The Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast

some links are affiliate links

If you have between 10 and 20 clients and you’ve been eyeing a new workflow software, hear me out before you hit “start free trial.” In this episode, I answer a question from my Ask Me Anything series: Stephanie is a solo bookkeeper with about 20 clients, trying to decide between staying on Financial Cents or switching to Double. Instead of naming a winner, I turn the question around and walk through how to tell the difference between being stubborn about your software and making a smart business decision. I also share my own shiny object syndrome story (hi, ClickUp) and why I stayed with Asana instead.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• My Own Shiny Object Syndrome Story
• The Questions to Ask Yourself Before Switching Software

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Xero**:https://xeroamericas.partnerlinks.io/79afz10exu7d
• Dubsado**: https://www.dubsado.com/?c=shoupcpa
• Effortless Client Requests from Workflow Queen: https://serenashoup.krtra.com/t/j7gf1iOhVBYf
• Onboarding Bookkeeping Clients with Dubsado: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ffUIah7zUY

For experienced bookkeepers & accountants:

Learn how to start your bookkeeping business in The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator®: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bba

Grab my FREE Start your Bookkeeping Biz Checklist: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/checklist

Grab my FREE New Client Onboarding Templates: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/onboard

For new bookkeepers:

Learn the fundamental accounting skills in Katie Ferro's Become a Bookkeeper**

https://www.katieferro.com/a/38894/2PQNgtvv

For creators:

Become a client at my firm, Of Course Financial >> https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/69b0bd05819ab2af03e9b73f

For more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:

• Visit my website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/
• Subscribe to my Newsletter https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog
• Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper/
• Connect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeper

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLC https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llc
• Descript** https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073
• Buzzsprout** https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696

AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER

We participate in affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a commission from purchases made through the links above. However, our recommendations are based on our own research and expertise, and your trust is our priority.

some links are affiliate links

Advisory doesn’t have to be complicated.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the simplest way to start offering advisory services inside your bookkeeping packages. I call it “advisory lite,” and it’s included in every service tier we offer, even the lowest one. If you’ve been wanting to dip your toe into advisory but don’t know where to start, this is your starting point. And if enough of us start doing this, we can change how people see bookkeepers altogether.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• Why even really good bookkeepers miss this one simple step that sets you apart
• The 5 key reports I deliver to every client every month
• How to templatize your monthly client email
• Why you need to be priced right before you add advisory

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Free KPI Guide: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/kpi
• Elevate Program: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/elevate
• Xero**: https://xeroamericas.partnerlinks.io/79afz10exu7d

For experienced bookkeepers & accountants:

Learn how to start your bookkeeping business in The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator®

Grab my FREE Start your Bookkeeping Biz Checklist

Grab my FREE New Client Onboarding Templates

For new bookkeepers:

Learn the fundamental accounting skills in Katie Ferro's Become a Bookkeeper**

For creators:

Become a client at my firm, Of Course Financial >> https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/69b0bd05819ab2af03e9b73f

For more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:

• Visit my website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com
• Subscribe to my Newsletter https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog
• Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeper

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLC
• Descript**
• Buzzsprout**

AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER

We participate in affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a commission from purchases made through the links above. However, our recommendations are based on our own research and expertise, and your trust is our priority.

You don’t need to add budgeting and forecasting to your menu to start delivering advisory-level value.

In this episode, I sit down with Anne Napolitano, a former Hermès controller turned private chef turned owner of a 10-person restaurant-focused accounting firm. We get into the small shifts in your services and your marketing that change how clients see your value, plus how Anne went from doing everything herself to leading a team that has stuck with her for years.

Grab a notebook, my friend. This one is packed.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• Why your first hire should be a bookkeeper (not an admin)
• How Anne built a remote team with real longevity
• Advisory services you can start offering right now
• How niching down and advisory keeps you AI-proof

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Scaling New Heights
• Woodard Summit
• XeroCon

Meet Anne Napolitano

Anne Napolitano is the Founder and CEO of Anne Napolitano Consulting Inc., a Strategic Accounting & Advisory Firm. Before launching ANC in 2016, Anne served as Controller for the U.S. operations of Hermès and later worked as a personal chef, giving her a unique perspective that combines high-level finance with hands-on business operations. Today, she leads a team of accountants helping business owners gain clarity around cash flow, profitability, and growth while building a firm that moves beyond compliance and into meaningful advisory.

