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In this MINIsode, I answer the question, How do you get bank statements from your clients in a timely way?

You’ll hear:

• systems my firm uses for getting bank statements
• what to ask your client during onboarding

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Relay Bank (affiliate link)
• Hubdoc

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: ambitiousbookkeeper.com

Follow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog

Connect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper

Connect on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SerenaShoup

Connect on Facebook: 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: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLC
• Descript (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Send us a text

In this SYSTEMS episode, I chat with John Rea - creator and founder of Scrutinize, an automated bookkeeping file review tool designed to assist bookkeepers in three main areas: evaluating inherited books, conducting monthly reviews, and performing quality assessments.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• the inspiration behind Scrutinize & a detailed look at its features
• best practices for ensuring security when using cloud services
• various use cases for implementing Scrutinize

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Scrutinize (Sign up for a free 14-day trial and use the promo code AMBITIOUS25 to get 25% off your first 12 months!)
• Older podcast where I dive into cyber security with an insurance broker: What kind of Insurance do Bookkeepers Need? With Jock Wols

About John:

My name is John. I grew in a small town in north Texas and moved to Austin at 17 with plans to be a rockstar guitar player. It turns out you actually have to practice to be a rockstar, so that fell through. After spending a few years idling about, I decided to get serious and finished my BA in Finance at St. Edward's University.

I spent most of my career in various roles across the accounting and finance functions, learning as much as I could about how to use data to drive more strategic decisions that led to better outcomes for the businesses I worked with. In 2018 I started my own fractional CFO and bookkeeping firm, which is where I ran into the idea that eventually became my current focus - Scrutinize - which is a platform we built to provide bookkeeping quality assurance by automating ledger reviews.

I still live in Austin, TX with my wife, son, and dopey Staffy.

Connect with John:

• Follow on Twitter @johnrea88
• Sign up for a free 14-day trial of Scrutinize and use the promo code AMBITIOUS25 to get 25% off your first 12 months

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: ambitiousbookkeeper.com
Follow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog
Connect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
Connect on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SerenaShoup
Connect on Facebook: 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: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLC
• Descript (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Join the next free training at ambitiousbookkeeper.com/training

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In this SYSTEMS episode, I chat with David Cristello, founder and CEO of Jetpack Workflow - a company that specializes in assisting bookkeeping, payroll, and tax firms in streamlining their client work and automating deadlines.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• David’s inspiration behind building Jetpack Workflow
• how often you should review and tweak your processes
• how to migrate to new softwares/tools efficiently to avoid overwhelm
• the importance of understanding industry needs to tailor services and marketing strategies

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Jetpack Workflow

About David:

David Cristello is a game-changer, ushering new ideas into accounting, a profession that’s been around for thousands of years.

He’s an innovator, leading the development of Jetpack Workflow, an award-winning workflow software for accounting and bookkeeping firms. As a non-technical founder, David relied on customer-centric ideas and empathy to help pre-sell and then grow the company from a spare-bedroom idea to being ranked on the Inc. 5000 (#676) within the first four years of operation.

He produces and hosts a popular podcast series, “Growing Your Firm,” and is a respected writer of blogs and eBooks, and co authored the best-selling, “Double Your Accounting Firm: Lessons Learned on How Top Firms Grow Faster, Build Stronger Teams, and Increase Profit.” In a focused and impactful way, David is helping others embrace the modernization and changes that are redefining the accounting industry.

Connect with David:

• Listen to his podcast: Growing Your Firm
• Connect on LinkedIn

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: ambitiousbookkeeper.com

Follow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog

Connect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper

Connect on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SerenaShoup

Connect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpa

Follow on Twitter: twitter.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: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLC
• Descript (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Join the next free training at ambitiousbookkeeper.com/training

Send us a text

In this SYSTEMS episode, we have Alyssa Lang (Workflow Queen!) on with us again! We talk about ensuring clarity & efficiency in your client's onboarding journey, and we highlight the significance of creating seamless systems that allow for easier outsourcing or delegation.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• the importance of separating processes in onboarding
• tech and tools we both use to automate onboarding as much as possible
• a walk through of the onboarding process & touch points with clients

