In this episode, Jo and Zoe break down the fast-evolving world of artificial intelligence and what it means for bookkeepers right now. They explore the opportunities, risks, and everyday use cases—from email management and strategic planning to research tools and AI agents. With their signature blend of humour and practical advice, they discuss the tools they personally use (such as ChatGPT, Claude, Notebooks and Perplexity), what they love about them, and how they’ve integrated AI into their workflows. They also introduce their Seven-Step Prompting Framework, designed to help bookkeepers create accurate, tailored outputs that reflect their expertise and tone of voice. The episode closes by outlining how bookkeepers can use AI to add value to clients, streamline operations, reduce decision fatigue, and even support advisory conversations. AI isn’t here to replace bookkeepers—it’s here to elevate them. ----------------------------------------------- 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.

What does success look like for HMRC with Making Tax Digital – and what does it really mean for the bookkeepers doing the work on the ground? In this Leadership Takeover Session, Craig Ogilvie, HMRC’s Director for Making Tax Digital, explains the “why” behind MTD for Income Tax, how it will change the UK tax system, and why he believes bookkeepers are central to making it work for small businesses. Get step by step guidance on MTD for Income Tax https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/making-tax-digital-for-income-tax?Utm_source=6fb Craig shares his journey from a low-income upbringing in Scotland, through 20+ years in government delivery, to leading some of the UK’s biggest programmes – including the furlough scheme during the pandemic. He explains how his parents’ values around kindness and optimism shaped his leadership style, why he focuses so heavily on people and psychological safety, and how that translates into the way he runs the MTD team today. You’ll hear a clear, human explanation of what MTD for IT actually is: digital record keeping, quarterly updates and software-based filing for millions of self-employed people. Craig talks about the three big reasons behind it – reducing errors in the tax gap, modernising the UK’s tax infrastructure, and creating better customer service through more timely data and nudges – and why he sees bookkeepers as uniquely placed to turn that into better conversations about cash flow, credit control and business performance. He also explains the scale of the change: rebuilding core systems, working with third-party software through APIs, and designing multiple agent functionality so both accountants and bookkeepers can support the same client. Craig describes travelling around the UK to meet real practices, how those conversations led to changes like faster sign-up journeys and multiple agent access, and why HMRC is committed to genuine co-creation rather than “rubber-stamping” decisions already made. The episode goes deeper into social mobility, confidence and financial understanding. Craig talks about seeing his dad’s January “bag of receipts”, the construction sector’s heavy representation in the first MTD cohort, and the financial literacy gap facing many sole traders. He reflects on sessions with unrepresented business owners, where a clear explanation – often from a bookkeeper or accountant – can quickly change how someone feels about digital tools, quarterly reporting and understanding their numbers. ----------------------------------------------- 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.

What does the future of bookkeeping actually look like when AI gets practical? Sabby Gill (CEO of Dext) breaks down what’s changing, what won’t, and how bookkeepers stay indispensable. You’ll hear how a SaaS CEO thinks about time-saving automation, why “customer voice” should shape your roadmap (even in a practice), and why the human relationship side of bookkeeping becomes more valuable as systems get smarter. - Learn why Sabby speaks to 2–3 customers every day (and why he won’t “pre-prep” the calls). - Use the “why + benefit + ROI” script to communicate change without losing clients. - Understand why employees come first (and how that protects customers). - Steal a leadership routine: town halls, skip-levels, surveys, and CEO onboarding 1:1s. - See what Dext is building next: AI that learns your edits, plus payments and more. - Reframe the real endgame: automation → advisory → better client outcomes. Learn what AI and Automation mean for the future of Bookkeeping with Dext's free guide: https://info.dext.com/ai-and-the-future-of-accounting-report?UTM_Source=6fb This conversation is for bookkeepers and accountants who feel the industry is in constant change (AI, HMRC updates, new processes) and want a clearer way to communicate value, without burning out. