Jules Hardie has been running a First Class Accounts business on the New South Wales central coast with her husband since 2006. They are now in their second contract term with the company.
Jules explains she and her husband were interested in investing in a franchise because they had previous experience with the business model in the past.
“Having owned a franchise previously I was familiar with the systems and procedures. This includes ongoing training and support which is essential for franchisees.
“I also like the fact that being part of a franchise network is like being a part of a family. They are always there for you and you most definitely do not feel alone in your business,” she says.
After attending an information night designed for potential First Class Accounts franchisees, the husband and wife team had their heart set on the brand.
“We were impressed with the professionalism of the franchise development team that evening – and have been ever since.
“Another important factor in our decision to join the First Class Accounts network was the systems and resources available to us. For example, we benefit from a national brand and marketing program which includes television advertising, search engine marketing, online promotions and directory listings, partnerships and referrals through the FCA network,” she says.
Jules and her husband engaged in the due diligence process quite thoroughly, and spoke with a number of existing First Class Accounts franchisees, who she says “couldn’t speak highly enough of the brand.”
While many people tend to use the same accountant or accounting firm year in, year out, Jules was nevertheless very surprised by the positive working relationships she and her husband have formed with clients.
The clients Jules and her husband work with span a number of different industries.
“Many of our clients treat us like a family member or friend, depending on our support and advice in the day to day running of their business,” explains Jules.
The pair works from their home office one to two days a week, and the other three to four days are spent dealing with clients at their premises.
Nevetheless, their average working day is fairly structured, says Jules.
“[We] begin with checking emails and establishing priorities for the day ahead. Then it’s off to a client meeting or starting the morning’s work in the office.
“The rest of the working day involves client communication, appointment scheduling, invoicing and general office administration,” she explains.
It seems juggling the different roles required to run a successful franchise is a breeze for the pair, too.
“In terms of roles within the business, I act as the client relationship manager and attend on-site client appointments. My husband handles our office management, accounts, remote client work and client work performed on our systems,” says Jules.
How does Jules rate the training at First Class Accounts?
Jules says the training at First Class Accounts is “second to none.”
“In our initial training we learned how to use accounting software such as MYOB, Quickbooks and Xero. We also covered topics including marketing, office management and staff employment,” she explains.
Not only does the company provide extensive training for new franchisees, it facilitates ongoing training, a big plus for franchisees looking to grow their business.
“Training and support is continuous throughout the relationship with First Class Accounts. We attend bi-monthly regional training sessions and meetings conducted by the national support office plus an annual conference.
“We also have our own telephone support network connecting us to national support office staff who are only too happy to help with any questions arising from our day-to-day work,” says Jules.
First Class Accounts has also established an online resource for its franchisees, which is accessible via its website.
The resource contains technical information, business process checklists, templates and manuals, among others.
Jules says the company also encourages franchisees to communicate with and get to know one another.
“We communicate with one another on a forum called Yammer where we can post questions or experiences we have had with clients or programs.
“All of the group training workshops allow us to build camaraderie with the other trainees. We have formed long-lasting friendships with fellow First Class Accounts franchisees and national support office staff,” she says.
It is incredibly important that BAS agents remain industry compliant, and Jules says First Class Accounts conducts regular quality control reviews to ensure franchisees are up to scratch.
Image: firstclassaccounts.com.au