Bookkeeper of the Month: Meet Andrea, top Bookkeeper from Romania.
Welcome to our Freelancer of the Month spotlight! This is where we feature talented professionals who share their experiences, tips, and lessons learned on their freelance journey. This month, we’re featuring Andreea Popescu, a skilled Bookkeeper from Romania, who works with US clients and knows how to market herself like a pro.
Let’s dive into her story!
Andreea, how did your freelance journey begin?
Andrea: Honestly? With $3 per hour and no clue what I was doing! I knew bookkeeping, but freelancing? That was a whole different world. My first clients never returned, and I took it personally. But instead of quitting, I learned, improved, and kept going. I learned to be aware of my flaws and what i have to improve. Eventually, I found my niche, refined my skills, and started attracting long-term clients. I’m enjoying my work life as a freelance bookkeeper, and since I love my profession that reflects into attracting more and more Clients who want to work with me.
How do you market yourself and find clients?
Andrea: I focus on visibility. Clients need to see me before they hire me! Here’s what works for me:
A killer portfolio: I have profiles on almost all Job Boards and Freelance Platforms.
Especially good sites are the ones where you can connect all your links, resumes, portfolios in one, and yes that’s you SkillSpotterZ- on my profile, i have all my direct contact links, emails, websites, and etc…
Website: I have my personal website, which is nothing advanced but a summary of who I am, what I do, how I help, and my experience.(built for free on Google Sites!)
Social proof: I collect reviews from happy clients and showcase them.
Content marketing: I write short /Instagram posts about bookkeeping tips and common financial mistakes.
Direct outreach: Weekly, I message about 100 businesses/entrepreneurs that might need help and introduce myself. Short and sweet, letting them know i’m there for them now or in the future!
What type of portfolios do you have?
Andrea: All my portfolios and links are linked to my SkillSpotterZ profile, but I also built a simple Google Sites portfolio where I showcase:
My services and pricing
Sample reports I’ve created (without client details!)
Client testimonials
A “Work With Me” section where Clients can book a call
What bookkeeping tools & software do you use?
Andrea: Freelance Bookkeepers rely on solid tools! I work with QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks, and Wave Accounting. But Excel is still my best friend! If you’re starting, I recommend mastering QuickBooks first—most US clients ask for it.
Client’s give me access to their own tools or sometimes i do simple stuff for them on my own Excel and later they’s convert it the way they need it.
When is your busiest time of the year?
December to April—tax season! Businesses rush to clean up their books before filing taxes. I barely sleep during this time, but I make 60% of my yearly income in these months, so I’m not complaining!
What’s one lesson you’ve learned that every freelancer should know?
Andrea: Your first clients won’t define your career. They might leave, ghost you, or not pay well. That’s normal. Instead of feeling discouraged, use the experience to improve. The right clients will come when you show up consistently and deliver great work.
Here’s one particular situation that I learned from:
My first client never returned—not because they weren’t happy with my work, but because they were a startup on a tight budget. At the time, I took it personally. I wondered if I had done something wrong. But as I gained more experience, I realized that many small businesses go through financial ups and downs, and sometimes, even if they love your work, they just can’t afford to keep you. That experience taught me to focus on providing real value, no matter how long a client stays, and to always leave their books in the best shape possible—so they remember me when they’re ready to grow.
What advice would you give to new freelance bookkeepers from Romania or anywhere in the world?
Andrea: Charge based on value, not just time. I started at $3/hr, but now I price per project.
Never stop learning. Your skills should always be sharper than yesterday.
Market yourself daily. Even if you’re busy now, clients should always be finding you.
Don’t be afraid to ask for referrals. Happy clients will gladly send you more work!
What are your top soft skills that make you great at your job?
Andrea: Being a bookkeeper isn’t just about numbers—it’s about communication, organization, and trust. My top soft skills are:
Attention to detail – Small mistakes in bookkeeping can cause big problems!
Time management – I juggle multiple clients and deadlines, so staying organized is key.
Problem-solving – I help clients fix messy books and avoid financial headaches.
Communication – I translate complex financial terms into simple explanations for my clients.
Adaptability – Every client has different needs, and I adjust my approach accordingly.
How is freelancing in Romania?
Andrea: Freelancing is growing, but it’s still not as common as in the US or UK. Many people prefer traditional jobs, and some clients hesitate to work with freelancers due to concerns about reliability. However, things are changing—more professionals are embracing remote work, and international clients are recognizing the talent here. There’s still room for improvement, especially in terms of payment security and awareness, but the opportunities are expanding!?
I can see it, it’s on a good track!
If the whole world were listening, what would you say?
Andrea: Freelancing gives you freedom, but only if you treat it like a business. Take it seriously, build your skills, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. You got this!
Why should clients and employers trust you with their bookkeeping?
Andrea: Clients work with me because I make bookkeeping simple, accurate, and stress-free. I’m flexible, available when they need me, and I don’t cost an arm and a leg. With experience handling US clients, I stay proactive, meet deadlines, and keep things organized—so they can focus on growing their business while I handle the numbers.
Thank you Andrea, you are a a great Freelancer and great Bookkeeper that we would love to work with and recommend it to our Clients!
Andreea’s journey shows that freelancing isn’t always easy, but with persistence, smart marketing, and the right tools, success is within reach. Andrea is a great bookkeeper to work with and she has proven her expertise is a standout among the crowd of bookkeepers from Romania, we do recommend her services to our Clients and Employers who are hiring!
Inspired by Andrea’s story?
Make sure your SkillSpotterZ profile is complete and detailed to attract great clients—just like Andrea! Plus, our recruiters can refer your profile to potential clients. Want to be featured as the next Talent of the Month? Follow the link to share your story with us!
Are you a Client or Employer, who wants to work with Andrea?
Create your SkillSpotterZ account (free) through this link, and you’ll find Andrea’s profile featured at the top of your Talent browsing list- with a yellow star!
