For many people, bookkeeping is not their first career. It is something they discover later, often after years of running businesses, managing finances or developing a natural interest in numbers.

That was certainly the case for Jenny Potter, founder of The Lady Bookkeeper, based in Selkirk in the Scottish Borders.

After a varied career and more than a decade helping run a successful community enterprise, Jenny decided to formalise the financial skills she had been using for years. What started as an interest in numbers gradually became a completely new professional direction. Today she is building a growing bookkeeping practice that fits around the lifestyle she values most: flexibility, independence and the opportunity to work with a wide variety of local businesses.

Her journey shows how existing business experience can naturally lead to a career in bookkeeping.

From nursing to business ownership

Jenny’s working life has taken several different directions over the years.

She originally trained as a nurse before moving into retail management, working as an area manager for Victoria Wine before the company went into administration.

Later, she and a business partner launched a community interest company in North Berwick in 2013. Why Not? is a creative retail space designed to help independent makers, artists and small businesses test their products on the high street without committing to long commercial leases. It also features a café and a deli.

The idea was simple but powerful. Small businesses could rent space in three-month blocks, allowing them to try out retail without the risk of a long-term commitment.

The concept proved hugely successful. Several businesses that began at Why Not? have since gone on to open their own shops on North Berwick High Street.

“It’s almost like a small business incubator,” Jenny says. “Some people just want to support their hobby, but others go on to build something bigger.”

Discovering a passion for bookkeeping

While helping run the enterprise, Jenny naturally became involved in the financial side of the business. Over time she realised that the bookkeeping work was something she genuinely enjoyed.

“I realised I actually enjoyed the bookkeeping side of things,” she explains. “I was working with EPOS systems, integrating them with bookkeeping software and collaborating with accountants. It made me think this is something I’d really like to do properly.”

After researching the available qualification routes, Jenny decided the ICB pathway would suit her goals best, particularly because it supports people who want to run their own practice.

Self-employment had always been part of the plan.

Choosing Ideal Schools

When it came to choosing a training provider, Jenny approached the decision carefully.

Online reviews and student feedback played a significant role in her decision to enrol with Ideal Schools. What stood out most was the consistent praise for the level of support students received.

“The student feedback was consistently excellent,” Jenny says. “People kept mentioning how approachable everyone was and how quickly they got help when they needed it.”

Her own experience quickly confirmed that impression.

Rather than feeling like just another student on a course, Jenny felt the support was genuinely personal, with tutors and staff responding quickly to questions and following her progress throughout her training experience.

Studying around real life

One of the biggest advantages of distance learning was the flexibility it offered.

Jenny was able to study around her existing commitments, fitting coursework into evenings, weekends and quieter periods of work. The availability of both printed materials and online access also meant she could continue studying while travelling.

The course materials themselves struck the right balance between detail and clarity.

They were comprehensive enough to explain the subject thoroughly but structured in a way that avoided overwhelming students who were learning independently.

Launching The Lady Bookkeeper

While continuing her studies, Jenny began setting up her own bookkeeping practice.

The name The Lady Bookkeeper came about after a light-hearted discussion with her partner about what to call the business.

“My partner suggested ‘Lady Accountant’, but I said no — I’m not an accountant,” she laughs.

Instead, she checked whether “Lady Bookkeeper” was available as a domain name. To her surprise it was, and the brand was born.

Since launching the business, Jenny’s client base has grown steadily, largely through networking and word-of-mouth recommendations.

“I’ll be honest – I hate networking,” she laughs. “But I’ve never been to a networking event without picking up a client.”

Her clients now include a wide mix of local businesses ranging from cafés and marketing agencies to construction specialists and non-profit organisations.

More than just bookkeeping

Although modern accounting software allows many business owners to manage basic bookkeeping tasks themselves, Jenny believes the real value of a bookkeeper lies in interpretation and advice.

“They’re not just buying bookkeeping – they’re buying experience.”

Meeting clients face-to-face at the beginning of a working relationship helps her understand their business and identify how she can add value beyond the basic compliance work.

That might involve explaining what the numbers mean, highlighting potential issues early or helping business owners make better financial decisions.

Continuing to learn

Like many professionals in the bookkeeping and accounting sector, Jenny is continuing to develop her qualifications while running her practice.

She is currently progressing through further studies including financial statements and corporation tax, while also learning the practical realities of running a bookkeeping business.

Choosing the right practice management software, managing client onboarding and navigating HMRC systems are all part of the ongoing learning process.

Participation in online bookkeeping communities has also proved invaluable, providing opportunities to share advice and learn from more experienced practitioners.

Defining success

For Jenny, success is not defined by hitting a particular income target or reaching a specific number of clients.

Instead, she is focused on building a client base that feels manageable and sustainable while maintaining the flexibility that originally attracted her to self-employment.

“I’m not a morning person,” she says. “I’d much rather work in the afternoon or evening.”

Being able to organise her working week around her own schedule — whether that means walking the dog, visiting family or travelling — is one of the biggest rewards of running her own business.

“I love being self-employed,” she says. “After years of running a business, I wouldn’t want to go back to working for someone else.”

A strong future for bookkeepers

Despite frequent discussion about automation and artificial intelligence, Jenny believes the future of bookkeeping remains very strong.

“There is absolutely no shortage of work for bookkeepers,” she says.

“The software is powerful, but it’s only as good as the person using it. Businesses still need someone who understands what the numbers actually mean.”

Thinking about a career in bookkeeping?

Ideal Schools offers flexible distance learning courses for ICB bookkeeping qualifications, allowing you to study at your own pace while receiving support from experienced tutors.

If you’re considering a career change or want to build your own bookkeeping practice like Jenny, explore our bookkeeping courses to learn more.