CPA/Accountant working remote..

[Dpackie]

Yes, I know there are a lot of threads about working remote but it's a lot to wade through. My specific question is who among us are working as a CPA/Accountant fully remote from a boat? Focusing on East Coast US, I know the jobs are available, how realistic is this from a live-aboard sailboat?
Thanks.
Dave

[Cool Hand Luke]

Depends if you're asking about clientele (whether new customers or existing customers) and how to support them... or, are you asking whether it's feasible from a technology aspect (Internet connectivity, WiFi, cellular data, laptops, a server running applications, power for all devices, etc.)

If you're asking about clientele... then I don't think it matters unless you had clients coming to YOU in the past. If you work remotely or you go to THEM, then it's fine. A post office will always be within a short drive, a UPS/FedEx location may also be an option, and for everything else you can have a car parked somewhere, a rental car, or Uber/Lyft/taxi.

If you're asking about the technology... it depends on where you'll be living aboard. In a marina with a strong marina WiFi? On anchor/mooring isolated from everyone else? Either way, video conferencing has jumped leaps and bounds in the past nine months or so. A reliable and strong Internet connection is pretty much everywhere except if you go offshore. For power, you'd need something for your electronics... do you really need a desktop? A laptop with an extra monitor can give you a dual-screen setup that a lot of people in normal offices don't have. As for an application server (Windows Server 2019, QuickBooks server, etc.), you can always rent it out from Amazon AWS.

I think it's feasible and something that I'll be striving for in the future... for now, I already work about 20-25% from my boat. I teach Math and Physics remotely via Zoom and FaceTime. It works great! Albeit, I am in a marina and always have shore power and a strong Internet connection.

Good luck and go for it! I'm positive you'll love it and get some new experiences under your belt.

[samanta]

Yeah, if you can work remotely, I would definitely try and move around and experience different climates, cities and areas! Isn't life mainly about about experiences and creating memories. My friend works in one of these services: https://www.topwritersreview.com/reviews/5staressays/ . He has total flexibility. I also want to start working remotely. I am currently residing in Germany for a year or so, waiting until the Covid situation calms down before making a move back to

[Apollo19.5]

I work as an accountant and most (90%) of my clients are no where near me and so they are serviced by email, zoom, phone, etc. If I can reduce load and sort out the logistics/operational side of having a functional mini office in the boat, that is where I will be heading as I dont think the client servicing side will be an issue.

[TheOffice]

One issue to consider is licensure. If you are not licensed in florida (for example) but are living their part time, you need a limited license.

[NYSail]

I am a real estate consultant and will be moving onto boat more full time this coming summer.... last year was a break in year and hope to do more from away this summer.. I have lap top, printer/fax/copier and all access is through my phones hot spot. Clients are established however figure if I have to go on an appointment I can rent a car and take a rod trip for a day or two.....

[Belezar]

It really depends on your clients. Do you have a book of business that is good with it? How are you going to get new clients if you are mobile? Licensing is an issue for a CPA - can you get reciprocity? Most of the work can be done remotely if you have good internet. If you are looking for full time work, I imagine it’s tougher to be mobile. There probably is contract work available, but it might be hard to find. Having a specialty probably helps.