6 Benefits of Starting Your Own Bookkeeping Franchise after a Corporate Job

June 18, 2025

image of an accountant doing work on their bookkeeping franchise

Are you a seasoned finance professional who has spent years honing your skills and expertise in the corporate world and: 

  • You are looking for a new challenge
  • You want to be your own boss? 

There is a rising demand for bookkeepers, tax agents, and accounting professionals right now in the small business sector, especially those with experience working with: 

  • Industry
  • large corporations
  • within an accounting practice setting

This marked demand is paving the way for entrepreneurial Australians to start their own accounting or bookkeeping franchises. 

Here are 6 benefits of using your knowledge to become a franchisee and how you can make it happen… 

1. Achieve a Better Work/Life Balance With Your Own Business

Working in the corporate world as an employee can be stifling. There can often be very inflexible schedules and you may feel you have little control over your own career and where it’s going. 

As a franchisee, you can escape the constraints of the corporate grind and instead enjoy the benefits of self-employment. Ditch the 9 to 5 routine and structure your work day the way you want. 

Be your own boss and take the reins on your career while achieving a better balance when it comes to work and life. 

2. Choose to Work from Home or the Office

Having your own business means the choice is yours about where you want to work. It’s easy to start your business small, working from home, with limited expenses so you can minimise your initial risk and expense in starting up. 

As your client base grows over time, you might then choose to expand into a dedicated office space.  

3. Franchises Are Ideal for First-time Small Business Owners

Navigating the business world alone can be a daunting prospect for a sole trader. If you’re not experienced in small business management, running your own business with the support of a franchise network might be the answer for you. 

Franchisees receive initial training in their first year, and access to valuable systems, procedures, and tools. There’s also ongoing support and training throughout your franchise journey. 

When you choose an established and successful franchise network like First Class Accounts, you get access to a proven business model that works. One that can help you at your own pace to grow your business and maximise profit through marketing support, lead generation, and systems that work. 

Benefits of Owning a Bookkeeping or Accounting Franchise - visual selection

4. Enjoy Being a Small Business Owner Without the Administrative Burden

One of the biggest challenges small business owners face in running a business is the overwhelming administrative burden. However, when you join a franchise, you’ll have access to established systems that can help you with managing the back-office functions of your business effectively. 

This means you’ll have more time to work billable hours and provide services to your clients. 

5. Find Clients Faster

For independent sole traders, finding new leads and securing clients can be difficult. But, when you’re part of a franchise network like First Class Accounts, we can connect franchisees to small businesses across Australia that need your exact skills and expertise. 

Bookkeepers are in high demand and First Class Accounts’ website ranks highly on Google. So, when your target market begins their search to find someone just like you, it won’t take them long to find you.  

6. Use Your Knowledge of Accounting Software to Help Others

At First Class Accounts, our team works with Australia’s leading accounting software tools. Our franchisees support our small business clients whether they need assistance with MYOB, Reckon, Xero, or Intuit Quickbooks. 

To ensure you get the right leads, our website is set up so prospective clients can search for a bookkeeper based on the software they use. 

How to Find the Right Bookkeeping or Accounting Franchise Opportunity for You

When looking for a bookkeeping or accounting franchise, be aware that not all opportunities are created equal. Different bookkeeping franchises offer different things. 

That means the initial training, mentoring, and ongoing support and training that you receive will vary significantly. Be careful to compare the terms and conditions of each opportunity before you decide what opportunity is for you.  

Decide What Services You Want to Provide in Your Franchise

Whether you want to focus on basic bookkeeping or expand into other services, it’s ultimately your own business. So, you can focus on what you do best. Keep in mind though –  if you want to assist with tax returns or BAS agent responsibilities, you will need to have the appropriate qualifications. 

At First Class Accounts, our franchisees offer a range of services that help small businesses across Australia. 

This includes:

  • Financial reporting and analysis
  • Payroll services
  • Preparation of BAS returns
  • Cash flow reporting and analysis
  • Receivables management
  • Bank reconciliations
  • Year-end processes
  • General accounting, bookkeeping compliance work and office management systems
  • Training and support in MYOB, QuickBooks, Reckon and Xero software

If a franchisee is a qualified accountant, they may also provide tax agent services. 

Deciding on Your Franchise Services - visual selection

Set Yourself Up for Success and Join First Class Accounts

Whether you’re a bookkeeper, accountant, bank manager, finance or tax professional, you can use your knowledge to help small businesses across Australia manage their finances. If you have an interest in starting your own bookkeeping business, contact First Class Accounts. 

Owned by First Class Financial Group Pty, First Class Accounts, is a national franchise network registered right here in Australia. 

We are a trusted and established bookkeeping brand that provides franchisees with everything they need to be successful. That includes training, mentoring and ongoing support. 

Say goodbye to the corporate grind, start building a brighter future, and set yourself up for success in your bookkeeping business. 

Contact the team at First Class Accounts to find out more about franchise opportunities. We are Australia’s largest bookkeeping franchise. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a Bookkeeping Franchise After a Corporate Career

1. What are the benefits of starting a bookkeeping franchise after leaving a corporate job?
Making the switch from corporate to franchise life gives you the freedom to design your own schedule, work for yourself, and enjoy a better work-life balance. You can work from home, grow at your own pace, and finally take control of your career on your terms all while still using the finance skills you’ve developed over the years.
2. Why is a bookkeeping franchise ideal for first-time business owners?
Franchises like First Class Accounts are perfect for new business owners because they provide everything you need to succeed initial training, systems, ongoing mentoring, and marketing support. Instead of starting from scratch, you get a proven business model that helps reduce the risk and fast-track your growth.
3. Can I work from home if I start a bookkeeping franchise?
Yes, absolutely! One of the biggest advantages of running your own bookkeeping business is flexibility. Many franchisees choose to start working from home to keep costs low, then expand into an office as their client base grows.
4. How does First Class Accounts help franchisees find clients?
First Class Accounts connects franchisees with small businesses across Australia who are actively looking for help. Their website ranks well on Google, and they even let potential clients search for bookkeepers based on the accounting software they use making it easier for the right clients to find you.
5. What kind of services can I offer as a bookkeeping franchisee?
You can offer a wide range of services, depending on your qualifications and interests. These include bookkeeping, payroll, BAS returns, financial reporting, cash flow analysis, and support in accounting software like MYOB, Xero, Reckon, and QuickBooks. Qualified accountants may also provide tax agent services.

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