In this episode of Humans in Accounting, host Alex Roman welcomes Kate Josephine Johnson, founder of Heritage Business Services and creator of the Bookkeeping Side Hustle community.
Kate shares her inspiring journey, from being a military spouse with no accounting background to building a thriving virtual bookkeeping business, becoming one of the world’s top FreshBooks experts, and leading a community of nearly 40,000 bookkeepers.
She talks about the power of leveraging your unique gifts, the realities of switching from QuickBooks to FreshBooks, and why your past experiences — even the unexpected ones can shape your greatest strengths.
We cover:
Transitioning from corporate life at ExxonMobil to entrepreneurship.
Starting from zero income and landing her first $800 bookkeeping client.
Why she focused exclusively on FreshBooks — and how it helped her stand out.
Building a 40,000-member community with Bookkeeping Side Hustle.
How YouTube inbound marketing transformed her business.
Favorite meal 🍳 “Breakfast for Dinner” — and why fresh eggs make it special.
Best advice: Leverage your unique gifts and strengths.
If you’re a bookkeeper, accountant, or entrepreneur building your own path, this episode is full of actionable insights on niching down, creating content that converts, and building a business aligned with your strengths.
In this episode of Humans in Accounting, host Alex Roman welcomes Corry Jankowski, founder of Digit Squid Accounting.
Corry shares her inspiring journey—from starting bookkeeping at age 14, to launching multiple businesses, to building Digit Squid into a thriving firm alongside her husband. She talks about the lessons learned from failure, the importance of community in accounting, and how she now helps startups and bookkeepers succeed.
We cover:
Starting bookkeeping as a teenager.
Launching multiple businesses (including a cloth diaper service).
Lessons from failed ventures and why so many businesses struggle in the first 5 years.
Founding Digit Squid Accounting in 2021 and growing it with her husband.
Creating a QuickBooks Online cleanup course for bookkeepers.
Being named a 2025 Top 100 ProAdvisor by Insightful Accountant.
Favorite food 🍲 (caldo de pollo, chicken soup).
- Best advice: prepare for success, not failure.
If you’re an accountant, bookkeeper, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights on startup growth, advisory services, and building a sustainable business.
In this episode of Humans in Accounting, host Alex Roman chats with Yuri Kapilovich, managing partner at Kapilovich & Associates and creator of The Fun CPA brand.
Yuri opens up about his journey from big firm accounting to building his own practice, the role of contracting as a bridge to financial freedom, and how sharing content on LinkedIn transformed his career—leading to networking events, speaking gigs, and his own Fun CPA Podcast.
We cover:
Why contracting gave him stability while launching his firm.
How “The Fun CPA” brand started by accident and grew to 20,000+ followers.
Lessons from creating content and community in accounting.
Favorite food 🍋 (ceviche & lomo saltado).
His passion for languages and Spanish practice in Miami.
Why accounting doesn’t have to be boring—it can (and should) be fun.
If you’re an accountant, entrepreneur, or firm owner thinking about going out on your own, this episode is packed with insights on financial freedom, personal branding, and building a business on your terms.
In this episode of Humans in Accounting, host Alex Roman sits down with Justin Lund, founder of PropelYour.com.
Justin’s story is one of resilience and reinvention—from struggling with addiction in his 20s, to building multiple businesses (including one that hit 7 figures in its first year), to creating PropelYour, a platform that helps entrepreneurs scale with systems, assistants, and clarity.
We cover:
His journey from sales and addiction to launching a marketing agency.
The painful lessons of a failed partnership that cost millions.
How he rebuilt from scratch and eventually created PropelYour.
Why clarity and vision are the foundation for business decisions.
His favorite food 🍨 (ice cream… but now steak, thanks to a fitness journey).
Best advice: get clear on what matters to you.
If you’re an entrepreneur, founder, or accounting leader, this episode is full of insights on overcoming challenges, building habits, and creating growth through clarity.
In this episode of Humans in Accounting, host Alex Roman talks with Chad Folse, owner of ABT Financial Consultants.
