Discovering a New Passion

While reviewing her business accounts, Magdalena had an epiphany – a love for working with numbers and everything related to bookkeeping. This passion, which had never been considered as a career, led to researching various routes into the profession. Discovering the support and self-employment opportunities provided by the ICB, she knew that was the path to take.

Enrolling with their first-choice training provider, Training Link, she committed to obtaining the full suite of ICB qualifications, from Level 2 through Level 4. Eager to start, Magdalena dived into the online materials immediately. Recognising the major time commitment on top of their existing workload and personal obligations, she developed a disciplined study routine, often sacrificing leisure time to stay on track. Fortunately, she had the support of family and friends, especially a good friend Ayla, who suggested co-working together. This arrangement allowed them to socialise while staying focused and disciplined.

Within 7.5 months, Magdalena successfully passed her Level 2 exams with “Distinction with Honours (98%)” and Level 3 exams with a “Distinction (97%)”. This achievement was a testament to her determination and the guidance of her tutor, Bev Roberts, whose super-fast response time to emails assured her of constant support. Eager to put newfound skills into practice, she obtained a practice licence from the ICB and planned to launch a bookkeeping business while studying for the Level 4 qualifications.

Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead

In August 2024, overcoming personal challenges, Magdalena finally achieved the culmination of her efforts by passing the Level 4 Self-Assessment Tax Returns exam with “Merit (90%)”. Now, still focused on completing the remaining Level 4 modules, her vision is to establish a practice called “ProfitMIND” (hello@profitmind.co.uk) that will provide comprehensive bookkeeping, SAT, and virtual FD advisory services.

Combining a background in business mentoring at the University and experience running a small business with new bookkeeping and tax capabilities, her aim is to empower entrepreneurs to better understand and leverage their financial data. She has a lot of empathy for businesses struggling to make sense of their numbers and is excited to make an impact on these business owners’ lives.

Throughout her ICB journey, Magdalena has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, adaptability in the face of challenges, and a genuine passion for the field of bookkeeping. This journey has helped her focus on what is truly desired for this new chapter of life and business. It has also greatly improved time-management skills and strengthened resilience. She now knows that hard things can be achieved and dreams realised.