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Advisory doesn’t have to be complicated.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the simplest way to start offering advisory services inside your bookkeeping packages. I call it “advisory lite,” and it’s included in every service tier we offer, even the lowest one. If you’ve been wanting to dip your toe into advisory but don’t know where to start, this is your starting point. And if enough of us start doing this, we can change how people see bookkeepers altogether.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• Why even really good bookkeepers miss this one simple step that sets you apart
• The 5 key reports I deliver to every client every month
• How to templatize your monthly client email
• Why you need to be priced right before you add advisory

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Free KPI Guide: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/kpi
• Elevate Program: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/elevate
• 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: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com
• Subscribe to my Newsletter https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog
• Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Threads: https://www.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.

You don’t need to add budgeting and forecasting to your menu to start delivering advisory-level value.

In this episode, I sit down with Anne Napolitano, a former Hermès controller turned private chef turned owner of a 10-person restaurant-focused accounting firm. We get into the small shifts in your services and your marketing that change how clients see your value, plus how Anne went from doing everything herself to leading a team that has stuck with her for years.

Grab a notebook, my friend. This one is packed.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• Why your first hire should be a bookkeeper (not an admin)
• How Anne built a remote team with real longevity
• Advisory services you can start offering right now
• How niching down and advisory keeps you AI-proof

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Scaling New Heights
• Woodard Summit
• XeroCon

Meet Anne Napolitano

Anne Napolitano is the Founder and CEO of Anne Napolitano Consulting Inc., a Strategic Accounting & Advisory Firm. Before launching ANC in 2016, Anne served as Controller for the U.S. operations of Hermès and later worked as a personal chef, giving her a unique perspective that combines high-level finance with hands-on business operations. Today, she leads a team of accountants helping business owners gain clarity around cash flow, profitability, and growth while building a firm that moves beyond compliance and into meaningful advisory.

Connect with Anne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annenapolitano/

Website: https://www.napolitanoaccounting.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 @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)

In this September live Q&A, we covered a lot of ground. We talked about whether to convert a client from QBO to Xero or start fresh, how to realistically land more clients heading into 2026, and how I handle clients who won't send receipts no matter how many times you ask.

We also got into Shopify bookkeeping, paying contractors, what to do when a credit union is making your life miserable, and the moment I know it's time to walk away from a client. Plus, I spill the tea on why creating a course is way less passive than running a bookkeeping firm.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• My process for QBO to Xero conversions
• How to get more clients without burning yourself out
• How to keep month-end moving
• Shopify deposits and bills
• Contractors on Gusto
• Credit unions with no bank feeds
• How to know when a client has outgrown your firm.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Elevate: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/elevate
• Bookkeeping Business Accelerator (BBA): https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bba
• Confident Compliance Bundle: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/offers/tgPgMBJ7
• Bookkeeping Client Closer mini course: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/closer
• 228| Increasing Your Sales with Hunter Rademacher: https://youtu.be/aKQMePlI8UM

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)