Chad shares his family’s legacy in accounting, his own path from physics to entrepreneurship, and how he grew ABT into a firm that supports virtual companies, SaaS businesses, and expats around the world. From moving between Arizona and Spain to launching his own podcast, Chad’s journey is a true mix of sprinting at the start and learning to run the marathon of business.
We cover:
The story of ABT Financial Consultants, founded by his grandfather and father.
Chad’s transition from physics and engineering to accounting.
Lessons learned running a remote firm between Spain and the U.S.
Why outsourced accounting services are critical for SaaS companies and expats.
Favorite food 🍅 (Caprese Salad) and the story behind it.
His podcast Burn Rate and Beyond and what inspired him to start it.
Best advice: If you think you need an accountant, you probably do.
If you’re an entrepreneur, accountant, or expat, this episode is full of insights on remote firms, cash management, and long-term growth.
In this episode of Humans in Accounting, host Alex Roman talks with Anne-Sophie Baribeau, founder of MyTechtal.
Anne-Sophie shares her journey from social work and recruiting to building a company that bridges deep tech, accounting, and human-centered hiring. She opens up about her experience working in Canada, South Korea, and the U.S., and why she believes AI in recruitment must keep humans at the center.
We cover:
Her path from recruiting accountants to specializing in deep tech and blockchain talent.
Lessons from living and hiring in South Korea.
Why AI and hiring platforms aren’t enough without human alignment.
The software she’s building to help startups define technical needs.
Favorite food 🍽️ (Peking Duck).
Her vision for scaling MyTechtal and helping companies recruit globally.
If you’re curious about AI in recruitment, accounting talent, and the future of hiring, this episode is for you.
In this episode of Humans in Accounting, host Alex Roman talks with Tony Proctor, founder and principal of Proctor & Associates Tax, Accounting and Payroll Services.
Tony shares his inspiring journey from IT management to building a full-service accounting firm. From running his practice as a side hustle for 8 years, to going all-in, acquiring a firm in the middle of tax season, and growing into a respected leader in the industry—Tony’s story is full of lessons on faith, resilience, and action.
We cover:
Starting his firm in 2007 while working in IT.
Going full-time in 2015 and his first acquisition in 2016.
Balancing life as a firm owner, speaker, husband, and dad.
Favorite food 🍑 (smothered turkey wings & peach cobbler!).
How AI and technology are reshaping accounting.
The power of consistency in content creation (video per day challenge).
Best advice: don’t wait for the “perfect moment”—take action, adjust, and keep moving.
If you’re an entrepreneur, accountant, or business owner wondering how to scale, balance life, and lead with purpose, this episode is for you.
✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories from firm owners and leaders in accounting.
#AccountingPodcast #Entrepreneurship #Bookkeeping #Leadership #TaxServices #HumansInAccounting
In this episode of Humans in Accounting, host Alex Roman welcomes Melissa Armstrong, CPA, founder of Steady Hand Accounting & Advisory and host of the podcast No se habla taxes.
Melissa shares her journey as a third-generation accountant and why she launched her own firm just a year ago. She opens up about creating No se habla taxes to educate solopreneurs, her love for cats 🐱, and her passion for helping clients truly understand their numbers.
We cover:
From public accounting to launching Steady Hand Advisory.
Why Melissa started the podcast No se habla taxes.
Using AI tools to streamline content creation.
Her passion for cats & adoption stories (shoutout to Rocky Mountain Feline Rescue).
Favorite food (Puerto Rican arroz con gandules 🍚)
Best advice: know what you truly want, then go all in.
If you’re a solopreneur, accountant, or business owner, this episode brings insights on building a purpose-driven firm, using content to connect with clients, and balancing life with passion.
✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories from accountants and entrepreneurs.
#AccountingPodcast #CPA #AdvisoryServices #Bookkeeping #Entrepreneurship #NoSeHablaTaxes #HumansInAccounting
In this episode of Humans in Accounting, host Alex Roman talks with Jaime Rodríguez, CEO and owner of Bookkeepers.com, founder of Paralledger, and author of Beyond the Books.
Jaime shares his inspiring journey: from being stuck in a draining 9–5 job, to building his own bookkeeping business, to ultimately becoming the CEO and owner of Bookkeepers.com, one of the most influential platforms in the accounting space.
