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Welcome 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 planning
• Tech stack essentials
• Hiring and leading your first employee
• Pricing strategies for startups and special situations

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Xero: https://xeroamericas.partnerlinks.io/79afz10exu7d
• QuickBooks Online: https://www.referquickbooks.com/s/Serena4
• Become a Bookkeeper by Katie Farrow: https://www.katieferro.com/a/38894/2PQNgtvv
• Risk Desk by Jock Walls at https://www.myriskdesk.com
• Dubsado: https://www.dubsado.com/?c=shoupcpa
• Google Workspace: https://referworkspace.app.goo.gl/Xo4G
• TaxJar, Anrok, Hubdoc

• "Make 'Em Beg to Work for You" by Dr. Angela E. Lauria
• "Teamwork" by Natalie Dawson

• Bookkeeping Business Accelerator: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bba
• Elevate: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/elevate
• Confident Compliance Bundle: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/offers/tgPgMBJ7
• Workflow Queen's Breakthrough Program: https://serenashoup.krtra.com/t/IKUxtNZoz7lF
• Dubsado Decoded: https://kendracourtney.com/dubsado-decoded/
• QBO Gym: https://fastandeasyqbo.samcart.com/referral/GymChallenge/8Duca0gOuAg8wpjF

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 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:

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In 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 role
• The sales process & qualifying new clients
• Advice for new bookkeepers
• Client retention & advisory
• Pricing & hiring a sales person

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• House of Revenue/Sales BQ - Consulting company that helped set up the sales and marketing department at Hunter's firm
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpa
• ADP

Meet Hunter Rademacher

My 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 Hunter

LinkedIn: 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 @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 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)

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The '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 Changes
• Bonus Depreciation and Section 179
• Tips and Charitable Contributions
• Employer Tax Credits and Deductions
• Pass-Through Entity Tax and Reconciliation

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• → want to see that ‘tax package’ in action? Grab the Confident Compliance Bundle
• 205 ⎸ Protecting Your Clients from Audits with Ex Irs Auditor Adrian Lopez

Meet Adrian

I’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 Adrian

Website: 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 @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 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)

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Before 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 move
• Why the early seasons of motherhood are intense, and how that shapes business decisions
• How Katie’s bookkeeping business grew: referrals, small beginnings, pricing lessons, and early client expansion
• The 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 house
• Office space + opportunity cost: how one monthly client can fund the setup that changes everything
• Training a team the right way: slow client-by-client handoff, upfront time investment, long-term payoff
• Client continuity + freedom: not being the only person clients rely on
• Katie’s Become a Bookkeeper (BABS) course overview: Learn → Shadow → Apply (practicum)

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Become A Bookkeeper

Connect with Katie: : instagram.com/orderlyaccountingbykatie

Listen to Katie’s Podcast: Profits & Prosecco

Sign up for Become A Bookkeeper

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 ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llc
• Descript:

Join the Bookkeeping Biz Workshops | Mar 9-11 | Daily @ 3 PM Pacific >>

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I 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 make
• How to flip your AI mindset from "polish my work" to "support me first"
• The three ways to monetize AI in your business

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• 90 Day Visibility Sprint Starter Kit https://kellysinclair.thrivecart.com/the-90-day-visibility-sprint-podcast/?coupon=SERENAPOD
• Valerie
• Brand Calibrator
• Notebook LM
• ChatGPT
• MindPal
• ManyChat
• Zapier
• QuickBooks Online

Meet Kelly

Kelly 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 Kelly

Podcast: 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 @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 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)

Join the Bookkeeping Biz Workshops | Mar 9-11 | Daily @ 3 PM Pacific >>

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In this episode, I'm chatting with my friend Kelsey Silver about something so many of you have been asking about - how the heck are we supposed to use AI without compromising our clients' security? Kelsey has a super unique background and she breaks down exactly what we need to look for when evaluating AI tools for our firms. Plus, she shares about her AI app Foresight HQ that helps you identify your hottest leads in your Instagram DMs - no more chasing people who just wanted the freebie!

In this episode you’ll hear:

• How to evaluate AI tools for security
• The difference between machine learning and generative AI
• How Kelsey balances building an app, doing VIP days, working a corporate job, AND being a mom to a 4.5-year-old

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• The Metrics 7-Figure Business Owners Can't Live Without: https://kelseysilver.com/metrics
• 5 DM Signals $FREE: https://foresighthq.app/5signals
• Notion
• ThriveCart, High Level, and SamCart
• ManyChat

Meet Kelsey

Kelsey Silver is a data and AI strategist and the founder of ForesightHQ, an AI-powered DM lead tracker designed for business owners who want to follow up in their DMs without feeling like a sales robot. With a background in psychology, 10+ years in corporate analytics, and a deep love for systems that actually fit your life, Kelsey helps entrepreneurs find the hidden gold in their data so they can sell smarter and with more integrity. When she’s not decoding buyer signals or mapping launch strategies, you can find her at a Ren Faire with her daughter or decompression from reading spreadsheets all day with a bag of Oreos and an oat milk chai latte.

