Send us Fan Mail

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’ debate is missing the point
• What tasks you should actually be handing off to AI
• Why moving off hourly pricing isn’t enough anymore
• And how to position yourself so clients see you as indispensable
• how to make sure your pricing model matches your vision and goals

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Scaling New Heights 2026: https://www.woodard.com/scaling-new-heights-2026
• Woodard coaching program (for firms approaching $1M+)
• Xero / JAX feature (beta)
• Anthropic / Claude
• ChatGPT / OpenAI
• Microsoft Copilot

Meet Joe Woodard

Joe Woodard is the CEO of Woodard®, a company that empowers accountants and business advisors through education, coaching, resources, and consulting services, with a particular focus on Client Advisory Services (CAS). Woodard equips professionals to modernize their practices, optimize accounting software, and expand their reach.

Joe has trained over 150,000 professionals, is a published author, and hosts the Scaling New Heights® conference. He has been recognized by Accounting Today as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in accounting since 2014. Joe also publishes The Woodard Report™, which reaches over 100,000 readers annually.

Connect with Joe Woodard

🌐 Website: https://www.woodard.com

👥 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realjoewoodard/

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)

Join the next free training >

Send us Fan Mail

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 >

Send us Fan Mail

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 >