We cover:
Why Jaime left the traditional 9–5 path to start a bookkeeping business.
The challenges of getting his first client and how Bookkeepers.com changed everything.
Founding Paralledger and the story behind its name.
Becoming CEO (and now owner) of Bookkeepers.com
The importance of community in building a successful business.
Favorite food 🍕 (spoiler: it involves pizza… a lot of it).
His advice for entrepreneurs: Don’t do it alone.
What’s next for Bookkeepers.com → AI, education, and GrowCon 2025.
If you’re an accountant, bookkeeper, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights on how to build, scale, and thrive in accounting through community and innovation.
✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories from firm owners and accounting leaders.
#Bookkeeping #AccountingPodcast #Entrepreneurship #BookkeepersDotCom #SmallBusinessFinance #HumansInAccounting
In this special episode of Humans in Accounting, host Alex Roman sits down with K.C. Eames, Director of Client Accounting Services at Dark Horse CPAs.
K.C. shares her professional journey from Big Four audit to client advisory services, and how her lifelong passion for sports—beach volleyball, soccer, pickleball, and cycling—shapes her approach to teamwork, leadership, and business.
We cover:
Transition from Big Four audit to Dark Horse CPAs.
Why sports like volleyball, futsal, and pickleball sharpen focus and resilience.
The parallels between team chemistry in sports and leadership in accounting.
Lessons from failure and why embracing mistakes leads to growth.
Favorite food (spoiler: ribeye steak 🥩).
Advice to her younger self and professionals: find activities that push you to grow.
If you’re an accountant, entrepreneur, or leader looking for inspiration on team dynamics, resilience, and business growth, this episode is for you.
✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories from firm owners and accounting leaders.
#AccountingPodcast #Leadership #Bookkeeping #AdvisoryServices #Teamwork #SportsAndBusiness #HumansInAccounting
In this episode of Humans in Accounting, host Alex Roman talks with Katie Rhodes, founder of Coal Creek Ledgers. Katie shares her journey from working in healthcare to building her own bookkeeping and advisory firm. She opens up about:
Why she left the healthcare industry to pursue bookkeeping.
The challenges of balancing family life with entrepreneurship.
How she found her niche in healthcare clients and concierge medicine practices.
Key milestones, including her first CFO advisory client.
The importance of networking, industry conferences, and community in accounting.
Her best advice for entrepreneurs: get comfortable being uncomfortable.
If you're an accountant, bookkeeper, or entrepreneur looking for insights on growing your firm, scaling advisory services, and creating impact for small businesses—this episode is for you.
✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories from firm owners worldwide.
🔗 Learn more about Katie: https://coalcreekledgers.com
#Bookkeeping #AccountingPodcast #AdvisoryServices #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessFinance #HumansInAccounting
From freelancing to founding Florida Virtual Bookkeeper, Jessica Fox built a thriving boutique bookkeeping firm—powered by SEO, strong systems, and a passion for client education.
In Episode 6 of Humans in Accounting, hosted by Alex Roman, Jessica shares:
✔ How she shifted from 100% referrals to inbound leads through content and SEO.
✔ Why systems gave her the freedom to cut her workweek to 25 hours.
✔ The importance of charging your worth from day one.
✔ Lessons from winning “Top 50 Accounting Practice in North America” three years in a row.
When Jeremy Van Groll left a lucrative corporate finance role, he didn’t just start a bookkeeping firm—he built one around who he really is.
From embracing humor and authenticity, to niching down into nonprofit accounting, Jeremy’s journey is a blueprint for building a business that reflects your values.
In Episode 5 of Humans in Accounting, hosted by Alex Roman, Jeremy shares:
✔ Why showing your true colors can accelerate growth.
✔ How niching to nonprofits transformed his inbound leads.
✔ The culture strategy that keeps his team engaged and clients loyal.
✔ How his podcast, Unaccountable, blends fun with industry insights.
In this episode of Humans in Accounting, we meet Lynn Talbott, Founder of Lynn Talbott Advisors, serial entrepreneur, and creator of the Bookkeepers Training Circle.