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 00:18 Sabby’s role at Dext and the business sale to IRIS 00:43 From finance admin to software leadership 02:35 What the gaming industry taught him about tech and sales 04:20 Psychometric insights: adapting your communication style 08:38 What a “normal day” looks like as CEO 09:21 The 2-customer-calls-a-day habit 10:54 “Time for business”: giving people time back 13:56 Time management and protecting your team from burnout 17:11 Engagement scores, surveys, and fixing the real issue 19:02 Communicating change: ask “why” and make the benefit simple 24:28 Small business lessons: why accountants become the first call 26:24 Hiring for diversity of thought (not just industry experience) 30:03 Calling lost customers: the feedback most leaders avoid 32:12 The Dext roadmap: AI that learns your repeated changes 36:06 What’s coming next 37:21 Advisory is the endgame, and why humans still win 39:06 Dext’s stance on direct vs partner relationships 40:03 Wrap-up ----------------------------------------------- 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 ----------------------------------------------- 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 Leadership Takeover Session, Jack Choppin – employee number one at GoProposal (now GoProposal by Sage) and long-time head of Client Success – explains how bookkeepers can build confident teams, challenge clients on pricing and create “shock and awe” experiences that drive loyalty and growth. For UK bookkeepers bringing in their first team member, or trying to get braver with fees, this is a practical look at what real client success and culture actually feel like day to day. Download GoProposal's guide for running impactful client meetings: https://goproposal.com/blog/how-to-keep-your-client-at-the-heart-of-every-meeting-with-the-gloss-method/?UTM_Source=6fb Jack shares how he joined GoProposal on trust in the people before he fully understood the mission, what it was like to be 50% of the company’s salary bill as the first hire, and how that level of transparency built belief and ownership. He talks about the famous “shock and awe” pack, why they poured huge energy into free trials, and how unscalable, high-touch onboarding helped them spot the right customers and turn them into raving fans long before they put card details in. You’ll hear how GoProposal built a culture of caring deeply and challenging directly: sending physical packs, pre-branding apps, and offering training calls that didn’t just show people where to click, but helped them feel ready to sit in front of a client and say, “Your price needs to go up.” Jack explains why true client success means challenging beliefs, not just being nice, and why the real measure of success isn’t “do you understand the software?” but “are you willing to have that pricing conversation?” Jack also talks about the emotional side of building a business from the inside. He describes working with founder James Ashford, carrying the pressure of personal goals (like helping Becky leave her job), and learning not to become an “accidental diminisher” who has all the answers. Instead, he shows how asking team members to bring problems with proposed solutions builds confidence, autonomy and genuine leadership capability – the same mindset bookkeepers can use with both staff and clients. For practice owners, Jack shares what he learned as GoProposal grew and then moved through acquisition into Sage: how openness around targets builds buy-in rather than fear, where to draw the line between healthy pressure and stress, and how small firms can use their size as an advantage by involving team members closely in the journey. He also talks honestly about self-doubt, fear of getting it wrong, and how focusing on intent rather than outcome helps him act even when confidence feels shaky. This is essential viewing for bookkeepers who want to move beyond “just doing the work” and build a business where clients, team and founder are all truly invested in the same mission. ----------------------------------------------- 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 ----------------------------------------------- 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.

