The Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast

Hosted by Serena Shoup, CPA

Business Entrepreneurship Education

Website RSS feed LinkedIn

Episodes

253

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

The Ambitious Bookkeeper podcast is for bookkeepers & accountants who are growing or aspiring to start their own business. Our mission is to elevate the bookkeeping profession by providing support and resources for new and experienced firm owners. We share actionable tips on running a successful bookkeeping business, tools and resources, plus guest expert interviews that will help you elevate your business. Where you can find us: Website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com BBA: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bba Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpa LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/serenashoup Instagram: https://instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 19, 2026Episode 24636 min

246 | Q&A - Transitioning to Advisory, Xero Integrations Disengaging with Clients, and More

We're back from summer break with a live Q&A with SO much good stuff in this one. This was one of those episodes where the questions kept getting better and better, and I got to go deep on the things that trip us all up: running an advisory firm, getting your pricing right, Xero integrations, closing out clients the right way, and knowing when to make your first hire. If you've ever felt awkward quoting a higher fee or weren't sure how to structure your revenue side when a client's processor data lives inside their CRM, this one's for you. And if advisory is even a tiny blip on your radar, I've got a free audio series you're going to want to grab before it disappears. In this episode you’ll hear: Connecting Stripe and PayPal inside Xero Is $350 too much for basic bookkeeping? The right way to disengage with clients When to make your first hire How to support a team that's feeling overwhelmed Resources mentioned in this episode: Elevate: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/elevate BBA: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bba Xero: https://xeroamericas.partnerlinks.io/79afz10exu7d Kajabi: https://app.kajabi.com/r/SLFEMUL4/t/uiptq7nu Content Snare: https://contentsnare.com/#_r_serena58 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 me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ambitiousbookkeeper 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)

August 12, 2026Episode 24534 min

245 | Starting Your Firm from Scratch with Jaime Rodriguez

This episode hit close to home for me because Jaime Rodriguez and I are basically living the same double life, and I loved getting to compare notes. Jaime is the CEO of Bookkeepers.com (you probably know them as Bookkeeper Launch), and his story is wild. He went to school for accounting chasing that "safe job" American dream, hated the corporate grind so much he Googled how to start a bookkeeping business, bought the very course he now owns, and burned the boats to go all in. Fast forward through a few years of coaching, re-recording lessons, and becoming the face of the brand, and in 2025 he actually bought the company. In this episode you’ll hear: How Jaime went from burned-out corporate accountant to owning the very course that got him started Why SOPs are what let you run a firm on 30 minutes a month The real talk on running two businesses at once The costly mistake of taking on every client in every industry before you have processes Why you have to learn your debits and credits before you touch automation The one question that protects your time every time a new prospect comes knocking Resources mentioned in this episode: Join the Digital Bookkeeper Association for $9/mo: https://dba.bookkeepers.app/ Bookkeepers.com : https://bookkeepers.com/ $1000 Off any version of Bookkeeper Launch when you use promo code AUGUSTBUS26: https://sk293.isrefer.com/go/BLFS/SS64/ Meet Jaime Jaime Rodriguez is the owner and CEO of Bookkeepers.com, but his journey started as a student looking for a better path. After building his own successful bookkeeping business, he went on to acquire the company that first taught him the skill. Today, he helps entrepreneurs realize they’re capable of more than they think; not just financially, but in how they live and work. He’s the author of Beyond the Numbers and You’re Not for Everyone (That’s the Point), both focused on building a business that actually fulfills you. Connect with Jaime 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bookkeepersdotcom 👥 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaimethebookkeeper 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)

August 5, 2026Episode 24411 min

244 ⎸ The Summer Slump + Podcast Update

Real talk: if your summer felt slow and you were low-key stressing about it, this episode is for you. This week's a short and sweet solo update where I walk you through what's coming up on the podcast over the next month, plus a little pep talk about the summer slump so many of us hit as bookkeepers. Slow season is normal, my friend, and it doesn't mean anything is wrong with your business. I'm sharing exactly what I do to keep moving the needle when discovery calls dry up, and how to set yourself up so next summer doesn't catch you off guard. In this episode you’ll hear: Why summer is almost always slow for bookkeepers The services and projects I lean into during the slow months to bring in a cash influx How to plant seeds now that come to fruition in the fall A rundown of everything coming up on the show, including big interviews and a limited time audio series you don't want to miss Resources mentioned in this episode: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/subscribe 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 me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ambitiousbookkeeper 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)

