213 | Building a Bookkeeping Business From Scratch

Send us a textToday I'm re-airing one of my favorite spotlight episodes featuring two incredible BBA students - Erin and Misa. These ladies built thriving bookkeeping businesses from absolutely nothing, and I'm sharing their real, raw stories plus giving you an update on where they are now (spoiler alert: they're both crushing it!). If you've been wondering whether you can actually make this work while juggling life, work, and family, this episode is going to give you all the inspiration you need.In this episode you’ll hear:Erin's journey from corporate burnout to 11 clients in 6 monthsMisa's strategic approach to building her businessReal talk about overcoming limiting beliefs and handling rejectionThe power of community and external accountabilityResources mentioned in this episode:Bookkeeping Business Accelerator: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/vipAsana, QBO, UpWorkGretchen Rubin, Human Design, Cloud Accounting PodcastMeet ErinAs Founder of UpKeeping® and a proud student in The Ambitious Bookkeeper community, Erin is changing the old & boring stereotypes of the accounting industry. Erin and her team support new entrepreneurs and already-established small business owners by being their #1 financial cheerleader/concierge/communicator.Connect with Erin👥 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinpohan/Meet MisaAs the founder and CEO of Perfectly Kept Books®, she is on a mission to help women get comfortable with their numbers so they can feel empowered to make better business decisions. Misa knows that bookkeeping can be a real barrier to success, and she is passionate about removing that barrier by making bookkeeping easy and stress-free.Connect with Misa🌐 Website: www.perfectlykeptbooks.com📱 Instagram: @perfectlykeptbooksThanks 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 @ambitiousbookkeeperFor 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)

Send us a textHey everyone! This month's live Q&A was packed with so many golden nuggets for your bookkeeping business. We covered everything from client management to getting started with confidence - basically all the real stuff you're dealing with day-to-day.In this episode you’ll hear:Getting Clients in Niche MarketsHandling Unresponsive ClientsRecording Startup ExpensesBookkeeping Practice TestsUsing Airtable, Asana, and DubsadoClient Management and Team StructureMigrating New Clients to Xero from QBOConnecting Credit Unions to XeroAnd More!Resources mentioned in this episode:Bookkeeping Business Accelerator: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/vipBookkeeping Biz Workshops: http://bkworkshops.online/One-on-one mentoring sessions: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/contactXero: https://xeroamericas.partnerlinks.io/79afz10exu7dDubsado: https://www.dubsado.com/?c=shoupcpaOpen Phone: https://openph.one/referral/XA0kFFRExcel, Asana, Airtable, QBO, Jet ConvertThanks 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 @ambitiousbookkeeperFor 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)

Send us a textHey ambitious bookkeepers! In this episode, I'm getting real about my "accidental" start in accounting and why NOW is always the best time to start your bookkeeping business. I'm sharing my journey from elementary education major to single mom working at a health food co-op, all the way to building my own virtual bookkeeping firm while raising kids. Spoiler alert: success doesn't require a perfect plan!In this episode you’ll hear:How I got into accountingThe exact steps I took to transition from corporate controller to freelance bookkeeperLessons I learned the hard way so you don’t have toand much more!Resources mentioned in this episode:The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator🎙️ Should you get your CPA license? - Not sure if getting your CPA license is the right step for you? Listen to this episode!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, @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SerenaShoupConnect on Facebook: 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:Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLCDescript (affiliate link)Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Send us a textIn this episode, I'm sharing one of my most game-changing strategies - my Sunday evening planning ritual. If you're feeling overwhelmed juggling kids, home life, and building your business, this 15-20 minute weekly practice will help you take back control of your time and align your week with what truly matters.In this episode you’ll hear:How to implement a Sunday planning ritualThe exact tools I useHow I organize my entire week in under 20 minutesMy secret methodology for finding 20 extra hours in your week when you're building a side hustle while working full-timeResources mentioned in this episode:Passion Planner Sample PagesPassion Planner (affiliate link)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 @ambitiousbookkeeperFor 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)

Send us a textIn this episode, I had an incredibly insightful conversation with Robin J. Emdon, author of "GetResultsology - The Science of Getting Stuff Done" and a productivity coach who specializes in helping people overcome procrastination. In this conversation Robin dives deep into the psychology behind why we procrastinate and provides concrete strategies to break free from it.In this episode you’ll hear:The neuroscience behind procrastinationThe three neurotransmitters you need to get into your grooveWhy external accountability is crucialStrategies for tackling boring work that still needs to get doneResources mentioned in this episode:"GetResultsology - The Science of Getting Stuff Done" - Free PDF download at reallyusefultips.comFive Day Productivity Challenge - Free 5-day video series (10 minutes/day) at skyrocketyourproductivitychallenge.comMeet RobinRobin J. Emdon is an accountability coach and creator of the GetResultsology® System. His journey started in his family’s retail business, but he soon realised his true passion was empowering others. In 2001, he trained as a life coach in the U.S., which led him to specialise in accountability coaching.During the 2020 pandemic, Robin faced his own challenge with procrastination despite years of coaching experience. Determined to find a solution, he developed the GetResultsology® System to help others and himself.Based in South Devon, England, Robin helps clients all over the world boost their income and profits by achieving extraordinary results through accountability coaching. In his spare time, he enjoys sharing his passion for local history. Connect with Robin🌐 Main Website: getresultsology.com💼 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinjemdon/📱 Instagram: @robinjemdon https://www.instagram.com/robinjemdon/🎙️ Goalbusters Podcast: https://getresultsology.com/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 @ambitiousbookkeeperFor 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:

