Bean Counter to Boss Podcast for Accountants with Ambition.
Hosted by Will Rush from XBert alongside Amy Hancock and James Goulsbra, we share real-life stories, practical tips, and honest conversations about building a business you love. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, we’re here to help you go from bean counter to boss—one episode at a time.
The Bean Counter to Boss podcast is powered by XBert. XBert is your trusty accounting and bookkeeping sidekick, tirelessly checking the data for errors and helping you manage workflow easily. Process, visibility and data quality control in one AI driven system.
www.xbert.io
In this festive episode of the Bean Counter to Boss podcast, Santa, Rudolph, and Santa's Helper share their holiday experiences, discuss the busy season for accountants, and explore the fun and challenges of Christmas preparations. They delve into tax deductions for festive treats, share stories about Christmas presents, and debate their favourite holiday foods. Spoiler alert, someone doesn't like Christmas dinner (or roast dinners!)
The conversation also touches on Christmas party experiences, humorous 'Would You Rather' scenarios related to accounting, and reflections on the changing nature of holiday celebrations. The episode wraps up with warm wishes for the holiday season and plans for future episodes.
10 Dec 2025
Episode 6 - Pricing With Confidence: Value vs Time
In episode six of Bean Counter to Boss, Will, Amy and James chat about one of the biggest challenges in running an accounting practice: pricing confidently.
Amy reflects on starting out massively undercharging - cutting her old audit charge-out rate down to “mates rates” and how long it took to rebuild her pricing and confidence. She shares how tools like Ignition, repricing exercises, and understanding her own margins helped her move toward healthier, fixed-fee pricing.
James talks about his practice’s shift from underpriced early clients to targeting sustainable turnover and margins, and how giving away too much time can quietly erode profitability. A holiday epiphany pushed him to reset processes, revisit pricing, and separate compliance from advisory so clients clearly see what they’re paying for.
Together, they dig into:
Fixed vs hourly billing
Monthly billing and cashflow
Pricing audits and large projects
Communicating software and fee increases
Clients taking back their bookkeeping
The confidence needed to stop discounting and stand firm on value
They close with advice for new practice owners: do proper market research and know your worth. The trio tease a follow-up episode focused entirely on value pricing.
The Bean Counter to Boss podcast is powered by XBert. XBert is your trusty accounting and bookkeeping sidekick, tirelessly checking the data for errors and helping you manage workflow easily. Process, visibility and data quality control in one AI driven system. Visit the website to start a free trial or find out more (https://riverside.fm/dashboard/studios/will-rushs-studio/www.xbert.io)
26 Nov 2025
Guest Episode - Leigh Stallard of Nomad Video
In this episode, Leigh Stallard discusses the significance of video content in the accounting industry, sharing his journey from working in practice to founding a video production company. He emphasises how video can enhance client engagement, onboarding, and education, while also providing practical tips for accountants looking to leverage video in their practices. The conversation covers the importance of understanding client needs, creating valuable content, and building relationships through effective communication.
The Bean Counter to Boss podcast is powered by XBert. XBert is your trusty accounting and bookkeeping sidekick, tirelessly checking the data for errors and helping you manage workflow easily. Process, visibility and data quality control in one AI driven system. Visit the website to start a free trial or find out more (https://riverside.fm/dashboard/studios/will-rushs-studio/www.xbert.io)
29 Oct 2025
Episode 5 - Winning Clients: from zero to full book
In episode five of Bean Counter to Boss, hosts Will, Amy and James Goulsbra dig into the question every new firm faces: how do you win clients from a standing start?
Amy shares how a single favour snowballed into steady work and why Facebook groups and Google reviews still matter. James talks through getting out of his comfort zone, using conversations to shape his offer, and why delegating marketing can be a game changer.
They compare what actually works on LinkedIn vs Facebook, how to build referral streams, and the realities of SEO, websites, and ProAdvisor listings. You will also hear practical ways to stop giving away free advice, from setting firm meeting limits to swapping “quick chats” for structured consultations. The trio finish with ideas for workshops and local meet ups that position you as the go to accountant in your community.
Highlights:
From side hustle to first ten clients: Amy’s playbook for small town traction
James’s direct approach to networking and using conversations to refine your pitch
Turning word of mouth into a system: simple referral incentives and tracking
Social strategy that fits your audience: Facebook groups, LinkedIn for peers, and when to post blogs
Google reviews that move the needle, without paid ads
Guardrails for free advice: time limits, pre agreed fees, and smart follow ups
Events that convert: host a workshop or low key meet up to build trust locally
The Bean Counter to Boss podcast is powered by XBert. XBert is your trusty accounting and bookkeeping sidekick, tirelessly checking the data for errors and helping you manage workflow easily. Process, visibility and data quality control in one AI driven system. Visit the website to start a free trial or find out more (www.xbert.io)
22 Oct 2025
Guest Episode - Luke Farren of The Modern Firm
In this guest episode of the Bean Counter to Boss podcast, hosts Will Rush and James Goulsbra sit down with Luke Farren, founder of The Modern Firm, to explore the realities of leaving corporate stability for entrepreneurial freedom.
Luke shares his journey from leading integrations at Cooper Parry to launching The Modern Firm, a consultancy helping accountancy practices modernise through smarter tech, streamlined processes, and cultural change. Together, they unpack the traps firms fall into when chasing too much tech, why process should come before platforms, and how leaders can empower their teams to drive digital transformation from within.
Expect candid reflections, practical insights for accountants looking to start or scale their own practices, and a few laughs along the way.