Lynn shares her journey from building, scaling, and selling a 15-employee bookkeeping firm to coaching independent bookkeepers worldwide. She talks about:
Why hiring the right people changes everything
The human side of bookkeeping (yes, psychology matters!)
How she overcame the fear of hiring abroad — and why her first hire in Argentina was a success
The importance of lifelong learning in a rapidly changing industry
Plus, she reveals her favorite food (hint: 🌮) and the advice she wishes she had known when starting her business.
If you’re an independent bookkeeper, or thinking of becoming one, this conversation is packed with practical insights and inspiration.
🎙 Humans in Accounting – Episode 3: Kristen Corey | MediaBooks AgencyFrom auditing to marketing for accountants — and making life-changing career decisions along the way — Kristen Corey shares her unique journey, the challenges she faced, and how she found her place in the accounting world… without leaving it behind.📌 In this episode:- From auditing to consulting: a pivotal career move.- Understanding marketing industry averages (and why 20% open rates can be great).- The power of celebrating small wins.- Branding beyond referrals: building something bigger.- Flexibility in the accounting industry.- Honest talk about burnout.- A family favorite recipe: tomato Italian sausage risotto.🎧 Listen now:
In Season 2, Episode 2 of Humans in Accounting, we talk to Amanda Timcoe, founder of Solving the Books, about what it really takes to build an accounting business — especially when you’re wired to put others first.
Amanda shares how she transitioned from hospitality to bookkeeping, the emotional story behind a $2 bill, and how she’s preparing her team (and herself) for the impact of AI in the industry.
🔍 Topics we cover:
• Why mentors are essential when starting out
• Building boundaries as a people pleaser
• The value of great customer service
• Adapting to AI and becoming more relational
• Naming your business with meaning
Whether you're in the industry or just curious about the human side of accounting, this conversation is full of honest, relatable insights.
🎧 Subscribe for more stories from the humans behind the numbers.
Welcome to Season 2 of Humans in Accounting, the podcast where firm owners, accountants, and founders share their real stories — beyond the spreadsheets.
In this episode, we talk to Heidi Ryder, founder of Keepful, about her journey from math teacher to bookkeeper to SaaS founder. She opens up about:
Launching her business with a newborn in her arms
The unexpected road that led her to buy Keepful
What it takes to grow a business when you’re never fully “ready”
Why learning to say no is essential to growth
In this episode of Humans in Accounting, we sit down with Michael Eckstein—founder of Resting Business Face—to talk about how he built a solo accounting firm that’s profitable, niche-focused, and 100% aligned with the life he wants to live.
From building a business while traveling full-time to saying no to bad-fit clients, Michael shares his honest take on what works (and what doesn’t) when going solo.
Hosted by Alex Roman, this episode dives deep into niching, client boundaries, content marketing, and keeping it real in an industry full of templates and noise.
💬 Subscribe for more real conversations with accounting professionals redefining the game.
✨ Featuring: Michael Eckstein — @Resting Business Face🎙️ Hosted by: Alex Roman — Humans in Accounting / South Offices
In this episode of Humans in Accounting, Alex Roman interviews Adel Senoussi, founder of Scale Pro Advisors, about how she built a boutique fractional CFO firm serving law firms.
Adel shares her journey from investment banking in Egypt and New York to starting her own firm focused on small professional services businesses.
We dive into how she chose her niche, hired her first remote employee, and uses KPIs and financial strategy to help law firms run like businesses.
🎙️ Hosted by: Alex Roman – South Offices
💼 Guest: Adel Senoussi – Scale Pro Advisors
💬 Subscribe for more real stories from leaders transforming the accounting world.
Jeanne Hardy never planned on becoming a CEO — much less in accounting. But 20 years ago, helping artists organize their creative chaos turned into a full-fledged financial firm for creatives: Creative Business Inc.In this episode of Humans in Accounting, hosted by South Offices, Jeanne shares how she turned her arts background into a business advantage, why delegation is vital, and how hitting rock bottom during the 2008 recession inspired her to build resilience — both for herself and her clients.We also talk about her newest venture, Levvy, a platform born from years of remote work challenges, and how it's changing the game for accounting firms across the U.S.👀 If you're a creative entrepreneur, firm owner, or just love hearing how business and art intersect — this episode is for you.