When a head for numbers adds up to bigger business
CHRISTINE AplIN decided to opt for a new career in bookkeeping after almost two decades of corporate banking experience.
The 41-year-old, from Southampton, had taken voluntary redundancy from Barclays bank after a bout of ill health.
She had planned to return to the world of corporate banking after a sabbatical — however, the idea of working at her own pace appealed.
Christine started her practice, Caplin Bookkeeping, in September 2017. She completed courses at Ideal Schools, a specialist UK-wide e-learning college, focusing exclusively on bookkeeping and accounting.
She says: ‘The practice was a natural progression for me, with all my experience of banking and my aptitude for numbers.
‘While I was attracting a lot of sole traders for end-of-year accounts and bookkeeping, I felt there was a gap in the market for providing services to small limited companies.
‘ Companies were contacting me regularly, asking if I could complete end-of-year accounts for them, and the FRS105 course was a natural fit.’
She adds: ‘I found Ideal Schools online, and its approach suited me perfectly.
‘It was not just the support when I was studying and sitting the exams, I was very impressed with the aftercare and support for alumnae. I felt the people at Ideal Schools genuinely cared that I should succeed.’
Christine has gained seven new clients this year, as her business continues to grow. She is also continuing to improve her own skills.
She says: ‘As soon as I can find the time, I’ll return to Ideal Schools for the preparing Final Accounts course, and the new small limited company course once it is released.
‘Continuing to learn is important to me, and I think it is great that Ideal Schools offer so many additional courses to enable bookkeepers to enhance their knowledge base and expand their services and practices.’
Meanwhile, Jan Moss, 53, from Nidderdale, North Yorkshire, has also started up her own bookkeeping business after completing courses at Ideal Schools.
She had 20 years’ experience of setting up and running businesses as diverse as a theatrical agency, a delicatessen and a coffee shop.
She says: ‘I think I come from a different angle to many other bookkeepers, since I’ve spent more of my life working for myself than working for others.
‘I’ve a real depth of experience in running small businesses, and I know what entrepreneurs and small to medium- size enterprise owners need from their books.’