Ever had a discovery call turn into a 50-minute TED Talk that had nothing to do with your services? Yeah, same. In this episode of Bookkeepers On Fire, Debra & Donna explore a real life situation sent in by a listener. We're getting real about those consultations that waste your time and energy. 💼 Key Takeaways: 🚫 Not every inquiry is a potential client — and that’s okay. ⏳ Set boundaries upfront to protect your time (and sanity). 🧛♀️ Spot the time vampires early — and politely close the...
Apr 06, 2025•12 min•Ep. 86
🎧 "Do You Offer Fractional CFO Services? and What Do Those Include?" Bookkeepers On Fire - Debra & Donna recorded a quick audio sharing their thoughts, what they have learned so far, and still figuring out. 👉 What does that really include? 👉 How is it different from bookkeeping or tax work? 👉 Am I ready for that next level? If you’re a bookkeeper, accountant, or business owner who's been curious about CFO services—this one’s for you. 🎙️ Listen in and let us know what you think. 🔥 Join ...
Apr 02, 2025•15 min•Ep. 85
🔥 Should You Add “No Assurance Provided” to Financial Reports? 🔥 On this episode of Bookkeepers on Fire, we tackled one of those “wait… should I be doing this?” questions. Here’s what you need to know: 📄 “For management use only” is out. SSARS 21 says to use “No assurance is provided.” 🧾 If you’re compiling monthly financials, adding that line (on every page) keeps you compliant and crystal clear. 🚫 Never sign a client’s financials for loan purposes — that’s called a comfort letter, and it’...
Mar 19, 2025•17 min•Ep. 84
🔥 Are you still tracking time like it's 1985? On the latest episode of Bookkeepers on Fire, Debbie Kilsheimer and Donna Reade say ⛔ to the tyranny of the timesheet. Here's why: 🧠 Time tracking = employee mindset. Owners focus on outcomes, not minutes. 💰 Flat rates > hourly rates. Scope the work, set the price, and adjust when things change. ⚙️ Processes = profit. Invest time upfront in systems, then reap the rewards monthly. ⏳ Stop micromanaging your minutes and start mastering your model....
Mar 16, 2025•9 min•Ep. 83
🔥 Bookkeepers, Let’s Talk About That “Personal” Credit Card Used for Business 🧾💳 In this sizzling episode of Bookkeepers on Fire, we tackle a classic hot mess: A client uses personal credit cards mainly for business expenses—and pays them from the business bank account. Sound familiar? 😅 Here’s what we covered: 📌 Don't Call It Owner’s Draw – If it’s a business expense, treat it like one. The credit card payment should reduce the liability, not become an equity withdrawal. 🧠 Track It Like B...
Mar 13, 2025•5 min•Ep. 82
"What are your thoughts on the QB Ledger option? I was thinking it might be worth trying for couple lasting clients who are still in desktop (my old version as I don't pay for it anymore). For both these clients, I only work on their files 1 or 2x a year.... nothing live, no bill paying etc. Just enter, reconcile, get a report to their CPA’s. So I was thinking QB Ledger might be sufficient for them." Check out the software, apps & training we use in our Bookkeeping Businesses daily, trust th...
Mar 02, 2025•5 min•Ep. 81
🔥 Just because it’s possible doesn’t mean it’s ethical… In this episode of Bookkeepers on Fire, we tackled a spicy situation involving QuickBooks Online subscriptions, client accounts, and a little too much “creativity” in saving money. Here’s what we covered: 🚫 Why moving a client file into a QBO Accountant account is a no-go 💥 How skirting QBO rules could shut down your account 🔐 The importance of integrity and investing in the right tools Just because you're good at bookkeeping doesn’t me...
Feb 26, 2025•5 min•Ep. 80
🔥 Hiring Help Without Losing Control 🔥 In this episode of Bookkeepers on Fire, Debbie & Donna share the real behind-the-scenes of bringing on help in a solo bookkeeping business. From lessons learned the hard way to must-have tools, they cover it all — with humor, of course! 👩💻 Employees vs. Contractors Hiring employees gives you control over process and quality — but be ready to train, equip, and manage (even if you don’t want to). 🔒 Security and Oversight Invest in tools like Practic...
