The Bookkeepers' Podcast

By The 6 Figure BookkeeperBusiness

The Bookkeepers' Podcast episodes

July 03, 2025 Episode 329: How to Launch a Six Figure Bookkeeping Business from a bookkeeper who's done it
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
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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.
33 min
June 26, 2025 Episode 328: Sticky Receipts & Nipple Tassels. A Bookkeeper’s Confessions
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
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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.
-----------------------------------------------
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.
23 min
June 19, 2025 Episode 327: When Clients Don’t Pay: A Bookkeeper’s Survival Guide
Late payments, ghosted invoices, and clients who disappear after the work is done—sound familiar? Jo and Zoe aren’t holding back in this episode as they share the harsh realities of working with difficult clients, including the jaw-dropping story of one who needed a restraining order.
This conversation is packed with hard-won lessons and real-life experiences, as well as practical strategies to help you protect your business. You’ll hear how to spot red flags early, set watertight payment terms, build stronger onboarding systems, and draw professional boundaries that actually get respected.
If you’ve ever chased an invoice or questioned a client’s intentions, this episode will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and ready to take control.
What Listeners Will Learn:
● Why being paid upfront (or in instalments) is essential
● How to structure client contracts to prevent payment issues
● The importance of vetting clients and understanding red flags
● How Jo dealt with the worst client situation of her career
● How visibility, branding, and confidence reduce risk
● What to do if a client refuses to pay (including chasing debts legally)
● Why clear boundaries and professional communication are vital
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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.
-----------------------------------------------
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.
28 min
June 12, 2025 Episode 326: Revenue Up, Clients Down. Here’s What’s Really Happening According to XEROs Report
An insightful episode of The Bookkeepers’ Podcast, Jo Wood and Zoe Whitman break down the key findings from Xero’s 2025 Accounting and Bookkeeping Industry Report. With Jo’s experience as a member of the Xero Partner Advisory Council (XPAC), the duo take a deep dive into what the latest data reveals about the future of the industry — from growth and technology adoption to advisory services and evolving client needs.
Jo and Zoe explore the report’s benchmarks, offering their perspective on where bookkeepers and accountants are thriving and where there's room for improvement. They also reflect on how tech-driven practices are changing the landscape, why some firms are still behind on cloud adoption, and how small practices can turn these trends into opportunities for growth.
Xero State of the Industry Report: https://www.xero.com/uk/campaign/part...
🔗 Useful Links for Bookkeepers 🔗
Everything you need in one place! Software, Training, Resources. Find it all here.
➡️ linktr.ee/6fb
You Will Learn:
What the Xero 2025 Industry Report says about practice growth and profitability.
Why many firms still struggle with tech adoption and cloud migration.
How client expectations are shifting — and how to meet them.
The difference between bookkeeping and advisory services (with real examples).
What the report reveals about the future of MTD and the optimism (or not) around it.
How to use this data to complete your own SWOT analysis.
What opportunities exist right now for bookkeepers to increase revenue without adding new clients.
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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.
37 min
June 05, 2025 Episode 325: How We Started Our Businesses From Our Kitchen Tables
There is a new look to The Bookkeepers' Podcast as Jo and Zoe share their real life stories to tackle a common challenge many aspiring bookkeepers face: how to start a virtual bookkeeping practice from home—particularly after facing redundancy.
Drawing from their own experience and real-life questions from their Facebook community, Jo and Zoe walk through the essential steps needed to set up a compliant, confident and client-ready bookkeeping business. From choosing your business structure and securing AML supervision to creating engagement letters and setting prices, this episode is packed with foundational advice for new and returning practice owners.
Jo shares her personal story of being made redundant and how that pivotal moment led to building a practice that aligned with her lifestyle and values. Zoe explores the mindset shifts required to move from an employee mentality to business owner confidence, especially when it comes to pricing and valuing your expertise.
The conversation also unpacks the pitfalls of hourly pricing, the emotional impact of redundancy, and the need to invest in yourself and your business. Whether you're at the beginning of your journey or considering a refresh, this episode will help you lay the right foundations.
You Will Learn:
Why redundancy can be a powerful catalyst for starting your own practice.
The essential legal and regulatory steps to set up a bookkeeping business.
The mindset shift from employee to business owner.
Why pricing by the hour is outdated—and what to do instead.
How to build confidence, even when you're feeling uncertain.
The importance of identifying your ideal client early on.
