Serena Shoup, CPA

The Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast

Business EN ↓ 249 episodes

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://lin...

Author

Serena Shoup, CPA

Category

Business

Latest episode

Jul 1, 2026

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Episodes

145 ⎸ [Q&A] Pricing, Networking, & Growing 24.04.2024

In this episode, you get a sneak peek behind the curtain of my monthly live Q&As for students and inside of my free Facebook group. In this episode you’ll hear: How to start a cleanup Will AI replace bookkeepers? Following up with clients after price increases Contracting with another bookkeeper as you build your book of business Changing from sole proprietor to LLC & name changes Packagin...

144 | Breakaway from the old Franchise model with Shea + Michelle 17.04.2024

In this interview episode, I’m chatting with Shea & Michelle, founders of Breakaway Bookkeeping + Advising. We delve into the innovative franchise model that encourages entrepreneurship and supports a healthy work-life balance, challenging the norms of traditional accounting firms. Join us as we explore Breakaway's unique assisted entrepreneurship approach, including mentorship programs a...

143 ⎸Retirement Planning with Matt Ruttenberg 10.04.2024

In this interview episode I’m chatting with 401k expert, Matt Ruttenberg, and he dives into ALL things retirement planning. Seriously, this is packed with helpful info! Tune in to get strategies for planning your retirement & hear how different biz structures impact those plans and contributions. In this episode you’ll hear: Retirement planning strategies for high-income individuals 401(k) Pla...

142 | Am I Ready for CFO Services? With Charles Leikauf 03.04.2024

In this interview episode, I’m chatting with Charles Leikauf, founder of Profit Surge Group, to unravel the intricacies of offering fractional CFO services within the accounting industry. Get ready to gain insights into mastering the art of offering CFO services, the importance of passion and confidence, and the real-world experiences that have shaped Charles' journey. In this episode you’ll...

[MINI] 9 | Hubdoc Process for Clients 01.04.2024

In this minisode I talk about our Hubdoc process & procedures for our clients, plus I give an example of how to encourage your clients to use Hubdoc! Learn how to start your bookkeeping business (for experienced bookkeepers & accountants): https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bba Become a Bookkeeper: https://www.katieferro.com/a/38894/2PQNgtvv (affiliate link) Grab the FREE Start your Bookk...

141 | [Q&A] Podcast Interviewing for Bookkeepers 27.03.2024

In this Q&A episode, I share insights on how to pitch yourself for podcast interviews and what topics to cover. You'll learn how to set yourself apart, deliver compelling content, and utilize real-life client experiences to engage and educate your audience. Tune in and take notes as I walk you through the do's and don'ts of podcast pitching & interviewing. In this episode yo...

140 | [Q&A] Help! My leads aren't converting! 20.03.2024

In this episode I give advice and insights on various topics related to running a bookkeeping business, attracting and converting clients, pricing strategies, marketing tactics, engaging with prospects, handling follow-ups, and more. In this episode you’ll hear: When to follow up with leads What to do when someone ghosts you after a Diagnostic Messaging for the clients you want to attract Marketin...

139 ⎸ CPA Exam Success with Dawn Edelstein 28.02.2024

In this interview episode I chat with Dawn Edelstein, CPA Exam Success Coach, all about the keys to CPA exam success. From mindset to study methods, this episode is filled with practical advice to help you excel in your CPA exam journey. So grab your notebook and get ready to take some notes! In this episode you’ll hear: The 3 Pillars of CPA Exam Success The S.T.A.R. Framework for studying Free re...

138 ⎸ How to hire A-Team players with Lesley Pyle (hiremymom.com) 21.02.2024

In this interview episode, I chat with CEO & Founder of HireMyMom.com and hear about her story working from home for the past 20+ years. We dive into lots of good stuff around hiring for your bookkeeping business, you don’t want to miss this episode! In this episode you’ll hear: How & when to hire help for your Bookkeeping Firm Tips for a successful job post Onboarding Tips Hiring resource...

137 ⎸ Finish your website in a week with Tia Taylor 14.02.2024

In this interview episode, I’m bringing Tia (my first hire!) back on to talk about all things WEBSITE DESIGN! Plus, Tia gives us a sneak peek at her new course - Squarespace for Bookkeepers. If your website has been a pain point for you in your business journey, then you’ll definitely wanna tune in! In this episode you’ll hear: the most important aspect of your website the 3 things google NEEDS ab...

136 ⎸ The BEST Bank for Clients: Relay - with Deanna Zubrickas 07.02.2024

In this interview episode, I’m chatting with Deanna Zubrickas, a product specialist at Relay. We dive into the challenges with traditional banking methods, the partnership between Relay and Profit First, and the revamped partner program that offers exciting opportunities for bookkeepers and accountants! In this episode you’ll hear: The new Relay Partner Program How to position and convert clients...

MINI Ep 8 | How to handle client banks that don’t integrate 05.02.2024

Record a question for me to answer on the podcast here: speakpipe.com/ambitiousbookkeeper In this minisode, I get into how to handle client banks that don’t integrate with Xero or Quickbooks. Learn when it makes sense to turn away a client, what to say to clients when this issue arises, and why we love Relay. Resources mentioned: Relay Learn how to start your bookkeeping business (for experienced...

