The Bookkeepers' Podcast

In this Sofa Session, Kate Hayward, Managing Director of Xero UK, shares how growing up in a self-employed household shaped her views on risk, money and why bookkeepers are now more vital than ever to small businesses. For UK bookkeepers, this is a clear, honest look at where the profession is heading and how to stay at the centre of it. Kate talks about watching her parents worry over money at the kitchen table, how that drove her into a science degree and a Big Four career, and why she eventually left the perceived safety of that world to join a fast-growing tech company while planning to start a family. She shares the leadership moment that stopped her from self-selecting out of a senior role because of motherhood, and why background should never limit whose voice is heard in business or policy. A major theme of the conversation is financial literacy. Kate explains why the UK still lacks a joined-up, practical approach to money education and why Xero has invested in its financial literacy campaign to try to change that. She describes financial literacy as a life-cycle issue, from what children see at home to the decisions business owners face as they grow. For bookkeepers and accountants, Kate is clear: you are the lifeline for many small businesses. With the disappearance of the traditional bank manager, clients now turn to their adviser to interpret the numbers, sense-check decisions and connect them to wider support. She also acknowledges that many advisers were never taught sales, marketing or entrepreneurship, even though clients increasingly expect that wider commercial input. The episode also tackles AI and the future of the profession. Kate’s view is firm: AI will not replace bookkeepers or accountants. It will remove repetitive manual work and create space for deeper conversations, better insight and more ambitious client growth. The skills that matter most become communication, commercial thinking, pricing confidence and the ability to guide clients through uncertainty. If you are a UK bookkeeper or accountant who cares about small business, worries about AI, or wants to play a bigger role in clients’ financial understanding and long-term success, this conversation with Kate Hayward will help you see what’s coming next — and how you can stay essential. ----------------------------------------------- About us We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective ----------------------------------------------- About our Sponsor This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper ----------------------------------------------- Promotion This video contains paid promotion. ----------------------------------------------- Disclaimer The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

In this second instalment of the three-part “How to Find Bookkeeping Clients” series, Jo and Zoe dive deep into why personal branding is essential for bookkeepers who want to grow their practices. Building on video one’s “business foundations”, this episode explores how trust-building, visibility, reputation, and consistency help bookkeepers stand out in a crowded industry—especially in an online world filled with mistrust, catfishing, and AI-generated content. Through honest conversation, they unpack the mindset challenges bookkeepers face (especially introverted ones), discuss the shift away from hustle culture, and demonstrate how sharing values, lived experiences, and real-life content helps build genuine trust. They explain why your personal brand is what people say about you when you're not in the room—and how to intentionally shape that narrative. Jo and Zoe share practical strategies including content habits, storytelling, responding to audience engagement, writing blogs, and even publishing a book to elevate authority. In This Episode: Why personal branding matters for bookkeepers How to become “prolific” without working 24/7 What personal brand actually means (and what it doesn’t) Overcoming fear of visibility, especially for introverts What content to share to build trust What NOT to post—staying aligned to your own values How to capture everyday moments as content Using blogging, articles, and books to elevate authority How Jo and Zoe built multiple brands through consistency How to start conversations that lead naturally to client work ----------------------------------------------- About us We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective ----------------------------------------------- About our Sponsor This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper ----------------------------------------------- Promotion This video contains paid promotion. ----------------------------------------------- Disclaimer The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

