaningful way. Along with leading development, implementing goals and upholding values, Katrina is dedicated to staying in touch, on top of trends and issues with the bookkeeping industry. Before Pure Bookkeeping, Katrina built a multi-staffed bookkeeping business that she sold in 2015. Since then she has guided, supported and helped bookkeepers build and grow their businesses. She continues to find new things that inspire her and the people around her. Currently, she is exploring meditation and dreaming of one day living by the water.
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