00:00 - Intro: How to Start a Virtual Bookkeeping Practice
00:17 - Starting a Business After Redundancy
07:29 - Step-by-Step: Setting Up a Bookkeeping Business
12:04 - Do You Need a Solicitor for Contracts?
14:01 - Ideal Clients and Choosing Your Services
15:54 - Pricing Lessons from Bridesmaids' Dress Alterations
18:59 - The True Value of Your Time at Work
22:49 - What’s the Minimum You Should Charge as a Bookkeeper?
26:07 - Why Hourly Rates Hold You Back
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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.
34 min
May 28, 2025 Episode 324: Permission to Grow- Investing in Yourself Without Guilt
In this candid episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast, Jo Wood and Zoe Whitman reflect on their journey of recording 300 episodes and the evolution of their business and podcasting space. From recording in garages and spare rooms to stepping into a studio, they explore what it means to give yourself permission to grow, invest in yourself, and up-level without guilt. They also discuss the importance of visibility, personal development, and the often-unspoken struggles faced by women in business, particularly bookkeepers.
Jo and Zoe share personal stories, mindset shifts, and practical insights about overcoming imposter syndrome, measuring ROI on personal investments, and the significance of fun and authenticity in business. They also introduce a new direction for the podcast that includes more community involvement and storytelling.
What Listeners Will Learn
Why it’s important to give yourself permission to invest in your growth.
How mindset affects personal development and business visibility.
The real return on investment in personal and professional up-levelling.
How to navigate guilt when stepping outside of your comfort zone.
Why authenticity and fun are essential for long-term business success.
How Jo and Zoe plan to include the community in future podcast episodes.
Timestamps
0:00 – Introduction and studio setup
1:20 – Why up-levelling can feel uncomfortable
3:30 – Permission and worthiness as bookkeepers
5:00 – The hidden costs and returns of investing in yourself
6:40 – Evolving podcast dynamics and energy
8:00 – Personal growth and relationship development
9:00 – Gamifying business visibility (LinkedIn example)
10:00 – Comparison, imposter syndrome, and community perception
11:20 – Creating content that resonates with your audience
12:40 – The story behind recording their audiobook
14:30 – Supporting others through business transformation
15:30 – Inviting the community into the podcast
16:30 – Introducing the idea of bookkeeping agony aunts
17:30 – Sharing stories and opening up the conversation
18:20 – Final thoughts and how to get involved
If you’ve ever felt like you’re not “allowed” to take the next step in your business, this episode is your sign to give yourself permission. Reflect on where you can up-level without guilt and know that growth doesn’t need external validation.
📧 Got a story, question, or dilemma to share? Email us at [email protected] with “Podcast” in the subject line — we’d love to include your experiences in future episodes!
🎧 Subscribe to The Bookkeepers' Podcast, leave a review, and share the show with your fellow bookkeepers.
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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.
17 min
May 23, 2025 Episode 323: Bookkeepers: Go To Business Partners??
In this episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast, Jo and Zoe are joined by financial planner Bella Clark to explore how bookkeepers can evolve into trusted business partners for their clients by building relationships with financial advisors. Bella shares her journey from a recruitment career in Canary Wharf to becoming a financial planner, offering holistic financial advice to business owners, especially women.
Together, they discuss the misconceptions around financial knowledge in the bookkeeping industry, the emotional barriers to financial planning, and practical steps bookkeepers can take to deepen their client relationships. Bella also shares personal anecdotes and client stories that highlight the transformational impact of understanding both business and personal finances.
This episode is packed with insight into how bookkeepers can add value, build confidence in financial conversations, and create a supportive network that helps clients prepare for both the expected and the unexpected.
🎯 What You Will Learn
How bookkeepers can collaborate with financial planners to support clients holistically
Why understanding both business and personal finances is essential for long-term planning
Key financial protections self-employed business owners often overlook
The emotional side of money and how to create safe, judgement-free financial conversations
The importance of regular client check-ins and fact-finding as a service standard
Practical steps to identify when a client might benefit from financial advice
The impact of pensions, children’s savings, and future-focused planning
How to become “the expert who knows the experts” by building a referral network
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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
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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.
34 min
May 21, 2025 Episode 322: Breast Feeding and Tax Returns
In this episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast, Jo Wood and Zoe Whitman go behind the scenes of building bookkeeping businesses as new mums, sharing honest reflections on parenting, burnout, and self-employment.
