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How to Become a Successful Certified Accounting Coach

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Want to learn to become a certified accounting coach and build a wildly profitable coaching business? 

I’ve helped 3,500+ people do the same. And today, I’ll show you how you can start your own business so you can: 

  • Find the right accounting coaching certification programs available if you choose to get certified 
  • Become a trusted, highly paid advisor who helps business owners grow
  • Create a flexible business that works around your life, not the other way around 

Want to get the exact steps? Read on!

Key takeaways: 

  • Accounting coaches help clients improve their financial management skills. 
  • Getting an accounting coach certification isn’t necessary, but the best options include becoming a Certified Management Accountant, Certified Public Accountant, or Accredited Financial Counselor.
  • The average accounting coach earns $61,186 per year. But as a self-employed accounting coach, you could make FAR more. 

Jump to: 

Get the Ultimate Guide

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6-Figure Coaching Business so you can achieve more freedom!

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What is an accounting coach?

An accounting coach is a professional who helps businesses and individuals take control of their finances by teaching them the skills they need to succeed. Unlike traditional accountants who handle financial tasks directly, accounting coaches focus on empowering their clients to master their financial destiny. 

The need for this expertise is clear: 34% of small businesses manage their own books, often with challenging results:

  • 82% of businesses experience cash flow problems at some point 
  • 32% of small businesses lose an average of $118,121 in profits due to low financial literacy
  • 48% of small business owners lack confidence in their tax compliance

Ultimately, your services can help your clients avoid expensive mistakes or legal issues that could cost them their business. 

Take Belinda Rosenbaum, for example. Through her company Own Your Money, she helps entrepreneurs improve their profitability and build sustainable businesses.

Screenshot of Own Your Money homepage

And here’s the exciting part—you can do the same, even if you’re currently working a 9-5 job and have no prior coaching experience. I’ve helped thousands of people launch thriving coaching businesses, and I’ll show you exactly how to position your services and attract clients.

So you can get results like this: 

2 weeks notice

Because ultimately, a profitable coaching business offers: 

  • Flexibility to create your own schedule 
  • More money by selling high-value coaching services 
  • More time for your family, hobbies, and personal priorities

Ready to begin? Let’s start by understanding how your services differ from bookkeepers and other financial professionals…

What’s the difference between an accounting coach and a bookkeeper? 

An accounting coach and bookkeeper both play important roles in financial management. But they serve very different purposes. 

  • A bookkeeper organizes and records a business’s financial data, ensuring it’s accurate, compliant, and accessible
  • An accounting coach focuses on education and empowerment, helping clients improve their financial management skills so they can take control of their own finances

Think of it this way: A bookkeeper does the work for the client, while an accounting coach teaches the client how to do it themselves.

AspectBookkeeperAccounting Coach
Primary RoleManages and records financial tasks directlyGuides clients to understand and manage finances
Client RelationshipTask-focused, transactionalEducational, ongoing mentorship
Main Activities– Bookkeeping
– Tax preparation
– Financial statements
– Auditing
– Training & education
– Strategic guidance
– Financial empowerment
– Business growth planning
Client IndependenceClients remain dependent on servicesClients become more self-sufficient
Pricing ModelHourly or per-task feesPackage-based or retainer fees
ScalabilityLimited by time/client workloadScalable through group programs and courses

How else can you help your clients? Let’s take a look. 

What does an accounting coach do? 

As an accounting coach, your ultimate mission is to empower clients to take control of their finances and make strategic decisions.

Exactly how you do it depends on your coaching style, but it will involve a combination of things, including:

  • Educating: Teaching clients the basics of financial management, including budgeting and cash flow analysis. 
  • Identifying financial issues: Helping clients pinpoint areas that can be improved and providing strategies to do it.
  • Offering strategic advice: Giving actionable advice tailored to each client’s specific circumstances and goals. 
  • Providing accountability and support: Encouraging clients to keep going, even when challenges crop up.
  • Introducing helpful tools and software: Showing clients how to integrate helpful accounting tools and software into their routines to streamline their financial processes.
  • Helping with taxes: Guiding clients through the entire tax preparation process and making sure they know their obligations and maximize deductions while staying compliant.
  • Creating customized financial plans: Helping clients reach their financial goals by creating a personalized plan that reflects their business objectives.

So, now you know what an accounting coach does (and doesn’t do).

If you’re ready to become an accounting coach with a thriving business, keep reading.

I’ll show you how to do it in just a few steps next.