Connect with Anne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annenapolitano/

Website: https://www.napolitanoaccounting.com/

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 below:

• Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com
• Follow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog
• Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpa

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to http://ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llc
• Descript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)

In this September live Q&A, we covered a lot of ground. We talked about whether to convert a client from QBO to Xero or start fresh, how to realistically land more clients heading into 2026, and how I handle clients who won't send receipts no matter how many times you ask.

We also got into Shopify bookkeeping, paying contractors, what to do when a credit union is making your life miserable, and the moment I know it's time to walk away from a client. Plus, I spill the tea on why creating a course is way less passive than running a bookkeeping firm.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• My process for QBO to Xero conversions
• How to get more clients without burning yourself out
• How to keep month-end moving
• Shopify deposits and bills
• Contractors on Gusto
• Credit unions with no bank feeds
• How to know when a client has outgrown your firm.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Elevate: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/elevate
• Bookkeeping Business Accelerator (BBA): https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bba
• Confident Compliance Bundle: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/offers/tgPgMBJ7
• Bookkeeping Client Closer mini course: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/closer
• 228| Increasing Your Sales with Hunter Rademacher: https://youtu.be/aKQMePlI8UM

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 below:

• Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com
• Follow me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpa

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to http://ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llc
• Descript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)

Katie Ferro is back for part two, and we picked up right where we left off with Katie's line that stuck with me all week: if you don't have a stance, it's because you're not in the room enough. The same goes for advisory. You won't feel confident until you put yourself in the room, and you can't get in the room until you build some confidence. So we talked about how to break that cycle. Katie shared three real client emails from the last 10 days that were quietly asking for more, and I shared how I built my own advisory process with a practice client.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• How to recognize when a client is asking for advisory help
• How a simple 30-minute conversation can turn an intimidating email into a quick win
• Why calling it a "budget" might be killing client buy-in
• Why you should bundling advisory into your packages

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Katie's post "Being cheap won't stop you from being broke":
• KPI Download: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/kpi
• Elevate: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/elevate
• Xero: https://xeroamericas.partnerlinks.io/79afz10exu7d
• Dubsado: https://www.dubsado.com/?c=shoupcpa
• Content Snare: https://contentsnare.com/#_r_serena58

Previous Episodes with Katie

Part 1 of this conversation with Katie Ferro

(https://youtu.be/to3aHJXefPI)

225 ⎸ Recast: Become a Bookkeeper with Katie Ferro

(https://www.buzzsprout.com/1774460/episodes/18369393)

44 ⎸ Best Advice from Accounting Course Creators

(https://www.buzzsprout.com/1774460/episodes/10445058)

Meet Katie Ferro

Katie Ferro is a CPA, reformed rule follower, corporate escapee, and mama to three little ones.

She built her bookkeeping business to surpass her corporate tax manager salary, working only the hours she used to spend commuting and without giving up her stay-at-home mom crown.

Today, Katie runs her bookkeeping business while educating and empowering accountants and aspiring bookkeepers to build businesses that support their lives instead of keeping them from living them.

Connect with Katie

🌐 Instagram: https://instagram.com/orderlyaccountingbykatie

🎙️ Katie’s Podcast: https://profitsprosecco.libsyn.com/website

📈 Become a Bookkeeper Program (BABS): https://www.katieferro.com/a/38894/2PQNgtvv

🧾 Life by the Books: https://www.katieferro.com/life

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 below:

• Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com
• Follow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog
• Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpa

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to http://ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llc
• Descript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)