Be honest: have you set up automation… but not really adopted it? In this episode of our Leadership Series, Paul Lodder (VP of Accounting & Product Strategy at Dext) breaks down how to use Dext automation to create capacity, improve real-time reporting, and move clients from reactive to in control. Download Dext's Compliance to Advisory Guide, here: https://info.dext.com/compliance-to-advisory-guide?UTM_source=6fb Paul shares what he saw moving from practice to product: most firms sign up to tools but don’t adopt features deeply enough to get the outcome. You’ll hear what “real-time bookkeeping” actually means, why regularity matters, and how to structure people, processes and products so automation sticks. What you’ll learn: - Spot why firms “go digital” but still don’t get full tool value (feature adoption is the gap). - Build a Dext champion role that improves automation performance across your client base. - Shift clients from quarterly compliance to real-time bookkeeping and decision-making. - Use automation and regularity to unlock dashboards, insights, and proactive conversations. - Understand where AI helps (proactivity and capacity) and where it won’t replace you (relationships and empathy). Try Dext as a partner: https://dext.com/uk/partner?utm_source=6fb and explore how automation creates capacity. This episode is for bookkeepers and accounting firms who want to stop chasing paperwork, reduce admin, and deliver real-time value, without adding headcount. ----------------------------------------------- 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 ----------------------------------------------- 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 Leadership Takeover Session, Stuart Miller, Director of Public Policy and Technology Research at Xero, shares what’s really happening behind the scenes with MTD, AI and financial literacy – and what it all means for UK bookkeepers. If you’ve ever wondered who sits in the rooms with government, regulators and tech companies speaking up for small businesses and their advisers, this episode joins those dots. Stuart didn’t set out to be an accountant. He fell into practice to avoid paying rent to his parents, trained through AAT, and built his career in firms where tattoos, shaved heads and “not fitting the mould” were still frowned upon. He talks about the managers who backed him, the crying client whose tax-return anxiety helped him find his purpose, and the R&D projects where better tax advice funded real-world change – like extracting myrrh oil to support schools in Africa. Today, his role at Xero spans smart data, late payments, e-invoicing, unique business identifiers, AI policy and MTD. He explains what his week actually looks like: responding to consultations, sitting on smart data groups, meeting departments like Business and Trade, and feeding the voice of accountants and bookkeepers into policy. Find out about the benefits of becoming a Xero Partner, here: https://www.xero.com/uk/partner-programme/?UTM_Source=6fb The conversation also tackles AI. Stuart sees AI as an efficiency driver, not a replacement for bookkeepers. He talks about using AI to speed up reconciliation, summarise long email newsletters and surface insights, while the real value sits in the 20% of work that is deeply human: handling ambiguity, context and emotion. A big theme is financial literacy and social mobility. Stuart is passionate about closing the gap for people who were never taught about interest rates, APR or cash flow at home or at school. He talks about Xero’s financial literacy campaign, which offers bite-size guidance and mentoring for people from disadvantaged backgrounds or those starting a business with no financial training. Crucially, it’s open to everyone, not just software users, and supported by accountants and bookkeepers who volunteer their time to help. ----------------------------------------------- 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, Apron founder Bogdan Uzbekov explains how he built a 100+ person payments team, created a culture where people “do the work of their lives”, and why his 10-year vision includes building something in space. For UK bookkeepers, accountants and small business owners, this is a practical masterclass in leadership, team culture and modern business payments. The way you build your team and choose your technology stack directly affects cash flow, client experience and your capacity to grow. Bogdan shares what he learned in almost a decade in payments, how Apron was designed around accountants and bookkeepers, and the leadership principles he uses to scale quickly without losing quality. By the end of this episode, viewers will understand how high-growth fintech thinking can be applied inside a small UK bookkeeping practice. Hosted by Jo Wood and Zoe Whitman from The 6 Figure Bookkeeper, this Leadership Takeover Session connects real founder experience with the day-to-day reality of running a modern practice. Bogdan has spent nearly 10 years in payments, built Apron from concept to a fast-growing funded company, and now leads a team serving SMEs, accountants and bookkeepers across the UK. In this conversation, Jo and Zoe explore how Bogdan moved from a background in physics and research into startups and payments, why he chose the pace of entrepreneurship over a PhD, how Apron evolved from a simple frustration with broken business payments into a platform used by practices and their clients, what it really takes to grow a team from the first hire to over 100 people, how to design team culture deliberately so people can thrive, why he openly says “I love hustle” and how he balances that with family life, and his long-term ambition to “do something in space”. Bogdan is clear that great products are built by great teams. He explains why hiring is “really hard”, how Apron uses structured culture-led interviews, why values and learning speed matter more than technical skill alone, and why founders must eventually let go of control to allow new leaders to step forward. For UK bookkeepers, this offers a blueprint for moving from a solo practice to a small, high-impact firm. Apron is a business payments platform that helps small businesses pay suppliers and staff while keeping accountants and bookkeepers at the centre of the workflow. Bogdan Uzbekov is Apron’s founder and currently leads a 100+ person team building payment infrastructure for UK SMEs. Platforms like Apron allow UK bookkeepers to centralise outgoing payments, improve visibility over cash flow, and introduce more structured client processes. Get started with Apron for free at https://getapron.com/?utm_source=6fb ----------------------------------------------- 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 ----------------------------------------------- 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.

