The Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast

Send us Fan MailI've been getting this question for years, and since I'm now on YouTube and Xero keeps rolling out new features, it was time to give this topic a serious refresh. In this episode, I'm breaking down all the reasons why I am a hundred percent Xero firm and why I genuinely love this software. This is not sponsored (but yes, please use my affiliate link!). I'm just a bookkeeper who has seen what a mess the alternative can create, and I want you to understand what you could have instead.In this episode you’ll hear:Why Xero's security and data integrity controls make it the smarter choice over QBOHow Xero's reporting structure saves us massive time across our entire client rosterThe efficiency tools and automations that let us simplify pricing and serve high-volume clients without penaltyThe invoicing features and included extras that QBO actually charges you for (yes, really)Resources mentioned in this episode:Xero Partner Program (Affiliate Link): https://xeroamericas.partnerlinks.io/79afz10exu7dRelay Banking (Affiliate Link): https://relayfi.com?referralcode=ShoupCPAGoCardless (Affiliate Link): https://manage.gocardless.com/refer/us/serena/ygvg9o-amzVideos linked in this episode:Xero | Modifying Chart of Accounts: https://youtu.be/NHZLjYx2FQwXero | Reconcile Bank Accounts Pt 1: Match, Create, Transfer: https://youtu.be/D9CYOuAydacXero | Reconcile Bank Accounts Pt2: Reconcile Period: https://youtu.be/5fnwMC_QUo0Hubdoc | Audit-Proof Your Business: https://youtu.be/vzSrPZOSJ3oThanks 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 @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpaThank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llcDescript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)Join the next free training >

Send us Fan MailThis is a podcast update & what to expect here on the podcast for the month of April!Check out this week’s YouTube Video >>The New Xero Partner HubThanks 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 @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpaJoin the next free training >

Send us Fan MailThis one is a little different. One day in February I decided to vlog my day.. a sort of behind the scenes of my day. I wasn’t sure what I was going to use this footage for. And then… I was inspired a couple weeks ago (by the time this comes out) to write another BTS Newsletter. The two are **completely unrelated in topics—** combining the voice over of my Newsletter (unfiltered thoughts combined with a little education + provoking thoughts) with my random vlogging day.I hope you enjoy… make sure you watch it on YouTube for the full effect.In this episode you’ll hear:The audio version of Vol. 7. No more arbitrary price increasesAudio of my check ins through out the dayWATCH ON YOUTUBE FOR THE FULL EXPERIENCE → subscribe while you’re there.Subscribe to the Newsletter. I don’t sell in them. They are my own personal thoughts and musings as I build & grow my businesses. There will be typos. Half the time, I write them from my phone. Right when inspiration hits.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 @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpaThank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llcDescript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)Join the next free training >

Send us Fan MailAI is changing the bookkeeping game, but it's not replacing us anytime soon.In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on Xero's built-in AI feature, JAX (Just Ask Xero), and walking you through exactly how we're testing it inside our own firm before rolling it out to clients. From auto bank reconciliation to creating invoices via conversation, there are some genuinely cool time-saving features here, but there's still a lot you need to be doing yourself.In this episode you’ll hear:How JAX works inside XeroWhat security and data privacy measures are in placeHow the auto bank reconciliation feature worksHow JAX can look up vendor information from the web while you're coding transactionsHow to use JAX to create invoices, pull up open invoices, and even build quotesResources mentioned in this episode:Xero :https://xeroamericas.partnerlinks.io/79afz10exu7dJAX Article: https://central.xero.com/s/article/About-Just-Ask-Xero-JAX-AUXero’s data commitment: https://www.xero.com/us/data/Xero Playlist → https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvpVbZsrj-tXq1nN53z162JbTwGeH3GPfThanks 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 @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpaThank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llcDescript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)Join the next free training >