Send us a textIn this episode, Serena sits with Grace Costa, founder of Social Mixed Media and the Social Accountant, to dive deep into what's working in social media marketing right now. Grace shares her journey from accountant to marketing agency owner and gives us the real scoop on how AI is changing the game for bookkeepers and accountants trying to land clients online.In this episode you’ll hear:- 4 core organic marketing strategies for bookkeepers and accountants in 2025- How AI and Google's new search features affect visibility- Why DM outreach doesn't have to feel spammy- Real talk about using templates vs. creating everything from scratchResources mentioned in this episode:Metricool - Social media scheduler recommended by Grace (posts to Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Google Business Profile)Loomly - Serena's preferred social media schedulerManyChat - Automation tool for DM sequences and lead magnetsCanva - For customizing social media templatesChatGPT - For client research and personalized sales callsMeet GraceGrace Costa is the founder of Social Mixt Media, a marketing agency that helps businesses grow through digital marketing strategies and automation. She's also the founder of Social Accountant, a membership that delivers done-for-you marketing content each month, exclusively for bookkeepers and accountants.Connect with Grace👥 Facebook: Social Accountant📱 Instagram: @socialaccountantmedia👩‍💼 LinkedIn: Social Accountant💼 Social Accountant Membership: https://socialmixtmedia.com/accountant🌐 Social Mixt Media: 2 weeks of social media templates: https://socialmixmedia.kit.com/dcfcb22051Thanks 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 @ambitiousbookkeeperFor 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)

Send us a textHey everyone! This month's live Q&A was packed with so many good questions from the community. We covered everything from client communication systems to accrual accounting transitions, and I even got to address some pricing questions that I know so many of you struggle with.In this episode you’ll hear:Client request systems and processesXero migrations and software recommendationsAccrual accounting deep divePricing strategies and business growthResources mentioned in this episode:Xero: https://xeroamericas.partnerlinks.io/79afz10exu7dJet Convert: https://jetconvert.com/Hubdoc: https://www.hubdoc.com/Kajabi: https://app.kajabi.com/r/SLFEMUL4/t/uiptq7nuGusto: https://gusto.com:/partners/i/serena591TaxJar: https://www.taxjar.com/Keeper: https://keeper.app/?via=serenaContent Snare: https://contentsnare.com/#_r_serena58Bookkeeping Business Accelerator (BBA): https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bbaElevate: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/elevatePricing for Profit: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/storeBookkeeping Biz Workshops: bkworkshops.onlineAmbitious Bookkeeper Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ambitiousbookkeeperAlyssa Lang/Workflow Queen: https://www.workflowqueen.comKatie Ferro's Become a Bookkeeper: https://www.katieferro.com/a/38894/2PQNgtvvBookkeeper Launch: https://sk293.isrefer.com/go/BLFS/SS64/Akadian: https://fastandeasyqbo.samcart.com/referral/ihiA1kYR/8Duca0gOuAg8wpjFThanks 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 @ambitiousbookkeeperFor 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://

Send us a textJoin 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 itThe 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 gameTeam structure insights - Why so many are working full-time but haven't built a team yetClient capacity breakdown - 26% are serving 20+ clients, and we're breaking down how that's even possibleIndustry positioning trends - What people are calling themselves and their businessesResources mentioned in this episode:ambitiousbookkeeper.com/resultsConnect with Alyssa:🌐 Website: workflowqueen.com📱 IG: @workflowqueen🎙️ Podcast: Conquering Workflows & Systems with the Workflow QueenThanks 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 @ambitiousbookkeeperFor 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)

Send us a textThis 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 businessesHonest discussion about mental health, taking breaks, and why it's okay to pause when life gets overwhelmingConcrete tips for networking, building authentic relationships, and creating your own "board of directors" for different areas of lifeLive answers to questions about hiring, social media strategy, competition vs. collaboration, and pushing through burnoutResources mentioned in this episode:Ambitious Bookkeeper Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ambitiousbookkeeper/Asana, QBO, Xero, Marco Polo, ChatGPTXero Con, Bridging the GapHuman DesignConnect with Erin🌐 Website: https://www.upkeeping.co/📱 IG: @upkeeping.co🌊 WAVE Conference: @wave.seattleConnect with Alyssa:🌐 Website: workflowqueen.com📱 IG: @workflowqueen🎙️ Podcast: Conquering Workflows & Systems with the Workflow QueenThanks 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 @ambitiousbookkeeperFor 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:Interview Editing → Akiha Marketing: https://www.akihamarketing.com/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)

Send us a textIn this episode, I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Adrian Lopez, a former IRS revenue agent turned CPA, who just left the IRS last month to start his own practice. Adrian pulls back the curtain on what really happens during IRS audits and shares insider secrets that every bookkeeper and business owner needs to know.In this episode you’ll hear:The real audit triggers that most people don't know about (hint: it's not filing extensions!)Why construction contractors and real estate investors are being targeted more frequentlyHow the IRS uses algorithms and financial status analysis to select audit candidatesWhat documentation and systems keep businesses safe from IRS scrutinyThe steps that practically guarantee a "no change" auditMeet Adrian LopezAdrian Lopez is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a former IRS Revenue Agent.During his tenure with the IRS, he audited a wide range of self-employed individuals and small business owners, including dentists, doctors, construction contractors, restauranteurs, manufacturers, wholesalers, tax preparers, real estate professionals, landlords, money managers, and farmers.Now, Adrian is launching his own tax and accounting practice, dedicated to serving individuals, families, and small businesses.He offers a comprehensive suite of services, including individual and business income tax preparation, audit representation, advisory and consulting services, tax planning, and bookkeeping.Connect with Adrian LopezLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianl1996/Website: https://www.anlcpa.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 @ambitiousbookkeeperFor 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)