In this first video of a three-part series on finding bookkeeping clients, Jo and Zoe break down the beginner foundations you need in place to win your first few clients with confidence. They talk honestly about the fear, vulnerability and “baggage” that new bookkeepers bring when they leave employment, and why that very first client matters so much for your belief, validation and momentum. Through their own stories of landing first clients (via a husband’s creative contacts and a neighbour over the garden fence), they show how powerful your existing network can be when you give people a clear, repeatable message about what you do. The episode covers pricing your first jobs, why working for free often backfires, how branding and pricing are linked, and the practical basics you need: a simple online presence (LinkedIn + maybe a one-page website), a clear call to action to book a call, and local networking – approached as relationship-building, not “selling to everyone”. This sets the foundation for the next videos in the series on advanced and referral strategies. One of the biggest questions we see in the 6 Figure Bookkeepers community is: “How do I actually find bookkeeping clients?” In this first video of our three-part series, Jo and Zoe walk you through the beginner stage of finding clients – the foundations that make everything else easier: Getting clear on what you do and who you help in simple, repeatable language Using your nearest and dearest as your first “sales team” Setting up a basic online presence to validate you (even if you don’t have a website yet) Why pricing, branding and confidence are all linked How to use networking without feeling salesy or desperate You’ll also hear Jo and Zoe’s real stories of finding their first clients – from a freelancer friend needing reassurance on her tax return to a neighbour’s VAT returns that stayed at £50/month for far too long! This episode lays the groundwork so that advanced and referral strategies (coming in Videos 2 and 3) actually work. ----------------------------------------------- About us We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective ----------------------------------------------- About our Sponsor This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper ----------------------------------------------- Promotion This video contains paid promotion. ----------------------------------------------- Disclaimer The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

In this episode, Jo and Zoe condense two decades of bookkeeping wisdom into just 29 minutes. They reflect on their biggest lessons, from pricing and mindset to boundaries and burnout, revealing the truths that transformed their businesses from £0 to six figures. They discuss why qualification is only the beginning, how to think like a business owner instead of a freelancer, and why value-based pricing is essential to scale sustainably. You’ll also hear their honest take on overcoming imposter syndrome, setting meaningful goals, and learning to take care of yourself while running a successful bookkeeping practice. 2. Show Notes In this episode, you’ll learn: How to avoid common mistakes when starting your bookkeeping practice. The truth about pricing — and why it should reflect value, not hours. How to shift from “doing the work” to owning a business. The power of goal setting and mapping your perfect profit & loss. Why self-care is part of your business strategy. ----------------------------------------------- About us We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective ----------------------------------------------- About our Sponsor This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper ----------------------------------------------- Promotion This video contains paid promotion. ----------------------------------------------- Disclaimer The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

6 Figure Bookkeeper Key links: https://linktr.ee/6fb Links to all the stuff we mention 🧾 Xero State of the Industry Report (2025): https://www.xero.com/uk/campaign/partner/industry-report/ 💰 BisVal Express Business Valuation: https://bizvalglobal.com/ 📊 Dext Report – UK SME Insights: https://info.dext.com/dext-built-for-bigger-things-exclusive-report 🧮 6 Figure Bookkeepers Minimum Hourly Rate Calculator: https://subscribepage.io/6fbpricingspreadsheet 🧠 Xero Advisor Certification & Partner Program: https://central.xero.com/s/certifications 💳 Apron Virtual Expense Cards: https://getapron.com/expenses 📈 GoProposal “Boost Your Profits in 30 Days” Guide: https://goproposal.com/?utm_source=6fb 📋 King’s Trust Business Plan Template: https://www.kingstrust.org.uk/how-we-can-help/tools-resources/business-tools/business-plans 💼 TaxDome Bookkeeping Pricing Template: https://blog.taxdome.com/bookkeeping-pricing-template/ 💻 Xero MTD Resource Hub: https://www.xero.com/uk/resources/making-tax-digital/small-business-resources/ 📘 ‘Know Your Numbers’ (Free Book by Zoe Whitman): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Know-Your-Numbers-Bookkeeping-Businesses/dp/1912009986 ✅ Weekly Bookkeeping Tracker Spreadsheet: https://subscribepage.io/SuzhNc 🚀 The Six Figure Blueprint: https://subscribepage.io/jq4bmb 💬 Join the 6 Figure Bookkeepers Club (Facebook Group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/262207761026673 In this episode, Jo and Zoe round up 13 of the best free tools, templates, and resources to help new bookkeepers kickstart and grow their businesses confidently. They share everything from valuation tools and business plan templates to pricing calculators, software training, and productivity frameworks — all designed to save you time, reduce overwhelm, and set up a solid foundation for a profitable practice. Listeners will also hear how each resource connects to building a sustainable business model — whether that’s understanding MTD legislation, confidently pricing your services, or knowing when to scale. The episode closes with an invitation to download the Six Figure Blueprint — a free month-by-month guide to help you reach six figures faster. ----------------------------------------------- About us We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective ----------------------------------------------- About our Sponsor This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper ----------------------------------------------- Promotion This video contains paid promotion. ----------------------------------------------- Disclaimer The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