Resources mentioned in this episode (some of these are affiliate links):

PROGRAMS:

• Dubsado Decoded
• Breakthrough
• Kickoff With Asana

SOFTWARE:

• Dubsado
• Content Snare
• Plooto
• Asana
• Google Drive (Workspace)
• Zapier
• Keeper
• Clockify
• Slack
• Notion

OTHER PODCAST EPISODES WITH ALYSSA:

• Choosing the Right Marketing Strategy with Alyssa Lang
• [BONUS] How to Package + Sell Advisory Services with Alyssa + Serena
• The Honest Truth about Running a Business with Alyssa Lang
• How to Breakthrough to the Next Level with Alyssa Lang
• Scaling Your Bookkeeping Business with Alyssa Lang The Workflow Queen

About our guest

Alyssa, aka the Workflow Queen, teaches bookkeepers and accountants how to utilize tech and automation to create better workflows, systems and processes. As a result they can run their practices on autopilot, stress less and save time!

Visit her website

Follow her on IG @workflowqueen

Listen to her podcast: Conquering Workflows & Systems

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 website >

Thank you for your support of our show. If you'd like to leave a review, click HERE.

Join the next free training at ambitiousbookkeeper.com/training

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In this interview episode, I chat with Ashley & Katie of Cabot & Main, a company that specializes in helping accountants setup systems, workflows & automations.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• How Ashley & Katie created their business together
• What a typical TaxDome Setup looks like
• Why TaxDome is good for bookkeepers, not just Tax pro’s
• How to beat overwhelm with systems & workflows

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• TaxDome
• ClickUp
• Dubsado (affiliate link)

About our Guests

Katie Toscano & Ashley Meripol are former corporate accountants, turned operations & project managers who found a love for helping the accounting business owner community. After doing their own thing as business owners for a few years in bookkeeping and operations, they decided to partner together to bring their 10+ years each of experience to helping their clients thrive. They were tired of seeing their accounting friends work ridiculous hours, sacrificing time with family, stress & overwhelm just because that’s the way it’s always been. Ashley & Katie have a serious love for all things systems, organization, technology and business, and are passionate about the "anti-hustle" life of working smarter not harder, and taking those Saturdays off.

They are excited to launch their new monthly membership, the Tax Tech Collective as a space for business owners to gain access to their signature TaxDome Accelerator course designed to deliver rapid results, equipping accounting pros with actionable steps, time-saving templates, access to a thriving community of like-minded professionals, and specialized training for their admin support team.

Connect with Cabot & Main:

• Follow on IG @cabotandmain
• Join their new monthly membership ➡️ The Tax Tech Collective

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 >

Follow the Blog >

Connect on IG >

Connect on LinkedIn >

Connect on FB >

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLC
• Descript (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Join the next free training at ambitiousbookkeeper.com/training

Send us a text

Struggling to market yourself because you’re an Introvert? Listen to this Minisode to hear how I market as an introvert!

In this episode you’ll hear:

• 5 places to market yourself

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: ambitiousbookkeeper.com

Follow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog

Connect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper

Connect on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SerenaShoup

Connect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpa

Follow on Twitter: twitter.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: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLC
• Descript (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Send us a text

In this NICHE series episode, I talk with Meryl Johnston, the co-founder of Bean Ninjas. She shares her journey into e-commerce accounting and the valuable lessons she's learned along the way. From managing a team of contractors to choosing profitable clients, she provides valuable tips for success.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• The number one thing to think about when starting or growing a firm
• How to analyze your client base for niching down (step by step!)
• The most important quality to look for in hiring senior employees

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• The Lifestyle Accountant Podcast
• The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator®️
• The Bookkeeping Client Closer (mini-course)

About our guest:

Meryl is a Chartered Accountant and investor. She founded Bean Ninjas in July 2015 with $1,000 following the 7 Day Startup methodology. Now 8 years later the company operates in Australia, the US and UK and has a distributed team of 30 people. She is now focused on her podcast, the Lifestyle Accountant Show, and investing in businesses in the accounting industry.

