A Spark of Inspiration

“Perhaps surprisingly, I’ve worked in finance and accounting for 25 years and qualified as a Management Accountant with CIMA in 2004. I’ve always been interested in running my own more creative business and it’s through doing markets and events that I realised how many small business entrepreneurs struggle with the financial aspects of running a business – none of them started their business to do accounts and tax returns! After telling what felt like the 100th person, that no I couldn’t help them with their self-assessment tax return as I wasn’t ‘that’ type of accountant, I decided to look into how I could become that type of accountant!”

Building New Foundations

“I quickly realised that my current qualifications were not recent enough to give me any exemptions. I decided to study Level 2 & 3 so that I could eventually start my own Bookkeeping business. This would give me the flexibility to work around my family and volunteering commitments. I found the Training Link course materials very thorough and it really suited my style of learning. The support of the tutors, especially with mock exam feedback was invaluable; everyone was very approachable and always happy to explain any areas of confusion. My ultimate goal is still to start my own Bookkeeping business, focussed on supporting female business entrepreneurs, and to add to the services I can offer I have recently re-enrolled with Training Link to do the Level 4 Self-Assessment Tax course. Currently though, I took an unexpected opportunity to return to my accounting roots as Group Management Accountant for a large construction recruitment company, but I’ll still be creating the foundations of my bookkeeping business in the background, because ultimately that will give me the freedom and flexibility I want.”

Rach Wilmot Facebook The Ideas Forum

A Testament to Flexible Learning and Career Evolution

Rachel’s journey with Training Link exemplifies the power of distance learning. She successfully completed the ICB Level 2 & 3 Bookkeeping qualifications, laying a strong foundation for her bookkeeping aspirations. Now, she’s advancing her expertise with the ICB Level 4 Self-Assessment Tax Returns qualification. The flexibility offered by Training Link allowed Rachel to seamlessly integrate her studies into her busy life, balancing family, volunteering, and her professional commitments. This adaptability is key for anyone looking to upskill or change careers, proving that learning can fit around any lifestyle.