July 29, 2026Episode 2438 min

243 | The Advisor Activation Series

In this episode you’ll hear: A very short update about the audio series I just released & why you need to listen before it goes away! Resources mentioned in this episode: Listen to The Advisor Activation Audio Series → https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/activate 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 me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ambitiousbookkeeper 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)

July 1, 2026Episode 24254 min

242 ⎸ 2026 Survey Results Breakdown w/ Alyssa Lang

Alyssa and I are back, and this time we actually hit record (lesson learned from last year, ha). We just closed year two of the State of the Virtual Bookkeeping and Accounting Industry survey, and we sat down to dig into the data together in real time. This isn't a polished, buttoned-up report read. This is the two of us cross-referencing the numbers live, reacting to what surprised us, and pulling out the patterns that actually matter for your firm. We get into the real differences between solo operators and firms with six-plus team members, where the money actually lands, how much owners are really working, and the truth about AI that nobody wants to say out loud. Real talk, some of these numbers gave me pause, and a few of them are going to challenge what you think is possible in your own business. Grab the free PDF report and follow along. In this episode you’ll hear: The revenue ceiling for solo firm owners The honest truth about AI in our industry Why so many of you are still pricing way too low What your minimum fee should actually look like The surprising connection between being the household breadwinner and how hard you push your firm What the data says about working hours and profit margins at every revenue level Resources mentioned in this episode: State of the Virtual Bookkeeping and Accounting Industry Survey (free PDF report) at: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/survey or https://www.workflowqueen.com/survey Elevate: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/elevate Advisory Edge: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/offers/j9hM5s4e/checkout Breakthrough: https://serenashoup.krtra.com/t/IKUxtNZoz7lF Xero: https://xeroamericas.partnerlinks.io/79afz10exu7d Connect with Alyssa 🌐 Website: https://www.workflowqueen.com 📱 IG: https://www.instagram.com/workflowqueen 🎙️ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/conquering-workflows-systems-for-bookkeepers-accountants/id1576274369?i=1000529139554 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)

June 1, 2026Episode 24156 min

241 ⎸ The State of Virtual Bookkeeping Industry with Alyssa

I'm joined in person by my biz bestie Alyssa Lang of Workflow Queen, and we are SO pumped to talk about the return of the Virtual Bookkeeper Industry Survey round two, baby! We're going bigger, better, and more intentional this time around, with a goal of 2,500 responses, a charity donation tied to Make-A-Wish Foundation, and a brand new interactive data bot that lets you dig into the results yourself. Oh, and we may have gone down a rabbit hole or two about AI, pricing, and what it actually means for running a boutique firm. You're welcome. In this episode you’ll hear: A breakdown of the survey format, what questions changed from last year, how this data compounds over time, and why your honest answers help the whole industry How AI should actually be affecting your pricing How people are (and aren't) implementing AI in their firms, and the offshoring and automation data we're dying to dig into The trust recession around AI, what it means for your client relationships Resources mentioned in this episode: TAKE the Survey: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/survey Or take it Here: https://www.workflowqueen.com/survey Last Year’s Results: https://youtu.be/L0nwFo5A7xM Connect with Alyssa 🌐 Website: workflowqueen.com 📱 IG: @workflowqueen 🎙️ Podcast: Conquering Workflows & Systems with the Workflow Queen 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)

May 20, 2026Episode 24037 min

240 | [Q&A] 1st Thing to Automate, Building Rapport with Clients, & Intuit vs Gusto Payroll