Send us Fan MailI have a big announcement to share and I've been so excited to finally let the cat out of the bag! Erin Pohan, one of our OG community members and founder of UpKeeping®, is joining me as co-coach for this upcoming cohort of the Bookkeeping Business Accelerator.I wanted to bring Erin on because she's lived this journey. She started from scratch just like you, built her firm to 50 clients and a team of three, and she did it using the BBA framework. This episode is a real, honest conversation about what it actually takes to build a bookkeeping business, how AI is changing our industry (but not in the way you might fear), and what's in store for this cohort.In this episode you’ll hear:The big announcementErin's origin storyAI in bookkeepingAnd more!Resources mentioned in this episode:Bookkeeping Business Accelerator (BBA): https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/vipAmbitious Bookkeeper Bookkeeping Biz Workshops: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/workshopsXero: https://xeroamericas.partnerlinks.io/79afz10exu7dQuickBooks Online: https://www.referquickbooks.com/s/Serena4Workflow Queen / Alyssa Lang: https://www.workflowqueen.comMeet ErinAs Founder of UpKeeping® and a proud student in The Ambitious Bookkeeper community, Erin is changing the old & boring stereotypes of the accounting industry. Erin and her team support new entrepreneurs and already-established small business owners by being their #1 financial cheerleader/concierge/communicator.When she’s not trying to make accounting more “fun”, Erin loves traveling the world with her family, playing the violin, and convincing accounting students & professionals that owning an accounting firm is the American dream.Connect with Erin👥 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinpohan/📱 Instagram: @upkeeping.coThanks 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 @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpaThank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llcDescript: Join the next free training >

Send us Fan MailFrom AI tools and scope creep to finding your first clients and onboarding systems, whether you're just dreaming about starting a bookkeeping business or you're a few years in, there's something in here for you.In this episode you’ll hear:How I use AI in my firmPricing, scope creep, and tough money conversationsFinding your first five clientsOnboarding processResources mentioned in this episode:Bookkeeping Biz Workshops: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/workshopsOnboarding Templates Freebie: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/onboardingElevate: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/elevateBookkeeping Business Accelerator: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bbaEffortless Client Requests: workflowqueen.comBecome a Bookkeeper: https://www.katieferro.com/a/38894/2PQNgtvvDubsado Decoded: https://kendracourtney.com/dubsado-decoded/Akadian QBO: https://fastandeasyqbo.samcart.com/referral/qbo-basic/8Duca0gOuAg8wpjFBookkeeper Launch: https://sk293.isrefer.com/go/BLFS/SS64/Affiliate LinksXero: https://xeroamericas.partnerlinks.io/79afz10exu7dQuickBooks Online: https://www.referquickbooks.com/s/Serena4Dubsado: https://www.dubsado.com/?c=shoupcpaGusto: https://gusto.com/r/1bjHmContent Snare: https://contentsnare.com/#_r_serena58Clockify: https://clockify.me/?fpr=qyebl2Thanks 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 @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpaThank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llcJoin the next free training >

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to our monthly live Q&A! We took a little break, but we're back and ready to tackle all your burning questions about building your bookkeeping business. Whether you're just getting started or scaling your firm, this episode is packed with real talk and practical advice.In this episode you’ll hear:Partnership pitfalls and planningTech stack essentialsHiring and leading your first employeePricing strategies for startups and special situationsResources mentioned in this episode:Xero: https://xeroamericas.partnerlinks.io/79afz10exu7dQuickBooks Online: https://www.referquickbooks.com/s/Serena4Become a Bookkeeper by Katie Farrow: https://www.katieferro.com/a/38894/2PQNgtvvRisk Desk by Jock Walls at https://www.myriskdesk.comDubsado: https://www.dubsado.com/?c=shoupcpaGoogle Workspace: https://referworkspace.app.goo.gl/Xo4GTaxJar, Anrok, Hubdoc"Make 'Em Beg to Work for You" by Dr. Angela E. Lauria"Teamwork" by Natalie DawsonBookkeeping Business Accelerator: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bbaElevate: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/elevateConfident Compliance Bundle: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/offers/tgPgMBJ7Workflow Queen's Breakthrough Program: https://serenashoup.krtra.com/t/IKUxtNZoz7lFDubsado Decoded: https://kendracourtney.com/dubsado-decoded/QBO Gym: https://fastandeasyqbo.samcart.com/referral/GymChallenge/8Duca0gOuAg8wpjFThanks 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 @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpaThank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llcDescript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)Buzzsprout:

