Shows
Ecommerce Finance PodcastE26: Metrics for Every Stage of Ecommerce Financial MaturityStephen Brown from LedgerGurus sits down with Geoff Gualano from A2X to break down the four levels of ecommerce accounting maturity and the metrics that actually matter at each stage.Many founders think they understand their numbers because they can see revenue in Shopify or Amazon. But once payouts, fees, inventory, and cash flow enter the picture, the story gets more complicated.This episode walks through what changes as a business grows, why accrual accounting matters sooner than most people think, and how clean financial data unlocks smarter decisions, better forecasting, and stronger investor...
2026-02-1855 min
Ecommerce Finance PodcastE25: Data rich. Decision poor. What’s missing?Stephen Brown from LedgerGurus talks with Nate Littlewood, founder of Future Ready CFO, about why ecommerce founders struggle to turn financial data into real decisions. Even with dashboards and reports, many operators feel stuck, overwhelmed, and unsure what actually matters.This episode breaks down why more data doesn’t create clarity, how to identify the numbers that matter most, and how simple frameworks help founders focus, reduce stress, and make better decisions without becoming finance experts. Key Takeaways More data does not lead to better decisions without context. Founders often focus on wh...
2026-02-0446 min
Ecommerce Finance PodcastE24: How the Four Margins Explain Where Profit DisappearsSummary Stephen Brown, COO at LedgerGurus and host of the Ecommerce Finance Podcast, sits down with Stacy Walker, Director of Growth at LedgerGurus. They break down the four margins every ecommerce brand should be tracking and why most 7- and 8-figure sellers only understand one of them. The conversation focuses on why founders feel profitable but still struggle with cash and confidence in their numbers. This episode explains gross margin, contribution margin, net operating margin, and net profit margin in plain language. Stephen and Stacy walk through what each margin actually tells you, where brands...
2026-01-2145 min
Ecommerce Finance PodcastE23: 2026 Ecommerce Finance PredictionsSummary: In this episode, Stephen Brown and Preston Alder discuss their predictions for the e-commerce landscape in 2026. They cover a range of topics including tariffs, interest rates, inflation, the rise of AI, the value economy, and the implications of a K-shaped economy. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities that e-commerce businesses will face, emphasizing the importance of execution excellence and inventory optimization. They also explore the potential risks associated with private equity in the current economic climate. Key Takeaways Tariffs are likely at peak levels but will stay elevated long term. Sellers...
2026-01-071h 02
Ecommerce Finance PodcastE22: Grading Our 2025 Ecommerce Financial Forecast SummaryStephen Brown, Founder of LedgerGurus, and Kelley Birrell, Marketing Manager at LedgerGurus, look back at the ecommerce predictions they made at the start of 2025. They review what actually happened across ecommerce growth, marketing costs, interest rates, inflation, and AI adoption. Each prediction is graded with real data and real-world operator context.They also unpack the biggest curveballs of the year, including tariffs, de minimis rule changes, TikTok Shop growth, and the limits of new ad channels. Stephen shares where he underestimated risk, what surprised him about consumer spending, and why 2025 felt harder than expected...
2025-12-2322 min
Ecommerce Finance PodcastE21: VAT vs Sales Tax Explained for US SellersSummaryIn this episode of the Ecommerce Finance Podcast, Stephen Brown speaks with Oliver Blackmore from Elver Ecommerce Accountants about the complexities of VAT (Value Added Tax) for ecommerce businesses, particularly those looking to expand into the UK and EU markets. They discuss the differences between VAT and sales tax, the registration process for American sellers, common mistakes in VAT compliance, and the tools available for calculating and filing VAT.The conversation also covers the implications of selling on platforms like Amazon versus direct sales, the importance of understanding filing frequencies, and the challenges of...
2025-12-1039 min
Ecommerce Finance PodcastE20: How to Spot (and Stop) Fraudulent Ad Traffic Before It Drains Your BudgetSummaryIn this conversation, Kurt Bell from Dash.fi discusses the innovative corporate credit card solutions offered by the company, focusing on their unique value propositions such as cash back incentives and ad pay protection services.The discussion highlights how these offerings can significantly benefit businesses engaged in digital advertising and shipping, ultimately leading to substantial savings and enhanced financial management.TakeawaysDash.fi specializes in corporate credit cards for digital advertising.The main value proposition is cash back and high limits.Ad pay protection is a complementary service to...