How do you become a successful accounting coach?

Ready to become an accounting coach? 

Building your coaching business isn’t as overwhelming as you might think. Yes, you can get clients who understand your value (even if you’re better at accounting than selling), start your coaching business while in your current job, and make coaching your main income source. 

And it all starts with finding a niche.

Become an accounting coach

1. Find a niche 

While accounting is already a niche, narrowing it further will help you stand out and attract the right clients. 

You can find your niche by answering three questions:

  • Who is your target audience?
  • What do you bring to the table?
  • Which problems can you help solve?

To help you out, here are a few accounting coach niches to consider:

  • Small business accounting
  • Accounting coaching for real estate agents
  • Tax preparation and strategy
  • Nonprofit financial management
  • Accounting coaching for freelancers

Whatever niche you choose, make sure it’s a profitable one. How? That’s what I share in this video: 

2. Get certified or get an education

Now, one of the most common misconceptions I see is that you need to get certified to become an accounting coach.

The good news is you don’t

What your clients care about most is whether you can deliver the results they’re looking for.

I know this firsthand. When I started my first coaching business, I didn’t have any certifications—and I still don’t. Yet, I’ve built a thriving coaching business because I’ve proven my ability to deliver value:

  • Over a decade of experience in the coaching industry
  • Growing my own business to multiple seven figures annually
  • Helping over 3,500 people launch their own successful businesses
  • A solid track record of building businesses for more than 10 years before starting this one

So, if you have experience in accounting and/or finance, you already have what it takes to become an accounting coach.

That said, if you want to get certified, you can become a CPA (Certified Public Accountant), CMA (Certified Management Accountant), or CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst). Read until the end to learn more about these programs. 

In the meantime, let’s take a look at how to build your brand.

3. Build your brand

Your brand is how you’ll stand out from your competition.

But it’s not just about a cool logo, great colors, or a website. Instead, it’s the story behind your business and what makes you unique—your Unique Selling Proposition (USP).

Your USP is your “secret sauce”—the unique combination of skills, experiences, and values that make you the perfect choice for your ideal clients. A simple formula to craft your USP is:

I help___ by ___.

For example:

  • “I help freelancers master their finances and reduce tax stress”
  • “I help small business owners streamline cash flow and maximize profits”

Want more? You can learn to build a brand in this video:

A strong brand is important, but it’s not enough on its own. You also need to package your coaching services in a way that makes potential clients say, “THIS is exactly what I’ve been looking for.”

Let’s take a look at how to do it next. 

4. Create and price a coaching package 

How do you package your services in a way that’s clear and valuable? 

A great entry point is a three-month coaching package with the following structure:

  • Two calls per month (for a total of six coaching sessions)
  • Price: $1,500 for the full package

This pricing strategy strikes a balance:

  • Affordable enough for new clients to commit, especially if you’re just starting out and don’t yet have many testimonials or proof of results
  • Sustainable enough to help you build a profitable coaching business while gaining experience and credibility

It’s the same approach my own clients have used to get these types of results: 

First paying client

Once you’ve worked with a few clients and collected positive testimonials, you can confidently increase your rates. 

📘  Read more: How to Price Your Coaching Packages

Now that you’ve created an irresistible offer, let’s move on to the next step: Finding clients with ease and getting your first bookings. Keep reading!

5. Find paying clients 

Some of my favorite ways to get clients include:

  • Telling your network you’re launching a coaching business and asking for referrals.
  • Joining and participating in relevant social media communities, like r/Entrepreneur on Reddit or the Small Business Owners group on Facebook.
  • Being a guest on a podcast to position yourself as an expert. When I was interviewed on the money podcast So Money early in my career, it boosted my sales overnight! That’s not to say you can’t get great results from smaller podcasts–those are your best bet when you don’t yet have a big audience. 

Watch this quick video for more on how to get clients: 

Now you know how to get clients, let’s discuss how you can work with them.

6. Work with your clients 

You know accounting, but how do you teach it to others effectively? 

Working with your clients boils down to three steps:

  • 1️⃣ Define an overall goal. What is the ultimate goal your client wants to achieve?
  • 2️⃣ Create a roadmap with milestones that help them reach their overall goal.
  • 3️⃣ Break down each milestone into an actionable, achievable goal.

To reach those goals, you have to host effective coaching sessions and ask the right coaching questions.

