How to Become a Virtual Assistant or Bookkeeper With BELAY

You’re organized, proactive and good at making other people’s work easier. You want to do that work remotely, with clients who value it.

That’s what BELAY contractors do every day. Here’s what it takes to join them.

What Is a BELAY Contractor?

BELAY matches busy leaders with U.S.-based Assistants and Financial Experts. The professionals who do that work are independent contractors.

As a BELAY contractor, you don’t have to find your own clients. BELAY matches you with clients based on your expertise and their needs. You work remotely, manage your own schedule and bill for the hours you work with your matched client.

BELAY Roles You Can Apply For

BELAY hires contractors for:

• Executive Assistant and Senior Executive Assistant
• Marketing Assistant
• Social Media Manager
• Sales Assistant
• Operations Assistant
• Client Services Assistant, Financial
• Bookkeeper
• Accounting Clerk

Open roles change with client demand. See current openings on the BELAY jobs page.

What BELAY Looks For

BELAY accepts only the top 3% of applicants. The professionals who make it share a few traits:

• Detail-oriented, organized and efficient
• Self-motivated, with strong time management
• Proactive problem solvers who anticipate needs before they’re asked
• Trustworthy, reliable and professional
• Tech-savvy and quick to learn new tools
• Clear, friendly communicators
• A genuine desire to serve

BELAY isn’t designed for entry-level applicants. Most roles require prior professional experience in administrative support, accounting, marketing or related operations.

Requirements to Become a BELAY Virtual Assistant

Experience

You’ll need professional experience in an administrative support role. Executive Assistant candidates typically have experience supporting senior leaders.

Equipment and Workspace

• A reliable computer with a webcam
• High-speed internet
• A smartphone with email
• A quiet, professional home office

Some roles also benefit from a headset, a second monitor and backup internet.

Eligibility

BELAY contractor roles are remote. BELAY currently accepts applications from residents of all U.S. states except California, Colorado, Montana, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. That list can change, so check the jobs page before you apply.

Tools of the Trade

Virtual work runs on tools. Expect to use, and to learn quickly:

• Email and calendar platforms, including Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
• Instant messaging and video conferencing
• Project management software
• Password managers
• Document sharing and cloud storage
• CRMs and spreadsheets

You don’t need to know every tool on day one. You do need to be comfortable picking up new ones fast.

How to Become a Virtual Bookkeeper With BELAY

BELAY Bookkeepers keep clients’ books accurate and current: invoicing, reconciliations, accounts payable and receivable, and monthly reporting.

To be a strong candidate, you’ll need:

• Several years of bookkeeping or accounting experience
• Strong working knowledge of QuickBooks, Xero or both
• Experience recording transactions, reconciling accounts and preparing financial reports
• A service mindset and care for your clients’ success

Financial candidates go through multiple interviews, skills assessments and background checks before they’re matched with a client.

Curious what that work looks like? Read Can a Virtual Assistant Do Your Bookkeeping?

The BELAY Hiring Process

1. Apply online for the role that fits your background.
2. Interview and complete a skills review. BELAY assesses your experience, communication and readiness for remote work.
3. Get onboarded. That includes contractor paperwork, tool setup and an orientation to how BELAY contractors work.
4. Get matched. BELAY pairs you with a client and introduces you.

The process usually takes several weeks from application to final decision. Timing depends on your role, your specialty and current client demand.

BELAY never charges a fee to apply. Recruiters contact applicants only from official BELAY email addresses, and only about roles applied for on belaysolutions.com. BELAY never offers jobs by text or social media.

Tips for New Virtual Assistants

• Set clear goals and expectations with your client from the start.
• Act like a strategic partner, not a task-taker. Anticipate what’s next.
• Document your processes, so nothing lives only in your head.
• Keep learning. New tools and better methods make you more valuable.
• Set boundaries around your hours and communication, and protect them.

Why Work With BELAY

• You don’t have to find clients. BELAY matches you.
• You work 100% remotely and set your own schedule.
• Hours are agreed up front with your client.
• You work with clients across the U.S. and keep growing professionally.
• You join a team grounded in service, excellence and accountability.

Want to know more about the company? Read What Is BELAY? A Beginner’s Guide.

Becoming a BELAY Contractor FAQ

Are BELAY virtual assistants employees?

No. BELAY contractors are independent contractors. They aren’t on BELAY’s payroll and handle their own taxes, insurance and equipment.

How do BELAY contractors get paid?

Contractors bill for the hours they work with their matched client. BELAY sets rates for each role, and your recruiter can confirm current ranges.

How many hours do BELAY contractors work?

It varies by role and client. Some contractors work close to full-time, others part-time. Hours are agreed up front with your client.

Do I need experience to become a BELAY virtual assistant?

Yes. BELAY isn’t designed for entry-level applicants. Most roles require prior professional experience.

Which states can apply?

BELAY currently accepts applications from all U.S. states except California, Colorado, Montana, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. Check the jobs page for the latest list.

Does BELAY charge a fee to apply?

No. BELAY never charges applicants a fee.

Ready to Apply?

See open roles and start your application.

View BELAY Jobs