International Women's Day - Meet Anna Nikolovska

A bit of background

My journey with accountancy actually began when I was 19, but it was a short-lived romance! After just six months at university, I decided the subject was far too dry and switched my focus to HR Management. 

Fast forward ten years, now a mother of two, I decided to give the numbers another chance. I began my AAT qualifications and, to my surprise, I absolutely loved it this time around. 

I’ve been running Digital Accounting since 2018, proving it’s never too late to find your true calling. Based in Bicester, we focus on helping modern businesses navigate their finances with clarity and ease.

Inspiration & motivation

I’ve always wanted to run my own business, but the real catalyst was motherhood. I wanted a career that didn’t just offer professional fulfilment, but also the flexibility to be present for my children. 

Returning from my second maternity leave was my “defining moment” – I realised that if I wanted a workspace that truly respected that life-work balance, I would have to build it myself. 

My children remain my biggest influence; they are the reason I strive to build something sustainable and successful every day. 

Challenges & growth

The greatest test for Digital Accounting was navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only were many of our clients affected, which impacted our revenue, but the workload also exploded as we became a lifeline for businesses. We spent countless hours calculating furlough payments and investigating government grants to keep our clients afloat. I truly couldn’t have done it without my incredible team, who worked really hard to overcome these challenges. 

Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve faced moments of imposter syndrome, especially when starting out in a complex, male dominated industry. I work through it by focusing on the facts: the qualifications I’ve earned and the tangible results we deliver for our clients.

Success & achievements

As a business, we’ve been privileged to witness many success stories of our clients – watching businesses grow from kitchen-table startups to moving into large premises with their own staff. 

Personally, a massive milestone was winning the Cherwell Business Award in 2019, just a year after launching. This really gave us a kick-start and helped build our confidence – exactly what we needed in the initial stages of running Digital Accounting.

When I started, success was simply about survival and flexibility. Now, I define it through the positive impact we have; every glowing Google review confirms that we are doing things right and providing real value.

Leadership & values

Our main value is integrity – it dictates how we communicate with our clients and how we support each other as a team. This transparency is why we have managed to build such long-lasting client relationships. 

Entering a traditionally male-dominated sector wasn’t easy, but I believe visibility matters. While we work with everyone, many female entrepreneurs appreciate having an accountant who can relate to their specific challenges, such as balancing a growing business with family life. 

Advice & lessons learned

The one piece of advice I’d give to women starting in business is to get involved in business networking as early as possible. For me, being part of local groups was a game-changer. It isn’t just about finding clients; it’s about having a safe space to discuss ideas and troubleshoot issues with fellow entrepreneurs. It took me a while to find the confidence to fully participate, but once I did, I really gained so much from it.

I wish I had realised sooner that you don’t have to have all the answers – you just need the right network to help you find them.

Looking ahead…what’s next?

The challenge we’re facing now is how to future-proof the business, ensuring it remains relevant in a world where so many processes can be automated with AI. We are shifting more toward tax planning and high-level business advisory services where human insight and strategy are vital.

Personal insight…what makes me tick?

My kids ensure that I have the right work-life balance. They were the main reason why I started the business, and they keep me sane when the workload gets crazy. 

I am also a huge fan of the outdoors; hiking and snowboarding are my favourite ways to recharge. 

On the toughest days, the 5 am club keeps me grounded – those quiet early hours are when I find my focus and prepare for the day ahead.

A bit of fun to finish on…

One word that describes your journey so far? Tax (Because I truly love tax planning!)
Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Don’t work in your business; work on your business. 
Any unusual hobbies that keep you sane? Snowboarding 
Early mornings or late nights? Definitely early morning, I’m a proud member of the 5am club!