I recommend trying this approach:

  • Recap and transition into the call. For ongoing clients, review the previous week. If you’re working with a new client, discuss what the session will look like.
  • Set a goal for the session.
  • Problem-solve with your client to reframe their challenges and keep them accountable. 
  • Provide a vision and remind them what they’re working toward.
  • Wrap-up by recapping the next steps and setting deadlines.

📘 Learn more: One-on-One Coaching: Hold the Best Sessions

So, that’s how to become a successful accounting coach.

There’s one more thing left to discuss: 

Are you qualified to become an accounting coach? Let’s take a look. 

Get the Ultimate Guide

for building a
6-Figure Coaching Business so you can achieve more freedom!

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How to choose a certification 

First, do you need an accounting coaching certification? 

If you already have experience as an accountant, you don’t need a certification to start coaching. 

However, if you plan to provide financial advice, you may need a license or specific certifications (depending on your location and the type of advice you offer).

Or you might want one for personal reasons—such as building credibility, enhancing your skills, or feeling more prepared.

But you need to choose wisely. With countless certification programs available, here are the four key factors to evaluate:

  • Accreditation: Make sure the certification you choose is accredited by a well-known, well-respected body.
  • Instructors: Do the course teachers have the right experience and knowledge to lead a course on accounting coaching?
  • Curriculum: Does the course teach what you want to learn?
  • Time: Think about your timeframe and how much time you want to dedicate to studying.

Is an accounting certificate worth it? 

Ultimately, I can’t say whether deciding to become a certified accounting coach is worth it for you or not.

But what I CAN tell you is that:

  • Most clients don’t care about certifications – just the results you can get them
  • Getting certified won’t improve your confidence
  • A certification doesn’t guarantee success

Another thing you’ll want to consider about certifications is the cost.

How much does an accounting certificate cost? 

The cost of certification programs varies widely:

  • Lower-end programs: A few hundred dollars
  • Higher-end programs: Several thousand dollars

Tip: Avoid free courses. In my experience, they rarely offer enough value to be worth your time.

With all of this in mind, let’s talk about the best options for anyone who wants to get an accounting coaching certification.

Best accounting coaching certifications

Before we get started, I want to point out a few things.

First, there aren’t many accounting coaching certifications out there. Because of this, you could always consider getting  a certified financial coach certification instead.

Also, I haven’t personally gone through these certification programs. My list here below is based on publicly available information and reviews. 

Now we’re clear on those two things, let’s dive into the best accounting coach certifications.

CertificationOrganizationFocus AreaTime to CompleteCost Range*
CPA (Certified Public Accountant)AICPAComprehensive accounting & auditing18-24 months$3,000-$5,000
CMA (Certified Management Accountant)IMAManagement accounting & finance12-18 months$2,000-$3,000
AFC (Accredited Financial Counselor)AFCPEPersonal finance counseling12-36 months$1,575+
CFP (Certified Financial Planner)CFP BoardFinancial planning & wealth management18-24 months$4,000-$7,000

*) This cost range takes into account study materials and other fees. The below prices only reflect direct costs, such as exam costs. 

1. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

AICPA

Screenshot of the Certified Public Account Exam website

To become a CPA, you have to pass the CPA Exam – a 16-hour, four-section test that covers:

  • Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
  • Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
  • Taxation and Regulation (REG)
  • Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR
  • Information Systems and Control (ISC)
  • Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)

Even though the test is the same difficulty and format everywhere, the prerequisites, price, and time limits vary by each state. 

2. Certified Management Accountant (CMA®)

IMA

Screenshot of the Certified Management Accountant certification website

The CMA exam is a two-part test covering things like:

  • External Financial Reporting Decisions
  • Corporate Finance
  • Business Decision Analysis
  • Performance Management
  • Internal Controls

You can take the test in any order if you meet the eligibility requirements.

Price: $300 entrance fee and $495 per part for professional members; $225 entrance fee and $370 per part for students or academic members.

3. The Accredited Financial Counselor® Certification 

Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education® (AFCPE®)

AFCs help clients:

  • Address money challenges
  • Create a plan to reach financial goals
  • Build a strong foundation for long-term financial health

There are four steps to certification, which have to be completed within three years.

They are:

  • Completing the necessary education (including self-paced study, professional designation challenges, and registered education programs)
  • Passing the 165-question exam on core competencies like managing financial risks, managing credit and debt, and developing financial statements
  • Earning 1,000 hours of experience
  • Signing the AFCPE Code of Ethics

Price: $75 to register, $750 for study materials, and $750 for the exam. See the full price list here.

4. Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP Board) 

Screenshot of the Certified Financial Planner certification website

If you’re interested in helping clients plan for their financial futures, this one’s for you.

Like the AFC certification, there are four components to your certification:

  • Education (CFP coursework and a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university)
  • Exam (6 hours, 170-questions)
  • Experience (4,000 to 6,000 hours, which can be completed before and after the exam)
  • Ethics requirement

You can read more about the process here.

Price: $925 for the exam. 

CertificationPrimary Career PathsTypical ClientsIncome PotentialMarket Demand
CPA– Tax consulting
– Auditing
– Financial reporting
– Business advisory
– Small businesses
– Corporations
– Individual tax clients
High
($70k-$150k+)
Very High
CMA– Corporate finance
– Strategic planning
– Risk management
– Medium/large companies
– Startups
– Manufacturing firms
High
($65k-$130k+)
High
AFC– Personal finance coaching
– Debt management
– Budget planning
– Individuals
– Families
– Small business owners
Moderate
($50k-$100k+)
Moderate
CFP– Wealth management
– Retirement planning
– Investment strategy
– High net worth individuals
– Retirees
– Business owners
Very High
($80k-$200k+)
Very High

Okay, there you have it. Now you know how to start your own accounting coaching business–either as a certified coach or without a certification. 

But does it pay off? Let’s take a look. 

How much does an accounting coach make?

According to Glassdoor, the average accounting coach earns about $61,186 per year

This number can vary based on your expertise, experience, and employment.

But remember, it’s far from the limit—especially if you run your own accounting coaching business.

As a self-employed coach, you set your rates, which means your earning potential is entirely in your hands. With the right strategies, you can earn far more

Take it from me – I scaled my first coaching business to six figures in just a few months. And I’ve helped several clients do the same.

Why not you?

Frequently asked questions about accounting coaching

Do I need to be a CPA to become an accounting coach? 

No, you don’t need to be a CPA to become an accounting coach. While certifications can add credibility, relevant experience and the ability to help clients achieve results are most important. Many successful accounting coaches come from backgrounds in bookkeeping, business finance, or general accounting.

How much accounting experience do I need before starting?

Most successful accounting coaches have at least 2-3 years of practical accounting or finance experience. However, you can start with less if you have specialized knowledge in areas like small business bookkeeping or specific accounting software.

How long does it take to become an accounting coach? 

The time it takes to become an accounting coach depends on your experience. If you already have a background in accounting, you can start right away by defining your niche, creating coaching packages, and marketing your services. If you want or need a certification, becoming an accounting coach will take significantly longer as you’ll need around a year to earn your certificate. 

How to start your own accounting coaching business today!

So there you have it!

Now you know exactly how to become an accounting coach and choose an accounting coach certification.

However, knowing what to do is not the same as actually doing it. 

You might feel stuck, overwhelmed, and afraid you’re wasting your time trying to figure it out on your own. I’ve been there—I spent years spinning my wheels, second-guessing every step, and learning the hard way through trial and error.

That’s why I created my step-by-step program specifically designed for aspiring coaches: Employee to Entrepreneur. 

Before I launched my first coaching business, I was working a demanding corporate job. Like many, I dreamed of breaking free and building something of my own—but the idea of leaving my steady paycheck felt overwhelming.

I wanted a clear, practical way to start small, grow my business, and eventually transition out of my 9-5 without risking my financial security.

After years of testing, failing, and refining, I discovered a proven system that helped me scale my coaching business to six figures in just a few months.

People began asking how I’d done it—and that’s when I decided to turn my process into Employee to Entrepreneur, a roadmap that thousands of new coaches have used to successfully build their businesses.

Get the Ultimate Guide

for building a
6-Figure Coaching Business so you can achieve more freedom!

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The truth is, you already have what it takes to help people and create coaching programs that matter. What you need is a plan to make it happen.

Ready to save time, avoid costly mistakes, and start with clarity?

Download my FREE six-figure coaching blueprint with the exact steps I used to launch and grow a thriving coaching practice.

Warmly,
Luisa

Read more:

How to Become a Wildly Successful Certified Financial Coach

Checklist for Starting Your Coaching Business

Top Life Coaching Skills of the Most Successful Coaches 

About Luisa Zhou

Luisa Zhou has helped thousands of students build and scale their own profitable online coaching business. Fun Fact: She used to work as an engineer for the Space Station and holds a B.S.E. from Princeton. Click here to learn more about Luisa.

Hope you enjoy this blog post.

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