2025-11-2534 min
Ecommerce Finance PodcastE19: Why Most Founders Operate Blind (and How to Fix It with Strategic Finance)SummaryIn this episode of The Ecommerce Finance Podcast, Stephen Brown and Mark Lupton discuss the intricacies of strategic finance in the eCommerce sector. They explore the importance of understanding exit strategies, aligning founder goals with business strategies, and the significance of long-term and medium-term planning.The conversation delves into the common pitfalls in strategic finance, the role of intuition in decision-making, and the necessity of financial planning and budgeting. Mark emphasizes the importance of identifying blind spots and bottlenecks in business operations and the need for continuous learning and adaptation in financial...
2025-10-2953 min
Ecommerce Finance PodcastE18 : Financial Lessons from a Decade of Building Ecommerce SoftwareSummaryIn this episode of the Ecommerce Finance Podcast, Stephen Brown and Chris Hondl from Finale Inventory discuss insights gained from a decade of building ecommerce software, focusing on inventory management, the evolution of ecommerce, and the challenges faced by businesses today. They explore the importance of establishing standard operating procedures, the differences between ERP systems and federated systems, and the benefits of bootstrapping a tech company versus seeking venture capital.The conversation also touches on the future of ecommerce, the impact of AI, and the necessity for businesses to adapt and evolve in a...
2025-10-1540 min
Ecommerce Finance PodcastE17: Real-Time Inventory, Real Results: Katana's Take on Smarter Supply ChainsSummary In this episode of The Ecommerce Finance Podcast, Stephen Brown interviews Ben Hussey, co-CEO of Katana, discussing the complexities of manufacturing and inventory management in the current ecommerce landscape. They explore the challenges posed by rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and the importance of real-time data for effective decision-making. Ben shares insights from his extensive experience in ecommerce, highlighting the shift towards hybrid business models and the necessity for brands to adapt to changing market conditions. The conversation emphasizes the need for strategic planning and the value of technology in navigating the evolving ecommerce...
2025-10-0138 min
Ecommerce Finance PodcastE16: The CFO of Thread’s Guide to Navigating Tariff ImpactsSummaryIn this episode of the Ecommerce Finance Podcast, Stephen Brown interviews Ryan King, CFO of Thread, discussing the evolution of the company from handcrafted wallets to a diversified manufacturing model. They delve into the complexities of navigating tariffs, the impact on pricing strategies, and the importance of supply chain diversification.Ryan shares insights on managing costs, consumer behavior in response to price changes, and the future challenges facing the business as they adapt to a changing economic landscape.TakeawaysThread started in 2014 with a simple idea of a better...
2025-09-1646 min
Ecommerce Finance PodcastE15: Debt Decisions: Smart Financing for Ecommerce FoundersSummaryIn this episode of the Ecommerce Finance Podcast, Stephen Brown interviews Alec Koenig, CEO of Settle, discussing the complexities of lending in the ecommerce space. They explore Alec's background in lending, the challenges ecommerce businesses face, and how Settle aims to provide innovative solutions that combine lending with software tools.The conversation delves into the importance of cash flow, the impact of tariffs, and the necessity of financial hygiene for businesses seeking financing. They also discuss the future of ecommerce and how technology, including AI, will shape the industry.Takeaways
2025-09-0343 min
Ecommerce Finance PodcastE14: We Tried Profit First. Here’s What ACTUALLY HappenedSummary In this episode of the Ecommerce Finance Podcast, Stephen Brown and Preston Alder discuss the implementation of the Profit First methodology in their business, Sole Toscana. They reflect on their initial challenges, the importance of understanding cash flow, and the mindset shift required to prioritize profit over growth.The conversation covers practical applications of Profit First, the impact of market changes, and the scalability of its principles for larger businesses. The episode concludes with insights on navigating financial challenges and the importance of adapting strategies for future success. Takeaways ...
