Behind the Books

Running a bookkeeping business shouldn't mean holding every task, follow-up and deadline in your head.

In this episode of Behind the Books, we're joined by Heidi Wruck, founder of JuicyCRM, a platform Kenn and Sandi openly admit they absolutely love using to run NZQBA.

Heidi shares how her journey took her from early childhood education and owning a butchery to business support, systems and eventually JuicyCRM.

We talk about the mental load that comes with running a business, why automation doesn't have to mean losing the personal touch, and how the right systems can give Bookkeepers back valuable time and headspace.

This episode covers:

• Why good systems can help reduce the mental load of running a business
• When it's time to move beyond spreadsheets and disconnected software
• The Bookkeeper tasks worth automating first
• How to automate client onboarding without losing the personal touch
• Why your time as a business owner isn't free
• How to approach new systems without trying to change everything at once
• Some of the clever ways businesses are already using automation and AI

If you're spending too much time chasing, remembering and manually managing tasks that could be happening automatically, this episode is packed with practical ideas to help you work smarter.

With thousands of apps, integrations and new software tools available, it can feel impossible for Bookkeepers to keep up.

In this episode of Behind the Books, we're joined by Courtney Wilson from The Software Coach to talk about making smarter software decisions without needing to become an expert in every app.

Courtney believes Bookkeepers already bring something incredibly valuable to the software conversation: they know their clients. They understand how the business operates, where the frustrations are and when something simply isn't working.

We discuss why the problem isn't always the software, how people and processes can make or break an implementation, and why the "perfect" software doesn't actually exist. Courtney also shares practical advice for recognising when a client needs help, when to stick with an existing system and when it really is time for a change.

This episode covers:

• Why Bookkeepers don't need to know every app
• Why understanding your client can be more valuable than understanding the technology
• How to recognise the difference between a software problem and a process problem
• Why Courtney recommends thinking carefully before recommending specific software
• How team buy-in can make or break a software implementation
• When to stick with the software you already have and when it's time to change
• Why reporting is one of the most underused software features
• Why saving time shouldn't always be the goal when improving your systems
• How AI is changing the software landscape and why human judgement still matters
• Why Bookkeepers are perfectly placed to spot when clients need additional support

If you've ever felt like you should know more about every app in the ecosystem, this conversation is a great reminder that you don't need to have all the answers. Sometimes the real value is knowing your client, asking the right questions and recognising when it's time to bring in the right support.

What does it really take to build a Bookkeeping practice that is efficient, profitable and valuable?

In this episode of Behind the Books, Kenn + Sandi are joined by Cassandra Scott, experienced Bookkeeping practice owner, industry educator and Industry Specialist at XBert.

After more than 25 years running her own Bookkeeping practice in Australia, Cassandra successfully sold the business she had built. Looking back, she realised something many Bookkeepers don't always recognise: she hadn't simply created a job for herself. She had built an asset with real value.

Cassandra shares what she learned along the way, from becoming an "accidental Bookkeeper" and figuring things out as she went, to building systems, managing a team and eventually preparing a practice someone else wanted to buy.

The conversation explores why Bookkeepers need to think like business owners, why getting your systems and technology right early matters, and how AI and automation are creating opportunities for Bookkeepers to spend less time on repetitive work and more time providing genuine value to clients.

We also talk about the changing Bookkeeping profession, the growing opportunity for Bookkeepers in advisory, the importance of soft skills, and why Cassandra believes the profession needs to get much better at recognising its own value.

Plus, Cassandra explains how XBert helps Bookkeeping and accounting practices improve data quality, manage risk, build better workflows and create more consistent systems across their businesses.

This episode covers:

• Why your Bookkeeping practice is an asset, not just a job
• The importance of getting your systems and tech stack right early
• Why good Bookkeeping is fundamental to good accounting
• How AI and automation are changing the role of the Bookkeeper
• The growing opportunity for Bookkeepers to move into advisory
• Why soft skills will become increasingly important
• Building systems that support people, pricing and growth
• Why Bookkeepers need to recognise and charge for the value they provide
• How XBert supports data quality, risk management and workflow
• What Cassandra believes the next generation of Bookkeeping practices will look like

If you're building a Bookkeeping business, growing a team, reviewing your systems or wondering what the future of the profession looks like, there is plenty to take away from this conversation.

