Grace Hardy: The Young Accountant Redefining Finance for a New Generation
Who Is Grace Hardy?
Grace Hardy is a rising name in the UK accounting world — an ambitious young professional who has already established herself as a respected accountant, entrepreneur, speaker, and advocate for financial education. Known widely as Grace Hardy MAAT, she represents a fresh, modern face of the accounting profession, combining expert knowledge with an accessible, relatable approach. Her firm, Hardy Accounting, has quickly earned a reputation as a supportive and inclusive practice designed especially for non-accountants and young business owners.
With appearances in major media such as BBC and The Telegraph, a fast-growing online presence, and her own podcast, Grace has become a powerful voice for the next generation entering finance and entrepreneurship.
The Journey of Grace Hardy: Age, Background and Early Ambition
Grace Hardy’s Age
Based on publicly available information and her own social content, Grace Hardy confirmed she was 21 years old in mid-2024, placing her birth year around 2002–2003. As of 2025, she is 22–23 years old, making her one of the youngest female founders in the UK accounting sector.
Early Life and Inspiration
Grace’s journey demonstrates how talent, dedication, and the right training can allow someone to enter the accounting profession without the traditional university route. Her story has inspired countless young people, especially those considering apprenticeship pathways or alternative forms of higher education.
Education and Qualifications: How Grace Hardy Built Her Expertise
A Levels and Academic Foundation
Grace completed her A Levels at d’Overbroecks, a respected independent school known for its academic and personal development focus. It was here that she built the foundations of the strong analytical skills and discipline that would later define her approach to accounting and business.
AAT Qualification and Becoming MAAT
Instead of choosing a conventional university education, Grace pursued the AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) qualification — a professional training pathway that blends study with real-world experience. After completing her AAT studies at BPP and accumulating the necessary professional experience, she earned the title MAAT, showcasing her competence as a fully qualified accounting professional.
Her decision to champion apprenticeships has made her a well-recognised advocate for accessible accounting education. Today, she continues to support young people through speaking engagements, content creation, and her role as an ambassador promoting alternative career routes.
Career Timeline of Grace Hardy: From Apprentice to Founder
Grace Hardy’s Early Roles and Professional Growth
Corporate Assistant at Mazars
Grace spent three years at Mazars, a major international accounting firm. Here she:
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worked with FTSE 100 clients,
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supported complex corporate projects,
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and trained apprentices and graduates.
This experience gave her exposure to high-level finance, corporate communication, and professional resilience — all of which shaped her entrepreneurial confidence.
NHS Internship – Project Management
Before entering the private sector, she worked as a Project Manager Intern at the NHS. Her role included helping to integrate new systems across multiple departments to improve communication and efficiency. This introduced her to large-scale organisational operations and logistical planning.
House of Lords – Administrative Assistant
One of her earliest experiences was with the UK House of Lords, where she assisted with administrative and communication tasks. This opportunity broadened her understanding of professional environments and public-sector operations, leaving a strong impression on her early career.
Founding Hardy Accounting – A Female-Led Firm for Non-Accountants
The Birth of Hardy Accounting (2023)
In November 2023, at just 21 years old, Grace launched her own practice: Hardy Accounting. The firm was built with a purpose — to simplify accounting for those who do not come from financial backgrounds. Grace recognised a gap in the industry: many small business owners, freelancers, and young professionals struggle to access judgement-free, easy-to-understand financial support.
What Hardy Accounting Stands For
The firm is proudly female-led and focuses on:
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making accounting accessible for beginners,
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eliminating jargon,
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encouraging learning,
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and supporting small business owners with empathy and patience.
Her famous motto — “There’s no such thing as a stupid question” — reflects the culture she has built. Clients describe the firm as wholesome, non-intimidating, and educational, a refreshing contrast to traditional accounting firms.
Hardy Accountants: Services and Approach
Under the umbrella of Hardy Accounting, Grace and her team offer:
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bookkeeping and tax preparation,
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financial planning and analysis,
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business support for start-ups,
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and accessible education through content and social media.
The firm is small (2–10 employees), but its impact is growing rapidly thanks to Grace’s strong brand and public visibility.
Grace Hardy Accountant and Influencer – Bringing Finance to Gen Z
Building a Digital Presence
Grace has built an impressive online audience through:
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Instagram
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TikTok
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LinkedIn
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Podcast platforms
Her content mixes accounting advice, career guidance, and insights into her life as a young female founder. With thousands of followers, she is now seen as a relatable educator for Gen Z business owners.
The Unconventional Podcast
Grace hosts The Unconventional Podcast, a space where she interviews professionals about accounting, entrepreneurship, training, and personal growth. Her style is honest, warm, and practical — never sugar-coating the realities of studying, working long hours, or building a business from scratch.
The podcast has earned praise for its authenticity and value, especially for aspiring accountants.
Awards and Recognition
Accountancy Personality of the Year
Grace has gained industry recognition for her bold, refreshing approach to accounting communication.
Rising Star of the Year
Her professional journey, digital influence, and successful launch of Hardy Accounting contributed to her recognition as a rising star within the UK accountancy sector.
Media Features
She has been featured in:
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The Telegraph
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BBC
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Various accounting and entrepreneurial publications
These features highlight her unique path and celebrate her as a new role model for young accountants.
Why Grace Hardy Matters in Today’s Accounting Landscape
Championing Apprenticeships
Through her work as an ambassador for “Not Going to Uni”, Grace supports and educates students interested in apprenticeships, emphasising that success does not require a traditional degree.
Redefining Accounting Culture
Grace challenges the stereotype of accounting firms being overly formal and intimidating. With Hardy Accounting, she promotes:
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inclusivity,
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psychological safety,
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learning without judgement,
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and approachable professionalism.
A Role Model for Young Women
As a young female CEO in a traditionally male-dominated field, Grace inspires the next generation of women to pursue finance and entrepreneurship confidently.
Conclusion: The Future of Grace Hardy and Hardy Accounting
Grace Hardy is more than an accountant — she is a trailblazer who is reshaping how young people view finance. With a strong educational foundation, a growing business, and a relatable voice, she has become a central figure in modern UK accounting. Hardy Accounting, under her leadership, continues to thrive as a supportive, innovative, and human-centred firm.
At just 22–23 years old, Grace has already achieved what many take decades to accomplish. Her future in the accounting industry looks undeniably bright, and she is set to remain a powerful influence and educator for years to come.
