Emma Roddy MICB doesn’t work Fridays – and that’s non-negotiable. “Fridays are for family,” she says. “It means I can be there for school runs, football matches, or just catching up on life. That balance is everything to me, and it’s one of the reasons I started my own practice.”
Today, Emma runs Barleyfields Accountancy and is an ICB Certified Bookkeeper with a solid background in finance. But her career path includes an unexpected chapter – as the first female chimney sweep in her area.
“I’ve always worked in finance – my background is in corporate and personal insolvency,” she explains. “But when my children were younger, I needed flexibility. So I set up as a chimney sweep. I was quite the novelty and ended up doing quite a bit of media work. It worked for our family.”
Running the sweeping business also reminded Emma how important it is to understand the mechanics of business. “Even when I was sweeping chimneys, I was the one doing the books, the scheduling, the invoicing. I realised I loved that side of things – and that I could make it my main job.”
Although she already held AAT qualifications, Emma went back to study for further qualifications with ICB.
“I chose to do the ICB qualification because I wanted to understand the nuts and bolts of running a business. I didn’t just want to pass exams – I wanted to do the job properly.”
She credits ICB with giving her the confidence and the practical skills to turn bookkeeping into her next career chapter. “ICB made it all feel possible. The support, the structure, the way the qualification is built around real-world work – it’s exactly what I needed.”
“The ICB community is brilliant. There’s always someone to help, and no question is ever too small or silly,” says Emma. “Being a member gives you that sense of backing. You’re not on your own.”
Now, with Barleyfields Bookkeeping, Emma works with small businesses, bringing calm, clarity and a no-nonsense approach to her clients’ finances. She’s professional but relatable – and clearly loves what she does.
“I’m not chasing growth for growth’s sake,” she says. “I want to do good work for good people and keep my business running in a way that fits with my life.”
That life includes plenty of time supporting her children’s busy schedules, and yes – keeping Fridays strictly out of bounds for client meetings.
“Starting a business can feel like a big leap,” Emma says. “But ICB gave me the tools and the belief to go for it. I’ve built something I’m really proud of – and it’s working for me and my family.”