Feb 19, 2025•11 min•Ep. 79
On this episode of Bookkeepers on Fire, we tackled a common headache: clients who think their books magically do themselves. 📌 Uncat and Keeper don't fail—clients do. Automation only works when clients participate. No app can fix silence. 📌 Deadlines are your friend. Clear expectations + firm boundaries = less chaos. Be the bookkeeper, not the babysitter. 📌 Your process matters. If you bend for one client, you’ll break your system. Standardize or stay stuck. ✨ If your client wants magic, send...
Feb 16, 2025•10 min•Ep. 78
🔥 Zoom Calls: Included or Invoice-Worthy? In this episode on Bookkeepers on Fire, we spilled the beans (and maybe some coffee ☕️) on whether your monthly pricing should include a Zoom call — or if it’s time to charge for chatter. 💸 Here’s what we roasted up: 🤣 Zoom = Optional, Sanity = Not – Want to skip the monthly call? That’s cool. But don’t blame us when your books look like a Netflix documentary in the making. 📞 Talk Ain’t Cheap – No call in your package? Expect a spicy $495 surprise fo...
Feb 12, 2025•10 min•Ep. 77
🔥 Bookkeepers on Fire is back with a short but spicy episode! Ever received a surprise QuickBooks connection request and wondered, “Should I click?” 💻❓ Debbie and Donna break down the do’s and don’ts of connecting — and why that mystery invite might just be a red flag. 🔐 Here’s what we covered: 🚫 Why unexpected connection requests are a big NO. 📧 The reason behind having a super-secret accountant email. 📱 Why accepting from your phone only might be the only way that works! 👉 Stay skeptica...
Feb 09, 2025•3 min•Ep. 76
Donna & Debbie are diving into the real talk around QuickBooks Ledger—who it’s for, how they use it, and why cheaping out on tools could cost you big 💸 Here’s the heat: 🔥 Not every client needs the Cadillac! Ledger is perfect for after-the-fact cleanups, tax prep clients, and non-invoicing, non-AP industries. Think landscapers, side hustlers, and e-comm newbies. 💥 $10 tool, thousands in value! Run payroll, get clean reports, wrap up jobs, and turn it off when you’re done. No strings, just...
Feb 02, 2025•9 min•Ep. 75
🔥 Checks + Chaos = Bookkeeper Magic 🔥 In this episode of Bookkeepers on Fire, Donna & Debbie dive into the beautiful madness of dealing with hundreds of checks and how to human-hack your way to automation without losing your mind. 💥 Spicy Highlights: • CSV ➡ Excel ➡ Sassant — Turn bank feeds into streamlined imports like a wizard with a wand (aka: XLOOKUP). • Automation by Human — Because sometimes the best “automation” involves spreadsheets, deadlines, and a splash of sass. • Stop Guessi...
Jan 29, 2025•7 min•Ep. 74
🔥 How do you quote without a peek? Debbie & Donna from Bookkeepers on Fire are setting the record straight on quoting with confidence—and without free access! 👇 Here’s the 🔥 truth: ✅ Discovery before digits – Always start with a compatibility call, not a book sneak peek. It’s like a first date—do we vibe or nah? 💰 Strategy calls aren’t free – Want insights? That’ll cost ya. Book assessments = billable time. No exceptions. 🔐 No access, no problem – You don’t need access to give a quote. ...
Jan 27, 2025•9 min•Ep. 73
🔥 Feeling the CPE Crunch? You’re not alone—and you don’t need to burn cash to catch up! On this episode of Bookkeepers on Fire, Debbie and Donna share hot tips for staying on track with your credits (without losing your mind or your money). Here’s your shortcut to catching up: 💥 Earmark FTW! One podcast a week = free, consistent CPE. Yes, FREE. 🔥 CPA Academy & Insightful Accountant = webinar goldmine with bonus credits. ⚡ ProAdvisor & Conferences = surprise CPE wins (but don’t go just...
