The Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast

Serena Shoup, CPA
  • 4.7 (58)
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The Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast

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. 1D AGO

    199 | [Q&A] Handling Clients, Cash vs Accrual, Inventory, and Solo Bookkeeper Vacation Planning

    Send us a text This episode comes from April’s Live Q&A session, where Serena answered various questions from bookkeepers about pricing strategies, software recommendations, financial statement presentation, and business growth challenges. In this episode you’ll hear: Learn how to confidently set your prices for bookkeeping setups and avoid underchargingDiscover effective ways to present financial statements that truly benefit your clientsFind out how to balance multiple professional identities on LinkedInGet strategies for taking a break from your bookkeeping business without losing clientsResources mentioned in this episode: Podcast episode: "177 | Crafting Deliverables That Matter" https://youtu.be/sb_9SYI82h0The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bbaElevate program: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/elevateEmail subscription: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/subscribePayment processors: Stripe, PayPal, GoCardless, PlutoWorkflow Queen (Alyssa Lang): https://www.workflowqueen.comAccounting software: Xero, QuickBooks, WavePayroll: GustoClient management: DubsadoSpotify playlists for The Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast 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/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-llcDescript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link) To fill out The State of Virtual Bookkeeping Survey, click HERE. For each response, I'll be donating $1 to charity: water. Learn more here. Join the next free training at ambitiousbookkeeper.com/training

    37 min

  2. MAY 7

    198 ⎸ Building toward an Exit with Maggie Lord

    Send us a text In this episode of the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast, Serena chats with Maggie Lord, a powerhouse entrepreneur who sold her media company to David's Bridal and now helps female founders do the same. Maggie shares her journey from starting a wedding blog in 2008 to selling her company 12 years later, and reveals insider knowledge about business valuations, exit strategies, and how bookkeepers play a crucial role in preparing businesses for sale. In this episode you’ll hear: Why Maggie is passionate about helping female founders prepare their businesses for acquisitionThe three common scenarios when founders seek M&A helpHow bookkeepers play a key role in successful M&A transactionsBeyond-the-numbers valuation factors that founders often overlookResources mentioned in this episode: The Whisper Group: https://www.wearethewhispergroup.com/Meet Maggie Maggie Lord was an early pioneer in the online digital wedding media space establishing her media company, Rustic Wedding Chic in 2008. As the founder + CEO of Rustic Wedding Chic, Maggie led the company for 12 years before it was acquired by David’s Bridal in 2020. Maggie is also the author of 6 books. Today, Maggie has become a sought-after strategic advisor to female founded brands allowing her to focus on sharing her knowledge and expertise with other like minded entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses. Maggie and her businesses have been featured in Forbes, The New York Times, Business Insider, Success Magazine and much more. Maggie is a partner at The Whisper Group, working daily with female founders to help them sell their companies and close the exit gap. Connect with Maggie 📱 IG: https://www.instagram.com/maggielordandcompany/ 🌐 Website: https://maggielord.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.coTo fill out The State of Virtual Bookkeeping Survey, click HERE. For each response, I'll be donating $1 to charity: water. Learn more here. Join the next free training at ambitiousbookkeeper.com/training

    37 min

  3. APR 30

    197 ⎸ [Q&A] Tech, Pricing, Client Acquisition, & Services

    Send us a text Are you dreaming of starting your own bookkeeping business but feeling overwhelmed by all the decisions you need to make? You're not alone. As someone who's built a successful bookkeeping practice from scratch, I know firsthand that figuring out what services to offer, how to price them, where to find clients, and what technology you need can feel like navigating a maze. In this episode you’ll hear: Advice on determining pricing strategies for bookkeeping servicesPractical methods for finding clientsRecommendations for essential tech tools for new bookkeepersWhat bookkeeping services are most in-demand and how to decide which ones to offerResources mentioned in this episode: Ambitious Bookkeeper Free Training: http://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/trainingMini Courses: http://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/storePricing for ProfitBookkeeping Client CloserBookkeeping Business Accelerator: http://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bbaSoftware tools mentioned: QuickBooksXeroShopifyTaxJarA2XHubdocCalendlyGoogle Suite/WorkspaceZoomLoomAsanaCanvaDubsado 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/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-llcDescript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)To fill out The State of Virtual Bookkeeping Survey, click HERE. For each response, I'll be donating $1 to charity: water. Learn more here. Join the next free training at ambitiousbookkeeper.com/training

    39 min

  4. APR 23

    196 ⎸ The Comeback Blueprint: What Every Ambitious Man Needs to Hear with Cletus Coffey

