A Chat with Bewitching Bookkeeping

We think bookkeepers are the unsung heroes of the business world, which is why we're celebrating them with our Bookkeeping Bosses series.

We've spoken to Natasha, founder of Bewitching Bookkeeping Services, to learn more about her journey. Natasha also created the UK Accountants & Bookkeepers Facebook group, an online community which connects bookkeepers at all levels, encourages the sharing of knowledge, and uplifts its members.

What did your journey into bookkeeping look like, and did you always want to be a bookkeeper?

I never thought about becoming a bookkeeper.  I actually wanted to play my clarinet in the RAF but I ended up studying business and finance at an agriculture college!  I worked in various accounting roles until I started working for an AAT training provider helping students to become bookkeepers.  Then four years ago, I took the plunge, left employment and set up my own bookkeeping business.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far in your business?

Realising that you have to be every role in your business - so owner, accounts, credit control, secretarial support etc.  

What do you love most about your job?

The tech!! I love how tech helps and enhances the work you do.  It is so valuable and I often feel using tech is like having a someone working with me.  I have streamdecks to help streamline processes, looking at Zapier currently and love setting up bank rules.

Which tool could you not live without?

Dext!  It allows me to be completely remote and allows clients to efficiently, and with ease, to get all the information across to me.  It is as easy as taking a selfie :-)

If you had to choose one - Xero, Sage or Quickbooks?

Sage - their support is best out there!  And the one to watch!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given by another bookkeeper or someone in the industry?

Remember that you are running a business - your business, your rules, your time.  Don’t ever compare yourself or your business to anyone else.

When you’re not bookkeeping, what do you love doing?

Watching MotoGp and F1!  And running a Facebook community for UK Accountants and Bookkeepers.

If you could travel back in time, what would you tell yourself when you were first starting out?

Trust your gut - if something doesnt feel right, it probably isnt.

Would you rather fight one hundred duck-sized horses, or one horse-sized duck?

One hundred duck-sized horses.

Who are your biggest role models - in both your work and personal life?

Work - those who stand out.  In the accounting world - people like Samantha Mitcham, Francesca Tricarico and Rachel Harris stand out for me, but the members of my Facebook group daily continue to inspire me.

How can people reach out to work with you?

Visit the Bewitching Bookkeeping website at www.bewitchingbks.co.uk and reach out on there!

We love celebrating the brilliant work bookkeepers do. Want to feature on the TimeKeeper blog? Get in touch with penelope@timekeeper.co.uk