From Numbers to Law… and Back Again

Fanni Safer MICB PM Dip is the founder of Bee Balanced Accountancy, a firm supporting small businesses across Greater Manchester with bookkeeping, payroll, and financial planning. Three years into running her practice, she’s expecting her second child, taking on her first staff member, and planning maternity leave; all while continuing to grow her business.

Her journey into bookkeeping wasn’t straightforward. “I always liked Maths from a young age,” Fanni says, “but my first path took me elsewhere.” She studied Civic Law at university in Budapest, before travelling, learning English, and eventually moving to London. That’s where her life, as she puts it, “took an unexpected turn.” She met her husband and decided to remain in the UK.

Discovering a Passion for Finance

A mentor offered Fanni a temporary role in accounts payable, despite no prior experience. Within weeks, she realised finance was her calling. She thrived, deliberately moving between roles to broaden her experience, understand business finances, and see where small improvements could make a big impact.

Returning to her mentor’s team felt like coming full circle, but life was about to change again. Fanni and her husband moved to Manchester to start a family, stepping away from her London career. This decision, though challenging at the time, became the seed for Bee Balanced Accountancy.

The Early Days: Combining Family Life with Learning

While on maternity leave, Fanni ran a small zero-waste delivery business alongside her husband. She discovered she genuinely enjoyed the bookkeeping side of the work. “I realised this suited both my analytical side and my lifestyle as a new mum,” she explains.

Encouraged, she enrolled with Ideal Schools and the ICB, taking on her first client almost immediately. Applying theory to real-life situations accelerated her learning, though balancing study, family, and work required discipline.

“The tutors were always there when I got stuck, patient and encouraging, never making me feel rushed or discouraged.”

By June 2024, Fanni had completed Level 3 Bookkeeping, and later that year was finalist for Student of the Year at the LUCA Awards: a proud milestone from kitchen-table studies to a growing business.

 From Side Hustle to Professional Practice

What started as a part-time venture soon became a full-fledged business. By September 2024, Fanni formalised Bee Balanced Accountancy to offer a full range of services — bookkeeping, payroll, and tax support — for local small businesses.

She says her payroll tutor, Nicky, provided guidance through study and business growth, helping Fanni stay on track while balancing clients and family. By February 2025, the practice was officially incorporated.

“My goal has always been bigger than just building a business. I want to empower local business owners to understand their numbers and make confident decisions.”

Studying with Ideal Schools: Supportive, Practical, and Student-Focused

Fanni first heard about Ideal Schools from another student. After speaking with Brian at Ideal Schools, she was struck by the approachable and honest support.

“From the first conversation, it felt straightforward… no jargon, no pressure, just genuine support.”

The online portal, recorded tutorials, templates, and practical study tips gave Fanni the confidence to apply her knowledge to real client situations. She is now progressing through Level 4, currently studying Self-Assessment Tax Returns, which she says is challenging, but vital for her growing client base.

Building a Business Around Life and Values

Fanni’s family has always been her priority. She wanted a career that allowed her to be present for her children while building something meaningful. Bee Balanced Accountancy now serves a variety of local clients, many female-led or family-run.

With her first staff member joining, Fanni is focusing on strategic growth, client onboarding, and implementing automation to streamline processes.

“Staying balanced — true to our brand name! — is key to building a sustainable practice.”

Embracing Growth and Challenges

Running her own practice requires wearing many hats: bookkeeper, payroll specialist, marketer, HR manager, and operations lead. Fanni thrives on the constant learning and adaptability this brings, introducing automation tools like Apron to improve efficiency for both herself and her clients.

Structured routines ensure that study, CPD, client work, and admin all get the attention they need, keeping her business on track while continuing Level 4 studies.

 Recognitions and Pride

Fanni shares that she celebrates both major and small wins: LUCA Awards finalist for New Practice of the Year, growing client satisfaction, and stepping confidently into networking events she once found intimidating.

“Every bit of effort matters. From studying at my kitchen table to running a recognised, growing practice, it’s all part of the journey.”

Advice for Aspiring Bookkeepers

“Don’t hesitate to start. Studying or starting a business can feel hard or uncertain, but every bit of effort pays off.”

She highlights that starting a practice isn’t the only path. Bookkeeping offers stable, rewarding roles and opportunities for growth. On AI in bookkeeping, Fanni adds:

“AI can help us work efficiently, but it will never replace the human understanding, advice, and relationships that bookkeepers provide.”

Life Beyond Work

Outside the office, Fanni focuses on family, travel, and small adventures that recharge her energy. Running her own business also allows her to manage her working environment to suit her needs, including minor hearing loss, something she couldn’t have done in a traditional office.

Looking Ahead

Bee Balanced Accountancy continues to grow, with Fanni hiring staff, testing new services, and refining client onboarding. When she returns from maternity leave, she plans to focus on strategic growth, client relationships, and internal systems, all while maintaining the balance that inspired the business in the first place.

Looking back on her studies, Fanni reflects that Ideal Schools provided exactly what she needed to grow from student to business owner:

“Supportive, knowledge, practical.”