To Achieve her goals, Jan studies the following options:
ICB Levels 2 & 3 Bookkeeping & Accounting
ICB Level 3 Self Assessment Taxation
ICB Level 3 Payroll Management

Most students starting their journey into bookkeeping are taking the plunge into self-employment for the first time. For Jan Moss of Nidderdale, North Yorkshire, who has spent more of her life working for herself than for others, that was the easy part.

Jan has been a theatrical agent, run her own delicatessen and coffee shop, been a freelance personal Assistant, sold remote control helicopters, managed an office, been a brand ambassador and managed a property portfolio. So what prompted the dive into bookkeeping?

Jan found herself working as a secretary for an accountancy firm, but a combination of commuting and a desire to get back to working for herself soon had her searching for a fresh opportunity. A friend recommended Ideal Schools, and the rest fell naturally into place.

Jan said: “I started off by having a virtual chat with Brian McVean, an Ideal Schools tutor. I was expecting a hard sell, but none was forthcoming. Brian took me through the essentials of what I would need to get started with my own practice.

“From there, I studied up to the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) Level 3, got my practice licence and started up Ripon Bookkeeping in March. I’ve just passed the Self Assessment module and am looking forward to starting the Payroll module in order to give my clients a complete service.”

Jan’s practice, has already started taking on clients through word of mouth. With her experience in managing property, Jan is considering specialising in bookkeeping for companies and individuals with property portfolios with perhaps an additional specialism in the entertainment business.

She said: “I think that I offer a different viewpoint than many bookkeepers, since I’ve spent more of my life working for myself than working for others. I’ve a real depth of experience in running small businesses, and I know what entrepreneurs and SME owners need from their books.

“I’d recommend Ideal Schools to anyone looking to take the plunge into bookkeeping. It offers amazing support and solid coursework. It can get a bit lonely studying, and having the Facebook group, and the support of Brian and Eszter Petrinovics, another Ideal Schools’ tutor made me feel part of a really strong community.”