Try Journal free for 14 days: https://www.bookkeepersmarketing.com/

Take part in our Summer Survey: https://6fbsummer.scoreapp.com/p/summer2025

In this episode of The Bookkeepers’ Podcast, we take a fresh, practical look at what bookkeepers actually do—end to end. We walk through the real workflow for small businesses: choosing cloud software and connecting bank feeds, coding sales and expenses with proper evidence (especially for VAT), handling accruals and prepayments, running credit control and payment runs, dealing with payroll journals, staying compliant with AML, and turning up-to-date data into useful management reports and cash flow forecasts.

You Will Learn

The true purpose of bookkeeping (decision-ready info first, tax compliance as a result).

Why we recommend moving clients to cloud software (Xero, Sage, FreeAgent, QuickBooks) and specialising in one platform.

How to keep business and personal spend separate and reconcile from the bank statement out.

Sales workflows: invoicing, POS, online sales via Stripe/PayPal—and why you must “gross up” fees.

Expenses, approvals, and smooth supplier payment runs (with director approvals).

Payroll boundaries: when to outsource vs in-house, and how to post payroll journals correctly.

AML responsibilities and the “bookkeeper as detective” mindset.

Building monthly/quarterly reporting rhythms, KPIs, and cash flow forecasting clients can act on.

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About us

We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective

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About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper

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Promotion

This video contains paid promotion.

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Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

Try Journal free for 14 days: https://www.bookkeepersmarketing.com/

Take part in our Summer Survey: https://6fbsummer.scoreapp.com/p/summer2025

In this episode, Jo and Zoe dive deep into the challenges bookkeepers face when it comes to showing up consistently on social media. They discuss the fears, mistakes, and mindset blocks that often hold bookkeepers back—from bad Canva templates to blank-page paralysis—and why marketing is a non-negotiable part of building a thriving practice.

The episode introduces Journal, a brand-new social media tool designed specifically for bookkeepers and accountants. Journal combines the power of AI, Canva, and scheduling in one place, with bookkeeper-specific content preloaded. Jo and Zoe share their personal journey with marketing, why consistency builds trust and clients, and how Journal helps bookkeepers stand out as professionals while saving huge amounts of time.

Why social media and visibility are essential for bookkeepers

Zoe’s journey from struggling with blogging and confidence to winning a social media award

The common pitfalls of DIY Canva content

Why consistency builds trust and impacts pricing, branding, and client attraction

How Journal combines AI, Canva, scheduling, and bookkeeping-specific content in one platform

Special listener offer: 14-day free trial + £10/month lifetime discount

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About us

We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective

-----------------------------------------------

About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper

-----------------------------------------------

Promotion

This video contains paid promotion.

-----------------------------------------------

Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

⬇️ Resources for Bookkeepers

linktr.ee/6fb

⬇️ Take part in the Summer Survey to find out what other bookkeepers are charging.

https://6fbsummer.scoreapp.com/p/summer2025

⬇️ Join The Bookkeepers' Collective

https://6figurebookkeeper.com

Jo Wood and Zoe Whitman dive into one of the most frequently asked questions in the bookkeeping community - how should you price your services? Drawing on insights from their summer pricing survey and real-world experiences, Jo and Zoe break down the pitfalls of hourly rates, the importance of value-based pricing, and how to confidently transition to fixed fee models.

They explore how efficiency, technology, and mindset impact profitability, and share how to build a pricing strategy aligned with your lifestyle, capacity, and goals. You’ll also learn about the gold standard service model and how to design packages that reflect the true value you provide as a bookkeeper and finance professional.

What Listeners Will Learn

Why hourly pricing can cap your income and reduce your profitability.

How to position your services based on outcomes and value.

What bookkeepers are actually charging based on current survey data.

How to design and price a “gold standard” monthly bookkeeping service.

The impact of tech and efficiency on hourly-based income.

How to reverse-engineer your pricing based on income goals.

Strategies for repricing clients without losing your business.

The importance of understanding your ideal client when pricing.