    Send us a text In this powerful episode of The Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast, Serena Shoup chats with Cletus Coffey, former pro athlete, single dad, and founder of Torch Training. Cletus shares his remarkable journey from professional sports to entrepreneurial failures to finding his authentic purpose through personal transformation. In this episode you’ll hear: Cletus's journey from pro athlete to struggling entrepreneur to finding true alignmentPractical frameworks for balancing ambition, family, and personal growthHow to break free from achievement addiction and redefine success beyond the "scoreboard"The importance of mastering your mornings and creating structure that prioritizes self-careResources mentioned in this episode: Cletus Coffey's website: CletusCoffey.comBe The Torch PodcastMorning Mastery Challenge - includes downloadable cheat sheet and video tutorialBBD Live with James Wedmore (event where Serena and Cletus met) Meet Cletus Coffey Cletus Coffey is a former professional and world champion athlete turned founder of Be The Torch Academy. After losing his first business and navigating the challenges of divorce and being a single dad, Cletus struggled silently through a long period of pain and darkness. Through an unwavering devotion to self-mastery, he unlocked a path to greater personal power, purpose and passion, which included helping men—specifically single fathers and entrepreneurs—master their lives and businesses. Combining self-mastery with business and personal development, Cletus helps single dads who own a business, master their true authentic self so that they can finally become a man capable of experiencing happiness, fulfillment and freedom in their business and life. Connect with Cletus Coffey https://www.linkedin.com/in/cletuscoffey/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/torchtraining/ @cletuscoffey 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 To fill out The State of Virtual Bookkeeping Survey, click HERE. For each response, I'll be donating $1 to charity: water. Learn more here. Join the next free training at ambitiousbookkeeper.com/training

    41 min

  5. APR 16

    195 | Bookkeeping in the Fair Tax Era

    Send us a text In this mini-episode, Serena shares her research on the Fair Tax Act and what it could mean for bookkeepers. She explains how this potential legislation would eliminate income tax and the IRS, replacing them with a national sales tax. Serena offers practical advice for bookkeepers to prepare for this potential shift and future-proof their businesses. In this episode you’ll hear: A breakdown of what the Fair Tax Act actually means (goodbye income tax, hello 23-30% national sales tax!)How bookkeeping services would evolve rather than disappear in this new tax landscapeThree actionable steps to prepare your bookkeeping business for this potential changeWhy this shift could actually be an opportunity for ambitious bookkeepers to expand their servicesResources mentioned in this episode: Sales Tax Workshop: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/salestaxElevate Program: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/elevateThe Accounting Podcast (formerly Cloud Accounting Podcast)AvalaraTax JarQBOXeroThanks 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)To fill out The State of Virtual Bookkeeping Survey, click HERE. For each response, I'll be donating $1 to charity: water. Learn more here.

    13 min

  6. APR 9

    194 | Organizing and Managing Work Production in Your Small Firm

    Send us a text Running a bookkeeping or accounting firm means juggling multiple clients, deadlines, and deliverables - often leading to that feeling of "I'm drowning in work!" As someone who's built a successful practice while working 20 hours or less per week, I've discovered that how you organize and manage your workflow makes all the difference between constant overwhelm and smooth operations. Whether you're flying solo or leading a small team, these three actionable strategies will help you streamline your processes, reduce stress, and scale your firm without the burnout. In this episode you’ll hear: Three actionable strategies to centralize your workflows and processes in one placeHow to implement a standardized file naming system that saves you hours of searchingTips for designing your week with focus blocks to avoid context switching and burnoutReal examples of how I apply these strategies in my own bookkeeping businessResources mentioned in this episode: ClickupAsanaGoogle SheetsGoogle DriveThe Bookkeeping Business Accelerator: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bbaThanks 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)To fill out The State of Virtual Bookkeeping Survey, click HERE. For each response, I'll be donating $1 to charity: water. Learn more here.

    7 min

  7. APR 2

    193 | Marketing without Social Media

    Send us a text Serena dives deep into marketing strategies for bookkeepers and small business owners who are skeptical or overwhelmed by social media, sharing practical tips for building connections and growing your business. What You’ll Learn: Marketing isn't just about social media: Discover a multi-pronged approach including offline networking, online presence, and website strategyBuild your "circle of influence" by connecting with complementary professionals like insurance agents, bankers, and consultantsHow to start small and prioritize your marketing efforts without getting overwhelmedThe power of delivering exceptional service as your best marketing toolResources mentioned: UpworkLinkedInKajabiSquarespaceTia's "Squarespace for Bookkeepers" Program: https://www.riledupgoats.com/ssfbFor experienced bookkeepers & accountants: Learn how to start your bookkeeping business in The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator®: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bbaGrab my FREE Start your Bookkeeping Biz Checklist: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/checklistGrab my FREE New Client Onboarding Templates: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/onboardFor new bookkeepers: Learn the fundamental accounting skills in Katie Ferro's Become a Bookkeeper: https://www.katieferro.com/a/38894/2PQNgtvvFor online course creators: Become a client at my firm, Of Course Financial: https://www.ofcoursebookkeeping.com/contactConnect with us: 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/serenashoupcpaPodcast 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)To fill out The State of Virtual Bookkeeping Survey, click HERE. For each response, I'll be donating $1 to charity: water. Learn more here.

    16 min

  8. MAR 26

    192 | How to Combat Imposter Syndrome

    Send us a text In this episode I’m tackling a listener ‘struggle’: Imposter Syndrome. This is also a MINI episode, which means you can view the video on YouTube! While you’re there, make sure to subscribe! Resources mentioned in this episode: The Bookkeeping Biz WorkshopsMy FREE TrainingThanks 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)To fill out The State of Virtual Bookkeeping Survey, click HERE. For each response, I'll be donating $1 to charity: water. Learn more here.

    10 min
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About

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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    210
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast

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