#bookkeepingbusiness #ambitious #bookkeeper #accountant #accounting

I've been connected with Katie Ferro since the very beginning of my business. I literally found her on a podcast while I was on maternity leave dreaming about starting a bookkeeping business, and I probably reached out to her like a weirdo on Instagram. We reconnected recently, had a conversation that was way too good to keep to ourselves, and decided to hit record. This one is a true coffee shop conversation between two industry friends who care a whole lot about competence, integrity, and the bookkeepers in this community. We get real about why our industry keeps telling you bookkeeping is a commodity (spoiler: usually to sell you something), why better books are already a form of advisory, what AI fear is actually costing you, and what I'm seeing firsthand inside a community college accounting class right now. Grab your favorite drink and join us.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• Why the most profitable part of my firm is actually my simplest, lowest-priced bookkeeping
• The low-hanging fruit that's causing clients to leave great bookkeepers
• How to add advisory-level value without blowing up your business model, adding a ton of calls to your calendar, or burning out
• Why I've changed my tune on recommending college accounting classes, and what I recommend instead

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Bookkeeping Business Accelerator (BBA): https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bba
• Elevate: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/elevate
• Xero: https://xeroamericas.partnerlinks.io/79afz10exu7d
• Kajabi: https://app.kajabi.com/r/SLFEMUL4/t/uiptq7nu

Previous Episodes with Katie:

225 ⎸ Recast: Become a Bookkeeper with Katie Ferro

(https://www.buzzsprout.com/1774460/episodes/18369393)

44 ⎸ Best Advice from Accounting Course Creators

(https://www.buzzsprout.com/1774460/episodes/10445058)

Meet Katie Ferro

Katie Ferro is a CPA, reformed rule follower, corporate escapee, and mama to three little ones.

She built her bookkeeping business to surpass her corporate tax manager salary, working only the hours she used to spend commuting and without giving up her stay-at-home mom crown.

Today, Katie runs her bookkeeping business while educating and empowering accountants and aspiring bookkeepers to build businesses that support their lives instead of keeping them from living them.

Connect with Katie

🌐 Instagram: https://instagram.com/orderlyaccountingbykatie

🎙️ Katie’s Podcast: https://profitsprosecco.libsyn.com/website

📈 Become a Bookkeeper Program: https://www.katieferro.com/a/38894/2PQNgtvv

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 below:

• Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com
• Follow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog
• Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpa

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to http://ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llc
• Descript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)

#becomeabookkeeper #bookkeepingbusiness #firmowner #entrepreneur #ambitious #bookkeeper #accountant #accounting

What if the tool you've been waiting for, the one that finally makes Xero as efficient as QuickBooks with Right Tool, already exists, and it's being built by a former bookkeeper who accidentally fell into coding? In this episode, Serena sits down with Mark Corum, the developer behind X2Uno and Right Tool, to talk about building Chrome extensions for accounting software, the surprising parallels between bookkeeping and programming, and why the tech world's pricing model might be completely backwards. Whether you're a Xero loyalist, a QuickBooks refugee, or just curious about what happens when an accountant teaches themselves to code, then this conversation has something for you.

In this episode you’ll hear about:

• X2Uno - What it is, how it differs from Right Tool, and why Mark felt a moral obligation to build something for Xero users
• Right Tool & Monkbee
• How Chrome extensions actually work
• Xero vs. QuickBooks
• The cost of switching platforms
• AI and the future of accounting
• Programming, bookkeeping, and music
• Cleanup work as a niche
• X2Uno availability — How to get it now (free beta on the Chrome Web Store), the MailChimp discount path, and the Facebook community for feature requests

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• X2Uno → sign up for beta her: https://mailchi.mp/x2uno/ambitious

Meet Mark Corum

I am Mark Corum. I went to college for accounting and decided to make my own bookkeeping company in my Junior year. Realized I like accounting, but I am not an accountant and transitioned out of it and stumbled into programming in late 2019 - vowing never to touch QuickBooks again.

2021 comes around and I am working on a chrome extension for QuickBooks called "MonkBe" that is discovered by Hector Garcia and remade into RightTool. Now that is used by about 50,000 people and I want the additional fun of working on Xero!

Connect with Mark

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markcorum/

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 below:

• Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com
• Follow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog
• Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpa

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to http://ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llc
• Descript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)

This round of Live Q&A we got into some really good stuff: how to navigate starting your firm while you're still employed, why book to tax differences are completely normal and not something to lose sleep over, and how I approach the "can I afford to hire" conversation with clients (spoiler: it's rarely just about the numbers). I also pulled back the curtain on my monthly client newsletter, walked through my PTO and benefits setup for a part-time team, and gave a real update on the new version of Elevate that's dripping out in early September.