Recorded live at the Festival of Accounting and Bookkeeping, this TMI-style episode peels back the curtain on juggling VAT returns while breastfeeding, feelings of imposter syndrome despite having qualifications, and the emotional and physical toll of trying to “do it all”.
Jo shares the early days of her career, including attending accountancy college around full time work, setting up her business, and losing her confidence after a difficult personal loss. Zoe talks about starting out without experience in practice and how lack of confidence led her to re-take qualifications she already had.
This heartwarming, sometimes hilarious, and deeply relatable episode shows the reality of running a business around family life—and why prioritising yourself can lead to better outcomes for everyone.
What Listeners Will Learn:
The real challenges of growing a business while parenting young children
How imposter syndrome shows up, even with multiple qualifications
Why confidence is critical to marketing, pricing, and growth
The benefits of subcontracting early on in your bookkeeping career
How sharing your story and being honest can build deeper connections
The importance of building a business around your values and ideal clients
Signs of burnout and why putting yourself first helps everyone else too
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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.
33 min
May 21, 2025 Episode 321: To Do Lists and Strip Clubs
The Bookkeepers' Podcast: To Do Lists and Strip Clubs
Live at the Festival of Accounting and Bookkeeping
In this special live-recorded episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast, Jo Wood and Zoe Whitman take the stage at Day Two of the Festival of Accounting and Bookkeeping (FAB) to talk all things event planning, productivity, and how not to end up in a strip club. Sharing personal stories, hard-earned lessons, and plenty of laughs, Jo and Zoe offer their top tips for getting the most out of professional events — from travel logistics and mental load to safety, networking, and using events for marketing.
Listeners are encouraged to think intentionally about what they want to achieve from attending an event, how to look after themselves while there, and how to follow up strategically when they get home. Whether you’re a seasoned conference-goer or prepping for your first industry event, this episode is packed with practical advice — and a few cautionary tales.
🎧 You Will Learn:
How to prepare for a conference to reduce overwhelm and decision fatigue.
Why treating yourself like your own butler can be a game changer.
What to prioritise during an event: speakers, software demos, and networking.
The power of writing “to-do’s” instead of just taking notes.
How to use events to generate social media content and demonstrate credibility.
Tips for staying safe and looking after your well-being while attending conferences.
Why scheduling follow-up time post-event is essential for real ROI.
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About us
We help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build businesses they love that work for them. Find out about working with us at: 6figurebookkeeper.com
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About our Sponsor
This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Find out more at: https://www.xero.com/uk/campaign/new-partner-programme/?utm_source=6FB&utm_medium=podcastnotes&utm_campaign=Q2
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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.
28 min
May 21, 2025 Episode 320: Money Baggage and Glow-Ups
This isn’t your typical episode of The Bookkeepers’ Podcast – we recorded it live in front of an audience at the Festival of Accounting and Bookkeeping… and got very real about money baggage, growing up, glow-ups, and the awkward stories that shape how we show up in business.
If you've ever:
✅ Felt weird about charging what you're worth
✅ Made financial decisions based on fear or old beliefs
✅ Thought someone rich must be a drug dealer (yep, we said it 😅)
...you are absolutely going to feel seen in this episode.
🎙 In this episode:
👉 How childhood experiences shape our relationship with money
👉 The awkward money moments we’ve had as partners
👉 Why bookkeepers struggle to charge properly (hint: it’s not about pricing)
👉 Hilarious stories about bad earrings, frozen credit cards, and Target bags
👉 Why your money mindset may be silently holding you back
💥 We also share real listener stories of undercharging, overgiving, and finally finding the confidence to turn it all around.
💡 Resources
We talked about a few tools, platforms, and brands in this episode—here’s a handy list so you can check them out for yourself. Some of these are affiliate links, which means if you decide to sign up, we might earn a small thank you (at no extra cost to you!). We only recommend things we genuinely use and love.
🧾 Software / Tools Mentioned
Xero – Sponsor of The Bookkeepers' Podcast: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper
GoCardless – For direct debit and payment automation https://https://gocardless.com/?utm=6figurebookkeeper
Stripe – For payment processing and fees https://stripe.com/gb?utm=6figurebookkeeper
Apron – New expenses card for business https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0g1sgB0
Adfin – For payment automation https://www.adfin.com/?utm=6figurebookkeeper
✨ Want more support?
Join us inside The Bookkeepers’ Bootcamp and get the confidence, community and strategies you need to grow a practice you LOVE.
👉 www.6figurebookkeeper.com/collective
🎥 Watch on YouTube & Subscribe!
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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.
31 min