Let’s be honest, when you dreamed of running your own business, you probably weren’t dreaming about spreadsheets, tax docs, or reconciling expenses – basically all the bookkeeping tips for small business owners. But if you’re a mom building a business, your numbers matter—and you can totally handle them.

In this episode of the Self StartHER Podcast, I sat down with Serena Shoup —a fellow mom, ex-corporate accountant, and the powerhouse behind Ambitious Bookkeeper. She went from teen mom to six-figure business owner and she’s now on a mission to make finances feel a whole lot less scary.

Whether you’re still figuring out how to price your services or avoiding your bookkeeping like it’s laundry day (we’ve all been there), this convo is packed with bookkeeping tips for small business owners—the kind that actually make sense and are doable even during naptime.

From Grocery Store to Bookkeeping CEO: Serena’s Story

Serena became a mom at 19 (cue all the life curveballs). While working in a grocery store, she discovered her knack for numbers, and that lit the spark. She climbed the corporate ladder all the way to Controller… then walked away to freelance so she could actually see her kids and have a life.

She didn’t start with a huge following or fancy office. She started with skills, grit, and Google.

“I realized I didn’t have to overcomplicate things. I already had what I needed to start—I just had to go for it.”

Bookkeeping Tips for Small Business Owners That Won’t Make You Yawn

Okay, let’s get into the juicy stuff. If the words “bookkeeping” or “finances” make your eyes glaze over, don’t worry—these tips are mom-friendly, beginner-proof, and stress-relieving. Pinky promise.

 1. Separate Your Money

Open a separate business bank account ASAP. Mixing personal and biz expenses is like mixing wine and tequila—just don’t.

Not only does it make taxes easier, but it also gives you a clear picture of what’s actually happening in your business.

“It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just make it separate.”

 2. Track Your Income & Expenses (Without an Accounting Degree)

Don’t want to invest in software just yet? No prob. Serena says a spreadsheet works just fine when you’re getting started. The secret sauce? Just use it consistently.

Whether you do it weekly, monthly, or during that rare quiet Saturday morning, keep it simple and stick with it.

Here’s what to track:

• Income (cha-ching!)
  
• Expenses (think software, subscriptions, coaching, etc.)
  
• Mileage and receipts (yep, that Starbucks meeting counts)
  

 3. Know Your Profit, Not Just Your Sales

It’s easy to focus on revenue (and yay, go you!), but what really matters is what you keep.

Serena suggests reviewing your numbers every quarter to check your profit margins. If your offers aren’t actually making you money after expenses, it might be time to adjust those prices (you’re worth it).

“Raise your rates, babe. You can’t pour from an empty profit margin.”

 4. Keep the Paper Trail

IRS drama? No thanks. Serena says that bank statements alone don’t cut it—so keep your receipts, invoices, and all those random screenshots of transactions.

Use Google Drive, Dropbox, or even a cute little folder on your desktop labeled “Tax Stuff” (whatever makes it feel less scary).

 5. Hire a Bookkeeper When You Can

You don’t have to do it all forever. If you’re starting to dread logging into QuickBooks or haven’t looked at your expenses since Q1, it might be time to call in backup.

Outsourcing your bookkeeping isn’t a failure—it’s a glow-up.

Signs you’re ready:

• You avoid your numbers like dirty dishes
  
• You’re making money but don’t know where it’s going
  
• Tax season gives you hives
  

You Don’t Have to Have It All Figured Out

Serena’s biggest advice? Stop overthinking and just start. You’ll learn as you go.

“Money is emotional, and that’s okay. But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.”

So whether you’re daydreaming about launching something new or trying to clean up the books for the biz you already have, you’ve got this. And if Serena can do it—while raising a family and building a business from scratch—you can too.

Final Thoughts: You + Bookkeeping = BFFs (Eventually)

Bookkeeping doesn’t have to feel like a mystery. With the right tools and mindset (and maybe a coffee or two), these bookkeeping tips for small business owners can help you go from confused to confident.

It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being informed. And you, my friend, are more than capable.

Catch the Full Episode

Want the full convo with Serena? Trust me, it’s worth a listen. Listen on Apple or Spotify.

Learn more about Serena: 

• Of Course Bookkeeping Website ofcoursebookkeeping.com
• Instagram – @ofcoursebookkeeping
• LinkedIn – @serenashoup
• Twitter – @serenashoupcpa

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