Meet Millie Goubert MICB PM.Dip, an inspiring voice in the world of bookkeeping who proves that success doesn’t always follow a straight line.
From Art to Accounts
Millie’s career path began in an unexpected place. After completing her A-levels in art, textiles, and photography, she ventured into marketing. However, she quickly realised the role wasn’t for her and took what she thought would be a temporary position at TCS Guernsey, a young bookkeeping and accountancy practice on the island of Guernsey.
Starting with simple tasks like collecting and scanning paperwork, Millie initially saw bookkeeping as just another job. But as she began learning the ropes, a spark of curiosity and ambition ignited.
Discovering Opportunity in Bookkeeping
Like many, Millie had misconceptions about bookkeeping. “I thought it would be just data entry,” she says. But with encouragement from TCS founder Tim Chilestone, Millie soon recognised bookkeeping’s potential as a career. After discovering the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB), Millie began formal training, completing her first Level 2 qualification in 2022.
“I always loved learning,” she shares, reflecting on how the exams gave her the theoretical knowledge to complement her practical experience. “It wasn’t just about numbers; it was about understanding the ‘why’ behind what we do.”
Climbing the Career Ladder
From her start as a trainee, Millie’s role evolved rapidly. Today, she is the Operations Manager at TCS, overseeing a team of six. Her responsibilities now range from managing workflows and training new team members to ensuring client success.
Her achievements have also paved the way for others. TCS is actively developing training pathways, inspired by Millie’s journey, to encourage more people to consider bookkeeping as a career.
A Career with Impact
For Millie, bookkeeping isn’t just about spreadsheets and invoices. It’s about making a difference for small businesses. “We help clients see where they’re spending too much or where they can save,” she explains. “Sometimes, we even help them get through tough times by arranging payment plans or improving cash flow.”
This hands-on approach has helped Millie and her team build strong relationships with clients, proving that bookkeeping is more than a back-office job—it’s an integral part of business success.
Choosing a different path
While many of her friends left Guernsey to attend university, Millie chose a different path—one that ultimately set her apart. “At the time, I thought I was falling behind,” she recalls. “Everyone was leaving, and I stayed behind, unsure of my next step.” Today, she reflects on that decision with pride: “Now, I’m further ahead in my career than most of my friends who went to university.”
Joining a Thriving Community
Being part of the ICB has been a game-changer for Millie. Attending events and engaging with fellow professionals has shown her just how vibrant and supportive the bookkeeping community can be. “It’s inspiring to see so many people thriving and sharing their knowledge,” she says.
Millie’s progress was also recognised by the industry at the 2024 ICB LUCA Awards, where she was judged as the coveted ‘ICB Student of the Year’.
Looking Ahead
What’s next for Millie? She’s keeping her options open, focusing on growing TCS and supporting her team. As for bookkeeping, she’s confident it’s a career that will continue to evolve.
For those on the fence about their future, Millie’s story is a reminder that sometimes, the best paths are the ones you never expected to take.
Interested in a career in bookkeeping? Hear more from Millie at our ‘Become a Bookkeeper' webinar on Weds 22 Jan. Register here
