The Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast

Serena Shoup, CPA
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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

  1. 3d ago

    257 [Q&A] How I really feel about AI

    some links are affiliate links This live Q&A started with tactical bookkeeping questions and ended with me on my soapbox about AI. We covered capital loans, payroll, pricing, statement of cash flows, and how I balance running two businesses with my family. Then someone asked how I’m using AI in my practice, and I gave the honest answer: Real talk, I hope I don’t get canceled for this one. In this episode you’ll hear: My raw opinion on AI usageHow to protect client data if you do use AIWhat’s in my monthly reporting pack and the email recap clients loveHow I plan my week around my familyHow to price a premium package without confusing your clientsResources mentioned in this episode: Xero**: https://xeroamericas.partnerlinks.io/79afz10exu7dElevate: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/elevateBookkeeping Business Accelerator: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bbaEffortless Client Requests: https://serenashoup.krtra.com/t/j7gf1iOhVBYfAI Firm By Design: https://workflowqueen.thrivecart.com/ai-firm-by-design/The AI Advisory Advantage: https://workflowqueen.thrivecart.com/ai-advisory/For experienced bookkeepers & accountants: Learn how to start your bookkeeping business in The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator® https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bba Grab my FREE Start your Bookkeeping Biz Checklist https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/checklist Grab my FREE New Client Onboarding Templates https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/onboard For new bookkeepers: Learn the fundamental accounting skills in Katie Ferro's Become a Bookkeeper** https://www.katieferro.com/a/38894/2PQNgtvv For creators: Become a client at my firm, Of Course Financial https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/69b0bd05819ab2af03e9b73f For more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below: Visit my website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/Subscribe to my Newsletter: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog/Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper/Connect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperPodcast Publishing Tools we use: Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLC https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llcDescript**: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073Buzzsprout**: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER We participate in affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a commission from purchases made through the links above. However, our recommendations are based on our own research and expertise, and your trust is our priority.

  2. Oct 28

    256 | [AMA] Switching Workflow Softwares (Financial Cents vs. Double)

    some links are affiliate links If you have between 10 and 20 clients and you’ve been eyeing a new workflow software, hear me out before you hit “start free trial.” In this episode, I answer a question from my Ask Me Anything series: Stephanie is a solo bookkeeper with about 20 clients, trying to decide between staying on Financial Cents or switching to Double. Instead of naming a winner, I turn the question around and walk through how to tell the difference between being stubborn about your software and making a smart business decision. I also share my own shiny object syndrome story (hi, ClickUp) and why I stayed with Asana instead. In this episode you’ll hear: My Own Shiny Object Syndrome StoryThe Questions to Ask Yourself Before Switching SoftwareResources mentioned in this episode: Xero**:https://xeroamericas.partnerlinks.io/79afz10exu7dDubsado**: https://www.dubsado.com/?c=shoupcpaEffortless Client Requests from Workflow Queen: https://serenashoup.krtra.com/t/j7gf1iOhVBYfOnboarding Bookkeeping Clients with Dubsado: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ffUIah7zUYFor experienced bookkeepers & accountants: Learn how to start your bookkeeping business in The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator®: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bba Grab my FREE Start your Bookkeeping Biz Checklist: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/checklist Grab my FREE New Client Onboarding Templates: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/onboard For new bookkeepers: Learn the fundamental accounting skills in Katie Ferro's Become a Bookkeeper** https://www.katieferro.com/a/38894/2PQNgtvv For creators: Become a client at my firm, Of Course Financial >> https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/69b0bd05819ab2af03e9b73f For more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below: Visit my website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/Subscribe to my Newsletter https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper/Connect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperPodcast Publishing Tools we use: Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLC https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llcDescript** https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073Buzzsprout** https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER We participate in affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a commission from purchases made through the links above. However, our recommendations are based on our own research and expertise, and your trust is our priority.

  3. Oct 21

    255 | Brand New to Advisory? Start Here

    some links are affiliate links Advisory doesn’t have to be complicated. In this episode, I’m breaking down the simplest way to start offering advisory services inside your bookkeeping packages. I call it “advisory lite,” and it’s included in every service tier we offer, even the lowest one. If you’ve been wanting to dip your toe into advisory but don’t know where to start, this is your starting point. And if enough of us start doing this, we can change how people see bookkeepers altogether. In this episode you’ll hear: Why even really good bookkeepers miss this one simple step that sets you apartThe 5 key reports I deliver to every client every monthHow to templatize your monthly client emailWhy you need to be priced right before you add advisoryResources mentioned in this episode: Free KPI Guide: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/kpiElevate Program: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/elevateXero**: https://xeroamericas.partnerlinks.io/79afz10exu7dFor experienced bookkeepers & accountants: Learn how to start your bookkeeping business in The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator® Grab my FREE Start your Bookkeeping Biz Checklist Grab my FREE New Client Onboarding Templates For new bookkeepers: Learn the fundamental accounting skills in Katie Ferro's Become a Bookkeeper** For creators: Become a client at my firm, Of Course Financial >> https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/69b0bd05819ab2af03e9b73f For more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below: Visit my website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.comSubscribe to my Newsletter https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperPodcast Publishing Tools we use: Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLCDescript**Buzzsprout**AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER We participate in affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a commission from purchases made through the links above. However, our recommendations are based on our own research and expertise, and your trust is our priority.

