The Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast - podcast cover

The Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast

The Ambitious Bookkeeper podcast is for bookkeepers & accountants who are growing or aspiring to start their own business. Our mission is to elevate the bookkeeping profession by providing support and resources for new and experienced firm owners. 

We share actionable tips on running a successful bookkeeping business, tools and resources, plus guest expert interviews that will help you elevate your business. Where you can find us: 

Website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com 

BBA: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bba 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpa 
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/serenashoup 
Instagram: https://instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper

Episodes

[MINI] Ep 4 ⎸ When you have questions or corrections for your bookkeeper, where do you communicate those?

Send us a text In this MINIsode, I answer the question, When you have questions or corrections for your bookkeeper, where do you communicate those? You’ll hear: strategies for communicating efficiently tools to get the job done the process we use in my firm Resources mentioned: Asana Loom Slack Notion (affiliate link) Google Workspace (affiliate link) Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram st...

Oct 30, 20234 min

121 ⎸ Replacing your corporate benefits with Karrisa Martino

Send us a text How do you handle replacing those cushy corporate benefits you’ll lose when you leave your corporate job and strike out on your own? In todays episode, I’m chatting with a benefits expert who specializes in setting up benefits for small businesses. In this episode you’ll hear: The kinds of Insurance out there The importance of working with a broker How to determine what you really need in your coverage What to do before you go to the doctor if you aren't in an emergency situation ...

Oct 25, 202340 minEp. 121

120 ⎸ [STRATEGY] Events, Team Training, & Automations with Becky Hesson

Send us a text This week we’re airing another 1-1 strategy session with one of my students, Becky Hesson, founder of ANJUDI3! In this episode you’ll hear: hiring and team training strategies efficient strategies for email marketing tips on managing client relationships and tax filings how to streamline the conversion process and SO much more! Resources mentioned in this episode: The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator Dubsado Dubsado Decoded Course Kickoff With Asana For Bookkeepers + Accountants L...

Oct 18, 202342 minEp. 120

[MINI] Ep 3 | 5 Key Reports

Send us a text In this MINIsode, I explain 5 key financial reports that you should be delivering your clients! You’ll hear: how often you should be delivering these reports to clients how to set up these reports in Xero Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me, @ ambitiousbookkeeper For more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or men...

Oct 16, 20233 min

119 ⎸ [NICHE] Accounting for Winemakers with Zane Stevens

Send us a text In this NICHE series episode, I chat with Zane Stevens, a Director of Protea Financial. We delve into the challenges and opportunities that winemakers face when it comes to financial management and strategic decision-making. In this episode you’ll hear: the value in having CFOs with a strategic background why it’s important to have standardized procedures how to better understand your Cost of Production & Pricing Resources mentioned in this episode: Protea Academy Meet Zane: Z...

Oct 11, 20231 hrEp. 119

118 ⎸ Mastering SEO with Kristen Corey

Send us a text In this interview episode, I chat with Kristen Corey, a marketing savvy accountant who has a wealth of knowledge in the world of SEO and content creation. So grab a pen and get ready to take some notes!! In this episode you’ll hear: technical and superficial aspects of SEO, and whether or not you should hire an SEO specialist challenges and misconceptions in using AI for marketing how to develop a comprehensive marketing strategy! Resources mentioned in this episode: Previous AB p...

Oct 04, 202343 minEp. 118

[MINI] Ep 2 ⎸ How to Get Bank Statements in a Timely Way

Send us a text In this MINIsode, I answer the question, How do you get bank statements from your clients in a timely way? You’ll hear: systems my firm uses for getting bank statements what to ask your client during onboarding Resources mentioned in this episode: Relay Bank (affiliate link) Hubdoc Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me, @ ambitiousbookkeeper For more informa...