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About us

We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective

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About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper

-----------------------------------------------

Promotion

This video contains paid promotion.

-----------------------------------------------

Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

Jo and Zoe will be discussing a study of 500 business leaders based in the UK conducted by Dext by IRIS on the cost of wasted potential for your client's business

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About us

We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective

-----------------------------------------------

About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper

-----------------------------------------------

Promotion

This video contains paid promotion.

-----------------------------------------------

Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

In this episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast, Jo Wood and Zoe Whitman explore six powerful business lessons they’ve learned over the years—insights that apply far beyond the world of bookkeeping. From reframing failure to embracing automation and understanding your money story, Jo and Zoe share personal anecdotes and honest reflections that show how running a business can teach us about resilience, decision-making, and self-awareness.

The discussion touches on the emotional weight of failure, the importance of being in the right rooms, how to work with your natural energy patterns, and why understanding your past (especially around money) is key to growth. Whether you’re new to business or well-established, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on how to navigate your personal and professional life with confidence and clarity.

What Listeners Will Learn:

Why failure is often the best teacher in business and life.

How to gain confidence when networking or entering new spaces.

The importance of understanding and working with your energy cycles.

How to build assets that support long-term business growth.

Why using tools and AI is about leverage—not laziness.

How your money story and personal background can influence business decisions.

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About us

We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective

-----------------------------------------------

About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper

-----------------------------------------------

Promotion

This video contains paid promotion.

-----------------------------------------------

Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

In this episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast, Zoe Whitman interviews her co-host Jo Wood, who shares what it really takes to run a high-performing bookkeeping practice. At the peak of her business, Jo was supporting 65 clients and generating consistent turnover of £25,000 per month. She talks through how she built and led her team, structured her services, and developed systems that allowed her to step back from the day-to-day without compromising client service.

Jo opens up about her leadership journey, why WhatsApp became an essential client communication tool, and how niching brought huge efficiencies. She also reflects on what she'd do differently if she were building her business today, given the range of tech and AI tools now available to bookkeepers.

This episode offers a practical and honest look into what it takes to scale a practice, not just in terms of numbers, but in building a business that works without burning you out.

You Will Learn:

How Jo structured her team to support 65 clients efficiently

Why she prioritised onboarding clients into the system, not just onto the books

The benefits of team-wide communication through WhatsApp

How niching helped streamline processes and improve service delivery

Why developing leadership and systems is more sustainable than doing all the work yourself

What Jo would do differently with today’s tools and technology

Practical strategies for scaling to £25k+ months sustainably

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About us

We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective

-----------------------------------------------

About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper

-----------------------------------------------

Promotion

This video contains paid promotion.

-----------------------------------------------

Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

In this special episode of The Bookkeepers’ Podcast, Zoe interviews her co-host and business partner Jo Wood about her incredible journey from struggling with self-belief to building and eventually selling her award-winning bookkeeping practice, Jo Wood Virtual FD.

Jo shares openly about the personal challenges that shaped her—including childhood bullying, becoming a young mum, and health issues caused by stress—as well as the pivotal moments that helped her realise her purpose. She explains how her family background in entrepreneurship laid the foundation for her own ambitions and how her values of belonging and service have fuelled the growth of the 6 Figure Bookkeeper community.

This heartfelt and inspiring episode explores what it really takes to build a successful business, the importance of mental and physical wellbeing, and why visibility and vulnerability are key in leadership.

What Listeners Will Learn:

Jo’s journey from employment to self-employment and starting her bookkeeping business

The role Jo's family and upbringing played in shaping her entrepreneurial drive

How Jo overcame burnout and serious health issues while running a growing business

Why she sold her practice, Also how she did it in just two weeks

The mindset shift from building a business to finding deeper purpose

Lessons about visibility, confidence, and redefining success

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About us

We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective

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About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6fig...

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Promotion

This video contains paid promotion.

