The Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast

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.

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>>

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.

Hey guys! This month's live Q&A was packed with real talk about the nitty-gritty of running a bookkeeping business. We covered everything from pricing cleanups (spoiler: diagnostics are your best friend) to getting cyber insurance (yes, it's non-negotiable), and I even got vulnerable about my experience juggling babies and business. If you've ever wondered how to market to trades, what reports clients actually need, or how to take maternity leave as a business owner, this episode is for you!

In this episode you’ll hear:

• How to price cleanups without Getting Burned
• Marketing Strategies that Actually Work for Your Niche
• Cyber Insurance
• Maternity Leave and Business

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Jock Wols - featured on Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast for cyber insurance discussion: https://youtu.be/QmXfN_PaKWE
• Karrisa Martino - Health Insurance Specialist: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog/121
• Elevate: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/elevate
• Confident Compliance Bundle: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/offers/tgPgMBJ7
• Mini Course Bundle: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/offers/vYYfsxH9
• Akadian: https://fastandeasyqbo.samcart.com/referral/ihiA1kYR/8Duca0gOuAg8wpjF
• Email List - Sign up at: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/subscribe
• Keeper: https://keeper.app/?via=serena
• Canva: https://www.canva.com/join/relish-scale-floristic
• Upcounsel: https://www.upcounsel.com/rf/8dCYxoOU
• Housecall Pro: https://link.hscll.com/3i3yr
• Lady Pros Facebook Group
• Alignable

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)

some links are affiliate links

Want to see my weekly timesheets? Follow me on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeper

No one talks enough about the amount of time that goes into an online course business. So I’m talking about it today.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• My profit margins for both my firm & my online course business
• the time I spend during launches & fulfillment
• how much time I spent in August 2025 on both businesses

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Clockify → timetracking

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.

Cyber scams targeting bookkeepers are getting more sophisticated, and I'm sitting down with insurance expert Jock Wols to talk about what's happening in our industry right now. I even share my own recent experience being targeted through the Gusto partner directory—twice in one day! If you think it won't happen to you, think again. This conversation is packed with real stories, practical tips, and the insurance knowledge you need to protect your business in 2025.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• The most common scams hitting bookkeepers right now, including phishing attacks through trusted directories like Gusto and QuickBooks
• My personal story of almost falling victim to a payroll scam (and how one of those fake "clients" actually got to another bookkeeper)
• Why picking up the phone is your best defense against wire transfer fraud
• What cyber insurance actually covers (spoiler: not all policies are created equal) and the gaps you need to know about

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Episode with Jock on Insurance Basics
• Behind the Scenes Newsletter (Past Volumes) >

watch the video version on YouTube >>

Meet Jock Wols

Jock is the Founder and CEO of RiskDesk, an insurance broker and technology company based out of Lexington, Kentucky. In partnership with Nationwide, he established the PT Pro platform (https://www.ptprocover.com) to serve small business’ insurance needs. He has almost 20 years of experience to help professionals manage their risk by delivering market-leading E&O / Professional Liability and Cyber Liability insurance solutions. Before he established RiskDesk in 2017, Jock managed the professional liability portfolio at XL Catlin and was based in London, New York and Lexington. He graduated from Washington & Lee University with a BSc in 2004 and obtained his MBA from New York University in 2013.

Connect with Jock

Reach out directly to Jock at [email protected] or (859) 327-5594.

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 sat down with Margie Remmers-Davis, founder and CEO of Akadian Accounting Education, to talk about what it really takes to learn QuickBooks Online. If you've ever felt like the ProAdvisor certification didn't actually prepare you to do bookkeeping work, this conversation is for you. Margie shares her incredible journey from stay-at-home mom to bookkeeping educator, and we dive deep into how she's revolutionizing the way people learn QBO and bookkeeping.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• How Margie went from a devastating divorce to building a thriving education company that's changing how bookkeepers learn
• The truth about the QBO ProAdvisor certification
• How AI is going to change bookkeeping jobs and what you need to know right now to protect your career and stay relevant

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Acadian Accounting Education: https://www.akadian.com
• "Everything Doc" Guide :https://www.akadian.com/everything
• QBO Gym Locker Room: https://www.akadian.com/lockerroom
• Books Match: https://www.booksmatch.us

Meet Margie

Pressure is the only way to form diamonds. Margie Remmers-Davis, known as the Aha Queen of Accounting Education, is transforming what many consider a dry, boring subject into something practical, hands-on, engaging, and fun! After an unexpected divorce forced her to start over, she uncovered major gaps in accounting education while rebuilding her career through bookkeeping. Drawing on her background in software training, she founded Akadian Accounting Education, which has since empowered over 20,000 bookkeepers with the confidence, clarity, and skills to thrive. In recognition of its rapid growth and impact, Akadian was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing companies.

Connect with Margie

👥 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margie-remmers/

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@akadianeducation

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)

Hey there! In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly what you actually need to start your bookkeeping business - no fluff, just the tactical stuff that matters. As someone who accidentally started my bookkeeping business as a side hustle to motherhood and now mentors other bookkeepers, I'm sharing the five non-negotiables that will set you up for success from day one.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• The complete education and experience foundation you need
• All the paperwork and compliance stuff nobody talks about
• How to actually get paid
• The exact documents you need to ask every client for during onboarding
• My honest take on pricing

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Become a Bookkeeper
• Akadian Accounting Education
• Relay Bank
• Xero
• Pricing for Profit
• All Minicourses → Store

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 online course 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 our website: ambitiousbookkeeper.com
• Follow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog
• Connect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Threads: threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpa

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

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

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.

In this episode, I'm sharing my personal journey through toxic mold exposure and the health challenges that nearly broke me as a mom and business owner. I'm joined by my nutritionist Dariella Gonitzke, who I met at BBD Live when I was at my lowest point. We dive deep into how stress, environmental factors, and hormonal changes can completely derail your health - and what you can actually do about it.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• How I went from a healthy mom to barely functioning due to toxic mold exposure
• Why traditional medicine often misses the mark with exhausted women
• The connection between stress, mineral depletion, and why you might be craving salt all the time
• Practical strategies for supporting your body through midlife changes

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Wellness audit - https://saravitanutrition.thrivecart.com/the-midlife-wellness-audit/
• YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SaravitaNutrition
• Website: https://saravitanutrition.com/

Meet Dariella

Dariella Gonitzke is a registered dietitian and functional medicine practitioner dedicated to helping women overcome persistent health issues—like hormonal imbalances, digestive troubles, and stubborn weight gain—through personalized, holistic care. Drawing on her own healing journey with hormonal imbalances and migraines, she offers science-backed nutrition plans, advanced lab testing, and lifestyle support to uncover the root causes of symptoms and restore vitality. With a compassionate, “test‑not‑guess” approach, Dariella guides clients toward sustainable transformation—so they can feel energized, balanced, and fully themselves again

Connect with Dariella

📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nutrition.for.perimenopause/

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)