Grab a notebook and your favorite drink and let's go.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• How to approach telling your current employer you're starting a firm
• My take on where clients really come from and what to focus on first when you're trying to grow.
• A full walkthrough of my client newsletter strategy
• And how I do my part-time team's employee benefits

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Elevate https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/elevate
• Bookkeeping Business Accelerator (BBA): https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bba
• Take Command (medical expense reimbursement program for the team)
• Xero: https://xeroamericas.partnerlinks.io/79afz10exu7d
• QuickBooks Online: https://www.referquickbooks.com/s/Serena4
• Squarespace: https://squarespace.syuh.net/AgROVN
• GoCardless: https://manage.gocardless.com/refer/us/serena/ygvg9o-amz
• Gusto : https://gusto.com/partners/i/serena591
• Liz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership: https://serenashoup--lizwilcox.thrivecart.com/list-building-live/
• Alyssa Lang / Workflow Queen's Breakthrough: https://serenashoup.krtra.com/t/IKUxtNZoz7lF
• Kajabi: https://app.kajabi.com/r/SLFEMUL4/t/uiptq7nu
• Max Emery / GoPro Bookkeeping: https://www.skool.com/go-pro-bookkeeping/about?ref=216fd17bf3b64591bbd1f284f72ae8b7

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 below:

• Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com
• Follow me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpa

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to http://ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llc
• Descript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)

I got to reconnect with Emily Bowie, a partner at Thorne Advisors, and someone I actually met years ago in a tiny mastermind back when she was doing something completely different in her business.

We talked about what actually makes a partnership work (and what makes it collapse), why staying in your lane protects your reputation, how bookkeepers can collaborate with tax pros instead of competing with them, and why quality standards matter so much in an industry where anybody can hang a shingle. We also went deep on personal finance, debt, and the soft skills that separate a good advisor from a great one.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• What keeps a partnership from turning into a horror story
• How to collaborate with tax preparers and other CFO professionals the right way
• Why "just because you can, doesn't mean you should" applies to adding services to your firm
• Why checking in on a client's personal finances pays dividends for the work you do on the business side

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Thorne Advisors: https://www.thorneadvisors.com/
• Elevate 2.0 → learn the skills to become an advisor https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/elevate
• 5 Cash Leaks & 5 Missed Tax Deductions - https://www.thorneadvisors.com/cashleaks

Meet Emily

Emily Bowie is a Cash Flow Strategist with 15+ years of experience, including her time as an audit manager in Big Four accounting. She’s known for bringing calm, clarity, and structure to financial conversations that often feel stressful or avoided. Outside of Thorne Advisors, Emily leads her church’s financial ministry, is a mom to three young kids, and enjoys a good DIY project almost as much as a well-organized set of financials.

Co-led by founder Andrea Mason and CFO Emily Bowie, both CPAs, Thorne Advisors helps women protect what they earn while building sustainable wealth that actually supports their lives. They deliver a true 360-degree view of finances, spotlighting cash leaks, tightening income strategy, and creating tax plans that align with real goals, not just compliance checklists.

Connect with Emily

📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thorneadvisors/

🌐 Website: https://www.emilyvbowie.com/

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 below:

• Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com
• Follow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog
• Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpa

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to http://ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llc
• Descript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)

#businesspartnership #advisoryfirm #personalfinance #debt #bookkeepingbusiness #ambitious #bookkeeper #accountant #accounting

If you have ever had that passing thought of "should I add tax to my bookkeeping firm?" this is the episode you need to hear before you make a move.

