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The Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast

The Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast

By: Serena Shoup CPA
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About this listen

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

© 2026 The Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast
Career Success Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • 237 ⎸ [Q&A] Inbox Management, Tech Stack, and Practice Management Tips
    Apr 22 2026

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    some links are affiliate links

    In 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 micromanaging, what to do with merchant clearing account balances at year end, or how to navigate a CPA non-compete, this one's for you.

    In this episode you’ll hear:

    • How to manage a shared team inbox
    • What to do with merchant clearing account balances at year end
    • Why building a 100% virtual client base can actually be easier than going local

    Resources mentioned in this episode:

    • Xero**:https://xeroamericas.partnerlinks.io/79afz10exu7d

    For experienced bookkeepers & accountants:

    Learn how to start your bookkeeping business in The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator® >>

    Grab my FREE Start your Bookkeeping Biz Checklist >>

    Grab my FREE New Client Onboarding Templates >>

    For new bookkeepers:

    Learn the fundamental accounting skills in Katie Ferro's Become a Bookkeeper** >>

    For creators:

    Become a client at my firm, Of Course Financial >> https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/69b0bd05819ab2af03e9b73f

    For more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:

    • Visit my website: ambitiousbookkeeper.com
    • Subscribe to my Newsletter ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog
    • Connect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
    • Connect on Threads: threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeper

    Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

    • Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLC
    • Descript**
    • Buzzsprout**

    AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER

    We participate in affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a commission from purchases made through the links above. However, our recommendations are based on our own research and expertise, and your trust is our priority.

    Join the next free training >

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    39 mins
  • 236 | Take back your time with Dubsado 3.0
    Apr 15 2026

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    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 small business owner, learning how to automate the "back-and-forth" of scheduling is the fastest way to reclaim your sanity.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • The Power of the Scheduler: How to use the new 3.0 interface to set up custom meeting types with automatic Zoom or Google Meet links.
    • Protecting Your Energy: Using buffer times and booking maximums so you never feel "back-to-back" again.
    • Qualifying Leads: How to attach intake questionnaires to your booking link to ensure you have all the info you need before the call starts.
    • Paid Discovery Calls: A simple trick to prevent "ghosting" and ensure potential clients are serious about working with you.
    • The "New Client Guide" Strategy: Why redirecting clients to a custom thank-you page or Canva guide after they book can set the stage for a premium experience.

    Resources Mentioned:

    • Dubsado* dubsado.com/?c=shoupcpa
    • Watch the Full Tutorial: See the new 3.0 interface in action over at youtube.com/@ambitiousbookkeeper.
    • Dubsado Decoded: Our signature course co-created with Dubsado Specialist Kendra Courtney. Get your firm's proposals, contracts, and workflows set up correctly the first time. dubsadodecoded.com
    • Free Audio Series: Want more tips on streamlining your bookkeeping business? Listen to our free series here: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/ddpodcast
    • Dubsado Decoded for Bookkeepers & Accountants: dubsadodecoded.com

    *Affiliate link

    Join the next free training >

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    4 mins
  • 235 ⎸ Why I only use Xero
    Apr 8 2026

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    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 Xero firm and why I genuinely love this software. This is not sponsored (but yes, please use my affiliate link!). I'm just a bookkeeper who has seen what a mess the alternative can create, and I want you to understand what you could have instead.

    In this episode you’ll hear:

    • Why Xero's security and data integrity controls make it the smarter choice over QBO
    • How Xero's reporting structure saves us massive time across our entire client roster
    • The efficiency tools and automations that let us simplify pricing and serve high-volume clients without penalty
    • The invoicing features and included extras that QBO actually charges you for (yes, really)

    Resources mentioned in this episode:

    • Xero Partner Program (Affiliate Link): https://xeroamericas.partnerlinks.io/79afz10exu7d
    • Relay Banking (Affiliate Link): https://relayfi.com?referralcode=ShoupCPA
    • GoCardless (Affiliate Link): https://manage.gocardless.com/refer/us/serena/ygvg9o-amz

    Videos linked in this episode:

    • Xero | Modifying Chart of Accounts: https://youtu.be/NHZLjYx2FQw
    • Xero | Reconcile Bank Accounts Pt 1: Match, Create, Transfer: https://youtu.be/D9CYOuAydac
    • Xero | Reconcile Bank Accounts Pt2: Reconcile Period: https://youtu.be/5fnwMC_QUo0
    • Hubdoc | Audit-Proof Your Business: https://youtu.be/vzSrPZOSJ3o

    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 me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ambitiousbookkeeper
    • 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)

    Join the next free training >

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    29 mins
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