Bookkeepers often underestimate just how much value they bring to their clients.

In this episode of Behind the Books, we're joined by David Morrison, New Zealand Market Lead for COUNT and a familiar face to many Bookkeepers from his years with Thankyou Payroll.

David believes the bookkeeping profession is entering one of its most exciting periods. As AI continues to automate repetitive tasks, the real value of Bookkeepers isn't disappearing... it's becoming even more important.

We discuss why COUNT chose New Zealand as its launch market, how AI is changing the way we work, and why judgement, curiosity and trusted client relationships will always be skills technology can't replace.

This episode covers:

• Why Bookkeepers often underestimate the value they bring
• How AI is creating more opportunities for Bookkeepers
• Why COUNT chose New Zealand as its launch market
• The future skills every Bookkeeper should be developing
• Why curiosity and critical thinking matter more than ever
• What the bookkeeping profession could look like over the next five years
• Why human expertise will always matter

If you've ever wondered what the future of bookkeeping really looks like, this conversation will leave you feeling optimistic about where the profession is heading.

In this episode of Behind the Books, we're joined by Mel Weston from Virtual Mel Business Admin Solutions.

Mel shares her journey from working across multiple industries to building her own successful bookkeeping business, including the lessons she wishes she'd known when she started.

We talk about pricing, confidence, finding your first clients, building a support network, and why running your own business is about so much more than just the numbers.

If you've ever wondered whether you're ready to start your own bookkeeping business, or you're already on the journey and need reassurance that you're not alone, this episode is for you.

We cover:

• How Mel found her very first clients
• The transition from hourly rates to value pricing
• Why confidence is one of the biggest business challenges
• Growing from solo Bookkeeper to building a team
• The importance of community and professional support
• Setting boundaries while running your own business
• Lessons learned from growing a bookkeeping business
• Why "just do it" might be the best advice you'll hear

Whether you're brand new to bookkeeping or growing an established practice, Mel's honest reflections are packed with practical advice and encouragement.

In this episode of Behind the Books, we’re joined by Adriana Cavallo, General Manager of Customer Experience at BGL Corporate Solutions.

This conversation is all about customer experience, leadership, technology, and why Bookkeepers should never underestimate the value they bring to their clients.

Adriana shares her journey from accounting graduate to leading customer experience across a global software company, and how BGL has grown from a desktop software provider into a global platform supporting thousands of businesses across multiple countries.

We also dive into the changing role of Bookkeepers, the impact of AI and automation, and why creating exceptional client experiences is becoming one of the biggest opportunities for businesses in the profession.

This episode covers:

• Adriana’s 13-year journey through 10 different roles at BGL
• How customer experience has evolved from a "nice to have" to a business priority
• Why great leaders create safe spaces for people to learn and grow
• Overcoming imposter syndrome and building confidence in leadership
• The importance of systems, processes, and continuous improvement
• How AI and automation are changing bookkeeping and compliance work
• Why Bookkeepers need to evolve beyond data entry and compliance tasks
• The role technology plays in creating better client experiences
• The power of community, connection, and industry relationships
• Practical advice for building a sustainable and future-focused bookkeeping business

If you've ever wondered how to create a better experience for your clients, how technology is reshaping the profession, or what successful businesses are doing differently, this episode is packed with practical insights and valuable takeaways.

🎧 Listen now and discover why customer experience may be one of the most important investments you can make in your bookkeeping business.

In this episode of Behind the Books, we're joined by Vicki Campbell and Phil Jacklin from Thankyou Payroll.

This conversation is about far more than payroll.

We explore what it looks like to build a business that genuinely puts people, purpose and community first, and why success doesn't have to come at the expense of making a positive impact.

Vicki and Phil share the story behind Thankyou Payroll's unique social enterprise model, how they've embedded generosity and sustainability into everyday business decisions, and why authentic relationships remain at the heart of everything they do.

We also discuss the changing role of Bookkeepers, payroll challenges facing New Zealand businesses, workplace culture, stewardship ownership, and what businesses can do to create lasting impact.