In this one, I'm sitting down with Nick Cobos of Saga Accounting Solutions. Nick has built a five-person firm that does both tax and bookkeeping. We get into the real pros and cons of running both under one roof, and I share why I went down this exact rabbit hole myself and decided against it. This is a practitioner-to-practitioner conversation from start to finish, and I loved every minute of it.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• The breakdown of adding tax to a bookkeeping firm
• How Nick got his first clients
• Why I decided against adding tax to my firm
• Growing a firm and delegating

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Saga Accounting Solutions: https://sagaaccounting.com/
• Between 2 Firms: https://open.spotify.com/show/71gGjmatd829DB8IrJdI9T?si=bbb9deb996d74f56

Meet Nick

Nick graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2019 and spent 5 years as an Army Officer. After graduating the US Army Ranger School Nick held assignments as an Infantry Platoon Leader and Company Executive Officer with the 11th Airborne Division and later served as an Army ROTC instructor at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA).

After transitioning out of the Army, Nick earned his Enrolled Agent credential and jumped into the world of accounting. He now enjoys advising clients and helping them grow their businesses while saving on taxes.

When he's not working, Nick enjoys hunting, fishing, playing (admittedly terrible) golf, and spending quality time with his wife, Lisa, their three children, Lucy, Nathan, and Matthew, and their dog, Molly.

Connect with Nick

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcobos/

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 below:

• Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com
• Follow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog
• Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpa

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to http://ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llc
• Descript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)

We're back from summer break with a live Q&A with SO much good stuff in this one. This was one of those episodes where the questions kept getting better and better, and I got to go deep on the things that trip us all up: running an advisory firm, getting your pricing right, Xero integrations, closing out clients the right way, and knowing when to make your first hire. If you've ever felt awkward quoting a higher fee or weren't sure how to structure your revenue side when a client's processor data lives inside their CRM, this one's for you. And if advisory is even a tiny blip on your radar, I've got a free audio series you're going to want to grab before it disappears.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• Connecting Stripe and PayPal inside Xero
• Is $350 too much for basic bookkeeping?
• The right way to disengage with clients
• When to make your first hire
• How to support a team that's feeling overwhelmed

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Elevate: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/elevate
• BBA: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bba
• Xero: https://xeroamericas.partnerlinks.io/79afz10exu7d
• Kajabi: https://app.kajabi.com/r/SLFEMUL4/t/uiptq7nu
• Content Snare: https://contentsnare.com/#_r_serena58

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 below:

• Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com
• Follow me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpa

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to http://ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llc
• Descript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)

This episode hit close to home for me because Jaime Rodriguez and I are basically living the same double life, and I loved getting to compare notes.

Jaime is the CEO of Bookkeepers.com (you probably know them as Bookkeeper Launch), and his story is wild. He went to school for accounting chasing that "safe job" American dream, hated the corporate grind so much he Googled how to start a bookkeeping business, bought the very course he now owns, and burned the boats to go all in. Fast forward through a few years of coaching, re-recording lessons, and becoming the face of the brand, and in 2025 he actually bought the company.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• How Jaime went from burned-out corporate accountant to owning the very course that got him started
• Why SOPs are what let you run a firm on 30 minutes a month
• The real talk on running two businesses at once
• The costly mistake of taking on every client in every industry before you have processes
• Why you have to learn your debits and credits before you touch automation
• The one question that protects your time every time a new prospect comes knocking

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Join the Digital Bookkeeper Association for $9/mo: https://dba.bookkeepers.app/
• http://Bookkeepers.com: https://bookkeepers.com/
• $1000 Off any version of Bookkeeper Launch when you use promo code AUGUSTBUS26: https://sk293.isrefer.com/go/BLFS/SS64/

Meet Jaime

Jaime Rodriguez is the owner and CEO of Bookkeepers.com, but his journey started as a student looking for a better path. After building his own successful bookkeeping business, he went on to acquire the company that first taught him the skill. Today, he helps entrepreneurs realize they’re capable of more than they think; not just financially, but in how they live and work. He’s the author of Beyond the Numbers and You’re Not for Everyone (That’s the Point), both focused on building a business that actually fulfills you.

