If you’d told me five years ago that I’d be heading back to college in my late forties to study accountancy, all while juggling work, revision, and the occasional bout of brain fog I’d never have believed you. Yet here I am, an AAT qualified bookkeeper, proud to be part of the FieCo family, and living proof that it’s never too late to learn something new.
It’s been quite the journey…
After over 20 years in the NHS and a decade in the travel industry before that, I thought I’d seen my fair share of challenges. Then came COVID with massive change to everyday life and uncertain times. When the world began to steady itself again, my son Ellis suggested I join FieCo, the family business.
I thought about it carefully, it was a big change and honestly, a bit daunting but it felt right. So, one sunny, blustery lunchtime, we met at The Roebuck for what would become my interview. Napkins blew away, glasses wobbled, and that’s where I remember my FieCo journey beginning.
Day One: The Whiteboard of Doom
I started with very basic bookkeeping knowledge just enough to help a voluntary group I dedicate most of my spare time to. My first official day at FieCo, Ellis sat me down with a whiteboard and began to explain debits and credits.
He looked at me and said: “You probably won’t understand this… but it’s okay.” He was right. I didn’t!
But I trusted him, and somehow those T-Charts eventually turned into understanding. Four years later, I’m balancing ledgers, creating reports, and even helping on the marketing side of FieCo.
Back to School – at 47
My first bookkeeping lesson introduced me to a new best friend: ALICE -Assets, Liabilities, Income, Capital, and Expenses. That was my gateway into the world of accounting.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing, during my first AAT exam revision in November 2021, I lost my best friend – my mum. She’d always been my biggest supporter so when I passed my exam, I knew she’d have been proud.
Every exam became a milestone, not just because of the results, but also because of the tradition that came after: Nando’s.
After each exam, Ellis and I would grab lunch and debrief over peri-peri chicken. I’d try to remember the questions (and probably over analyse every answer), and I’d proudly take the little flag from my meal as a trophy. One of those flags still lives in the FieCo office today – a small reminder of how far I’ve come.
FieCo Adventures & Milestones
It’s not every day you get to work with your son, let alone have him as your boss and tutor, but at FieCo it works, and then in 2023 my youngest, Elander joined the team as a digital marketing apprentice and suddenly, FieCo became a true family affair.
Working at FieCo hasn’t just been about numbers, it’s been about experiences. From trips to London for dining, shopping, and Italian Bear chocolate (a new favourite), to spa days where we could relax and recharge, it’s been a mix of work and adventures.
I even had the privilege of attending the 2024 AAT Impact Awards in London with Ellis, where he was named AAT Professional Member of the Year and spoke on the panel about “Driving, Striving and Thriving: Taking Ownership of Your Career.” Sitting there, watching him speak, I felt an immense pride, both as an employee and a mum.
The FieCo Way
At FieCo, we believe in family, integrity, passion, pride, and innovation and I like to think my journey reflects that.
I’m proud to work for a business that’s friendly, down-to-earth, and focused on helping others, from accountancy and payroll to web design and copywriting, all while playing its part in protecting our planet for future generations.
If you’re thinking about learning something new, changing careers, or just taking a leap of faith, do it. It might just lead you somewhere wonderful… maybe even to Nando’s with your son.
Sharon Harris
Business Analyst