Jan 22, 2025•4 min•Ep. 72
🔥 In this episode of Bookkeepers on Fire with Donna & Debbie tackle overhead costs challenge with clients. Got a client asking about overhead costs? We’re breaking it down like a boss — no boring spreadsheets, just real talk and smart strategy. 💡 Overhead, but Make It Fun-ish – Fixed costs, annual bills, and how to serve it up without a QBO meltdown 📊 Google Sheets to the Rescue – When it comes to presentations, simple is spicy and Excel is your bestie 🍽️ Don’t Cut the Staff – Your serve...
Jan 19, 2025•9 min•Ep. 71
🎧 On Bookkeepers on Fire, Debbie and Donna take you behind the scenes of their client onboarding process — from first impressions to full-blown financial strategy. 💼💬💸 🔥 Here’s how they turn Zoom calls into bankable business: 💡 Discovery Call = First Date: $50 gets you a face-to-face to see if it’s a vibe. If you won’t turn your camera on... reschedule. 📊 Strategy Call = Deep Dive: For $495, they walk through your QBO file with you, guiding every click, assessing the chaos, and pricing on...
Jan 15, 2025•30 min•Ep. 70
🔥 Join our Bookkeepers On Fire Community to connect 🤝, collaborate 💬, and thrive 🚀 with like-minded professionals who are passionate about bookkeeping, accounting and business growth. Join us here: Bookkeepers On Fire Community Bookkeepers On Fire is proudly ad-free and 100% listener-supported, so we can bring you unfiltered conversations without outside agendas. If you enjoy the show, consider donating to help keep our mics hot and our mission independent. 🔥 Donate with Venmo 🔥 🔥 Donate ...
Jan 12, 2025•7 min•Ep. 69
🔥 Join our Bookkeepers On Fire Community to connect 🤝, collaborate 💬, and thrive 🚀 with like-minded professionals who are passionate about bookkeeping, accounting and business growth. Join us here: Bookkeepers On Fire Community Bookkeepers On Fire is proudly ad-free and 100% listener-supported, so we can bring you unfiltered conversations without outside agendas. If you enjoy the show, consider donating to help keep our mics hot and our mission independent. 🔥 Donate with Venmo 🔥 🔥 Donate ...
Jan 08, 2025•6 min•Ep. 68
🔥 Join our Bookkeepers On Fire Community to connect 🤝, collaborate 💬, and thrive 🚀 with like-minded professionals who are passionate about bookkeeping, accounting and business growth. Join us here: Bookkeepers On Fire Community Bookkeepers On Fire is proudly ad-free and 100% listener-supported, so we can bring you unfiltered conversations without outside agendas. If you enjoy the show, consider donating to help keep our mics hot and our mission independent. 🔥 Donate with Venmo 🔥 🔥 Donate ...
Jan 05, 2025•3 min•Ep. 67
🔥 Join our Bookkeepers On Fire Community to connect 🤝, collaborate 💬, and thrive 🚀 with like-minded professionals who are passionate about bookkeeping, accounting and business growth. Join us here: Bookkeepers On Fire Community Bookkeepers On Fire is proudly ad-free and 100% listener-supported, so we can bring you unfiltered conversations without outside agendas. If you enjoy the show, consider donating to help keep our mics hot and our mission independent. 🔥 Donate with Venmo 🔥 🔥 Donate ...
Jan 01, 2025•6 min•Ep. 66
🔥 Join our Bookkeepers On Fire Community to connect 🤝, collaborate 💬, and thrive 🚀 with like-minded professionals who are passionate about bookkeeping, accounting and business growth. Join us here: Bookkeepers On Fire Community Bookkeepers On Fire is proudly ad-free and 100% listener-supported, so we can bring you unfiltered conversations without outside agendas. If you enjoy the show, consider donating to help keep our mics hot and our mission independent. 🔥 Donate with Venmo 🔥 🔥 Donate ...
Dec 29, 2024•10 min•Ep. 65
🔥 Join our Bookkeepers On Fire Community to connect 🤝, collaborate 💬, and thrive 🚀 with like-minded professionals who are passionate about bookkeeping, accounting and business growth. Join us here: Bookkeepers On Fire Community Bookkeepers On Fire is proudly ad-free and 100% listener-supported, so we can bring you unfiltered conversations without outside agendas. If you enjoy the show, consider donating to help keep our mics hot and our mission independent. 🔥 Donate with Venmo 🔥 🔥 Donate ...
