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
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No one talks enough about the amount of time that goes into an online course business. So I’m talking about it today.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- My profit margins for both my firm & my online course business
- the time I spend during launches & fulfillment
- how much time I spent in A...
Cyber scams targeting bookkeepers are getting more sophisticated, and I'm sitting down with insurance expert Jock Wols to talk about what's happening in our industry right now. I even share my own recent experience being targeted through the Gusto partner directory—twice in one day! If you think it won't happen to you, think again. This conversation is packed with real stories, practical tips, and the i...
In this episode, I sat down with Margie Remmers-Davis, founder and CEO of Akadian Accounting Education, to talk about what it really takes to learn QuickBooks Online. If you've ever felt like the ProAdvisor certification didn't actually prepare you to do bookkeeping work, this conversation is for you. Margie shares her incredible journey from stay-at-home mom to bookkeeping educator, and we dive deep into ho...
Hey there! In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly what you actually need to start your bookkeeping business - no fluff, just the tactical stuff that matters. As someone who accidentally started my bookkeeping business as a side hustle to motherhood and now mentors other bookkeepers, I'm sharing the five non-negotiables that will set you up for success from day one.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- The comp...
In this episode, I'm sharing my personal journey through toxic mold exposure and the health challenges that nearly broke me as a mom and business owner. I'm joined by my nutritionist Dariella Gonitzke, who I met at BBD Live when I was at my lowest point. We dive deep into how stress, environmental factors, and hormonal changes can completely derail your health - and what you can actually do about it.
In this ...
Is it time to move your clients to Xero? Let’s talk about some considerations, before you embark on this path
In this episode you’ll hear:
- how to know if it’s time to leave QBO
- steps to take to migrate your clients
- resources and benefits of being a Xero Partner
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Sign up for the Xero Partner Program: https://xeroamericas.partnerlinks.io/79afz10exu7d (affiliate link)
- Why we’re a...
Hey ambitious bookkeepers! In this week's audio-only episode, I'm getting real about a bold statement: entrepreneurship isn't hard. I know, I know - you're probably thinking I've lost it, right? But hear me out. This episode dives into how our mindset and the people we surround ourselves with can completely shift our experience as business owners.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- Why it matters ...
Today I'm re-airing one of my favorite spotlight episodes featuring two incredible BBA students - Erin and Misa. These ladies built thriving bookkeeping businesses from absolutely nothing, and I'm sharing their real, raw stories plus giving you an update on where they are now (spoiler alert: they're both crushing it!). If you've been wondering whether you can actually make this work while juggling ...
Hey everyone! This month's live Q&A was packed with so many golden nuggets for your bookkeeping business. We covered everything from client management to getting started with confidence - basically all the real stuff you're dealing with day-to-day.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- Getting Clients in Niche Markets
- Handling Unresponsive Clients
- Recording Startup Expenses
- Bookkeeping Practice Tests
- Using Airtable...
Hey ambitious bookkeepers! In this episode, I'm getting real about my "accidental" start in accounting and why NOW is always the best time to start your bookkeeping business. I'm sharing my journey from elementary education major to single mom working at a health food co-op, all the way to building my own virtual bookkeeping firm while raising kids. Spoiler alert: success doesn't require a per...
In this episode, I'm sharing one of my most game-changing strategies - my Sunday evening planning ritual. If you're feeling overwhelmed juggling kids, home life, and building your business, this 15-20 minute weekly practice will help you take back control of your time and align your week with what truly matters.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- How to implement a Sunday planning ritual
- The exact tools I use
- How ...
In this episode, I had an incredibly insightful conversation with Robin J. Emdon, author of "GetResultsology - The Science of Getting Stuff Done" and a productivity coach who specializes in helping people overcome procrastination. In this conversation Robin dives deep into the psychology behind why we procrastinate and provides concrete strategies to break free from it.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- The neu...
In this episode, Serena sits with Grace Costa, founder of Social Mixed Media and the Social Accountant, to dive deep into what's working in social media marketing right now. Grace shares her journey from accountant to marketing agency owner and gives us the real scoop on how AI is changing the game for bookkeepers and accountants trying to land clients online.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- 4 core or...
Hey everyone! This month's live Q&A was packed with so many good questions from the community. We covered everything from client communication systems to accrual accounting transitions, and I even got to address some pricing questions that I know so many of you struggle with.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- Client request systems and processes
- Xero migrations and software recommendations
- Accrual accounting deep ...
Join Serena and Alyssa Lang, the Workflow Queen, as they dive deep into the results of the first-ever State of Virtual Bookkeeping and Accounting Industry Report! We collected over 200 responses from bookkeepers and accounting firm owners like you, and the data is honestly eye-opening. This isn't your typical corporate survey - this is BY us, FOR us small firm owners.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- The advisory s...
This bonus episode features the live recording from Wave Seattle, where I joined forces with Alyssa Lang (the Workflow Queen) and event host Erin Pohan for an authentic conversation about business, friendship, and finding your people in the accounting industry. We shared our "biz bestie" origin story, talked about navigating personal setbacks as business leaders, and answered real questions from the audience...
In this episode, I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Adrian Lopez, a former IRS revenue agent turned CPA, who just left the IRS last month to start his own practice. Adrian pulls back the curtain on what really happens during IRS audits and shares insider secrets that every bookkeeper and business owner needs to know.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- The real audit triggers that most people don't know...
In this episode, I'm tackling a listener question about document retention in our digital age. You know how we used to worry about keeping physical files for 3, 5, or 7 years? Well, now that everything's digital and stored in the cloud, does that change our retention strategy? Spoiler alert: it's way more complex than I initially thought! I'm breaking down both IRS guidelines for small businesses A...
In this episode, I'm answering an audience question about whether the nonprofit sector is a viable niche for a new bookkeeping firm. I dive deep into the pros and cons of specializing in nonprofits and share actionable strategies for making this niche work.
What You Can Expect to Hear
- How to overcome the common challenge of nonprofits expecting discounted pricing through value-based pricing strategies
- Specific s...
In this eye-opening episode, Serena sits down with Meenadchi, an ancestral healing practitioner, to explore how intergenerational trauma impacts our relationship with money. This isn't your typical business conversation - we're diving deep into the personal stuff that affects how you run your business and serve your clients … and get a little woo!
In this episode you’ll hear:
- How trauma from your ancestors...
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