2025-08-2055 min
Ecommerce Finance PodcastE13: Equity Crowdfunding for EcommerceSummaryIn this episode of the Ecommerce Finance Podcast Stephen Brown from LedgerGurus and Joseph May from May Law discuss the challenges eCommerce businesses face in securing funding, particularly through traditional means. They explore the concept of equity crowdfunding as an alternative funding vehicle, detailing its compliance requirements, governance implications, and the differences between raising debt and equity.The discussion emphasizes the importance of professional guidance in navigating the complexities of crowdfunding and highlights the costs associated with the process. Additionally, they address the barriers to adoption of equity crowdfunding among ecommerce brands and the...
2025-07-3137 min
Ecommerce Finance PodcastE12: Ecommerce in 2025: Mid-Year Lessons, Surprises, and Smart Moves SummaryIn this episode of the Ecommerce Finance Podcast, Stephen Brown and Lauren Maillard catch up on what’s really going on in ecommerce right now. They look back at Stephen’s predictions for 2025 - what he got right (and wrong) - and dig into big changes like new tariffs, the end of the de minimis rule, and what the “Big Beautiful Bill” actually means for sellers. They also chat about rising marketing costs, how AI is changing the way we search and shop, and what’s going on with TikTok. Plus, they dive into interest r...
2025-07-1651 min
Ecommerce Finance PodcastE11: The State of Ecommerce M&A in 2025In this episode of the Ecommerce Finance Podcast, host Stephen Brown interviews Josh Robbins from the Premara Group to discuss the current state of ecommerce mergers and acquisitions. They explore Josh's unique background in ecommerce, the evolution of M&A in the sector, and the factors that make consumer products businesses attractive to investors. The conversation delves into the challenges faced in M&A deals, the importance of understanding profitability and valuation, and the key factors that affect deal success. Josh emphasizes the need for preparation when selling a business and the significance...
2025-03-2645 min
Ecommerce Finance PodcastE10: How to Choose the Right IMS for Your Ecommerce BusinessIn this episode of the Ecommerce Finance Podcast, Stephen Brown and Scott Scharf discuss the critical aspects of selecting and implementing an inventory management system for ecommerce businesses. They explore the importance of inventory management as a key asset, the methodology for selecting the right system, and the expectations for implementation timelines. The conversation also covers when to consider an inventory management system, the differences between ERPs and inventory management systems, and the necessity of documenting processes for successful implementation. Takeaways Inventory is often the biggest asset in consumer product businesses. Many...
2025-03-0551 min
Ecommerce Finance PodcastE9: Why Inventory Accounting is So Hard (but SO IMPORTANT) for Ecommerce BrandsIn this episode of the Ecommerce Finance Podcast, Stephen Brown and Brittany Brown delve into the complexities of inventory accounting and its critical role in financial management for ecommerce businesses. They discuss the challenges of accurately tracking inventory, the importance of accrual accounting, and the implications of Cost of Goods Sold on financial statements. The conversation highlights the necessity of operational maturity, understanding landed costs, and adhering to GAAP standards to ensure accurate financial reporting and profitability analysis. Brittany emphasizes that successful inventory management is not just about accounting but also about engaging in the operational processes...
2025-02-2649 min
Ecommerce Finance PodcastE8: How to Calculate the Impact of Tariffs on Your Profitability SummaryIn this episode of the Ecommerce Finance Podcast, Stephen Brown and Kelley Birrell discuss the financial implications of tariffs on businesses, particularly in the ecommerce sector. They explore how tariffs affect cost structures, profitability, and pricing strategies, emphasizing the importance of understanding customs value and elasticity of demand.The conversation also covers potential strategies for managing increased costs, including supply chain adjustments and efficiency improvements, while providing insights into the current economic landscape for ecommerce businesses.Download the FREE Tariff Impact Calculator: https://ledgergurus.com/portfolio/tariff-impact-calculator/?utm_source=RSS...
2025-02-1936 min
Ecommerce Finance PodcastE7: Tariffs 101Summary In this episode of the Ecommerce Finance Podcast, Stephen Brown and Bryce Judy discuss the complexities of tariffs, particularly focusing on the de minimis rule and its implications for e-commerce businesses. They explore recent changes in tariff policies, the impact on dropshipping, and the importance of compliance and accurate classification in trade.The conversation also covers duty drawbacks, customs processes, and best practices for importers navigating the evolving landscape of international trade. Takeaways The de minimis rule allows low-value shipments to enter duty-free. Recent tariff changes significantly impact e-commerce sellers. Duty...
