The Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast

228 | Q&A Partnerships, Profit First, and Complex Client Situations

Send a textWelcome 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:

227 | Increasing Your Sales with Hunter Rademacher

Send us a textIn 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)

226 | Need to know OBBBA highlights for Bookkeepers Adrian Lopez

Send us a textThe '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)

225 ⎸ Recast: Become a Bookkeeper with Katie Ferro

Send us a textBefore 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: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)Buzzsprout:

224 | Using Human-First AI for Visibility with Kelly Sinclair

Send us a textI had the best conversation with Kelly Sinclair about something that's been on my mind (and probably yours too): how to actually use AI without losing the human connection that makes your business YOU. We dive deep into why social media might not be the lead generator you think it is, how to build visibility strategies that don't rely on the algorithm, and how AI can actually help you show up MORE human, not less.In this episode you’ll hear:Why taking a break from social media might be the best business decision you makeHow to flip your AI mindset from "polish my work" to "support me first"The three ways to monetize AI in your businessResources mentioned in this episode:90 Day Visibility Sprint Starter Kit https://kellysinclair.thrivecart.com/the-90-day-visibility-sprint-podcast/?coupon=SERENAPODValerieBrand CalibratorNotebook LMChatGPTMindPalManyChatZapierQuickBooks OnlineMeet KellyKelly Sinclair is a visibility strategist, AI-powered marketing expert, and host of Entrepreneur School. An accidental tech nerd and professional mom taxi, she helps entrepreneurs ditch random acts of marketing, build visibility habits that actually work, and grow through intentional visibility—not by selling their soul to social media.Connect with KellyPodcast: https://entrepreneurschool.ca/podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ksco_kelly/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)