  4. Oct 14

    254 | Trusting Your Team & Stepping into Advisory with Anne Napolitano

    You don’t need to add budgeting and forecasting to your menu to start delivering advisory-level value. In this episode, I sit down with Anne Napolitano, a former Hermès controller turned private chef turned owner of a 10-person restaurant-focused accounting firm. We get into the small shifts in your services and your marketing that change how clients see your value, plus how Anne went from doing everything herself to leading a team that has stuck with her for years. Grab a notebook, my friend. This one is packed. In this episode you’ll hear: Why your first hire should be a bookkeeper (not an admin)How Anne built a remote team with real longevityAdvisory services you can start offering right nowHow niching down and advisory keeps you AI-proofResources mentioned in this episode: Scaling New HeightsWoodard SummitXeroConMeet Anne Napolitano Anne Napolitano is the Founder and CEO of Anne Napolitano Consulting Inc., a Strategic Accounting & Advisory Firm. Before launching ANC in 2016, Anne served as Controller for the U.S. operations of Hermès and later worked as a personal chef, giving her a unique perspective that combines high-level finance with hands-on business operations. Today, she leads a team of accountants helping business owners gain clarity around cash flow, profitability, and growth while building a firm that moves beyond compliance and into meaningful advisory. Connect with Anne LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annenapolitano/ Website: https://www.napolitanoaccounting.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.comFollow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpaThank 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-llcDescript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)

  5. Oct 7

    253 | Q&A: Xero Fresh Start or QBO Migrate, A2X, Gusto Payroll, and More

    In this September live Q&A, we covered a lot of ground. We talked about whether to convert a client from QBO to Xero or start fresh, how to realistically land more clients heading into 2026, and how I handle clients who won't send receipts no matter how many times you ask. We also got into Shopify bookkeeping, paying contractors, what to do when a credit union is making your life miserable, and the moment I know it's time to walk away from a client. Plus, I spill the tea on why creating a course is way less passive than running a bookkeeping firm. In this episode you’ll hear: My process for QBO to Xero conversionsHow to get more clients without burning yourself outHow to keep month-end movingShopify deposits and billsContractors on GustoCredit unions with no bank feedsHow to know when a client has outgrown your firm.Resources mentioned in this episode: Elevate: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/elevateBookkeeping Business Accelerator (BBA): https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bbaConfident Compliance Bundle: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/offers/tgPgMBJ7Bookkeeping Client Closer mini course: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/closer228| Increasing Your Sales with Hunter Rademacher: https://youtu.be/aKQMePlI8UMThanks 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.comFollow me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpaThank 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-llcDescript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)

  6. Sep 30

    252 ⎸ Bookkeeping is NOT a commodity when done right with Katie Ferro Part 2

    Katie Ferro is back for part two, and we picked up right where we left off with Katie's line that stuck with me all week: if you don't have a stance, it's because you're not in the room enough. The same goes for advisory. You won't feel confident until you put yourself in the room, and you can't get in the room until you build some confidence. So we talked about how to break that cycle. Katie shared three real client emails from the last 10 days that were quietly asking for more, and I shared how I built my own advisory process with a practice client. In this episode you’ll hear: How to recognize when a client is asking for advisory helpHow a simple 30-minute conversation can turn an intimidating email into a quick winWhy calling it a "budget" might be killing client buy-inWhy you should bundling advisory into your packagesResources mentioned in this episode: Katie's post "Being cheap won't stop you from being broke":KPI Download: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/kpiElevate: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/elevateXero: https://xeroamericas.partnerlinks.io/79afz10exu7dDubsado: https://www.dubsado.com/?c=shoupcpaContent Snare: https://contentsnare.com/#_r_serena58Previous Episodes with Katie Part 1 of this conversation with Katie Ferro (https://youtu.be/to3aHJXefPI) 225 ⎸ Recast: Become a Bookkeeper with Katie Ferro (https://www.buzzsprout.com/1774460/episodes/18369393) 44 ⎸ Best Advice from Accounting Course Creators (https://www.buzzsprout.com/1774460/episodes/10445058) Meet Katie Ferro Katie Ferro is a CPA, reformed rule follower, corporate escapee, and mama to three little ones. She built her bookkeeping business to surpass her corporate tax manager salary, working only the hours she used to spend commuting and without giving up her stay-at-home mom crown. Today, Katie runs her bookkeeping business while educating and empowering accountants and aspiring bookkeepers to build businesses that support their lives instead of keeping them from living them. Connect with Katie 🌐 Instagram: https://instagram.com/orderlyaccountingbykatie 🎙️ Katie’s Podcast: https://profitsprosecco.libsyn.com/website 📈 Become a Bookkeeper Program (BABS): https://www.katieferro.com/a/38894/2PQNgtvv 🧾 Life by the Books: https://www.katieferro.com/life 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.comFollow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpaThank 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-llcDescript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)#bookkeepingbusiness #ambitious #bookkeeper #accountant #accounting

