When, aged nine, we were asked to write what we wanted to be when we grew up, I confidently wrote ‘accountant or dancer on Top of the Pops’. One of those careers does not exist anymore; thankfully, the other one does. I loved maths even back then, and there was something about making sense of numbers that really clicked for me. The glittery dancing dream has been left behind, but I still enjoy a boogie in the kitchen with my kids.
Today, I run Hancock & Hastings, my own accountancy practice in Dunstable, Bedfordshire. We specialise in supporting small, owner-managed businesses – from tradespeople to consultants – with their compliance and advisory services. I also wear the hat of a sole-practitioner auditor. It is a niche space and not always an easy one. Balancing audit work, compliance and the day-to-day demands of running a business can be a challenge, especially without a big team behind you. But I absolutely love it.
Change does not have to be intimidating
There is something incredibly satisfying about helping clients feel confident in their numbers. That might be walking someone through their first set of accounts or guiding them through an audit with as little stress as possible. I am a big believer in making things simple, human and accessible. Numbers should not be scary.
The landscape is shifting fast. With artificial intelligence tools becoming more integrated into our workflows and Making Tax Digital for Income Tax on the horizon, the industry is evolving. But change does not have to be intimidating; it is about staying ahead, adapting and helping clients do the same. The heart of our work remains the same: real people, real businesses and real trust.
I co-host a podcast, Bean Counter to Boss. It’s a series of honest conversations and practical tips for other accountants thinking of going it alone or growing their own way. Being your own boss is not always glamorous, but it is hugely rewarding.
Outside of work, you’ll usually find me playing with my kids, doing a bit of pilates to reset or watching the Real Housewives franchise; it’s my guilty pleasure and creative fuel. Nine-year-old me had big dreams and, in a way, she was not far off. I might not have made it to Top of the Pops, but I have found a stage of my own.