2025-02-1233 min
Ecommerce Finance PodcastE6: The Cost of Selling on Amazon in 2025In this episode of The Ecommerce Finance Podcast, Stephen Brown and Liz Adamson discuss the evolving landscape of Amazon fees and the challenges sellers face in 2025. They explore the rising costs of advertising, the complexities of Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), and the impact of Chinese sellers on the marketplace. Liz emphasizes the necessity of advertising for success on Amazon and the importance of building a strong brand to compete effectively. The conversation also touches on the implications of Amazon's fee structure and the strategies new sellers should adopt to thrive in this competitive environment.
2025-02-0541 min
Ecommerce Finance PodcastE5: Shopify Plus Sales Tax Changes & Deep Dive into Sales Tax ComplexityIn this episode of the Ecommerce Finance Podcast, Stephen Brown and Mac Wright from Avalara discuss the upcoming changes to sales tax for Shopify Plus users. They delve into the complexities of sales tax calculation, the importance of understanding nexus, and the registration process for compliance.Mac explains how Avalara's tax engine simplifies the sales tax process for ecommerce businesses, while also addressing the challenges posed by varying tax laws across states and countries. The conversation highlights the need for businesses to stay informed and compliant in an ever-evolving tax landscape.Sound Bites
2025-01-2943 min
Ecommerce Finance PodcastE4: TikTok Shop and Social Commerce Financial InsightsIn this episode of the eCommerce Finance Podcast, Stephen Brown and Michelle Barnum-Smith delve into the world of TikTok Shop and its implications for social commerce. They discuss the unique aspects of TikTok as a shopping platform, the frictionless experience it offers, and the significant revenue opportunities it presents for brands.The conversation also covers the importance of identifying TikTok-able products, pricing strategies, and the evolving role of influencers in this new commerce landscape. With predictions for the future of TikTok and social commerce, this episode provides valuable insights for brands looking to navigate the changing ecommerce...
2025-01-2242 min
Ecommerce Finance PodcastE3: How Accounting Can Make or Break Your BrandSummaryIn this episode of the Ecommerce Finance Podcast, Stephen Brown and Geoff Gualano discuss the critical role of accounting in ecommerce businesses. They explore the different phases of accounting maturity, from initial awareness to strategic forecasting and planning, emphasizing the importance of accurate accounting for business growth, investment opportunities, and overall financial health. The conversation highlights how understanding and implementing proper accounting practices can significantly impact a brand's success or failure in the competitive ecommerce landscape.TakeawaysAccounting can significantly impact the success of a brand.Many businesses start with no accounting practices...
2025-01-1539 min
Ecommerce Finance PodcastE2: Ecommerce Budgeting & Forecasting: What, Why, How, When, and WhoIn this episode of the Ecommerce Finance Podcast, Stephen Brown and Preston Alder discuss the critical aspects of budgeting and forecasting in ecommerce.They explore the importance of understanding cash flow, the phases of financial management, and the strategies for building effective budgets and forecasts.They emphasize the need for accurate accounting and the flexibility required in planning to adapt to changing business conditions.Ultimately, they highlight how a structured approach to budgeting and forecasting can lead to profitable growth and reduced stress in managing a business.Sound Bites
2025-01-0837 min
Ecommerce Finance PodcastE1: 2025 Ecommerce Trends & Financial ImplicationsIn this episode of The Ecommerce Finance Podcast, Stephen Brown and Kelley Birrell discuss the key ecommerce trends for 2025, focusing on market growth, digital marketing challenges, the impact of interest rates and tariffs, the potential of TikTok Shop, the role of AI, supply chain issues, and the implications of the de minimis rule.TakeawaysThe ecommerce market is showing positive growth heading into 2025.Digital marketing efficiency is a critical area for brands to focus on.Interest rates are projected to decrease, but inflation remains a concern.New presidential administration should be good for business...