Oct 02, 20234 min

117 ⎸ [SYSTEMS] Scrutinize with John Rea

Send us a text In this SYSTEMS episode, I chat with John Rea - creator and founder of Scrutinize, an automated bookkeeping file review tool designed to assist bookkeepers in three main areas: evaluating inherited books, conducting monthly reviews, and performing quality assessments. In this episode you’ll hear: the inspiration behind Scrutinize & a detailed look at its features best practices for ensuring security when using cloud services various use cases for implementing Scrutinize Resour...

Sep 27, 202341 minEp. 117

116 ⎸ [SYSTEMS] Jetpack Workflow with David Cristello

Send us a text In this SYSTEMS episode, I chat with David Cristello, founder and CEO of Jetpack Workflow - a company that specializes in assisting bookkeeping, payroll, and tax firms in streamlining their client work and automating deadlines. In this episode you’ll hear: David’s inspiration behind building Jetpack Workflow how often you should review and tweak your processes how to migrate to new softwares/tools efficiently to avoid overwhelm the importance of understanding industry needs to tai...

Sep 20, 202353 minEp. 116

115 ⎸ [SYSTEMS] Onboarding with Alyssa Lang

Send us a text In this SYSTEMS episode, we have Alyssa Lang (Workflow Queen!) on with us again! We talk about ensuring clarity & efficiency in your client's onboarding journey, and we highlight the significance of creating seamless systems that allow for easier outsourcing or delegation. In this episode you’ll hear: the importance of separating processes in onboarding tech and tools we both use to automate onboarding as much as possible a walk through of the onboarding process & touch po...

Sep 13, 202336 minEp. 115

114 ⎸ [SYSTEMS] TaxDome for Bookkeepers with Cabot & Main

Send us a text In this interview episode, I chat with Ashley & Katie of Cabot & Main, a company that specializes in helping accountants setup systems, workflows & automations. In this episode you’ll hear: How Ashley & Katie created their business together What a typical TaxDome Setup looks like Why TaxDome is good for bookkeepers, not just Tax pro’s How to beat overwhelm with systems & workflows Resources mentioned in this episode: TaxDome ClickUp Dubsado (affiliate link) Abo...

Sep 06, 202343 minEp. 114

[MINI] Ep 1 ⎸ Marketing as an Introvert

Send us a text Struggling to market yourself because you’re an Introvert? Listen to this Minisode to hear how I market as an introvert! In this episode you’ll hear: 5 places to market yourself Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me, @ ambitiousbookkeeper For more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources ...

Sep 04, 20235 min

113 ⎸ [NICHE] E-commerce with Meryl Johnston

Send us a text In this NICHE series episode, I talk with Meryl Johnston, the co-founder of Bean Ninjas. She shares her journey into e-commerce accounting and the valuable lessons she's learned along the way. From managing a team of contractors to choosing profitable clients, she provides valuable tips for success. In this episode you’ll hear: The number one thing to think about when starting or growing a firm How to analyze your client base for niching down (step by step!) The most important qua...

Aug 30, 202354 minEp. 113

112 ⎸ [NICHE] Real Estate Professionals with Kelly Wigington

Send us a text In this NICHE series episode, I talk with Kelly, owner of Summer Dove Bookkeeping, a niche firm specializing in bookkeeping for real estate professionals. She shares how she has noticed a common trend among many RE agents - they often treat their commission as a paycheck - and how she supports them in embracing a more business-oriented approach. She also opens up about her experience in the industry and how she got to where she is today. In this episode you’ll hear: Tips on findin...

Aug 23, 202349 minEp. 112

111 ⎸ [NICHE] Property Management with Haley Bonczyk

Send us a text In this NICHE series episode, I chat with Haley Bonczyk, who specializes in the Property Management industry. She’s the owner of Thrive Bookkeeping and a mother of three, and has overcome many challenges on her journey to find the perfect balance between being a mom and running a successful bookkeeping business. In this episode you’ll hear: Haley’s business model Balancing motherhood with a bookkeeping business Deciding when clients are worth the time and the off-boarding process ...

