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
Episodes
251 episodes
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 the...
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
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’...
237 ⎸ [Q&A] Inbox Management, Tech Stack, and Practice Management Tips
some links are affiliate linksIn this episode, I'm sharing our March live Q&A where I answered rapid-fire questions about running a bookkeeping firm. If you've ever wondered how to manage a shared team inbox without m...
236 | Take back your time with Dubsado 3.0
Stop letting your calendar run your life! In this episode, Serena dives into the brand-new Dubsado 3.0 (Beta) to show you how to protect your time and professionalize your client onboarding. Whether you’re a bookkeeper, accountant, or sm...
235 ⎸ Why I only use Xero
I've been getting this question for years, and since I'm now on YouTube and Xero keeps rolling out new features, it was time to give this topic a serious refresh. In this episode, I'm breaking down all the reasons why I am a hundred percent Xer...
234 | April Podcast Update
This is a podcast update & what to expect here on the podcast for the month of April!Check out this week’s YouTube Video >>The New Xero Partner HubThanks for l...
233 ⎸ No More Arbitrary Price Increases [vlog]
This one is a little different. One day in February I decided to vlog my day.. a sort of behind the scenes of my day. I wasn’t sure what I was going to use this footage for. And then… I was inspired a couple weeks ago (by the ...
232 | Using AI in Bookkeeping
AI is changing the bookkeeping game, but it's not replacing us anytime soon.In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on Xero's built-in AI feature, JAX (Just Ask Xero), and walking you through exactly how we're testing it inside our...
231 | I’ve got a surprise!
I have a big announcement to share and I've been so excited to finally let the cat out of the bag! Erin Pohan, one of our OG community members and founder of UpKeeping®, is joining me as co-coach for this upcoming cohort of the Bookkeeping Busi...
230 | [Q&A] AI Tools, Pricing, and Onboarding
From AI tools and scope creep to finding your first clients and onboarding systems, whether you're just dreaming about starting a bookkeeping business or you're a few years in, there's something in here for you.In this episode you’ll ...
228 | [Q&A] Partnerships, Profit First, and Complex Client Situations
Welcome back to our monthly live Q&A! We took a little break, but we're back and ready to tackle all your burning questions about building your bookkeeping business. Whether you're just getting started or scaling your firm, this episode is ...
227 | Increasing Your Sales with Hunter Rademacher
In this episode, Serena interviews Hunter Rademaker and they talk about Hunter’s expertise on sales in accounting, emphasizing client qualification, communication, advisory roles, and strategic hiring for growth.In this episode you’ll...
226 | Need to know OBBBA highlights for Bookkeepers Adrian Lopez
The 'One Big Beautiful Bill' introduces significant tax changes for 1099s, depreciation, and employer credits, emphasizing meticulous bookkeeping for compliance and savings. Listen in to the conversation with Adrian & Serena as they unpack ...
225 ⎸ Recast: Become a Bookkeeper with Katie Ferro
Before we close things down for the holidays, I decided to bring back one of my favorite interviews from the vault. In 2021 during one of our Bookkeeping Biz Workshop rounds, I brought Katie on to chat about a program she had just created—which...
224 | Using Human-First AI for Visibility with Kelly Sinclair
I had the best conversation with Kelly Sinclair about something that's been on my mind (and probably yours too): how to actually use AI without losing the human connection that makes your business YOU. We dive deep into why social media might n...
223 | Using AI Securely + to Land Clients with Kelsey Silver
In this episode, I'm chatting with my friend Kelsey Silver about something so many of you have been asking about - how the heck are we supposed to use AI without compromising our clients' security? Kelsey has a super unique background and she b...
222 ⎸ Hubdoc: Audit-Proof Your Business
This episode is best watched on YouTube >In this episode, I'm walking you through one of my absolute favorite tools for keeping your business audit-proof: Hubdoc. I'll show yo...
221 ⎸ [Q&A] Pricing Cleanups, Marketing, and Cyber Insurance
Hey guys! This month's live Q&A was packed with real talk about the nitty-gritty of running a bookkeeping business. We covered everything from pricing cleanups (spoiler: diagnostics are your best friend) to getting cyber insurance (yes, it'...
220 | I worked 45 hours in August; and it’s not on what you think
some links are affiliate linksWant to see my weekly timesheets? Follow me on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperNo one talks enough about...
219 | Top Scams Happening to Bookkeepers in 2025 with Jock Wols
Cyber scams targeting bookkeepers are getting more sophisticated, and I'm sitting down with insurance expert Jock Wols to talk about what's happening in our industry right now. I even share my own recent experience being targeted through the Gu...
218 | Ready to *Actually* Learn QBO? With Margie Remmers-Davis
In this episode, I sat down with Margie Remmers-Davis, founder and CEO of Akadian Accounting Education, to talk about what it really takes to learn QuickBooks Online. If you've ever felt like the ProAdvisor certification didn't actually prepare...
217 ⎸ What You *Actually* Need to Start Your Bookkeeping Business
Hey there! In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly what you actually need to start your bookkeeping business - no fluff, just the tactical stuff that matters. As someone who accidentally started my bookkeeping business as a side hus...
216 | Why You Might be Feeling Exhausted with Dariella Gonitzke
In this episode, I'm sharing my personal journey through toxic mold exposure and the health challenges that nearly broke me as a mom and business owner. I'm joined by my nutritionist Dariella Gonitzke, who I met at BBD Live when I was at my low...