THE OPENING BALANCE
A podcast for bookkeepers.
Martine Hoosen is a multi-award-winning bookkeeper and mentor who built and scaled her solo bookkeeping operation into a 7-Figure Bookkeeping business, which was sold in late 2025. Martine now dedicates her time to helping others build successful, sustainable, and enjoyable bookkeeping careers and businesses - with a focus on creating a practice that suports your life, rather than rules it, through The Bookkeeper's Academy.
THE OPENING BALANCE is a podcast that Martine has created specifically for bookkeepers navigating an ever changing profession and industry. Martine and her guests share the real stories, challenges, and experiences behind their successess -along with a few insights from their failures (we prefer to call them hard-earned learnings!).
Watch on YouTube
Building a Business that Serves You, Rather than Owns You
Vetting clients, hiring your right hand, owning your niche, and breaking free of owner dependency traps. Renae Petersen of Cloud Mind Accounts joins Martine Hoosen to talk about some of the non-negotiables of her growth plan, and how she's taking a considered approach to AI, team development, and client mix.
Building a Business on Your Own Terms with Katie Williams
Setting boundaries, axing services, firing clients and diversifying. In this episode Martine Hoosen is joined by Katie Williams of The Vault Bookkeeping as they talk about some of the more interesting things they've done to grow their bookkeeping businesses (even if it felt counter-intuitive at times).
When it's time to exit the business with Brooke Arnott & Jen Pryor
In Part Two of this episode, Martine Hoosen, Jen Pryor and Brooke Arnott talk about one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their career - selling (or in Jen's case, merging) their bookkeeping businesses and embarking on the next chapter in their respective journeys.
Finding Your Tribe with Brooke Arnott & Jen Pryor
This one is special. Martine Hoosen, Brooke Arnott, and Jen Pryor aren't just industry peers - they're each other's tribe. For over ten years, they've supported each other through everything (in and out of business), all while building three unique bookkeeping businesses that they all went on to scale and exit, on their terms.
Gaining back control with Jo Tindale from In Control Bookkeeping
Fears, imposter syndrome, control, knowing your worth, and challenging yourself to step outside of your comfort zone to pursue what's really important to you - Martine and Jo lay it all on the table.
About The Bookkeeper's Academy
Chrissie Smith
Founder, Chrissie Smith Bookkeeping
"Thank you again Martine. Everyone in our industry needs to jump on the band wagon of this pricing method!
Lots of knowledge bombs, especially on how to have those value add discussions with existing clients. It was like a beacon going off in my head.
I've finally realised that my clients are happy to pay for my knowledge, not just my time.
I think I just needed that support and I have definitely found it in you & Bookwiz Academy!
Thanks for helping me take these steps. So much clarity, it feels really good."
Brooke Arnott
CEO, The Small Business Lounge
"I have been working with Martine for a number of years now to assist with the growth of The Small Business Lounge.
Having her as my mentor and sounding board has definitely assisted me with achieving my goals at each stage of our business growth.
I would highly recommend Martine and her Academy to any bookkeeper or accounting firm."
Karen Whitely
Founder, Right Click Business Consulting
"I am so grateful for everything you do Martine.
I've been implementing the fixed prices and proposals strategy and what a difference that's made to my business (and my mental health!).
I'm no longer chasing money, I know what my revenue is going to be each month and the sense of control over my business is indescribable.
If I could only bottle the level of confidence this has given me and show others what it feels like to have the weight taken off.
The value you bring is absolutely priceless!"
Jola Abiodun
Founder, Green Mints Business Services
"The step-by-step methodology outlined in the Academy resources gave me the guidance and confidence to take a leap of faith.
I'm thrilled to report that I've successfully transitioned 70% of my clients to fixed monthly billing, and the results have been astounding.
My revenues have surged by over 80%.
I'm deeply grateful for the wealth of knowledge and experience you generously share. Thank you for your invaluable insights and guidance."
What to expect as a Bookkeeper's Academy Member
A whole lot of support from someone who really gets it for starters, though also...
Instant access to the complete Academy resource library.
Unlock all 10 Learning Modules covering industry relevant topics such as business planning, pricing, client acquisition and onboarding, client optimisation and retention, practice management, team development, service management, marketing and more. All Modules are broken down into easy to follow sub-modules designed to provide you with the strategies, processes and procedures you need to build a thriving bookkeeping business.
100s of practical resources.
Every module includes all the resources you need to put your learnings into action. Downloadable templates, explanatory guides, fee and package builders, capacity calculators, client workpapers, end of period processes, business plan templates, video demonstrations, webinars, onboarding procedures, and Martine's expert insights - you'll be guided through the process from learning to implementation.
Live Q&As
Connect directly with Martine, expert guests, and other Academy members to discuss and explore topics in more detail. Martine will often run a bit of a demo during these sessions, and welcomes any questions you may have (even if they aren't about the current topic). Every Live Q&A is recorded, so you can always revisit the replay, or catch up if you happen to miss it.
Members-only community group
Join our connected and engaged community with our private members-only facebook group and chat. This is a supportive and judgement-free space where you can ask advice, share your thoughts, celebrate your wins, and be part of a community that understands the ups and downs of running a Bookkeeping Business.
Learn on the go at your own pace
We release a new Learning Module each month, with relevant resources shared each week. You can follow along live, implementing the learnings as we release them, or take a more self paced approach and jump into the topics most relevant to you at the time. You can also access the Academy on the go, with both desktop and mobile versions available, along with an industry leading app. You're in control of your journey.
Trusted industry best-practice content
Martine is behind every Academy resource, and she uses them in her own bookkeeping practice. As a multi-award winning ICB Fellow and Global Top 50 Women in Accounting Alumni with over 30 years experience and a thriving practice, you can be confident that all material is relevant, tried and tested. You'll also receive access to bonus resources like webinars, workshops and Live Q&As with industry experts and solutions providers.
Not quite ready yet?
Watch Martine's most in demand webinar, where she shares the pricing strategy behind her 7 figure practice.
The Bookkeeper's Guide to Pricing Webinar.
Learn how to create a profitable, scalable business with more capacity (less work, more profit!), including how to...
✔ Determine your minimum fees.
✔ Build out your fee structure and create packages.
✔ Migrate existing hourly billed clients to a fixed fee model.
✔ Communicate your value and price with confidence.
Don't forget to download the accompanying slides, and get ready to create a profitable, thriving, and successful bookkeeping business!
Join the Webinar