Aug 16, 202340 minEp. 111

110 ⎸ [NICHE] Hospitality with Tyler Otto

Send us a text In this NICHE series interview I chat with Tyler Otto, who specializes in the Hospitality industry — from his corporate days in Finance, he’s built a successful firm and is sharing some insights about growing a team and marketing his firm to get it off the ground. In this episode you’ll hear: Tyler’s go-to market strategy to gain initial clients after he lost his corporate job during the pandemic How he has attracted stellar team members & how his team is structured How he’s b...

Aug 09, 202350 minEp. 110

109 ⎸ [NICHE] Travel & Tourism with Kirstin Reeder

Send us a text In this NICHE series episode, I interview Kirstin Reader, owner of Purple Sapphire Business Solutions - which specializes in Tourism & Travel companies. Listen in as we cover a wide range of topics for a smaller bookkeeping firm in this niche! Kirstin serves her clients with the help of a part time bookkeeper and only spends about 20 hours a week in/on her business, as she also homeschools her 4 school aged children (5 have already graduated!) In this episode you’ll hear: How ...

Aug 02, 20231 hr 5 minEp. 109

108 ⎸ [NICHE] Anti-Niche with Dan Luthi

Send us a text In this Niche Series interview episode, I talk with Dan Luthi, Partner at Ignite Spot Accounting. This epi is particularly interesting because Dan’s firm doesn’t have a niche! So we chat about all their unique strategies and the power of collaborating, investing, and advertising. In this episode you’ll hear: team structure and growth opportunities for employees billing based on annual recurring revenue streamlining workflows and managing platform updates Resources mentioned in thi...

Jul 26, 202356 minEp. 108

107 ⎸ [NICHE] Unlocking the Secrets to Cannabis Bookkeeping with Sean Coggins

Send us a text In this Niche Series podcast, I chat with new firm owner, Sean Coggins, about his recent jump from corporate and how he’s setup his business in his first year. He’s making a new switch to the Cannabis industry, and we are diving into what his go-to-market strategy has been. In this episode you’ll hear: Sean’s go-to-market strategy Sean’s minimum pricing for monthly engagements and how he ‘upsells’ additional services Tips for networking as an introvert Resources mentioned in this ...

Jul 19, 202345 minEp. 107

106 ⎸ [NICHE] Bookkeeping for Female Real Estate Investors with Randy Ballen

Send us a text In this interview episode I talk with the owner of a niche firm called REI Bookkeeping Babes—a firm that specializes in helping female real estate investors. We talk about her marketing strategies, pricing, and so much more! In this episode you’ll hear: when Randy got started with bookkeeping how she found her first niche & transitioned to the one she’s in now marketing strategies she’s used secrets to her success Resources mentioned in this episode: Bookkeeper Launch The Book...

Jul 12, 202345 minEp. 106

105 ⎸ [STRATEGY] Turning off the busy-ness

Send us a text In this strategy episode, we explore pricing and differentiating value within your service packages, open up about burnout and the importance of work-life balance, and share insights into team meetings, hiring methods, and time management strategies. In this episode you’ll hear: tips on splitting up and elevating packages advice on balancing work and rest strategies for taking on a team recommended tools and processes for efficiency Resources mentioned in this episode: Kickoff Wit...

Jul 05, 202359 minEp. 105

104 ⎸ [Q&A] Goal-setting & Financial Planning

Send us a text In this Q&A episode, I talk about the importance of goal-setting and walk you through a special visualization exercise. I also talk about how to increase leads, share strategies for attracting the type of clients you want, and dive into the profit-first method. Come get your biz tips! In this episode you’ll hear: strategies for setting money goals and time goals an exercise for visualizing the future how to pay yourself more tips for increasing revenue Resources mentioned in t...

