Send us a text

Join Serena and Alyssa Lang, the Workflow Queen, as they dive deep into the results of the first-ever State of Virtual Bookkeeping and Accounting Industry Report! We collected over 200 responses from bookkeepers and accounting firm owners like you, and the data is honestly eye-opening. This isn't your typical corporate survey - this is BY us, FOR us small firm owners.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• The advisory services reality check - Why 41% of you are probably already doing advisory work but not charging for it
• The referral marketing machine breakdown - Since 41% of you rely on word-of-mouth referrals, we're sharing specific strategies to systematize and amplify your referral game
• Team structure insights - Why so many are working full-time but haven't built a team yet
• Client capacity breakdown - 26% are serving 20+ clients, and we're breaking down how that's even possible
• Industry positioning trends - What people are calling themselves and their businesses

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• ambitiousbookkeeper.com/results

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)

Get access to the Dubsado Decoded Private Podcast Series here>>

And watch for the Summer Sale (20% off) Dubsado Decoded, the course happening July 7-13.

DubsadoDecoded.com

Grab the Spotify Playlists here: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/spotify

Send us a text

This bonus episode features the live recording from Wave Seattle, where I joined forces with Alyssa Lang (the Workflow Queen) and event host Erin Pohan for an authentic conversation about business, friendship, and finding your people in the accounting industry. We shared our "biz bestie" origin story, talked about navigating personal setbacks as business leaders, and answered real questions from the audience about everything from hiring to burnout.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• How a mistakenly booked hotel room with one king bed instead of two queens led to the friendship that changed both our businesses
• Honest discussion about mental health, taking breaks, and why it's okay to pause when life gets overwhelming
• Concrete tips for networking, building authentic relationships, and creating your own "board of directors" for different areas of life
• Live answers to questions about hiring, social media strategy, competition vs. collaboration, and pushing through burnout

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Ambitious Bookkeeper Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ambitiousbookkeeper/
• Asana, QBO, Xero, Marco Polo, ChatGPT
• Xero Con, Bridging the Gap
• Human Design

Connect with Erin

🌐 Website: https://www.upkeeping.co/

📱 IG: @upkeeping.co

🌊 WAVE Conference: @wave.seattle

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:

• Interview Editing → Akiha Marketing: https://www.akihamarketing.com/
• Editing → Sabr Media LLC:

Get access to the Dubsado Decoded Private Podcast Series here>>

And watch for the Summer Sale (20% off) Dubsado Decoded, the course happening July 7-13.

DubsadoDecoded.com

Grab the Spotify Playlists here: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/spotify

Send us a text

In this episode, I'm tackling a listener question about document retention in our digital age. You know how we used to worry about keeping physical files for 3, 5, or 7 years? Well, now that everything's digital and stored in the cloud, does that change our retention strategy? Spoiler alert: it's way more complex than I initially thought! I'm breaking down both IRS guidelines for small businesses AND AICPA guidelines for accounting firms, plus sharing exactly what we do in our own firm.

What You'll Learn:

• The difference between IRS requirements for small businesses vs. AICPA guidelines for accounting firms
• How to create your own document retention policy (and why every firm owner needs one)
• The logistics of offboarding clients while protecting yourself legally
• What documents you should NEVER delete and what you can purge after 7-10 years

Resources mentioned:

• Ask YOUR Questions at: http://speakpipe.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
• IRS Publication 583 and 552
• AICPA Guidelines
• IRS.gov
• Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Workspace, Google Drive
• Canopy, Content Snare

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 online businesses:

• Become a client at my firm, Of Course Financial: https://www.ofcoursebookkeeping.com/contact

Connect with us:

• 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

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)

Get access to the Dubsado Decoded Private Podcast Series here>>

And watch for the Summer Sale (20% off) Dubsado Decoded, the course happening July 7-13.

DubsadoDecoded.com

Send us a text

In this episode, I'm answering an audience question about whether the nonprofit sector is a viable niche for a new bookkeeping firm. I dive deep into the pros and cons of specializing in nonprofits and share actionable strategies for making this niche work.

What You Can Expect to Hear

• How to overcome the common challenge of nonprofits expecting discounted pricing through value-based pricing strategies
• Specific scalability tactics including productizing services, choosing specialized software, and building efficient processes
• Networking strategies and the sweet spot for targeting mid-size nonprofits that have budget but haven't internalized their accounting function

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 online businesses:

• Become a client at my firm, Of Course Financial: https://www.ofcoursebookkeeping.com/contact

Connect with us:

• 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

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)

Get access to the Dubsado Decoded Private Podcast Series here>>

And watch for the Summer Sale (20% off) Dubsado Decoded, the course happening July 7-13.