This episode covers:

• The story behind Thankyou Payroll and its social enterprise mission
• Why purpose-driven businesses attract great people
• Building stronger relationships with Bookkeepers and clients
• Payroll challenges facing New Zealand businesses
• Cashflow, compliance and the future of payroll
• Steward ownership and protecting a business's mission
• Sustainability in everyday business decisions
• Creating a workplace culture people genuinely love
• Why authenticity builds trust with clients
• Practical advice for businesses wanting to make a positive impact

If you've ever wondered whether a business can successfully balance people, profit and purpose, this episode is full of practical ideas and inspiring stories.

🎧 Listen now and discover why business can be about so much more than the bottom line.

In this episode of Behind the Books, we’re joined by Ben Liebert, founder of SyncHub and Blackball Software.

This conversation is all about how Bookkeepers can stop wasting time on manual data work – and start using data to deliver real value to their clients.

Ben shares how SyncHub went from a one-week MVP to a globally used platform across 30+ countries, and why most businesses (and Bookkeepers) are sitting on a “treasure trove” of data they’re not actually using.

We also get into how AI is changing the way Bookkeepers can interact with data, moving beyond static reports to real-time insights and better client conversations.

This episode covers:

• Why Bookkeepers and businesses are sitting on unused data
• The real reason clean, structured data is still a challenge
• How AI is changing the way Bookkeepers can use data
• Common misconceptions about dashboards and reporting
• What truly data-driven businesses (and advisors) do differently
• How to move from manual reporting to real insights
• Practical ways to start using your data better – without over complicating it

If you’ve ever felt stuck in spreadsheets, unsure how to turn data into something meaningful for your clients, or wondering where AI fits into your role as a Bookkeeper – this episode is well worth a listen.

🎧 Listen now and start turning your data into better client outcomes.

In this episode of Behind the Books, we’re joined by Mike Kelly and Ata McGregor, Co-Founders of 2Shakes.

This conversation dives into what good onboarding actually looks like in a bookkeeping business, why so many Bookkeepers struggle with it, and how better systems can save time, reduce stress, and improve the client experience from day one.

Mike and Ata share the story behind 2Shakes, how it started from a government project around “authority to act”, and how it evolved into one of the most recognised onboarding and AML platforms for Bookkeepers in New Zealand.

We also get into:

• Why onboarding is more than just paperwork
• Common mistakes Bookkeepers make when taking on clients
• The risks of poor engagement letters and missing authorities
• How AML naturally fits into onboarding
• Why systems matter even for small or part-time Bookkeepers
• Scaling a bookkeeping business beyond your local area
• The reality of building a software business together as partners

Plus… there are camping stories, chocolate debates, presenter voices, and one very important conversation about goat-herding Bookkeepers.

This episode is practical, honest, and full of real-world insight for Bookkeepers at every stage of business.

🎧 Listen now and start turning your data into better client outcomes.

In this episode of Behind the Books, we’re joined by Sharon Francisco - business mentor, educator, podcast host, and founder of The Entrepreneurial Bookkeeper Program.

This conversation goes far beyond bookkeeping systems and strategy. Sharon shares her deeply personal journey from corporate life and business coaching into building and scaling a bookkeeping business during one of the most challenging periods of her life.

We talk about confidence, mindset, financial independence, and why so many Bookkeepers accidentally build businesses that consume them instead of support them. Sharon opens up about the realities of burnout, overwhelm, self-belief, and the mindset shifts needed to create a business intentionally - not just survive week to week.

This episode covers:

• Sharon’s unexpected journey into the bookkeeping industry
• Building a bookkeeping business while navigating major life change
• Why many Bookkeepers underestimate their value
• The connection between mindset, confidence, and business growth
• How to move beyond survival mode and create a sustainable business
• The importance of boundaries, systems, and support
• Why positive thinking and visualisation matter in business
• The future of bookkeeping and the rise of advisory conversations
• Practical ways Bookkeepers can create more freedom and financial independence

This is an honest, uplifting, and empowering conversation for any Bookkeeper wanting to build a business that feels lighter, more intentional, and more aligned with the life they actually want.