After ten years travelling the world, Cassie Tipson MICB returned to the UK to start a family – and start a business.
Cassie’s bookkeeping career began by chance when she was 19 and she realised that her casual job at a local holiday park would pay more if she switched to the finance department. Cassie used her earnings to fund travels all around the globe, collecting finance experience as she went. It was in New Zealand that she took her first bookkeeping exams and started to qualify. After meeting her future husband, the pair continued the nomadic lifestyle, eventually reaching Canada. The 2020 pandemic coincided with Cassie’s Canadian visa ending – and a feeling that they wanted to settle back in the UK.
Back in the UK, Cassie continued to work in accounting for the family business. Following the birth of their first daughter during lockdown, Cassie quickly realised she wanted more flexibility.
“We were literally on our own in a village with a baby. The idea of going back to work worried me because I was incredibly happy at home in my bubble with my baby. But I think it was the idea of starting my business and being in control that gave me confidence.”
Client Growth and Networking
Cassie’s mother-in-law runs a networking group which was key in helping Cassie meet her first clients. Her practice grew organically, as she focussed on small, new businesses who appreciated her flexible, understanding approach. "My clients have ended up being young parents themselves, so I’m used to the 9pm emails - we're all in the same boat. I really enjoy the bookkeeping and I really enjoy the impact I'm having on smaller businesses.” Cassie’s practice now has 12 clients, and she continues to work three days a week to fit around her pre-school children.
Switching from AAT to ICB
Cassie first got her practice licence with AAT, switching to ICB a year later via the exemptions route. AATQBs can join ICB via the exemptions route if their AAT qualifications are less than five years old and they can pass an ICB bridging exam that covers the additional areas of the ICB syllabus that take you from a qualified bookkeeper to a Certified Bookkeeper. “I knew I wanted to offer the whole package to my small business clients. I loved the flexibility of the ICB programme – that I could easily take an online payroll exam or a self-assessment exam as and when I want to offer my clients more.” The sense of community has also been important to Cassie – and she’s been enjoying networking with people who are in the same role as her. “After attending the ICB Inspire day in Bristol, I ended up getting the train home with one of the other ICBers – and we talked all the way! Now we’re planning to attend the summit together. It’s great for making friends!”
Cassie started her own bookkeeping practice to balance work and family life. Self-employment allows her to be there for her children and live the life she chooses, no matter where in the world she calls home.
