The Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast

This one is a little different. One day in February I decided to vlog my day.. a sort of behind the scenes of my day. I wasn’t sure what I was going to use this footage for. And then… I was inspired a couple weeks ago (by the time this comes out) to write another BTS Newsletter. The two are **completely unrelated in topics—** combining the voice over of my Newsletter (unfiltered thoughts combined with a little education + provoking thoughts) with my random vlogging day.

I hope you enjoy… make sure you watch it on YouTube for the full effect.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• The audio version of Vol. 7. No more arbitrary price increases
• Audio of my check ins through out the day

WATCH ON YOUTUBE FOR THE FULL EXPERIENCE → subscribe while you’re there.

Subscribe to the Newsletter. I don’t sell in them. They are my own personal thoughts and musings as I build & grow my businesses. There will be typos. Half the time, I write them from my phone. Right when inspiration hits.

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)

AI is changing the bookkeeping game, but it's not replacing us anytime soon.

In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on Xero's built-in AI feature, JAX (Just Ask Xero), and walking you through exactly how we're testing it inside our own firm before rolling it out to clients. From auto bank reconciliation to creating invoices via conversation, there are some genuinely cool time-saving features here, but there's still a lot you need to be doing yourself.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• How JAX works inside Xero
• What security and data privacy measures are in place
• How the auto bank reconciliation feature works
• How JAX can look up vendor information from the web while you're coding transactions
• How to use JAX to create invoices, pull up open invoices, and even build quotes

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Xero :https://xeroamericas.partnerlinks.io/79afz10exu7d
• JAX Article: https://central.xero.com/s/article/About-Just-Ask-Xero-JAX-AU
• Xero’s data commitment: https://www.xero.com/us/data/
• Xero Playlist → https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvpVbZsrj-tXq1nN53z162JbTwGeH3GPf

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)

I have a big announcement to share and I've been so excited to finally let the cat out of the bag! Erin Pohan, one of our OG community members and founder of UpKeeping®, is joining me as co-coach for this upcoming cohort of the Bookkeeping Business Accelerator.

I wanted to bring Erin on because she's lived this journey. She started from scratch just like you, built her firm to 50 clients and a team of three, and she did it using the BBA framework. This episode is a real, honest conversation about what it actually takes to build a bookkeeping business, how AI is changing our industry (but not in the way you might fear), and what's in store for this cohort.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• The big announcement
• Erin's origin story
• AI in bookkeeping
• And more!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Bookkeeping Business Accelerator (BBA): https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/vip
• Ambitious Bookkeeper Bookkeeping Biz Workshops: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/workshops
• Xero: https://xeroamericas.partnerlinks.io/79afz10exu7d
• QuickBooks Online: https://www.referquickbooks.com/s/Serena4
• Workflow Queen / Alyssa Lang: https://www.workflowqueen.com

Meet Erin

As Founder of UpKeeping® and a proud student in The Ambitious Bookkeeper community, Erin is changing the old & boring stereotypes of the accounting industry. Erin and her team support new entrepreneurs and already-established small business owners by being their #1 financial cheerleader/concierge/communicator.

When she’s not trying to make accounting more “fun”, Erin loves traveling the world with her family, playing the violin, and convincing accounting students & professionals that owning an accounting firm is the American dream.

Connect with Erin

👥 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinpohan/

📱 Instagram: @upkeeping.co

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)

From AI tools and scope creep to finding your first clients and onboarding systems, whether you're just dreaming about starting a bookkeeping business or you're a few years in, there's something in here for you.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• How I use AI in my firm
• Pricing, scope creep, and tough money conversations
• Finding your first five clients
• Onboarding process

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Bookkeeping Biz Workshops: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/workshops
• Onboarding Templates Freebie: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/onboarding
• Elevate: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/elevate
• Bookkeeping Business Accelerator: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bba
• Effortless Client Requests: workflowqueen.com
• Become a Bookkeeper: https://www.katieferro.com/a/38894/2PQNgtvv
• Dubsado Decoded: https://kendracourtney.com/dubsado-decoded/
• Akadian QBO: https://fastandeasyqbo.samcart.com/referral/qbo-basic/8Duca0gOuAg8wpjF
• Bookkeeper Launch: https://sk293.isrefer.com/go/BLFS/SS64/

Affiliate Links

• Xero: https://xeroamericas.partnerlinks.io/79afz10exu7d
• QuickBooks Online: https://www.referquickbooks.com/s/Serena4
• Dubsado: https://www.dubsado.com/?c=shoupcpa
• Gusto: https://gusto.com/r/1bjHm
• Content Snare: https://contentsnare.com/#_r_serena58
• Clockify: https://clockify.me/?fpr=qyebl2

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)

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: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)

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)

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)

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: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)

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)

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)