Some people arrive at bookkeeping later in life. For Karan Chheda, it had been part of his education and thinking from the very beginning.

Long before running his own practice, Karan had spent years studying accountancy, developing a strong understanding of how financial information works and why it matters. His journey has not been straightforward, shaped instead by life events, relocations, and the realities of balancing study with responsibility. What has remained consistent throughout is his comfort with numbers and his determination to return to them in a meaningful way.

Today, Karan runs Providence Accounting, supporting companies and clients with bookkeeping, payroll, VAT return submissions, Self-Assessment and pension administration. His story is not about quick wins or easy routes. It is about persistence, reflection, and building confidence through experience.

A strong academic grounding in India

Karan is originally from India, where accountancy formed a significant part of his education. During the final years of school, students choose subject pathways, and Karan opted for accountancy. That decision shaped his studies through school, junior college, and university.

By the time he graduated, Karan had completed around seven years of formal accountancy education. This gave him a solid grounding in financial concepts and the discipline of working through detailed calculations and financial statements.

However, progressing to become a chartered accountant in India is exceptionally demanding. The qualification is widely recognised as one of the most challenging professional routes, with very low pass rates and multiple exam stages. Karan saw first-hand how taxing this process could be, watching peers attempt the exams several times before qualifying.

Although he did not go on to become a chartered accountant, the learning stayed with him. Even when his career took other directions, the logic and structure of accountancy continued to inform how he worked and thought.

Moving to London and starting ACCA

In 2004, Karan moved to London. With his background, it felt natural to continue his accountancy journey, and he began studying ACCA. He completed some early levels, but personal and family circumstances meant he was unable to continue the course at that time.

While this marked a pause in formal study, it did not end his relationship with accounting. Karan continued to use financial concepts in everyday work, often without consciously thinking about it, and remained aware that this was an area he wanted to return to when circumstances allowed.

Discovering Ideal Schools and studying around life

Karan’s first experience with Ideal Schools came from a need for flexibility. He required a way to study that could sit alongside work and personal commitments, rather than replacing them.

Distance learning allowed him to study from home, in his own time, with structured materials and tutor support. Through this route, he completed ICB Level 1 and Level 2 in 2010.

Not long afterwards, family circumstances required Karan to return to India. He spent several years there before work commitments took him to Russia. Whilst in Russia, he built business scenarios and created forecasts for the pharmaceutical company where he worked, using the basic accounting principles he learnt. The stint in Russia ended and he returned to India. He always yearned to have a Master’s degree and moved to the UK to pursue his dream. During this period, he completed an MSc in Management, where the accountancy module once again stood out as an area where he performed strongly.

By 2021, Karan recognised that it was time to return properly to bookkeeping and accountancy, and to build something lasting from the knowledge he had accumulated over the years.

A practical route back into bookkeeping

A key turning point came through family connections. Karan’s sister and brother-in-law run a law firm supporting business clients with immigration-related matters. Many of those clients were required to submit accounts as part of their applications.

As Karan became involved, he found himself reviewing accounts, noticing issues, and answering questions. His family encouraged him to continue his bookkeeping training and consider working towards running his own practice.

At the same time, Karan was working part-time at his family’s solicitor’s firm and supporting their bookkeeping. Through this work and via ICB, he was able to gain exemptions for earlier levels, allowing him to focus on progressing rather than repeating material he already understood.

Progressing through ICB and building momentum

Karan completed Level 3 relatively quickly and then made a deliberate decision to add payroll qualifications. He also began studying Level 4, recognising it as an important step towards working more confidently with financial statements and progressing within the profession.

Like many adult learners, time management was a challenge. Karan developed a steady routine: studying in the evenings after work, using weekends for longer sessions, and booking exams at times when he could give them proper attention.

Learning through a setback

One of the most important learning moments in Karan’s journey came during the Self-Assessment module. After failing his first attempt, he spoke with his tutor, Caryl, and reflected on how he had approached the assessment.

Rather than trying to complete it quickly, he revised the full module, worked through the assessment carefully on paper, and used the time available as intended. The second attempt took much longer, but it allowed him to submit work he was confident in.

That experience shaped how Karan approaches complex tasks more generally: methodically, carefully, and without rushing.

Turning theory into practical systems

Karan’s strength lies in applying learning to real situations. While studying, he built Excel templates based on the course materials, allowing him to input figures and sense-check calculations before submission.

This approach continues in his professional work. Systems, templates, and checks help ensure accuracy and consistency, particularly when working with live client data.

Establishing Providence Accounting

Karan initially traded as KayCee Associates, before rebranding to Providence Accounting. Many of his early clients came through trusted networks, particularly via his sister’s law firm.

Alongside bookkeeping, Karan also holds a Level 1 qualification with the Immigration Advice Authority, giving him a broader understanding of the challenges some business owners face. This combination of knowledge allows him to support clients more holistically, particularly those navigating both business and immigration requirements.

Over time, his services have developed to include:

• Bookkeeping for limited companies
• Self-Assessment
• Payroll services
• VAT returns
• NEST pensions administration

His practice is run on a largely digital basis, with documents stored securely and made accessible so clients can get information quickly when required.

The realities of running a small practice

Karan is realistic about the challenges of the bookkeeping industry. Price competition is significant, and he has seen businesses drawn to very low-cost providers.

His own approach is built around reliability, accuracy, and meeting deadlines. He is clear about what his fees include and regularly goes beyond standard working hours to ensure payroll and compliance obligations are met on time.

At the same time, he acknowledges that running a business can be demanding, particularly in a difficult economic climate, and that stability is an important consideration.

Looking ahead with honesty

Rather than presenting a neat end point, Karan’s story reflects where he is now. He is considering moving into employment within the industry for greater financial stability, while continuing to run a smaller practice alongside this.

He is clear about the environment he wants to work in: within an accountancy or bookkeeping team where he can continue learning, gain hands-on experience, and build on his existing skills.

Reflections on training and practical experience

Karan speaks positively about how accessible and understandable the Ideal Schools materials are. He also reflects on the importance of practical knowledge alongside theory, particularly for those starting their own practice.

Areas such as Government Gateway agent services, Companies House filings, VAT submissions, and keeping up with regulatory changes all require hands-on experience. Learning these elements earlier can make the transition from study to practice far smoother.

Technology, AI, and the value of human judgement

Karan sees accounting software and AI-driven tools as useful support but not substitutes for professional judgement. Software can assist and suggest, but understanding legislation, context, and client needs remains a human responsibility.

He also highlights the ongoing importance of being able to speak to a real person when dealing with HMRC, particularly when issues are complex or time sensitive.

Life beyond bookkeeping

Outside work, Karan enjoys travelling with his wife, spending time outdoors, watching films, gaming, and finding ways to switch off. He previously spent years riding motorcycles in India and hopes to return to riding in the UK in future.

Karan’s advice to others

Karan believes bookkeeping suits people who genuinely enjoy working with numbers and want to understand how businesses operate behind the scenes. For those individuals, he sees it as a worthwhile and sustainable career path.

Based on his own experience, he highly recommends Ideal Schools as a training provider that makes learning accessible, flexible, and achievable alongside real life.