Connect with Meryl

• LinkedIn

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: ambitiousbookkeeper.com

Follow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog

Connect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper

Connect on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SerenaShoup

Connect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpa

Follow on Twitter: twitter.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: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLC
• Descript (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Join the next free training at ambitiousbookkeeper.com/training

Send us a text

In this NICHE series episode, I talk with Kelly, owner of Summer Dove Bookkeeping, a niche firm specializing in bookkeeping for real estate professionals. She shares how she has noticed a common trend among many RE agents - they often treat their commission as a paycheck - and how she supports them in embracing a more business-oriented approach. She also opens up about her experience in the industry and how she got to where she is today.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• Tips on finding contractors & building a team, as well as creating a positive work culture
• Challenges of managing client growth and increased volume
• How Kelly implements scope reviews to ensure fair pricing

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator®️
• The Bookkeeping Client Closer (mini-course)
• Kickoff With Asana (affiliate link)
• Dubsado (affiliate link)
• Episode on LinkedIn Marketing Strategies

About our guest:

Kelly is the owner of Summer Dove Bookkeeping, wife of a hobby enthusiast, and Mama to three wild little boys. She lives in the mountains of East Tennessee where she and her family go on lots of adventures. She runs on coffee, Jesus, and sarcasm, and she strives to help everyone around her feel at peace. 

Connect with Kelly:

• Follow on IG @summerdovebookkeeping
• Check out her DIY Profit Tracker - Perfect for RE Agents or other solopreneurs who need to track their finances but aren't ready for a bookkeeper yet!

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 website: ambitiousbookkeeper.com

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLC
• Descript (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Join the next free training at ambitiousbookkeeper.com/training

Send us a text

In this NICHE series episode, I chat with Haley Bonczyk, who specializes in the Property Management industry. She’s the owner of Thrive Bookkeeping and a mother of three, and has overcome many challenges on her journey to find the perfect balance between being a mom and running a successful bookkeeping business.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• Haley’s business model
• Balancing motherhood with a bookkeeping business
• Deciding when clients are worth the time and the off-boarding process

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator®️
• The Bookkeeping Client Closer (mini-course)
• Bookkeeper Launch

About our Guest:

Haley started her business back in 2017 with the intention of creating a sustainable job that she could continue to do once she had children. Her oldest daughter was born in 2019 and she maintained a business that had no niche, few systems, and a couple of contractors for about a year before she became fed up with the cycle of stress it was causing her. Fast-forward to today, she has focused in on her niche, has two contractors, and is working hard on the business to create repeatable systems and processes.

Connect with Haley:

• Website >
• Instagram >
• Facebook >
• LinkedIn >

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: ambitiousbookkeeper.com

Follow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog

Connect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper

Connect on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SerenaShoup

Connect on Facebook: 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: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLC
• Descript (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Join the next free training at ambitiousbookkeeper.com/training

Send us a text

In this NICHE series interview I chat with Tyler Otto, who specializes in the Hospitality industry — from his corporate days in Finance, he’s built a successful firm and is sharing some insights about growing a team and marketing his firm to get it off the ground.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• Tyler’s go-to market strategy to gain initial clients after he lost his corporate job during the pandemic
• How he has attracted stellar team members & how his team is structured
• How he’s been able to keep team morale up to retain talent

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator®️
• The Bookkeeping Client Closer (mini-course)
• Bookkeeper Launch
• Keeper
• Traction - by Gino Wickman
• Rocketfuel - by Gino Wickman
• E-Myth - By Michael Gerber

About our Guest:
Tyler Otto is the owner of Specialty Bookkeeping, LLC, where he has developed a winning formula for an innovative, virtually based accounting and tax firm. His company leverages technology to simplify client’s financial processes, creating greater visibility into their financials and driving profit. He has extensive experience in the finance side of the hotel and tourism industry where he has also served as the Corporate Director of Finance with Imprint Hospitality in 2020.

Connect with Tyler:

• LinkedIn >
• Youtube >
• Excel Course >

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: ambitiousbookkeeper.com
Follow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog
Connect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
Connect on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SerenaShoup
Connect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpa
Follow on Twitter: twitter.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: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLC
• Descript (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Join the next free training at ambitiousbookkeeper.com/training