135 ⎸ What’s so great about The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator®️? 31.01.2024

This is a very special episode, where you get to hear from current and past VIP students inside of the Bookkeeping Business Accelerator! If you’ve wanted to know what has been the biggest help/game changer for my students, tune in to this one to find out! In this episode you’ll hear: an in-depth look at the program’s curriculum exclusive VIP perks all the personalized support that comes with BBA V...

134 ⎸ How to grow a multi six-figure business 24.01.2024

In this solo episode, I delve into the complexities of growing a multi six-figure business and share insights on efficiency, workflow management, and hiring strategies crucial for business scalability. In this episode you’ll hear: the importance of narrowing your focus of services tips for creating processes & systems in your business the relationship between your niche & your marketing ef...

133 ⎸ Starting a Bookkeeping Business with no Experience [re-air] 17.01.2024

This week, I’m re-airing a solo episode where I chat about how I recommend going about starting a bookkeeping business without any experience in bookkeeping. In this episode you’ll hear: topics any bookkeeper should know where to start what it takes to be a business owner Recommended programs: Bookkeeper Launch for learning bookkeeping in QBO (affiliate link) Become a Bookkeeper for learning bookk...

132 ⎸ What a bookkeeper does 10.01.2024

Have you ever wondered what a bookkeeper should be doing every month for clients What about what a successful daily structure looks like? Well, these are two questions I’ll be diving into today on the podcast. I recently put a call out to the listener audience to submit questions you’d like answered on the podcast. You can still submit questions, either via email: support@ambitiousbookkeeper.com o...

131 | How to setup books for Real Estate Investors with Nick Baldo 03.01.2024

In this interview episode, I’m chatting with Nick Baldo, Real Estate Investor & Online Educator, about how bookkeeping needs to be setup and the various nuances of real estate investment businesses. As a bonus at the end, we chat about his Youtube strategy. In this episode you’ll hear: Biggest mistake real estate bookkeepers make 3 things to make sure you do when bookkeeping for real estate wh...

130 | Growing your business through podcasting with Shannon Weinstein 27.12.2023

In this episode, I chat with Shannon Weinstein, CPA and host of Keep What You Earn podcast. Join us as we explore the power of intentional podcasting and its role in growing in your biz! In this episode you’ll hear: 3 areas you need to focus on to get on podcasts using AI to research podcasts to pitch how NOT to pitch how to be prepared for your interviews Resources mentioned in this episode: List...

129 | Planning for Profit 20.12.2023

In this solo episode, I’m sharing a part of my planning process for ensuring profitability. Grab your notebook (or a google sheet) and follow along in setting up your client profitability analysis! In this episode you’ll hear: How we track time How I analyze client profitability Questions & considerations Resources mentioned in this episode: Clockify G-Accon Hubdoc Xero QBO A2X TaxJar To start...

128 | [STRATEGY] Pricing & Scaling Mindset for Growth with Accala Kessler 13.12.2023

Listen in like a fly on the wall for a strategy session with one of my Accelerator students. We dive into: Calculating client profitability How to think about pricing to achieve your goals Ideas for increasing value Resources mentioned in this episode: The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator® Connect with Accala: 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/accala-kessler-43bb746/ Thanks for listening. I...

[MINI] Ep 7 | Sales Tax Automation for E-Commerce 11.12.2023

Record a question for me to answer on the podcast here: speakpipe.com/ambitiousbookkeeper Resources Mentioned: TaxJar Bookkeeping for E-Commerce Workshop Sales Tax Workshop Learn how to start your bookkeeping business (for experienced bookkeepers & accountants): https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bba Become a Bookkeeper: https://www.katieferro.com/a/38894/2PQNgtvv (affiliate link) Grab the FR...

127 | [STRATEGY] Effectively Training & Mentoring Your Bookkeeping Team with Joanne Sharma 06.12.2023

In this 1-1 Strategy Session with Joanne Sharma, a former Coaching Client of mine,  we dive into some logistics of effectively reviewing, mentoring, and training a team. So if you’re thinking of hiring a bookkeeper for your team or already have a team but are struggling with expectations and training, tune in to this episode! In this episode you’ll hear: How we help our bookkeepers take responsibi...

126 | Which program is right for me? 29.11.2023

Have a question you want answered on the podcast? CLICK HERE TO SEND IT IN! In this episode, I’m giving a summary of all of our current self-paced paid programs, mini courses, and workshops to help you make a decision, or maybe showcase something that you weren’t aware existed. In this episode you’ll hear: Who’s a good fit for each program How to reach out for personalized guidance (email or DM me...

[MINI] Ep 6 ⎸ How to Follow up with a busy lead near Year End 27.11.2023

In this minisode, I answer the question, How do I follow up with a lead who’s so busy running their business that they’re not signing the agreement?  Learn how to reach out, what to say, and why this approach works! Learn how to start your bookkeeping business (for experienced bookkeepers & accountants): https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bba Become a Bookkeeper: https://www.katieferro.com/a/...

125 ⎸ Borrowed Confidence with David Richter 22.11.2023

In this interview episode, I chat with David Richter - owner of Simple CFO, a fractional CFO firm, and author of Profit First for Real Estate Investing . We talk about profit-first, offering CFO services, and creating a business you love. In this episode you’ll hear: 3 things to address with clients in a simple way How to get in front of your ideal clients Tips for ‘Selling’ Resources mentioned in...

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