The Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast

Hey there! Welcome back to another episode of The Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast. This week, join me as I dive into a treasure trove of archived Q&A content. We’re talking year-end tips, the ins and outs of e-commerce, using that CFO title wisely, and loads more. So grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and let's dive right in. Enjoy!

In this episode you’ll hear:

• Get the lowdown on stepping into the wild world of e-commerce bookkeeping and why it might not be the best first client without some confidence.
• Explore what titles like CFO or Controller really mean when offering advisory services and how to choose the one that suits you.
• Learn some insider tips on handling 1099 issues when vendors are playing hard to get with their W-9s.
• Dive into a candid conversation about those pesky VC demands and what to do when a client expects full-time employee attention.
• Discover the best scrappy and budget-friendly platforms to launch digital products without breaking the bank.

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 video I’m demonstrating how to adjust bank balances when you’re cleaning up a Xero bank reconciliation. We’ll cover:

• spend money transactions
• receive money transactions
• manually reconciling transactions
• conversion balances (adjusting the beginning balance)

Learn how to start your bookkeeping business (for experienced bookkeepers & accountants): https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bba

Become a Bookkeeper using Xero: https://www.katieferro.com/a/38894/2PQNgtvv (affiliate link)

Grab the FREE Start your Bookkeeping Biz Checklist: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/checklist

Grab my FREE New Client Onboarding Templates: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/onboard

Don’t want to manage your own books in Xero?

Become a Client: ofcoursebookkeeping.com/contact

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

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

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

We use OpenPhone instead of Google voice for 2FA codes and for client communication. I'll go over that in this video and show you our setup.

Here's how to work around needing to pay for multiple users as your team grows:

1. Make sure you have a central email inbox setup (like [email protected] or [email protected]) 
   1. Give your entire team access to this (we save the login info in 1Password)
2. Use this to create your account on OpenPhone
3. Have everyone download the Desktop and/or phone app and login with that central inbox

Tips:

⚡️ We have a Zap that enters the client contact info into OpenPhone when they sign with us

⏱️ Schedule text messages to clients for business hours

✅ Mark things done when actioned to get them out of the inbox

💸 Use THIS LINK to receive a $20 Credit when you sign up for OpenPhone!

Learn how to start your bookkeeping business (for experienced bookkeepers & accountants): https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bba

Become a Bookkeeper: https://www.katieferro.com/a/38894/2PQNgtvv (affiliate link)

Grab the FREE Start your Bookkeeping Biz Checklist: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/checklist

Grab my FREE New Client Onboarding Templates: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/onboard

Become a Client: ofcoursebookkeeping.com/contact

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

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

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

In this interview episode, we're diving into the world of micro reporting and weekly client updates with Shea Keats and Michelle Röse from Breakaway Advising. If you've ever been curious about adding a personal touch to your client advisory, this one's for you!

In this episode you’ll hear:

• what micro reporting is all about
• how the concept of joy and compassion can revolutionize client relationships and business success
• tips on picking the right clients and services to match your business model and achieve your dreamy work-life balance

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Breakaway Advising
• LiveFlow
• 144 | Breakaway from the old Franchise model with Shea + Michelle

Meet Shea & Michelle

Shea Keats (CEO) and Michelle Röse (COO) are founders of Breakaway Bookkeeping + Advising, a company on a mission to bring joy to accounting for both the accountant and the client.

Connect with Shea & Michelle

💼 LinkedIn

🌐 Become an Advisor

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 Threads: threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeper
• 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 ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

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

In this interview episode, I chat with Ryan Lazanis from FutureFirm about growth strategies and pricing tips to help streamline your firm. Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale, Ryan shares some golden nuggets on navigating the world of accounting business with ease and purpose.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• Ryan’s journey from starting Zen Accounting to selling it and then launching FutureFirm
• cool ways to get clients
• how to communicate pricing increases without annoying your clients
• tips on content creation
• the importance of having a community to bounce ideas off

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Future Firm Newsletter
• Future Firm Accounting Podcast
• Future Firm Accelerate (membership)
• Neil Patel

Meet Ryan

Ryan Lazanis, CPA founded Xen Accounting, a 100% cloud-based accounting firm, in 2013. Following its acquisition in 2018, Ryan started Future Firm which provides coaching, community and training to help accountants quickly scale a systematic firm of their own that improves their lifestyle. Ryan currently educates close to 10,000 firm leaders globally via his free weekly newsletter and coaches hundreds of successful accounting firms through his Future Firm Accelerate online coaching program.