This episode is a replay of my April 2026 live Q&A, and we cover a ton of ground that I know so many of you are dealing with right now. Whether you're just starting out and trying to figure out where to even begin with automation, or you're in the thick of building a team and wondering why delegating feels harder than just doing it yourself, this one's for you. We also get into some juicy topics like QBO Payroll versus Gusto, how to handle S-Corp clients who are flying under the radar on reasonable salary, and what to do when a competitor is trying to tank your reputation online. In this episode you’ll hear: The very first thing I recommend automating in your bookkeeping practice How to confidently ask a prospective client for access to their books QBO Payroll versus Gusto How to advise S-Corp clients on taking a reasonable salary Resources mentioned in this episode: Elevate: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/elevate The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bba Emailing List: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/subscribe Dubsado (free audio series): https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/dubsado Dubsado (affiliate link): https://www.dubsado.com/?c=shoupcpa Dubsado Decoded: https://kendracourtney.com/dubsado-decoded/ Breakthrough by Workflow Queen: https://serenashoup.krtra.com/t/IKUxtNZoz7lF YouTube: "Is It Time to Move My Clients to Xero?" Xero Partner Program (affiliate link): https://xeroamericas.partnerlinks.io/79afz10exu7d Gusto (affiliate link): https://gusto.com/partners/i/serena591 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 me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ambitiousbookkeeper 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)

May 6, 2026Episode 23958 min

239 ⎸ How to Serve Real Estate Investor Clients & Market Your Bookkeeping Business as an Introvert with Max Emory

This episode is a behind-the-scenes conversation with Max Emory. We get into the nitty gritty of what it actually takes to serve REI clients, how he built his team, the new community he's launching for bookkeepers who want to level up their marketing and sales game, and how he manages it all with two boys under two at home. In this episode you’ll hear: Why real estate investing is one of the most complex niches a bookkeeper can serve How overcomplicated entity structures are hurting real estate investors The behind-the-scenes of Time Capital University and GoPro Bookkeeping community How Max runs a lean, profitable firm with strong boundaries around his time Resources mentioned in this episode: Bookkeeper Launch: https://bookkeepers.com/bookkeeper-launch/ * Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/bookkeeping-for-rei/about * Nuts and Bolts Course - Max's REI bookkeeping training course inside his Skool community Multi Six Figure Bookkeeper Playbook - also inside the Skool community Spark Email App Loom Xero Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki 10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy Meet Max Emory Max Emory is the founder of Time Capital Bookkeeping and Time Capital University, a bookkeeper-turned-real-estate-expert who went from Marine Corps officer and mechanical engineer to building a thriving virtual bookkeeping firm that specializes in real estate investors and he has two boys under two at home! Connect with Max Emory Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/millionairebookkeeper/ Time Capital Bookkeeping : https://www.timecapitalbcs.com/ Time Capital University: https://www.timecapitaluniversity.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: 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)

May 5, 20265 min

Announcement: Closing Elevate

Get all the info and join before Midnight Pacific Time on May 9, 2026: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/elevate/?coupon_code=REVAMP

April 29, 2026Episode 23835 min

238 ⎸ Transforming the Accounting Landscape: A Conversation with Joe Woodard

In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Joe Woodard—founder of Scaling New Heights—and we’re diving into what’s really happening in the accounting industry right now. We talk about: Why the ‘AI hype vs denial’ debate is missing the point What tasks you should actually be handing off to AI Why moving off hourly pricing isn’t enough anymore And how to position yourself so clients see you as indispensable how to make sure your pricing model matches your vision and goals Resources mentioned in this episode: Scaling New Heights 2026: https://www.woodard.com/scaling-new-heights-2026 Woodard coaching program (for firms approaching $1M+) Xero / JAX feature (beta) Anthropic / Claude ChatGPT / OpenAI Microsoft Copilot Meet Joe Woodard Joe Woodard is the CEO of Woodard®, a company that empowers accountants and business advisors through education, coaching, resources, and consulting services, with a particular focus on Client Advisory Services (CAS). Woodard equips professionals to modernize their practices, optimize accounting software, and expand their reach. Joe has trained over 150,000 professionals, is a published author, and hosts the Scaling New Heights® conference. He has been recognized by Accounting Today as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in accounting since 2014. Joe also publishes The Woodard Report™, which reaches over 100,000 readers annually. Connect with Joe Woodard 🌐 Website: https://www.woodard.com 👥 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realjoewoodard/ 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)