Working for herself adds up for bookkeeper Louise
LOUISe WOODhOUSe trained and worked as a high school science teacher for nine years before the birth of her son, Adam. Adam, now 11, has autism and ADhD and Louise had difficulty balancing a full-time job while caring for his needs.
The 45-year- old, who has also run her own property and rental business, looked into working for herself again. She decided to explore the possibility of a new career in bookkeeping and accountancy.
Louise spoke to Brian McVean, a tutor at Ideal Schools — a specialist UKwide e-learning college which focuses exclusively on bookkeeping and accounting.
She says: ‘I talked to Brian via a web chat, and told him what I wanted to achieve. Ideal Schools took me through what I would need to study, and how to get it, and, within 14 months I had fully qualified with my practice license.’
Louise secured membership of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB). She has now opened her new business, Adds Up Bookkeeping and Accounts Services, which is based in Morton, Lincolnshire, and services businesses nationwide. She says: ‘My business is off to a flying start, with 12 limited companies and 13 sole traders on my books, mostly for accounting services.
‘I am totally client focused and I want my clients to be able to use their accounting data to inform their business decisions, not just to be a once-a-year chore.’
Meanwhile, Jan Moss, 53, from Nidderdale, North Yorkshire, had 20 years’ experience of setting up and running businesses as diverse as a theatrical agency, a delicatessen and a coffee shop.
After being hit by the 2008 recession, she became a secretary at an accountancy practice, before opting for another career change. Jan completed courses with Ideal Schools and now has her own business, Ripon Bookkeeping.
She says: ‘I’ve a real depth of experience in running small businesses and I know what entrepreneurs and SMe owners need from their books. I’d recommend Ideal Schools to anyone looking to take the plunge into bookkeeping. It offers amazing support and solid coursework.’