-----------------------------------------------

Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

In this deeply personal and moving episode of The Bookkeepers’ Podcast, Jo Wood sits down with her business partner, colleague, and friend, Zoe Whitman, to explore the story behind Zoe’s fierce independence. Over the last five years, Jo and Zoe have built multiple businesses together—but this episode goes far beyond business. Zoe opens up about her childhood, the challenges she faced growing up in and out of care, the emotional weight of financial insecurity, and how her experiences shaped her relationship with work, success, and trust.

Zoe reflects on how her early life built a sense of self-reliance that has served her—but also cost her. From buying her first house at 19 to closing her bookkeeping practice in 2020, Zoe shares how shame, pride, and practicality have collided in her journey as a businesswoman and mother. This is a rare glimpse into the vulnerability that sits behind many entrepreneurs' stories and a conversation about redefining success, legacy, and balance.

What Listeners Will Learn:

How childhood experiences shaped Zoe’s values and independence

The emotional impact of growing up in care and navigating unstable housing

Why Zoe became an accountant and how the profession changed her life

The real story behind closing her bookkeeping business during lockdown

How shame and resilience intersect in entrepreneurship

Why pricing and flexibility are vital for working parents—especially women

The legacy Zoe hopes to leave for her children and the bookkeeping community

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About us

We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective

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About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper

-----------------------------------------------

Promotion

This video contains paid promotion.

-----------------------------------------------

Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

In this episode of The Bookkeepers’ Podcast, Jo Wood and Zoe Whitman offer a candid and insightful conversation about what it really takes to build a six-figure bookkeeping practice. Prompted by a viral video that oversimplified the journey to business success, Jo and Zoe discuss the misconceptions that are often shared online and how these narratives can knock the confidence of hardworking bookkeepers.

Drawing on Jo’s personal journey of building a six-figure business, the episode breaks down the key components of success: visibility, investment (in time, money, and personal development), mindset, and consistency. Jo shares how she built her practice in public, the practical steps she took to gain clients early on, and how she prioritised growth through team support and marketing.

Zoe challenges Jo with frequently asked questions from the community, providing a deep dive into the practical and emotional realities of running a bookkeeping business. They address the pitfalls of comparing your progress to curated success stories online and stress the importance of finding your own version of success.

What Listeners Will Learn:

- The difference between starting a bookkeeping practice and growing a successful one.

- Why being a technical expert matters as much as marketing when building credibility.

- The truth behind the "laptop lifestyle" and what it actually looks like day-to-day.

- How to build visibility and confidence, especially when starting from scratch.

- The mindset shift required to treat your practice as a real business.

- What strategic actions helped Jo reach six figures – and how you can adapt them.

- Why consistency, self-reflection, and investing in support are critical for long-term growth.

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About us

We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective

-----------------------------------------------

About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper

-----------------------------------------------

Promotion

This video contains paid promotion.

-----------------------------------------------

Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

In this hilarious yet insightful episode of The Bookkeepers’ Podcast, Jo and Zoe delve into the unexpected – and sometimes downright bizarre – things bookkeepers come across in their line of work. From sticky receipts and nipple tassels to denture moulds and PlayStation expense claims, this episode is packed with jaw-dropping client stories.

But beyond the laughs, Jo and Zoe tackle an important topic: boundaries in business. They reflect on early days of picking up physical receipts, building trust with clients, and the importance of staying safe—especially for women meeting clients face-to-face. They share practical advice on how bookkeepers can protect themselves, communicate expectations clearly, and onboard clients in a way that prevents awkward (and potentially unsafe) situations.

What Listeners Will Learn:

- Why setting boundaries is essential for both safety and professionalism.

- Real-life stories that highlight the weird and wonderful side of bookkeeping.

- How to educate clients on submitting receipts properly.

- The value of onboarding processes that include clear documentation guidelines.

- How to identify when it’s time to walk away from a client who doesn’t align with your values.

- Why your personal brand helps shape the clients you attract.

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About us

We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective

-----------------------------------------------

About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper

-----------------------------------------------

Promotion

This video contains paid promotion.

-----------------------------------------------

Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.