find our links here: https://linktr.ee/6fb In this refreshingly practical episode, Jo and Zoe share how bookkeepers can find clients without relying on social media. While both love online marketing (and even built their own social media tool, Journal), they recognise that not every bookkeeper feels confident online. This conversation breaks down a simple three-level approach for finding clients offline — starting with your closest connections, expanding into local networks, and using local press to build authority. Packed with humour, relatable stories (including Zoe’s daughter’s accidental referral and the legendary “policeman and toddler” news story), the episode proves that visibility doesn’t have to mean viral. Jo and Zoe reveal how to find bookkeeping clients without using social media. Discover the three levels of offline visibility that every bookkeeper can use to grow their practice locally — from word of mouth to newspaper features! You’ll Learn: Why your family and friends are your best first marketing team How to confidently network (even if you hate networking) The secrets to getting featured in local press and magazines How to pitch your story to journalists the right way The SEO benefits of appearing in online news Resources Mentioned: Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller Journal – Social media tool for bookkeepers The Bookkeepers’ Collective training on press releases ----------------------------------------------- About us We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective ----------------------------------------------- About our Sponsor This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper ----------------------------------------------- Promotion This video contains paid promotion. ----------------------------------------------- Disclaimer The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

In this final instalment of their three-part series, Jo and Zoe unpack what it means to offer advanced bookkeeping services — the level beyond bank reconciliations and cash flow forecasts. They challenge bookkeepers to step into a more strategic role by holding clients accountable, interpreting data, and driving decisions that impact long-term success. They explore how bookkeepers can transition from service providers to finance business partners, covering practical areas like sales and expense forecasting, budget variance analysis, improving cash flow, evaluating VAT schemes, and team performance metrics. The discussion concludes with strategic planning, exit goals, and holistic business thinking that empowers bookkeepers to guide their clients confidently. In this episode: Jo and Zoe dive into the advanced tier of bookkeeping services — how to shift from compliance work to becoming a strategic business partner. Key topics: What “adding value” really means in bookkeeping Holding clients accountable using data Building sales and expense forecasts Running budget variance reviews Improving cash flow and payment processes Reviewing VAT schemes for efficiency Staff return-on-investment (ROI) analysis Building client confidence and business acumen Discussing long-term planning, pensions, and exit strategies ----------------------------------------------- About us We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective ----------------------------------------------- About our Sponsor This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper ----------------------------------------------- Promotion This video contains paid promotion. ----------------------------------------------- Disclaimer The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

In this second instalment of their three-part series, Jo and Zoe dive into what it means to transition from offering basic bookkeeping to providing intermediate-level services. They explore how bookkeepers can move beyond reconciliations and historical data to become invaluable financial partners for their clients. The discussion covers cashflow forecasting, corporation tax provisions, KPI dashboards, and management accounts, showing how these skills give clients peace of mind and help them make confident business decisions. Through relatable examples and practical advice, Jo and Zoe make advisory work feel achievable for every bookkeeper, demonstrating that the path to becoming indispensable starts with simple steps like daily bookkeeping, communication, and helping clients understand their numbers. Topics Covered: The difference between basic and intermediate bookkeeping How to introduce cashflow forecasting Simple tools and software (Xero, Float, Google Sheets) Incorporating corporation tax provisions Helping clients plan ahead with management accounts Tracking KPI dashboards (financial + non-financial data) Encouraging communication and proactive client relationships ----------------------------------------------- About us We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective ----------------------------------------------- About our Sponsor This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper ----------------------------------------------- Promotion This video contains paid promotion. ----------------------------------------------- Disclaimer The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