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Serena interviews Hunter Rademaker and they talk about Hunter’s expertise on sales in accounting, emphasizing client qualification, communication, advisory roles, and strategic hiring for growth.In this episode you’ll hear:Hunter’s unique sales roleThe sales process & qualifying new clientsAdvice for new bookkeepersClient retention & advisoryPricing & hiring a sales personResources mentioned in this episode:House of Revenue/Sales BQ - Consulting company that helped set up the sales and marketing department at Hunter's firmFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpaADPMeet Hunter RademacherMy name is Hunter Rademacher, and I work in sales at CSI Accounting & Payroll. I spend my days speaking directly with small business owners — from one-person operations to companies with 100 employees — helping them navigate bookkeeping, payroll, cleanup work, and ongoing accounting support.Because I’m on the front lines of these conversations, I get a clear view into why small businesses choose a bookkeeper, why they leave one, and what they actually want from an accounting partner. I’ve learned where trust breaks down in the sales process and how bookkeeping firms can position their services more confidently and profitably.Connect with HunterLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunter-rademacher/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 @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpaThank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llcDescript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)

Send us Fan MailThe 'One Big Beautiful Bill' introduces significant tax changes for 1099s, depreciation, and employer credits, emphasizing meticulous bookkeeping for compliance and savings. Listen in to the conversation with Adrian & Serena as they unpack the need-to-know highlights for bookkeepers and how you can stand out in the industry by making a few small changes to your processes.In this episode you’ll hear:1099 Reporting ChangesBonus Depreciation and Section 179Tips and Charitable ContributionsEmployer Tax Credits and DeductionsPass-Through Entity Tax and ReconciliationResources mentioned in this episode:→ want to see that ‘tax package’ in action? Grab the Confident Compliance Bundle205 ⎸ Protecting Your Clients from Audits with Ex Irs Auditor Adrian LopezMeet AdrianI’m Adrian Lopez, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and former IRS Revenue Agent.During my tenure as a Revenue Agent in the IRS Small Business / Self-Employed Division, I audited self-employed and small business taxpayers like restaurants, construction contractors, real estate agents & brokers, wealth managers, tax preparers, and farmers.Now, I help individuals, families, small businesses, and non-profits thrive by providing quality tax return preparation, tax planning & advisory, bookkeeping & accounting, and tax representation.Connect with AdrianWebsite: https://anlcpa.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianl1996/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 @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpaThank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llcDescript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)

Send us Fan MailBefore we close things down for the holidays, I decided to bring back one of my favorite interviews from the vault. In 2021 during one of our Bookkeeping Biz Workshop rounds, I brought Katie on to chat about a program she had just created—which is still going strong today—in fact, has been revamped and redesiged since she created it, and I want to make sure you all know about it. But more so than that, I wanted to bring this conversation back to you in case you’re planning for the new year. This will give you some things to consider, especially if you’re balancing motherhood with building your business, or dreaming of starting your business in 2026.In this episode you’ll hear:Katie’s background: CPA → corporate → motherhood → bookkeeping business (and how she was “paid to quit” at the perfect time)The emotional reality of leaving corporate—even when it’s the right moveWhy the early seasons of motherhood are intense, and how that shapes business decisionsHow Katie’s bookkeeping business grew: referrals, small beginnings, pricing lessons, and early client expansionThe mindset shift: bookkeeping as a stable, scalable foundation (especially once you hire a team)Hiring earlier than feels comfortable: babysitters, cleaners, and bookkeepers as “buying back time”Why working at home with kids around can be harder than being fully out of the houseOffice space + opportunity cost: how one monthly client can fund the setup that changes everythingTraining a team the right way: slow client-by-client handoff, upfront time investment, long-term payoffClient continuity + freedom: not being the only person clients rely onKatie’s Become a Bookkeeper (BABS) course overview: Learn → Shadow → Apply (practicum)Resources mentioned in this episode:Become A BookkeeperConnect with Katie: : instagram.com/orderlyaccountingbykatieListen to Katie’s Podcast: Profits & ProseccoSign up for Become A BookkeeperThanks 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 @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpaThank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llcDescript: Join the next free training >