Kath Vincent's path to becoming a successful bookkeeper and accountant is a testament to her perseverance, adaptability, and family-focused decision-making. It also shows how flexible a career in bookkeeping can be.
From New Zealand to the UK - The Early Days
Growing up in New Zealand, Kathryn left school early, feeling unchallenged and uninspired. But she quickly found her way into the workforce as a receptionist, and soon after, stumbled into accounting by accident. While studying for a business diploma, she discovered a love for numbers when she took an accounting module, leading her to top her class and kickstart her career in professional accounting.
By the age of 24, Kath had already bought her first home. But big changes were on the horizon.
A Move to the UK and a New Career Chapter
In 2008, Kath took a leap of faith, selling her home and moving to the UK to start a new life with her partner. Despite the big change, she quickly found her footing, securing a role in the NHS, where she worked in management accounting. This work, which involved budgeting, financial planning, and working closely with large public hospitals, allowed Kath to really hone her skills.
In a tale that will be familiar to many ICB Bookkeepers, when her children were born, Kathryn realised she needed more flexibility. The demands of commuting into London, combined with high childcare costs and a desire to be more present for her children, pushed her to reconsider her career path.
The move to bookkeeping
Kath transitioned into bookkeeping, attracted by the ability to work on her own terms while still using her financial expertise. She began by working part-time and obtained her AAT license before joining ICB – attracted by the sense of community and more hands on supervision.
Kath founded Long White Cloud, a bookkeeping practice that focused on offering more than just the basics. With her background in management accounting, she was able to offer bookkeeping, VAT, and detailed management reports to larger clients. She loved diving deep into the details of her clients' finances and working with businesses that had complex needs. However, her guiding principle was always ethics—she turned down work that didn’t align with her values, even when the clients were lucrative.
Navigating Life’s Challenges
Kath’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. As her family grew, she faced the added responsibility of caring for her autistic son, which further shaped how she structured her work. In addition, Kathryn was diagnosed with a rare bone marrow disorder, which required regular medical attention and ongoing treatment. These challenges forced her to scale back and rethink her business model, placing even greater emphasis on flexibility and balance.
Looking Ahead
Now, Kath is focusing on subcontracting work for other bookkeeping firms. This shift allows her to continue doing what she loves—helping businesses with their finances—while maintaining the flexibility she needs for her health and family life. She’s found a way to make her business work for her, adapting as her life changes.
If you’re interested in working with Kath, you can arrange a chat here.
Kath’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and staying true to what matters most—family, ethics, and doing work she’s passionate about. She’s found that running her own bookkeeping business through the ICB has given her the freedom to navigate both life’s opportunities and its challenges. Whether she’s managing client accounts or prioritising her son’s needs, Kath has crafted a career that fits her life, proving that with the right support and determination, it’s possible to have both.