2025-01-0140 min
Best MetricsBest Metrics for E-commerceStephen Brown, COO of LedgerGurus, shares critical financial metrics and challenges facing modern e-commerce businesses, from understanding true contribution margins to navigating complex cash conversion cycles. He breaks down the evolving landscape of e-commerce financing, warning against predatory merchant cash advances while highlighting emerging specialized lending solutions. The conversation provides valuable insights into how e-commerce companies can maintain profitability in an increasingly competitive market, with practical guidance on managing everything from inventory cycles to sales tax compliance.Learn more about Peerview Datahttps://www.peerviewdata.comConnect with Stephen Brown https://ledgergurus.com...
2024-12-2456 min
Ecommerce Finance PodcastEcommerce Finance Podcast TrailerWelcome to the eCommerce Finance Podcast.This podcast is here so that owners, operators, and others in ecommerce can have a better understanding of the financial implications of what they're doing.The reality is everything in a business has a financial impact and therefore every topic is on the table.Listen and learn so that your business can grow, experience sustained profitability, and achieve success.Work with LedgerGurushttps://ledgergurus.com/ecommerce-accounting-services/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=e0
2024-12-1801 min
Scale SavvyS01E15 Ecommerce Accounting: The Untold Challenges and How to Slay Them with Stephen BrownWelcome to episode 15 of the Scale Savvy Podcast.In this episode, Erin Mathie welcomes Stephen Brown. Stephen is the Chief Operating Officer and co-founder of LedgerGurus. He is focused on growing and scaling the business from sales to services and beyond. He has a background in enterprise software and business leadership.Get ready for an inspiring conversation as Stephen shares his unique journey to success and the challenges he has faced along the way. If you are looking to take your existing business to the next level, this episode is packed with actionable t...
2024-06-0527 min
The Tech Talk for Accountants ShowEpisode 331: Stephen Brown- What Led To LedgerGurus' Success? (Repurpose)Stephen Brown- What Led To LedgerGurus' Success?
Stephen Brown is the co-founder and COO at LedgerGurus. Stephen never intended to work in accounting, but Brittany, his wife, gradually persuaded him to do so full-time. Stephen is committed to expanding and scaling the company as a chief operating officer at LedgerGurus. At LedgerGurus, where they are passionate about assisting businesses in developing and succeeding, he saw a chance to help Brittany do something extraordinary and one-of-a-kind.
Since 2014, they have freed small- to medium-sized businesses from the stress of accounting. They decided...
2023-07-1736 min
The Tech Talk for Accountants ShowStephen Brown- What Led To LedgerGurus' Success?Stephen Brown is the co-founder and COO at LedgerGurus. Stephen never intended to work in accounting, but Brittany, his wife, gradually persuaded him to do so full-time. Stephen is committed to expanding and scaling the company as a chief operating officer at LedgerGurus. At LedgerGurus, where they are passionate about assisting businesses in developing and succeeding, he saw a chance to help Brittany do something extraordinary and one-of-a-kind. Since 2014, they have freed small- to medium-sized businesses from the stress of accounting. They decided to become highly specialized in e-commerce accounting after early recognition of its distinctive features. Apps and accounting...
2022-08-2936 minThe Tech Talk for Accountants ShowStephen Brown- What Led To LedgerGurus' Success?Stephen Brown is the co-founder and COO at LedgerGurus. Stephen never intended to work in accounting, but Brittany, his wife, gradually persuaded him to do so full-time. Stephen is committed to expanding and scaling the company as a chief operating officer at LedgerGurus. At LedgerGurus, where they are passionate about assisting businesses in developing and succeeding, he saw a chance to help Brittany do something extraordinary and one-of-a-kind.
Since 2014, they have freed small- to medium-sized businesses from the stress of accounting. They decided to become highly specialized in e-commerce accounting after early recognition of its distinctive features...
2022-08-2936 min
The Successful Bookkeeper PodcastEP142: Stephen Brown - Why You Should Embrace TechnologyFind ways to free up your precious time. Our guest, Stephen Brown, who is the COO of LedgerGurus, figured this out. He embraced technology to do the mundane which allows him to do more of the strategic stuff that's hard to automate like budgeting, analysis, and things that bring value to customers. As a result, he's contributed to the growth of LedgerGurus, a virtual outsourced accounting firm focused on eCommerce accounting, as a company that is determined to help customers make good decisions and achieve their goals. During this interview, you'll discover...
2019-05-2831 min