Highlights:
Why Luke left a corporate role to start The Modern Firm
The importance of process over technology in modern accountancy practices
How to choose the right tech stack (and avoid shiny-object syndrome)
Building a team culture that supports change and innovation
Why leadership means getting out of the way sometimes
Quickfire Round: Coffee vs tea, office vs remote, process vs tech, and a surprising take on curry pizzas.
The Bean Counter to Boss podcast is powered by XBert. XBert is your trusty accounting and bookkeeping sidekick, tirelessly checking the data for errors and helping you manage workflow easily. Process, visibility and data quality control in one AI driven system. Visit the website to start a free trial or find out more (www.xbert.io)
15 Oct 2025
Episode 4 - Tech First: Modern Tools for Modern Practices
In this episode of Bean Counter to Boss, Will, Amy, and James dive into the technology shaping the next generation of UK accounting firms. From automating workflows to managing clients smarter, it’s all about building a practice that runs efficiently — and scales effortlessly.
💡 You’ll discover:
The essential tech stack every modern firm needs — including Xero, QuickBooks, XBert, and Ignition.
How to use automation to save hours on admin and elevate client communication.
What to look for when choosing software that grows with your business, not against it.
Whether you’re just starting your practice or streamlining an established one, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world examples to help you run a more connected, tech-savvy firm.
The Bean Counter to Boss podcast is powered by XBert. XBert is your trusty accounting and bookkeeping sidekick, tirelessly checking the data for errors and helping you manage workflow easily. Process, visibility and data quality control in one AI driven system. Visit the website to start a free trial or find out more (www.xbert.io)
8 Oct 2025
Guest Episode - Kev Lord of Firmcheck
In this insightful and entertaining episode, Will, Amy, and James sit down with Kev Lord (https://www.firmcheck.com/), General Manager at FirmCheck (https://www.firmcheck.com/), to talk all things AML compliance and why it’s the often-overlooked cornerstone of building a successful accounting practice.
Kev shares his journey from FreeAgent and Chaser to leading FirmCheck, and dives deep into how modern AML software is transforming compliance from a painful tick-box exercise into a strategic, reputation-saving advantage.
You’ll hear:
Why AML is like a Michelin-star chef’s fire extinguisher 🍽️🔥
The real cost of ignoring compliance (and how to charge for it confidently 💷)
How software like FirmCheck helps new firms stay audit-ready and professional from day one
Practical tips from Amy and James on pricing, onboarding, and keeping clients happy
Plus, Kev’s quick-fire “this or that” round – from Irn-Bru vs whisky to tartan vs tweed! 🏴
Whether you’re launching your own firm or levelling up your processes, this episode will help you see AML as an opportunity, not a burden.
The Bean Counter to Boss podcast is powered by XBert. XBert is your trusty accounting and bookkeeping sidekick, tirelessly checking the data for errors and helping you manage workflow easily. Process, visibility and data quality control in one AI driven system. Visit the website for a free trial or to find out more (www.xbert.io)
1 Oct 2025
Episode 3 - The Setup: Building the Foundations
In this episode, our trio dives into the nuts and bolts (and maybe a few laughs) of setting up your accounting business the right way from day one.
Sole trader or limited company which structure actually makes sense for you? Then they’ll chat about whether finding your niche is a must or if staying flexible can still make you the go-to accountant in town.
And of course, what’s a modern practice without a brand and website that screams “We’ve got our numbers sorted”? Learn how to build a presence that draws in your dream clients and maybe keeps the not-so-dreamy ones away.
Whether you’re just starting out or giving your firm a facelift, this episode is packed with practical advice, honest laughs, and a few stories that might sound a little too familiar…
The Bean Counter to Boss podcast is powered by XBert. XBert is your trusty accounting and bookkeeping sidekick, tirelessly checking the data for errors and helping you manage workflow easily. Process, visibility and data quality control in one AI driven system.
Start a free trial here (https://app.xbert.io/account/sign-up)
24 Sept 2025
Guest Episode - Jeri Williams
In this guest episode we sit down with the amazing Jeri Williams (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeri-williams/) to chat through her journey, going out on your own and obviously the amazing work she does with other accountants and bookkeepers at The Digital Accountants Club. (https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalaccountantsclub/)
The Bean Counter to Boss podcast is powered by XBert. XBert is your trusty accounting and bookkeeping sidekick, tirelessly checking the data for errors and helping you manage workflow easily. Process, visibility and data quality control in one AI driven system.
Start a free trial here (https://app.xbert.io/account/sign-up)
17 Sept 2025
Episode 2 - The Leap: Deciding to Go It Alone
Making the leap from employee to business owner is one of the most significant and often, most intimidating decisions in an accountant’s career. In this episode, we explore the mindset shifts that happen when you move from working for someone else to building your own practice. We’ll dig into the risks and rewards of striking out on your own, how to know if you’re ready, and what to expect on the other side. You’ll also hear candid stories from Amy and James on why they made the decision, and what they learned along the way
The Bean Counter to Boss podcast is powered by XBert. XBert is your trusty accounting and bookkeeping sidekick, tirelessly checking the data for errors and helping you manage workflow easily. Process, visibility and data quality control in one AI driven system.
Start a free trial here (https://app.xbert.io/account/sign-up)
18 Aug 2025
Episode 1 - The Introduction
Lets get to know Amy and James! Where did it all start, what got them in to accounting and who is the person behind the accountancy firm owner!
The Bean Counter to Boss podcast is powered by XBert. XBert is your trusty accounting and bookkeeping sidekick, tirelessly checking the data for errors and helping you manage workflow easily. Process, visibility and data quality control in one AI driven system.
Start a free trial here (https://app.xbert.io/account/sign-up)
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