Wow! Charnwood Bookkeeping has been trading a whole year! Where did that time go?
Sorry for not being very social lately, there is a very good reason – I have been too busy! It’s exactly one year since I launched my bookkeeping business, and it’s the best career move I have ever made.
It’s been quite a journey, starting with no clients and ending with almost a full book of clients. I’ve met some amazing people who have been in business for many years, or who are just starting out in a new venture.
My first major client was a local, long running, family business, who I still work for today. I work alongside their accountant and work onsite two days a week. They use Sage software, which is integrated with another operating system. My first challenge was to bring their books up to date and correct lots of errors. They are a great bunch of people and I really feel like part of the family business.
My second client was the first fully remotely. They are a UK distributor for a German manufacturer. I use QuickBooks software, which was new to me and I am still trying to get to grips with it. This client has EC acquisitions and sales and QuickBooks is quite a challenge with multi-currency and VAT returns. I’ve learnt QuickBooks is more suited to straight forward businesses. Even though I work from home, I have regular contact and meetings with the team in the UK. I really like the people which makes it all worth while.
My third big client is another long running family business. I work onsite three days a week and they also use Sage software. This clients books had been neglected for some time so I have really enjoyed sorting everything out. I do more than Bookkeeping and also get involved in the operation side of things. I work with two brothers and they have commented that I’m a ‘breath of fresh air’. Again, I really like the people I work with and look forward to going to work.
As well as these three major clients, I have helped numerous other Sole Traders and Partnerships in the last year. I helped people starting out, to get a bookkeeping system in place. I even designed a website for one client, which isn’t really my specialist area, but I like to help as much as possible. I am currently working with a husband and wife partnership who are completely new to the UK taxation systems. Unfortunately they have learnt the hard way and have been faced with penalties for late filing. I am working with them to ensure they never pay a penalty again!
I started the year with trepidation but I now love every minute of my job. Becoming an ICB bookkeeper and going self-employed is the best decision I’ve made in my career. I am so passionate about helping people and local businesses. People often overlook their business finances, or simply don’t have the time. I love working with numbers and I’m jolly good at what I do! I look forward to working with new and existing clients in my second year.