DubsadoDecoded.com

Send us a text

In this eye-opening episode, Serena sits down with Meenadchi, an ancestral healing practitioner, to explore how intergenerational trauma impacts our relationship with money. This isn't your typical business conversation - we're diving deep into the personal stuff that affects how you run your business and serve your clients … and get a little woo!

In this episode you’ll hear:

• How trauma from your ancestors (even great-grandparents) lives in your body and affects your money decisions today
• Why your "difficult" clients might not be responding because of their own money trauma - and how understanding this changes everything
• The surprising science behind why we existed in our grandmother's bellies and what that means for inherited patterns
• Practical exercises you can do right now to start healing your relationship with money, including writing a letter TO money

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Free money magic meditation: https://meenadchi.myflodesk.com/moneymagic
• Trauma of Money™: https://www.thetraumaofmoney.com/
• Creme de la Creme Networking Group: https://cremedelacreme.coachesandcompany.com/

Meet Meenadchi

Meenadchi (she/her) is an ancestral healing practitioner, TEDx speaker, and communications expert whose work centers social change and embodied transformation. Using the modality of Family Constellation Therapy, Meenadchi supports socially-conscious changemakers and entrepreneurs heal inherited and ancestral money trauma, so that we can be paid well for our work and so that we can pour funds into our communities from a state of overflow instead of self-sacrifice. Meenadchi holds a clinical license in occupational therapy and has historically served communities impacted by gender-based violence, complex trauma, and serious mental illness. She is the author of Decolonizing Non-Violent Communication (2019) and is a faculty member with the Trauma of Money™.

Connect with Meenadchi

Website: http://meenadchi.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meenadchi/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/with.meenadchi/

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/serenashoupcp

Get access to the Dubsado Decoded Private Podcast Series here>>

And watch for the Summer Sale (20% off) Dubsado Decoded, the course happening July 7-13.

DubsadoDecoded.com

Grab the Spotify Playlists here: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/spotify

Send us a text

In this May Q&A episode, Serena dives deep into the practical side of building a bookkeeping business, covering everything from software partnerships and pricing strategies to finding your niche and standing out from the competition. She shares real-world advice on working with Xero and Gusto, addresses common struggles with client onboarding, and provides actionable tips for bookkeepers at every stage of their journey.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• How to handle software costs and partnerships with Xero and Gusto
• Strategies to differentiate yourself in a crowded bookkeeping market
• The real talk on choosing your niche and why you shouldn't let others talk you out of what you love
• Game-changing client onboarding tactics that eliminate problem clients from day one

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Xero, Gusto, QBO, Hubdoc, Jet Convert, Dubsado, Relay Bank, Squarespace, Kajabi, Bluehost & Hover
• Bookkeeping Business Accelerator (BBA): https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bba
• BBA VIP upgrade option
• Squarespace for Bookkeepers program by Tia: https://www.riledupgoats.com/ssfb
• Bookkeeping Biz Workshops (coming August, evenings, 3 days)

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)

Get access to the Dubsado Decoded Private Podcast Series here>>

And watch for the Summer Sale (20% off) Dubsado Decoded, the course happening July 7-13.

DubsadoDecoded.com

Grab the Spotify Playlists here: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/spotify

Send us a text

It’s the 200th episode of The Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast and Serena pulls back the curtain on her bookkeeping firm's 2024 performance, sharing both the wins and challenges. She gets real about client churn, revenue growth, personal struggles with mold toxicity, and the hard lessons learned about communicating with clients who aren't taking crucial financial advice.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• Client management reality check - How one client's bankruptcy and fraud issues led to major communication style changes
• Personal health struggles - Living in toxic mold for 2 years and how it affected business decisions and energy levels
• 2025 strategy shifts - Moving away from high-ticket CFO services toward team-handled base packages for better work-life balance

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Episode 175 | Threads: Is it Worth it? https://youtu.be/Ola7HlpRy2U
• Elevate: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/elevate
• Elevate Mastermind (only for program graduates)
• Dubsado Decoded (with Kendra Courtney): https://kendracourtney.com/dubsado-decoded/
• AI Unlocked Summit registration: https://ambitiousbookkeeper--gemmabonhamcarter.thrivecart.com/ai-unlocked/619bde31ff59d/
• Bookkeeping Biz Workshops (launching August 2025)
• Xero, QBO, Hubdoc, ChatGPT, Asana, Airtable, TaxJar, A2X, Dubsado
• Business by Design (James Wedmore's program): https://www.jameswedmoretraining.com/
• Xero Con, Podcasting Moms Conference, BBD Live, Wave Seattle
• Prescott Area Young Professionals

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)
• Buzzspro

Get access to the Dubsado Decoded Private Podcast Series here>>

And watch for the Summer Sale (20% off) Dubsado Decoded, the course happening July 7-13.

DubsadoDecoded.com

Grab the Spotify Playlists here: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/spotify