Connect with Kelsey

Instagram: @kelseyesilver

Website: https://kelseysilver.com/

App: https://foresighthq.app

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 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)

Join the Bookkeeping Biz Workshops | Mar 9-11 | Daily @ 3 PM Pacific >>

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Welcome to this special workshop series that will only be up for a LIMITED TIME (Till December 1st) where we're diving deep into what it really takes to start and run a virtual bookkeeping business.

This is the final episode of our three-part Bookkeeping Business Workshop series, where we're diving deep into designing the business. We're talking about your ideal business, your perfect-fit clients, and we're demystifying the sales process because I know that part freaks a lot of you out.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• How to design your dream bookkeeping business
• The exact framework for identifying your perfect-fit client
• My four-step discovery call structure that makes selling feel natural
• The complete roadmap for getting your bookkeeping business up and running

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Get the Templates & Workbook for $27: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/offers/VhYZ8Efs
• Get the special code and the discount for 20% off the Bookkeeping Business Accelerator, Self-Paced before December 1st at: ttps://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/subscribe
• Elevate: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/elevate

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 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)

Subscribe to stay in the know about Black Friday: 

ambitiousbookkeeper.com/subscribe

Black Friday Sale happens November 28 - Dec 2

Get access to the Dubsado Decoded Private Podcast Series here>>

Send us a text

Welcome to this special workshop series that will only be up for a LIMITED TIME (Till December 1st) where we're diving deep into what it really takes to start and run a virtual bookkeeping business.

In this episode, we pull apart accounting tech stacks so you know what you need and what would be nice to have.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• Complete accounting stack breakdown
• The business stack that'll scale
• What you actually need to start
• Solutions to common tech issues

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Get the Templates & Workbook for $27: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/offers/VhYZ8Efs
• Start your free trial of Xero: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/xirpf8p1xkoz
• Accountants & Bookkeepers: become a Xero partner: https://xeroamericas.partnerlinks.io/79afz10exu7d
• Alyssa Lang’s Kickoff With Asana: https://serenashoup.krtra.com/t/41Ux6YmOFQYf
• QuickBooks Online: https://www.referquickbooks.com/s/Serena4
• Relay Bank: https://relayfi.com?referralcode=ShoupCPA
• Gusto Payroll: https://gusto.com:/partners/i/serena591
• Dubsado: https://www.dubsado.com/?c=shoupcpa
• Canva: https://www.canva.com/join/relish-scale-floristic
• Clockify: https://clockify.me/?fpr=qyebl2
• Google Workspace: https://referworkspace.app.goo.gl/Xo4G
• Kajabi: https://app.kajabi.com/r/SLFEMUL4/t/uiptq7nu
• Double (Formerly known as Keeper): https://keeper.app/?via=serena
• OpenPhone: https://openph.one/referral/XA0kFFR

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 ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Subscribe to stay in the know about Black Friday: 

ambitiousbookkeeper.com/subscribe

Black Friday Sale happens November 28 - Dec 2

Get access to the Dubsado Decoded Private Podcast Series here>>

Send us a text

Welcome to this special workshop series that will only be up for a LIMITED TIME (Till December 1st) where we're diving deep into what it really takes to start and run a virtual bookkeeping business.

In this first session, we talked about imposter syndrome, limiting beliefs that hold us back, and the big scary topics everyone's whispering about: AI and market saturation.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• The truth about AI and your bookkeeping career
• Why market saturation is a myth
• The difference between bookkeeping and accounting
• How to flip the script on your limiting beliefs

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Get the Templates & Workbook for $27: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/offers/VhYZ8Efs
• Start your free trial of Xero: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/xirpf8p1xkoz
• Accountants & Bookkeepers: become a Xero partner: https://xeroamericas.partnerlinks.io/79afz10exu7d

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 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)

Subscribe to stay in the know about Black Friday: 

ambitiousbookkeeper.com/subscribe

Black Friday Sale happens November 28 - Dec 2

Get access to the Dubsado Decoded Private Podcast Series here>>

Send a text

This episode is best watched on YouTube >

In this episode, I'm walking you through one of my absolute favorite tools for keeping your business audit-proof: Hubdoc. I'll show you exactly how we use it at Of Course Financial to help our clients manage their supporting business documents digitally, save hundreds of hours every year, and stay compliant with IRS requirements. Plus, I've got some exciting announcements about upcoming Xero tutorials, the Bookkeeping Biz Workshops re-airing, and our Black Friday sale!

In this episode you’ll hear:

• How Hubdoc automatically organizes receipts, invoices, and statements by vendor
• Step-by-step process for uploading, reviewing, and categorizing documents in Hubdoc before pushing them to Xero or QuickBooks
• Pro tips on avoiding duplicate entries and keeping your books clean while building an audit-proof paper trail

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/what-kind-of-records-should-i-keep

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 >>

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

• Visit my website: ambitiousbookkeeper.com
• Subscribe to my Newsletter ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog
• Connect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Threads: 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.

Join the Bookkeeping Biz Workshops | Mar 9-11 | Daily @ 3 PM Pacific >>