  7. Sep 23

    251 ⎸ Bookkeeping is NOT a commodity when done right with Katie Ferro

    I've been connected with Katie Ferro since the very beginning of my business. I literally found her on a podcast while I was on maternity leave dreaming about starting a bookkeeping business, and I probably reached out to her like a weirdo on Instagram. We reconnected recently, had a conversation that was way too good to keep to ourselves, and decided to hit record. This one is a true coffee shop conversation between two industry friends who care a whole lot about competence, integrity, and the bookkeepers in this community. We get real about why our industry keeps telling you bookkeeping is a commodity (spoiler: usually to sell you something), why better books are already a form of advisory, what AI fear is actually costing you, and what I'm seeing firsthand inside a community college accounting class right now. Grab your favorite drink and join us. In this episode you’ll hear: Why the most profitable part of my firm is actually my simplest, lowest-priced bookkeepingThe low-hanging fruit that's causing clients to leave great bookkeepersHow to add advisory-level value without blowing up your business model, adding a ton of calls to your calendar, or burning outWhy I've changed my tune on recommending college accounting classes, and what I recommend insteadResources mentioned in this episode: Bookkeeping Business Accelerator (BBA): https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bbaElevate: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/elevateXero: https://xeroamericas.partnerlinks.io/79afz10exu7dKajabi: https://app.kajabi.com/r/SLFEMUL4/t/uiptq7nuPrevious Episodes with Katie: 225 ⎸ Recast: Become a Bookkeeper with Katie Ferro (https://www.buzzsprout.com/1774460/episodes/18369393) 44 ⎸ Best Advice from Accounting Course Creators (https://www.buzzsprout.com/1774460/episodes/10445058) Meet Katie Ferro Katie Ferro is a CPA, reformed rule follower, corporate escapee, and mama to three little ones. She built her bookkeeping business to surpass her corporate tax manager salary, working only the hours she used to spend commuting and without giving up her stay-at-home mom crown. Today, Katie runs her bookkeeping business while educating and empowering accountants and aspiring bookkeepers to build businesses that support their lives instead of keeping them from living them. Connect with Katie 🌐 Instagram: https://instagram.com/orderlyaccountingbykatie 🎙️ Katie’s Podcast: https://profitsprosecco.libsyn.com/website 📈 Become a Bookkeeper Program: https://www.katieferro.com/a/38894/2PQNgtvv 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.comFollow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpaThank 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-llcDescript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)#becomeabookkeeper #bookkeepingbusiness #firmowner #entrepreneur #ambitious #bookkeeper #accountant #accounting

  8. Sep 16

    250 | X2Uno: The Chrome Extension for Xero with Mark Corum

    What if the tool you've been waiting for, the one that finally makes Xero as efficient as QuickBooks with Right Tool, already exists, and it's being built by a former bookkeeper who accidentally fell into coding? In this episode, Serena sits down with Mark Corum, the developer behind X2Uno and Right Tool, to talk about building Chrome extensions for accounting software, the surprising parallels between bookkeeping and programming, and why the tech world's pricing model might be completely backwards. Whether you're a Xero loyalist, a QuickBooks refugee, or just curious about what happens when an accountant teaches themselves to code, then this conversation has something for you. In this episode you’ll hear about: X2Uno - What it is, how it differs from Right Tool, and why Mark felt a moral obligation to build something for Xero usersRight Tool & MonkbeeHow Chrome extensions actually workXero vs. QuickBooksThe cost of switching platformsAI and the future of accountingProgramming, bookkeeping, and musicCleanup work as a nicheX2Uno availability — How to get it now (free beta on the Chrome Web Store), the MailChimp discount path, and the Facebook community for feature requestsResources mentioned in this episode: X2Uno → sign up for beta her: https://mailchi.mp/x2uno/ambitiousMeet Mark Corum I am Mark Corum. I went to college for accounting and decided to make my own bookkeeping company in my Junior year. Realized I like accounting, but I am not an accountant and transitioned out of it and stumbled into programming in late 2019 - vowing never to touch QuickBooks again. 2021 comes around and I am working on a chrome extension for QuickBooks called "MonkBe" that is discovered by Hector Garcia and remade into RightTool. Now that is used by about 50,000 people and I want the additional fun of working on Xero! Connect with Mark LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markcorum/ 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.comFollow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpaThank 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-llcDescript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)

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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

Information

  • Creator
    Serena Shoup, CPA
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    264
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast

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