Bookkeepers and accountants sometimes do the same work, but have a different skill set. In general, a bookkeeper's role is to record transactions and keep you financially organized, while accountants provide consultation, analysis, and are more qualified to advise on tax matters.

Connect remotely to your client's computer to balance the books, just like if you worked on-site. Work through an online cloud-based bookkeeping software (such as QuickBooks Online or Xero) with your own secure login. Use the same desktop software you're used to, but accessed through a hosted virtual desktop.

"A bookkeeper records the financial transactions of an organization and takes care of day-to-day functions such as recording sales and invoices, paying bills and processing payroll," Stephens said. "Accountants take the financial data and analyze it to help organizations make financial decisions."