Why Every Bookkeeper Should Be Using Ignition — A Strategic Review with Emily Sinderberry

You know that moment when something finally clicks?

For Emily Sinderberry, it came in the form of a software tool she didn’t think she needed—until she realised it was the missing piece in her business.

In this episode of The Strategic Bookkeeper Podcast, Jeannie Savage chats with Emily about what it really takes to systemise your bookkeeping practice, how tech can take pressure off your shoulders, and why Ignition ended up being one of the smartest decisions she’s made as a business owner.

If you’ve ever resisted “yet another app” or wondered whether automation is worth it—this one’s for you.

From Farm to Firm: Meet Emily Sinderberry

Emily runs EJS Business Services—a virtual bookkeeping firm that supports rural and agricultural clients across Australia. She’s a mother, a farmer, and a business owner. Her team of five women works remotely from all corners of the country, and together they manage an impressive portfolio of clients in farming, agribusiness, and professional services.

But it didn’t start that way.

For the first few years, Emily’s practice was a side hustle. She was still working full-time as an accountant, juggling study, work, and life. Things only shifted when she made the leap to go full-time—and realised she needed proper systems to support growth.

That’s where Ignition came in.

The Moment Everything Shifted

Like many bookkeepers, Emily started with a DIY approach to proposals. Think Word docs, manual emails, and crossed fingers that clients would actually sign and send things back.

Sound familiar?

“It was clunky, slow, and didn’t scale,” she recalls. “I knew I needed a better way.”

She discovered Ignition through the bookkeeping community and signed up in 2021. From there, everything changed.

• Proposals became smooth and professional.

• Engagement letters were handled automatically.

• Payments started rolling in without awkward reminders.

She went from reactive to proactive—without hiring an admin team.

Not Just Proposal Software

If you’re new to Ignition, here’s the quick version: it’s a platform designed for bookkeepers and accountants to manage client engagement from proposal to payment.

But what Emily and Jeannie want you to know is this—it’s not just proposal software.

Ignition does so much more:

• Sends beautifully branded proposals

• Handles client acceptance and digital signing

• Integrates with tools like Xero Practice Manager

• Automates invoicing and recurring payments

• Gives you a real-time view of your revenue pipeline

• Provides pre-loaded service libraries for easier pricing

And yes, it replaces hours of admin work. Every week.

“I didn’t need to hire an admin,” Emily says. “Ignition became that support for me.”

Real Talk: What It’s Like to Start

One of the biggest things that holds bookkeepers back from using tech like Ignition is the belief that setup will be too hard.

And yet… it wasn’t.

Sure, there’s a learning curve. But Emily says the support she received—from account managers to online resources—made it manageable. And once the essentials were set up, she refined things as she went.

“You don’t have to do everything perfectly at once,” she says. “Just start. Send one proposal. Then tweak it next time.”

In other words: progress over perfection.

Jeannie’s Tip: The Power of TPP (Tech, Process, People)

Inside the Strategic Bookkeeper framework, Jeannie teaches a concept called TPP: Tech, Process, and People.

It’s about lining up the right tools, streamlining how you work, and building a team that fits your goals.

For Jeannie, Ignition has always been part of that tech stack—and she’s still kicking herself for not picking it up sooner.

“I resisted for so long,” Jeannie admits. “I thought, ‘Do I really need another tool?’ But once I started using it, the time and money it saved made it a no-brainer.”

The Feature That Changed Everything: Productised Services

One of the standout moments for Emily came when she explored the service library built into Ignition.

It helped her re-evaluate her pricing, spot services she wasn’t charging enough for, and begin building structured, productised packages.

That shift alone gave her confidence—and led to more consistent revenue.

“I realised I was undervaluing myself,” she says. “Having that list helped me rethink how I priced my services.”

Building Trust With Video + Brochures

Another highlight from the conversation? How Emily’s proposals evolved with video and storytelling.

Like many Ignition users, she started with the default templates. But after joining Jeannie’s transformation program, she adopted the Million Dollar Storybook Brochure and a custom video sales letter.

Now, every proposal Emily sends includes a warm, clear message that walks clients through her services.

The result?

More conversions—and more compliments.

“Clients actually thank me for the video,” she says. “They feel more informed, more confident. It makes a difference.”

Jeannie’s Advice: Use the Tech Like a Team Member

Jeannie often tells her clients to treat software like staff.

Why?

Because good tech—like Ignition—can handle repetitive admin better than any human (and for a fraction of the cost). It doesn’t make mistakes, it doesn’t get tired, and it gives you back the headspace to focus on what matters.

“Ignition is like an invisible team member,” she says. “It keeps your promises for you—and your promise is the heartbeat of your business.”

For Solo Bookkeepers: Don’t Let Overwhelm Win

Let’s be honest: when you’re running your practice alone, every task feels bigger.

That’s why Jeannie and Emily are both passionate about helping solo bookkeepers overcome that initial resistance to tech.

The truth?

You don’t need to set it all up at once.

Just start.

• Send your first proposal.

• Use the built-in templates.

• Try the default video and brochure.

• Upgrade as you go.

And if you want support, both Ignition and The Strategic Bookkeeper offer step-by-step guidance, templates, and coaching to help you implement fast.

Special Offers for Bookkeepers

If you’re ready to explore Ignition, now’s the perfect time.

Here’s what you can access through The Strategic Bookkeeper:

🎯 6-Month Pro Plan Discount: Grab the premium version of Ignition with extra support and get your first brochure done for you.

📘 Million Dollar Storybook Brochure Template: The proven format to showcase your services with clarity and confidence.

🎥 Sales Video Walkthrough: Use Jeannie’s guide to record a short video that builds trust and converts leads faster.

📈 Free Conversion Mini-Course: Get Jeannie’s signature Needs Analysis template and step-by-step coaching on how to close deals with ease.

To claim any of the above, just email hello@thestrategicbookkeeper.global or message Jeannie on socials.

Final Thoughts: What’s It Costing You Not to Use It?

Here’s the thing.

If you’re still sending Word docs, manually invoicing, or following up on payments by hand, you’re spending hours each month on tasks that can be automated.

And that’s costing you:

• Time you can’t get back

• Money left on the table

• Opportunities to scale

“You either invest in the right tools—or you stay stuck doing things the hard way.” – Jeannie

Emily agrees.

“Looking back, I wouldn’t run my practice without it,” she says. “Ignition saves me time, helps me serve clients better, and gave me the space to grow.”

Want to Build a Practice You Love?

✅ Start with Ignition

✅ Pair it with strategy

✅ And stop trying to do everything the hard way

Because once you simplify your systems, everything gets easier—from onboarding to cash flow to confidence.