This episode kicks off a three-part mini-series defining the core service levels for bookkeepers: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Jo and Zoe focus here on the bare-minimum, beginner bookkeeping service—what you must deliver to confidently charge for your work and meet client expectations. They cover the bookkeeper–accountant boundary, where compliance starts and stops, and the practical steps that form a robust baseline service: validating opening balances, connecting and checking bank feeds, reconciling income (including tills/Stripe/PayPal) and purchases, and delivering snapshot reports on receivables and payables so owners know who owes what and when. ----------------------------------------------- About us We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective ----------------------------------------------- About our Sponsor This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper ----------------------------------------------- Promotion This video contains paid promotion. ----------------------------------------------- Disclaimer The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

Jo and Zoe unpack real-world customer service moments (good, bad, and “oh no!”) from hotels and travel, then translate them into practical ways bookkeepers can delight clients without overpromising or underpricing. From clear communication paths and response expectations to building systems that “put out the fire once,” they show how your service standard should drive your pricing, capacity, and team processes. They cover language (ditching jargon), empathy during stressful events (like client bereavement), and proactive touches that make clients feel looked after — plus how to encode all of that into SOPs so it happens consistently as you grow. ----------------------------------------------- About us We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective ----------------------------------------------- About our Sponsor This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper ----------------------------------------------- Promotion This video contains paid promotion. ----------------------------------------------- Disclaimer The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

Bookkeepers Bootcamp: The Best Business Strategy Week your business has EVER experienced and it's FREE. We start on Sunday 5th October at 7pm with live sessions every evening for the following three evenings. This is about working STRATEGICALLY on your bookkeeping practice and we can't wait to see you there. Register free at bookkeepersbootcamp.scoreapp.com And don't worry if you can't join live, as replays are available on demand. Just jump in and register to get all the details. We can't wait to help you build the business you've been dreaming of.

Hey Monika work experience: https://www.heymonika.com/ In this episode, Jo and Zoe dive into the challenges bookkeepers face when trying to gain practical work experience. They reflect on their own career journeys, from retraining and apprenticeships to learning vital lessons through real-world scenarios that exams never cover. The conversation highlights the gap between technical qualifications and workplace readiness, exploring how skills like communication, punctuality, and professional etiquette are just as important as bookkeeping knowledge. The hosts also introduce Hey Monica, their innovative work experience simulation platform. Designed to bridge the gap between study and practice, it helps bookkeepers build confidence through realistic client scenarios, mentoring, and role-play. Jo and Zoe emphasise that building a career in bookkeeping isn’t just about passing exams — it’s about continuous growth, adaptability, and recognising the transferable skills gained from all aspects of life. ----------------------------------------------- About us We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective ----------------------------------------------- About our Sponsor This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper ----------------------------------------------- Promotion This video contains paid promotion. ----------------------------------------------- Disclaimer The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

In this episode of The Bookkeepers’ Podcast, we tackle one of the most common challenges in the bookkeeping world: clean up jobs. Jo and Zoe dive into the practical steps bookkeepers should take when dealing with a client who’s fallen behind, whether it’s a few months of missed entries or a year-long backlog. They discuss how to set boundaries, determine whether to take on a clean up job at all, and how to price the work fairly—without undervaluing your time. With actionable advice on due diligence, onboarding, process improvement, and client communication, this episode is packed with insights to help you approach backlog work with clarity and confidence. What constitutes a bookkeeping clean up job and how to scope it How to assess the quality of existing records and validate balances Why you should start from the oldest month and work forward Tips on onboarding clients and setting clear expectations How to position yourself as a strategic advisor (not an employee) A structured method to price clean up work using alignment fees How to talk to clients about value, not just cost Why you should insist on paperwork and documentation Best practices for managing your time and maintaining high standards ----------------------------------------------- About us We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective ----------------------------------------------- About our Sponsor This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper ----------------------------------------------- Promotion This video contains paid promotion. ----------------------------------------------- Disclaimer The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

