Before I became an AATQB and QuickBooks ProAdvisor for anyotherbiz.co.uk, my career path wasn’t a straight line. It was more like a series of stepping stones—each one teaching me something new, sharpening my skills, and nudging me closer to the profession that would eventually become my home: accountancy.
What’s interesting is that I didn’t set out to become a bookkeeper. In fact, I explored a range of business support services first, from social media setup to IT troubleshooting. At the time, I thought I was simply experimenting with different ways to help small businesses get off the ground. Looking back, I can see how each of those experiences quietly built the foundation for the work I do today.
🚀 Exploring Business Setup Support: The Early Days
When I first stepped into the world of self-employment, my focus was on business setup support. I wanted to help new business owners get organised, visible, and confident. That meant offering services such as:
• Social media setup
Helping businesses establish their online presence—creating profiles, choosing branding, and understanding how to communicate with their audience.
• Finance setup
Setting up basic financial systems, organising receipts, and helping people understand the importance of keeping clean records.
• IT support
Troubleshooting tech issues, advising on software, and making sure businesses had the tools they needed to operate smoothly.
At the time, these services felt separate. But in reality, they were all connected by one theme: structure. I’ve always had a regimental, organised mindset, and these early ventures allowed me to use that strength in practical ways.
📘 The Turning Point: Discovering Accountancy
The more I helped businesses with their setup, the more I noticed something: Finance was always the area people struggled with the most.
It didn’t matter whether they were launching a café, a consultancy, or an online shop—everyone needed clarity around their numbers. And I found myself naturally gravitating toward that side of the work. I enjoyed it. I understood it. And I could see how much of a difference it made to people’s confidence.
That’s when accountancy stopped being “one of many services” and started becoming the service.
I decided to formalise my skills, gain recognised qualifications, and build a career that combined structure, problem‑solving, and genuine support for business owners.
🎓 Becoming an AATQB & QuickBooks ProAdvisor
Studying for my AAT qualifications gave me the technical grounding I needed, while becoming a QuickBooks ProAdvisor allowed me to specialise in modern, cloud‑based bookkeeping.
Today, working with anyotherbiz.co.uk, I get to bring all of that together:
- My early IT experience helps me support clients with software and systems
- My social media and communication background helps me build strong client relationships
- My finance setup work evolved naturally into full bookkeeping and advisory services
- My structured, disciplined mindset fits perfectly with accountancy workflows
It turns out that every step I took before this one was preparing me for the career I was meant to have.
🔍 Using Online Research to Shape Your Career Path
One thing that helped me throughout this journey was online research. Not copying others, but using the internet as a source of inspiration and direction.
Here’s how online research can guide anyone exploring their next step:
• Match your skills to real-world opportunities
Look at job descriptions, business services, and industry trends to see where your strengths naturally fit.
• Understand qualification pathways
Researching certifications—like AAT or software accreditations—helps you map out a clear route forward.
• Learn from others’ experiences
Blogs, forums, and case studies show you what’s possible and what challenges to expect.
• Build confidence through knowledge
The more you learn, the more you understand what aligns with your abilities, interests, and long-term goals.
Online research doesn’t replace experience, but it can absolutely guide your decisions and help you shape a career that feels right for you.
🌟 Where I Am Now—and Why It Matters
Today, as an AATQB and QuickBooks ProAdvisor, I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. I get to support businesses with clarity, structure, and empathy—qualities that have been part of my journey from the very beginning.
Every venture I explored, every skill I picked up, and every certificate I earned contributed to the professional I am now. And that’s the beauty of career development: nothing is wasted. Every step counts.