Connect with Jaime

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bookkeepersdotcom

👥 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaimethebookkeeper

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 below:

• Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com
• Follow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog
• Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpa

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to http://ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llc
• Descript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)

Real talk: if your summer felt slow and you were low-key stressing about it, this episode is for you. This week's a short and sweet solo update where I walk you through what's coming up on the podcast over the next month, plus a little pep talk about the summer slump so many of us hit as bookkeepers. Slow season is normal, my friend, and it doesn't mean anything is wrong with your business. I'm sharing exactly what I do to keep moving the needle when discovery calls dry up, and how to set yourself up so next summer doesn't catch you off guard.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• Why summer is almost always slow for bookkeepers
• The services and projects I lean into during the slow months to bring in a cash influx
• How to plant seeds now that come to fruition in the fall
• A rundown of everything coming up on the show, including big interviews and a limited time audio series you don't want to miss

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/subscribe

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 below:

• Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com
• Follow me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpa

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to http://ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llc
• Descript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)

In this episode you’ll hear:

• A very short update about the audio series I just released & why you need to listen before it goes away!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Listen to The Advisor Activation Audio Series → https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/activate

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 below:

• Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com
• Follow me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpa

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to http://ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llc
• Descript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)

Alyssa and I are back, and this time we actually hit record (lesson learned from last year, ha). We just closed year two of the State of the Virtual Bookkeeping and Accounting Industry survey, and we sat down to dig into the data together in real time. This isn't a polished, buttoned-up report read. This is the two of us cross-referencing the numbers live, reacting to what surprised us, and pulling out the patterns that actually matter for your firm. We get into the real differences between solo operators and firms with six-plus team members, where the money actually lands, how much owners are really working, and the truth about AI that nobody wants to say out loud. Real talk, some of these numbers gave me pause, and a few of them are going to challenge what you think is possible in your own business. Grab the free PDF report and follow along.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• The revenue ceiling for solo firm owners
• The honest truth about AI in our industry
• Why so many of you are still pricing way too low
• What your minimum fee should actually look like
• The surprising connection between being the household breadwinner and how hard you push your firm
• What the data says about working hours and profit margins at every revenue level

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• State of the Virtual Bookkeeping and Accounting Industry Survey (free PDF report) at: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/survey or https://www.workflowqueen.com/survey
• Elevate: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/elevate
• Advisory Edge: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/offers/j9hM5s4e/checkout
• Breakthrough: https://serenashoup.krtra.com/t/IKUxtNZoz7lF
• Xero: https://xeroamericas.partnerlinks.io/79afz10exu7d

Connect with Alyssa

🌐 Website: https://www.workflowqueen.com

📱 IG: https://www.instagram.com/workflowqueen

🎙️ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/conquering-workflows-systems-for-bookkeepers-accountants/id1576274369?i=1000529139554

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 below:

• Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com
• Follow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog
• Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpa

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to http://ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llc
• Descript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)

I'm joined in person by my biz bestie Alyssa Lang of Workflow Queen, and we are SO pumped to talk about the return of the Virtual Bookkeeper Industry Survey round two, baby! We're going bigger, better, and more intentional this time around, with a goal of 2,500 responses, a charity donation tied to Make-A-Wish Foundation, and a brand new interactive data bot that lets you dig into the results yourself. Oh, and we may have gone down a rabbit hole or two about AI, pricing, and what it actually means for running a boutique firm. You're welcome.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• A breakdown of the survey format, what questions changed from last year, how this data compounds over time, and why your honest answers help the whole industry
• How AI should actually be affecting your pricing
• How people are (and aren't) implementing AI in their firms, and the offshoring and automation data we're dying to dig into
• The trust recession around AI, what it means for your client relationships

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• TAKE the Survey: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/survey
• Or take it Here: https://www.workflowqueen.com/survey
• Last Year’s Results: https://youtu.be/L0nwFo5A7xM

Connect with Alyssa

🌐 Website: http://workflowqueen.com/

📱 IG: @workflowqueen

🎙️ Podcast: Conquering Workflows & Systems with the Workflow Queen

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 below:

• Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com
• Follow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog
• Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpa

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to http://ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llc
• Descript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)

This episode is a replay of my April 2026 live Q&A, and we cover a ton of ground that I know so many of you are dealing with right now.

