Andrew Casal Dominguez MICB PM.Dip didn’t set out to become a bookkeeper. But after a winding journey through engineering, accountancy, and a knee injury that changed his path, he’s now running a growing practice with a clear focus on efficiency, value, and people. His story is one of resilience, learning, and the power of the ICB community.
Andrew’s journey into bookkeeping wasn’t a straight line. “I liked cars,” he laughs. “So I thought, let me do engineering.” But after completing a master’s in mechanical engineering at Swansea University, Andrew realised the field wasn’t for him. “It just wasn’t what I expected. I started reading accountancy books in the library and found it fascinating.”
That curiosity led him to a role as an accounts assistant in Cardiff, where he began studying ACCA. But it was a knee injury that ultimately nudged him toward setting up on his own. “I was working remotely from Spain and had to come back for surgery. The company needed someone in the office, so they slowly let me go. That’s when I started looking into ICB.”
A flexible fit
Andrew found ICB’s flexibility and practical approach a perfect fit. “I had a look at how the practice licence works and it just seemed a lot more flexible. ICB felt more supportive, especially for people running their own practice.”
He began building his client base slowly – friends, family, and referrals – while continuing to study. “It was a very slow burner,” he admits. “I had savings and kept things really lean. But looking back, I wish I’d invested more in support early on.”
Now, Andrew is focused on growth - but on his own terms. “I’m trying to scale sustainably. I’m not at capacity yet, but I’m taking on more clients and improving my processes. I’m using tech and AI to scale without necessarily hiring a big team.”
That said, he’s not doing it entirely alone. At an ICB London branch event, Andrew met Hulai Bah, an ICB student who’s now working with him as an intern. “She’s got a full-time job but helps out on her days off. We meet up or do video calls, and I go through everything with her. It’s great to have someone I can trust, especially when I’m away.”
Andrew’s approach to pricing has evolved too. “I used to lack confidence and undercharge. Now I use GoProposal, and I’ve started doing annual increases and repricing where needed. I’ve even had to let go of some clients who weren’t a good fit.”
His advice for others building a practice? “Confidence is key. You learn by doing. You’ll make mistakes, pick up the wrong clients, but that’s part of the journey. And don’t underestimate the value of networking.”
For Andrew, in-person networking has been a game-changer. “Social media is still on my to-do list, but I’ve ramped up networking in central London and it’s working. It’s about building relationships and helping clients see the value we bring.”
Looking ahead, Andrew is excited about the future. “There’s so much opportunity. I love the technical side, but also the freedom of running my own business. ICB has been a big part of that – especially the community. The networking, the WhatsApp groups, the support - it’s just not something I’ve found elsewhere.”
And when asked whether he sees himself as a bookkeeper or an accountant? “Bookkeeping is the foundation. It’s undervalued, but it’s where everything starts. ICB’s practical approach really reflects that.”