Connect with Ryan

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanlazanis/

🗞️ Newsletter: https://futurefirm.co/newsletter/

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 Threads: threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeper
• 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 ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

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

In this interview episode we've got the incredible Erin Pohan joining us to talk all about her journey in accounting, and to share some exciting news about WAVE, the must-attend event for women in accounting this year!

In this episode you’ll hear:

• Erin’s incredible journey from having just one side client to now running her very own bookkeeping firm
• all the exciting details about the upcoming WAVE conference in Seattle
• strategies for making lasting connections at events

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• My performance at Xerocon
• Women in Accounting & Finance Entrepreneurs & Visionaries (WAVE) event in Seattle on May 22nd

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
• WAVE: Women in Accounting & Finance Entrepreneurs & Visionaries event on May 22, 2025.

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 Threads: threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeper
• 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 ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

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

Welcome to 1099 Season! If this is your first 1099 season, buckle up, I’m here to help! Tune in today to hear an overview of what to know about 1099s so you’re armed with the confidence to take this on, and improve your processes for next year!

In this episode you’ll hear:

• All the types of 1099s
• Reporting requirements, deadlines & thresholds
• International vendors
• And lots of tips and insights along the way!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Confident Compliance Bundle
• IRS Publication
• Tax1099
• Track1099
• Efile4Biz
• IRS FIRE System

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 Threads: threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeper
• 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 ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

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

In this solo episode, we’re diving into some killer strategies to boost your profits in the new year. We’ll chat about updating your systems, tracking those important numbers, and all the behind-the-scenes moves that can make 2025 your most successful year yet!

In this episode you’ll hear:

• secrets on tracking your profitability and why it's a game-changer
• the lowdown on updating engagement letters, adding clauses, and managing scope changes
• how to handle clients mixing business with personal transactions

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Client Profitability Tracker
• Episode 129 | Planning for Profit
• Confident Compliance Bundle (1099s)
• Dubsado

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 Threads: threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeper
• 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 ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

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

In this interview episode, we've got Emily Leahy sharing her incredible insights on managing energy in business, especially for us ambitious women out there. Forget the hustle; it's all about syncing with your personal cycles and making life work for you. You won't want to miss these gems!

In this episode you’ll hear:

• optimizing energy cycles, especially for women, and viewing performance through a feminine lens
• how women are often perceived as more emotional at work
• why it's important to work with, not against, our natural rhythms
• managing burnout by figuring out which energy "zone” you’re in

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Efficiency Archetype Quiz
• Work with Emily 1:1

Meet Emily

Emily Leahy is the founder of The Feminine Template and certified executive performance and leadership coach trained at Brown University. With over a decade of experience building companies and coaching simultaneously, she's connected the dots that truly matter. Living in San Francisco, Emily has supported side-hustling, VC-backed, bootstrapped female entrepreneurs and corporate leaders. This journey has shown her that women perform differently than men and possess dormant superpowers waiting to be activated. She's on a mission to leverage physiology to revolutionize work, wealth, and wellness for ambitious women. By aligning with natural cycles and rhythms, she helps women harness their energy, sustain optimal performance, and lead with innovation and influence.

Connect with Emily

• Linkedin
• Threads
• Website

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 Threads: threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeper
• 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 ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

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

In this interview episode, we've got the amazing Liz Wilcox joining us to spill her secrets on turning email followers into friends, and eventually, loyal clients.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• secrets on capturing leads through strategic social media moves and savvy website setups
• Discover the "email staircase" and turn your followers into pals, then clients
• how Liz strategically places lead magnets all over a website
• the power of building a solid referral network and collaborating with other business owners

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Episode 56 ⎸ Infusing Personality into Your Business
• Episode 13 ⎸ How to Use Email Marketing in Your Bookkeeping Business (Email Staircase)
• Email Marketing Membership (affiliate link)

Meet Liz

The Fresh Princess of Email Marketing, Liz Wilcox is an Email Strategist and Keynote Speaker showing small businesses how to build online relationships + make real money with emails. She’s best known for selling a blog, turning a $9 offer into multiple six-figures (without ads), and helping you untangle the email “knot” with her simple framework, the Email Staircase. She loves the 90s, headbands, and the beach.

Connect with Liz

🎁 Free Email Swipes for Building Your Email List

🌐 lizwilcox.com

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 Threads: threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeper
• 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 ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

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