Whether you're just starting out and trying to figure out where to even begin with automation, or you're in the thick of building a team and wondering why delegating feels harder than just doing it yourself, this one's for you. We also get into some juicy topics like QBO Payroll versus Gusto, how to handle S-Corp clients who are flying under the radar on reasonable salary, and what to do when a competitor is trying to tank your reputation online.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• The very first thing I recommend automating in your bookkeeping practice
• How to confidently ask a prospective client for access to their books
• QBO Payroll versus Gusto
• How to advise S-Corp clients on taking a reasonable salary

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Elevate: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/elevate
• The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bba
• Emailing List: http://ambitiousbookkeeper.com/subscribe
• Dubsado (free audio series): https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/dubsado
• Dubsado (affiliate link): https://www.dubsado.com/?c=shoupcpa
• Dubsado Decoded: https://kendracourtney.com/dubsado-decoded/
• Breakthrough by Workflow Queen: https://serenashoup.krtra.com/t/IKUxtNZoz7lF
• YouTube: "Is It Time to Move My Clients to Xero?"
• Xero Partner Program (affiliate link): https://xeroamericas.partnerlinks.io/79afz10exu7d
• Gusto (affiliate link): https://gusto.com/partners/i/serena591

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 below:

• Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com
• Follow me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpa

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to http://ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llc
• Descript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)

This episode is a behind-the-scenes conversation with Max Emory.

We get into the nitty gritty of what it actually takes to serve REI clients, how he built his team, the new community he's launching for bookkeepers who want to level up their marketing and sales game, and how he manages it all with two boys under two at home.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• Why real estate investing is one of the most complex niches a bookkeeper can serve
• How overcomplicated entity structures are hurting real estate investors
• The behind-the-scenes of Time Capital University and GoPro Bookkeeping community
• How Max runs a lean, profitable firm with strong boundaries around his time

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Bookkeeper Launch: https://bookkeepers.com/bookkeeper-launch/*
• Skool Community:https://www.skool.com/bookkeeping-for-rei/about*
• Nuts and Bolts Course - Max's REI bookkeeping training course inside his Skool community
• Multi Six Figure Bookkeeper Playbook - also inside the Skool community
• Spark Email App
• Loom
• Xero
• Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
• 10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy

Meet Max Emory

Max Emory is the founder of Time Capital Bookkeeping and Time Capital University, a bookkeeper-turned-real-estate-expert who went from Marine Corps officer and mechanical engineer to building a thriving virtual bookkeeping firm that specializes in real estate investors and he has two boys under two at home!

Connect with Max Emory

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/millionairebookkeeper/
• Time Capital Bookkeeping : https://www.timecapitalbcs.com/
• Time Capital University: https://www.timecapitaluniversity.com/

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 below:

• Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com
• Follow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog
• Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpa

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to http://ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llc
• Descript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)

Get all the info and join before Midnight Pacific Time on May 9, 2026:

https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/elevate/?coupon_code=REVAMP

In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Joe Woodard—founder of Scaling New Heights—and we’re diving into what’s really happening in the accounting industry right now.

We talk about:

• Why the ‘AI hype vs denial’ debate is missing the point
• What tasks you should actually be handing off to AI
• Why moving off hourly pricing isn’t enough anymore
• And how to position yourself so clients see you as indispensable
• how to make sure your pricing model matches your vision and goals

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Scaling New Heights 2026: https://www.woodard.com/scaling-new-heights-2026
• Woodard coaching program (for firms approaching $1M+)
• Xero / JAX feature (beta)
• Anthropic / Claude
• ChatGPT / OpenAI
• Microsoft Copilot

Meet Joe Woodard

Joe Woodard is the CEO of Woodard®, a company that empowers accountants and business advisors through education, coaching, resources, and consulting services, with a particular focus on Client Advisory Services (CAS). Woodard equips professionals to modernize their practices, optimize accounting software, and expand their reach.

Joe has trained over 150,000 professionals, is a published author, and hosts the Scaling New Heights® conference. He has been recognized by Accounting Today as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in accounting since 2014. Joe also publishes The Woodard Report™, which reaches over 100,000 readers annually.

Connect with Joe Woodard

🌐 Website: https://www.woodard.com

👥 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realjoewoodard/

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 below:

• Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com
• Follow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog
• Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpa

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to http://ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llc
• Descript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)