Dec 25, 2024•14 min•Ep. 64
🔥 Join our Bookkeepers On Fire Community to connect 🤝, collaborate 💬, and thrive 🚀 with like-minded professionals who are passionate about bookkeeping, accounting and business growth. Join us here: Bookkeepers On Fire Community Bookkeepers On Fire is proudly ad-free and 100% listener-supported, so we can bring you unfiltered conversations without outside agendas. If you enjoy the show, consider donating to help keep our mics hot and our mission independent. 🔥 Donate with Venmo 🔥 🔥 Donate ...
Dec 22, 2024•10 min•Ep. 63
🔥 Join our Bookkeepers On Fire Community to connect 🤝, collaborate 💬, and thrive 🚀 with like-minded professionals who are passionate about bookkeeping, accounting and business growth. Join us here: Bookkeepers On Fire Community Bookkeepers On Fire is proudly ad-free and 100% listener-supported, so we can bring you unfiltered conversations without outside agendas. If you enjoy the show, consider donating to help keep our mics hot and our mission independent. 🔥 Donate with Venmo 🔥 🔥 Donate ...
Dec 18, 2024•10 min•Ep. 62
🔥 Join our Bookkeepers On Fire Community to connect 🤝, collaborate 💬, and thrive 🚀 with like-minded professionals who are passionate about bookkeeping, accounting and business growth. Join us here: Bookkeepers On Fire Community Bookkeepers On Fire is proudly ad-free and 100% listener-supported, so we can bring you unfiltered conversations without outside agendas. If you enjoy the show, consider donating to help keep our mics hot and our mission independent. 🔥 Donate with Venmo 🔥 🔥 Donate ...
Dec 15, 2024•7 min•Ep. 61
🔥 Join our Bookkeepers On Fire Community to connect 🤝, collaborate 💬, and thrive 🚀 with like-minded professionals who are passionate about bookkeeping, accounting and business growth. Join us here: Bookkeepers On Fire Community Bookkeepers On Fire is proudly ad-free and 100% listener-supported, so we can bring you unfiltered conversations without outside agendas. If you enjoy the show, consider donating to help keep our mics hot and our mission independent. 🔥 Donate with Venmo 🔥 🔥 Donate ...
Dec 08, 2024•9 min•Ep. 60
🔥 Join our Bookkeepers On Fire Community to connect 🤝, collaborate 💬, and thrive 🚀 with like-minded professionals who are passionate about bookkeeping, accounting and business growth. Join us here: Bookkeepers On Fire Community Bookkeepers On Fire is proudly ad-free and 100% listener-supported, so we can bring you unfiltered conversations without outside agendas. If you enjoy the show, consider donating to help keep our mics hot and our mission independent. 🔥 Donate with Venmo 🔥 🔥 Donate ...
Dec 04, 2024•8 min•Ep. 59
🔥 Join our Bookkeepers On Fire Community to connect 🤝, collaborate 💬, and thrive 🚀 with like-minded professionals who are passionate about bookkeeping, accounting and business growth. Join us here: Bookkeepers On Fire Community Bookkeepers On Fire is proudly ad-free and 100% listener-supported, so we can bring you unfiltered conversations without outside agendas. If you enjoy the show, consider donating to help keep our mics hot and our mission independent. 🔥 Donate with Venmo 🔥 🔥 Donate ...
Dec 01, 2024•8 min•Ep. 58
🔥 Join our Bookkeepers On Fire Community to connect 🤝, collaborate 💬, and thrive 🚀 with like-minded professionals who are passionate about bookkeeping, accounting and business growth. Join us here: Bookkeepers On Fire Community Bookkeepers On Fire is proudly ad-free and 100% listener-supported, so we can bring you unfiltered conversations without outside agendas. If you enjoy the show, consider donating to help keep our mics hot and our mission independent. 🔥 Donate with Venmo 🔥 🔥 Donate ...
Nov 27, 2024•10 min•Ep. 57