In this deeply personal conversation, Jo opens up about her family’s journey from school anxiety and selective mutism to a self-directed, joyful approach to learning: unschooling. She shares the early signs that traditional school wasn’t working for her daughter, including a traumatic bullying incident, health challenges, and escalating panic attacks in Year 8. Despite trying reduced timetables and a paid online school, the same patterns returned. Jo describes the moment they de-registered and chose to remove expectations, allowing recovery and curiosity to lead. The result? A thriving teen with community, responsibility, paid work (dog walking, stables, social media), equine study certificates, vibrant friendships, and a self-initiated plan to sit GCSEs on her own timeline. Jo also demystifies local authority involvement, reflects on judgement from others, and shares a parenting philosophy centred on trust, autonomy, and consequences in a safe, loving home. Early signs: selective mutism, post-Covid transition, and exhaustion in Year 7 The trigger events: unexpected class move, bullying incident, and toilet-pass anxiety Attempts to “fit back in”: reduced timetable, calm room, and online private school The pivot: de-registering and choosing unschooling to prioritise healing Life after school: horses, certificates, paid work, social confidence, and self-led GCSE plan Myth-busting: local authority contact, fines, and what “education” can look like at home Parenting through judgement: autonomy, boundaries, and trusting teens ----------------------------------------------- About us We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective ----------------------------------------------- About our Sponsor This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper ----------------------------------------------- Promotion This video contains paid promotion. ----------------------------------------------- Disclaimer The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

Join the collective - https://www.6figurebookkeeper.com/ Get Journal and fic your online presence - https://www.bookkeepersmarketing.com/ In this episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast, Jo Wood and Zoe Whitman take a deep dive into the five most profitable and practical niches for bookkeepers to consider. Niching can be one of the most important decisions in your bookkeeping journey—yet it’s often where people get stuck. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your services, this episode will help you identify the types of clients you’re best equipped to support, and how niching can lead to greater profitability and ease in your business. Jo and Zoe break down the real-world pros, challenges, systems, and service expectations across five key industry types. They also share personal stories from their own practices and clients to illustrate how each niche works in practice. 💡 You Will Learn: Why niching matters and how it helps you streamline systems and services. How to identify your ideal client based on more than just industry. The specific needs and quirks of five different business types. How to position yourself as an expert in a niche even if you’re still learning. Where opportunities lie for bookkeepers in sectors like construction, salons, and e-commerce. How niching allows you to automate, specialise, and increase your profit margin. ----------------------------------------------- About us We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective ----------------------------------------------- About our Sponsor This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper ----------------------------------------------- Promotion This video contains paid promotion. ----------------------------------------------- Disclaimer The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

Reach 6 Figures as a Bookkeeper - https://www.6figurebookkeeper.com/collective/ In this episode, we speak with Steph Nicholson — member of The Bookkeepers’ Collective, ambassador, and our Bookkeeper of the Year — about moving from industry into practice, navigating practising licences, building confidence through community and networking, and a standout cashflow turnaround that saved 40 jobs. Steph shares candidly about grief, neurodiversity, and the realities of growing a practice that works around life. You Will Learn Ways to enter bookkeeping from industry and why that background can be a superpower. How Steph navigated practising licences (ultimately via IAB) and what services she can deliver under it. Practical paths to early clients (referrals + visibility) and confidence-building through subcontracting. How to find work experience: events, Collective connections, and subcontracting. Networking for introverts and launching a relaxed local group (“pints & prosecco”). Managing ADHD/perimenopause in business with boundaries and simple coping strategies. A cashflow case study: using tools and timing to protect jobs and rebuild reserves. ----------------------------------------------- About us We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective ----------------------------------------------- About our Sponsor This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper ----------------------------------------------- Promotion This video contains paid promotion. ----------------------------------------------- Disclaimer The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