How to Get Visible as a Bookkeeper: Sage’s Chris Downing on Confidence, Tech and Career Opportunities In this Leadership Takeover Session, Sage’s Chris Downing shows bookkeepers and accountants exactly how to get more visible, build a reputation that feels authentic, and turn their experience into new opportunities – without pretending to be someone they’re not. Drawing on 19 years in practice (from junior to partner) and his current role as the “voice of the accountant and bookkeeper” inside Sage, Chris explains what visibility really means, why it matters, and how to start even if you feel shy, busy or unsure what to say. Read the GoProposal by Sage guide on how to be an authoritative accountant (or bookkeeper) and establish trust https://goproposal.com/blog/trusted/?UTM_Source=6FB Hosted by Jo Wood and Zoe Whitman from The 6 Figure Bookkeeper, this episode goes behind the scenes with one of the most recognisable faces in the UK accounting tech space. You’ll hear how early work experience, a love of technology and a focus on saving clients time led Chris to build a Business Intelligence department inside his firm, win Technology Champion of the Year, and ultimately move from practice into a senior role at Sage. Along the way he shares the mindset shifts that helped him speak at events, work with banks, and present to rooms full of peers – even when it felt nerve-wracking. You’ll learn why visibility is not about showing off, but about being useful and relatable; how awards, case studies and collaboration with software partners can quietly raise your profile; and why the firms that grow fastest are usually the ones willing to share what they’re doing well. Chris talks about saying yes (and sometimes no) to events, how he protects his time, and how he balances a busy internal role at Sage with being present at conferences, webinars and community meetups. For bookkeepers, he explains why your proximity to the numbers gives you huge commercial insight, why bookkeeping can feel lonely and how to build a supportive network with accountants and peers. He describes the “golden triangle” between the business owner, the accountant and the bookkeeper, and why collaboration – rather than competition – is where the real opportunity lies as MTD and digitisation reshape the profession. This is essential viewing for bookkeepers who want to stop being “brilliant but invisible”, share their expertise with confidence, and build a long-term career that can grow in whatever direction they choose. ----------------------------------------------- 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.

The future of bookkeeping is not data entry — it is trusted financial partnership. In this episode of the 6FB Sofa Sessions, Max Whiteley, Product Domain Expert at Dext and multiple award-winning practice leader, explains exactly how UK bookkeepers can move from compliance into real advisory, and why confidence, curiosity and commercial thinking now matter more than technical perfection. Register for our upcoming webinar, Beyond the Books with Dext to learn how Bookkeepers can confidently step Into advisory with AI powered tech: https://info.dext.com/beyond-the-books-6fb-webinar-feb-2026 Max started his accounting career at just 15 years old, grew up around self-employed parents, built and scaled award-winning teams, and now helps shape the tools used by thousands of UK practices. In this conversation with Jo Wood and Zoe Whitman, he shares what actually changes lives for small business owners, why advisory is really about accountability and care, and how bookkeepers can step into a far more valuable role without needing complex forecasting models or extra qualifications. You’ll hear how small practices can build stronger client relationships through active listening, why quarterly conversations transform both pricing and impact, how boundaries with clients protect both revenue and wellbeing, and why real-time data is the foundation of meaningful advice. Max also shares how winning multiple Xero awards came down to people-first systems, consistent processes and confidence in leading clients, not flashy tools or complicated reporting. This episode also tackles the fear around automation and AI. Max explains why AI will not replace bookkeepers, but bookkeepers who use AI will replace those who don’t. He outlines how real-time bookkeeping, payments, credit control and better reporting are becoming the natural next step for modern practices — and how tools like Dext enable that shift by improving data accuracy and visibility. If you are a UK bookkeeper wondering how to move into advisory, struggling with confidence, worried about AI, or unsure what your real value is beyond compliance, this episode provides clarity, reassurance and a practical roadmap forward. This conversation is essential viewing for bookkeepers who want to become indispensable to their clients and build a more profitable, respected and future-proof practice. ----------------------------------------------- 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 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 Leadership Takeover 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. Find out about the benefits of becoming a Xero Partner, here: https://www.xero.com/uk/partner-programme/?UTM_Source=6fb 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.