Jun 28, 202348 minEp. 104

103 ⎸ [Q&A] Why DIY E-Commerce is no-go

Send us a text In this Q&A episode, Serena talks about her experience taking a break from social media and how it benefited her mental health. She also shares tips on managing business social media pages and taking a closure period to focus on CEO work. Plus, you’ll hear her answer questions related to pricing and managing Ecommerce. Come get some actionable tips! In this episode you’ll hear: details on Serena’s social media hiatus how we handle holiday/closure periods how to include softwar...

Jun 21, 202342 minEp. 103

102 ⎸ [Q&A] Simplify Your Clients Onboarding Experience

Send us a text In this Q&A episode, we’re tackling all things client onboarding. Serena shares tips on automating follow-ups, creating custom proposals, and scheduling follow-up appointments to gauge client interest. Plus, tips for recruiting and creating a checklist for future hires. This one is packed with goodies! In this episode you’ll hear: software recommendations for creating proposals & for HR support how to present multiple service options to potential clients how to implement f...

Jun 14, 202327 minEp. 102

101 ⎸ [Q&A] Keeping it Secure: File sharing for Bookkeepers

Send us a text On this episode, we’re airing another Q&A! This time, Serena answers questions from our very own Ambitious community. She shares tips and tricks on file-sharing systems, backup software, core values, hiring strategies, and more. In this episode you’ll hear: how to utilize Google Drive and Hubdoc for your business strategies for finding quality candidates for hiring perks of being in BBA VIP Resources mentioned in this episode: See how The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator® VIP ...

Jun 07, 202343 minEp. 101

100 ⎸ [Q&A] Booking Qualified Leads: Intake Process for Bookkeepers

Send us a text This is a very, very exciting & special episode because it is our 100th episode!🍾 You're in for a treat because we're pulling questions from our audience. And my team member, Tia - our bookkeeper & resident designer - is on to help read the Q’s. In this episode you’ll hear: how to create a productive work culture branding advice from Tia tips on hiring a part-time bookkeeper tips on handling client bank access strategies for effective website building and MORE! If you’re ...

May 31, 202344 minEp. 100

99 ⎸ Balancing loyalty to clients with loyalty to self

Send us a text We want your questions! We’re putting together a special episode for our 100th episode. We’d love for you to submit a question to be answered on air! Record a voicenote and email it to [email protected] with the subject line: 100th Podcast Loyalty is a good character trait, but it can be detrimental to the health of your business Balancing loyalty to clients with prioritizing yourself and your business can be a challenging task, but it is an essential part of running...

May 24, 202314 minEp. 99

[BONUS] Case Study: Misa Bacon - from the very first BBA cohort

Send us a text In this episode you’ll hear: Misa’s journey from when she started The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator in 2020 to now Tips for standing out in our industry & getting clients Misa’s QBO Intensive process How to collect and organize ideas for future content Misa’s favorite part & most beneficial piece of being a part of The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator Resources mentioned in this episode: Like Know Trust Show The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator Misa is your go-to bookke...

May 24, 20231 hr 16 min

98 ⎸ Balancing Client Acquisition with Delivering on Promises

Send us a text In this episode, Serena talks about how to balance gaining new clients with delivering on promises for current clients. In this episode you’ll hear: Prioritize communication with current clients Schedule specific times for client acquisition efforts Consider outsourcing non-essential tasks Experiment with different strategies to find what works best for your business Set realistic expectations for yourself and your clients Don't be afraid to ask for help or advice from others in t...

May 18, 202321 minEp. 98

97 ⎸ From Public Accounting to Firm Owner with Stephen Crandall, CPA

Send us a text We want your questions! We’re putting together a special episode for our 100th episode. We’d love for you to submit a question to be answered on air! Record a voicenote and email it to [email protected] with the subject line: 100th Podcast In this interview episode, I interview a local CPA firm owner, Stephen Crandall, who I met at a Young Professionals Networking event! Stephen brings 10 years of experience running his firm into a value-packed conversation with me. ...

May 10, 202353 minEp. 97
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