Try Journal free for 14 days: https://www.bookkeepersmarketing.com/ Take part in our Summer Survey: https://6fbsummer.scoreapp.com/p/summer2025 In this episode of The Bookkeepers’ Podcast, we take a fresh, practical look at what bookkeepers actually do—end to end. We walk through the real workflow for small businesses: choosing cloud software and connecting bank feeds, coding sales and expenses with proper evidence (especially for VAT), handling accruals and prepayments, running credit control and payment runs, dealing with payroll journals, staying compliant with AML, and turning up-to-date data into useful management reports and cash flow forecasts. You Will Learn The true purpose of bookkeeping (decision-ready info first, tax compliance as a result). Why we recommend moving clients to cloud software (Xero, Sage, FreeAgent, QuickBooks) and specialising in one platform. How to keep business and personal spend separate and reconcile from the bank statement out. Sales workflows: invoicing, POS, online sales via Stripe/PayPal—and why you must “gross up” fees. Expenses, approvals, and smooth supplier payment runs (with director approvals). Payroll boundaries: when to outsource vs in-house, and how to post payroll journals correctly. AML responsibilities and the “bookkeeper as detective” mindset. Building monthly/quarterly reporting rhythms, KPIs, and cash flow forecasting clients can act on. ----------------------------------------------- About us We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective ----------------------------------------------- About our Sponsor This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper ----------------------------------------------- Promotion This video contains paid promotion. ----------------------------------------------- Disclaimer The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

Try Journal free for 14 days: https://www.bookkeepersmarketing.com/ Take part in our Summer Survey: https://6fbsummer.scoreapp.com/p/summer2025 In this episode, Jo and Zoe dive deep into the challenges bookkeepers face when it comes to showing up consistently on social media. They discuss the fears, mistakes, and mindset blocks that often hold bookkeepers back—from bad Canva templates to blank-page paralysis—and why marketing is a non-negotiable part of building a thriving practice. The episode introduces Journal, a brand-new social media tool designed specifically for bookkeepers and accountants. Journal combines the power of AI, Canva, and scheduling in one place, with bookkeeper-specific content preloaded. Jo and Zoe share their personal journey with marketing, why consistency builds trust and clients, and how Journal helps bookkeepers stand out as professionals while saving huge amounts of time. Why social media and visibility are essential for bookkeepers Zoe’s journey from struggling with blogging and confidence to winning a social media award The common pitfalls of DIY Canva content Why consistency builds trust and impacts pricing, branding, and client attraction How Journal combines AI, Canva, scheduling, and bookkeeping-specific content in one platform Special listener offer: 14-day free trial + £10/month lifetime discount ----------------------------------------------- About us We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective ----------------------------------------------- About our Sponsor This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper ----------------------------------------------- Promotion This video contains paid promotion. ----------------------------------------------- Disclaimer The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

⬇️ Resources for Bookkeepers linktr.ee/6fb ⬇️ Take part in the Summer Survey to find out what other bookkeepers are charging. https://6fbsummer.scoreapp.com/p/summer2025 ⬇️ Join The Bookkeepers' Collective https://6figurebookkeeper.com Jo Wood and Zoe Whitman dive into one of the most frequently asked questions in the bookkeeping community - how should you price your services? Drawing on insights from their summer pricing survey and real-world experiences, Jo and Zoe break down the pitfalls of hourly rates, the importance of value-based pricing, and how to confidently transition to fixed fee models. They explore how efficiency, technology, and mindset impact profitability, and share how to build a pricing strategy aligned with your lifestyle, capacity, and goals. You’ll also learn about the gold standard service model and how to design packages that reflect the true value you provide as a bookkeeper and finance professional. What Listeners Will Learn Why hourly pricing can cap your income and reduce your profitability. How to position your services based on outcomes and value. What bookkeepers are actually charging based on current survey data. How to design and price a “gold standard” monthly bookkeeping service. The impact of tech and efficiency on hourly-based income. How to reverse-engineer your pricing based on income goals. Strategies for repricing clients without losing your business. The importance of understanding your ideal client when pricing. ----------------------------------------------- About us We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective ----------------------------------------------- About our Sponsor This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper ----------------------------------------------- Promotion This video contains paid promotion. ----------------------------------------------- Disclaimer The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

Jo and Zoe will be discussing a study of 500 business leaders based in the UK conducted by Dext by IRIS on the cost of wasted potential for your client's business ----------------------------------------------- About us We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective ----------------------------------------------- About our Sponsor This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper ----------------------------------------------- Promotion This video contains paid promotion. ----------------------------------------------- Disclaimer The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.