What does the future really look like for UK bookkeepers as regulation tightens, MTD expands and professionalism becomes more important than ever? In this episode of the 6FB Sofa Sessions, Ami Copeland, CEO of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB), explains exactly what’s changing, what standards matter most, and how bookkeepers can protect, grow and future-proof their practices. Ami leads one of the most influential professional bodies in UK bookkeeping and works closely with HMRC, software providers and regulatory partners to shape the modern bookkeeping profession. In this conversation with Jo Wood and Zoe Whitman, she shares what she is seeing across thousands of UK practices, how professionalism and compliance expectations are rising, and why strong ethical standards will define the next decade of bookkeeping. You’ll hear how Making Tax Digital is reshaping the role of the bookkeeper, what regulation really means for day-to-day practice, and how bookkeepers can position themselves as trusted finance partners rather than “just” compliance providers. Ami also talks openly about confidence, competence, qualifications, and why credibility will become a key differentiator as the industry continues to grow. This episode explores the commercial benefits of being professionally recognised, how education and CPD protect both you and your clients, and why bookkeepers who embrace change now will be the ones leading the profession in the years ahead. Ami explains the balance between accessibility and accountability in bookkeeping, and what standards clients will increasingly expect as business owners become more financially aware. If you are a UK bookkeeper navigating MTD, thinking about regulation, wanting to raise your professional profile, or unsure how formal recognition fits into your growth plans, this episode will give you clarity, reassurance and direction. Find out about ICB Membership at https://www.bookkeepers.org.uk/Membership/?utm_source=6fb This is essential viewing for bookkeepers who want to build long-term credibility, charge with confidence, and be seen as true financial professionals in a rapidly evolving industry. ----------------------------------------------- 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 take a deep dive into what it really looks like to start a bookkeeping business in 2026. Rather than jumping straight into checklists and compliance, they challenge aspiring bookkeepers to step back and understand the real reason behind wanting to start a practice — freedom, financial stability, and flexibility. They explain how important it is to design the business around the lifestyle you want, not just the service you can offer. From choosing the right business structure to understanding insurance, personal finance boundaries, AML responsibilities, tech stacks, workflows, and pricing, the hosts walk through the updated fundamentals for 2026. They emphasise that building a practice that supports your wellbeing starts with clarity, boundaries, and intentional choices — not rushing into software subscriptions or under-charging. This episode acts as both a strategic reset and a practical roadmap for anyone wanting to launch confidently in the new year. ----------------------------------------------- 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.

The Dext Effect: How Modern Bookkeepers Save UK SMBs: https://subscribepage.io/qn0D3U We talk about the Dext report here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02y_ZDbROus In this solo episode, Zoe dives into why so many bookkeeping practices are falling behind — not because of skill, but because the industry has evolved faster than the services most bookkeepers are offering. Drawing on new data from Dext's survey of 500 SMEs, Zoe reveals a widening gap between what small businesses urgently need (support, clarity, forecasting, guidance) and what the bookkeeping profession is traditionally providing. She speaks candidly about the crisis mindset many business owners are in — some even saying conditions now feel worse than Covid — and explains the pivotal opportunity for bookkeepers to reposition themselves as finance business partners. Through insights from their Summer 2025 Bookkeeper Survey, Zoe breaks down the time bottlenecks, confidence challenges, and outdated processes keeping practices stuck. She then shares a practical roadmap for modernising your practice through 1% improvements, automation, advisory conversations, and building a gold-standard service that scales with ease. ----------------------------------------------- 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 third and final part of the client-finding series, Jo and Zoe move beyond foundations and personal branding into advanced, “pro-level” strategies for winning bookkeeping clients through referrals. They break down how to turn happy clients into loyal advocates who consistently recommend you, so your pipeline fills without you constantly hustling for every new lead. They explore what it really takes to deliver a repeatable, gold-standard service – from onboarding and communication to spotting opportunities and supporting business growth – so clients feel safe, seen, and excited to talk about you. Jo and Zoe also discuss building a simple referral “programme” (without it feeling awkward or salesy), using testimonials and case studies effectively, and how to talk about capacity so clients know you’re open for new work without worrying you’re too busy for them. The episode wraps up by pulling together all three levels of the series: foundations, personal brand, and referrals. ----------------------------------------------- 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.