This article shares Andrew Eustace’s journey from a career in IT to building one of the longest-running First Class Accounts bookkeeping franchises in Australia, highlighting the mindset, lessons, and flexibility that have shaped more than 20 years of success.
What you’ll learn:
- How redundancy during industry change led Andrew to a new career path in bookkeeping
- The challenges of marketing, networking, and building confidence in the early years
- Why steady growth and client care matter more than rigid business plans
- The lessons learned from choosing the right clients and setting clear expectations
- How franchise support, ongoing learning, and community contribute to long-term success
- Why Andrew chose flexibility and independence over building a large team
When Andrew Eustace left his career in IT more than two decades ago, he could not have imagined that decision would lead to one of the longest-running First Class Accounts franchises in Australia.
After more than 20 years in business, Andrew reflects on how he built a successful career change from technology to bookkeeping, the lessons he has learned, and what keeps him passionate about the work today.
From programmer to business owner
Before joining First Class Accounts, Andrew worked in IT for a major bank.
“I worked up from a computer programmer to systems analyst and project management,” he says. “Then the bank was bought out by a bigger bank, and I took a redundancy. That’s when I embarked on a new career path with First Class Accounts, back in 2002.”
More than two decades later, Andrew remains one of the network’s longest-serving franchisees.
Finding opportunity in uncertainty
Like many career changes, Andrew’s move into bookkeeping came at a time of industry upheaval.
“It was not an option I expected,” he explains. “I thought I would just walk into another IT management role. But this was during the dot-com bubble, and when that burst, a couple of job offers disappeared. I had to look for something else.”
Attending a franchise seminar introduced him to First Class Accounts, and the concept immediately resonated. “It sounded pretty good, so I decided to buy in,” he says.
Building confidence and community
The early days were not without challenges.
“As with a lot of bookkeepers, we’re not great marketers,” Andrew admits. “The challenge was getting myself out there and getting known.”
He joined BNI to build his confidence and network. “I was a very nervous public speaker at the time, and I credit BNI with making me much more comfortable. The regular presentations helped me find my voice.”
He also found that being active in the community helped build strong connections. “I was involved in sport coaching too. Being part of any community organisation is of enormous benefit in building a support network.”
Setting goals and growing steadily
Andrew took a practical approach to business growth. “I wasn’t big on business plans or setting endless goals,” he says. “I just knew that if you did the right thing by the client, it would work out.”
Still, he set one clear benchmark for himself: reaching a turnover of $100,000 in his second year. “I actually finished $30 short of that goal,” he laughs. “I thought, that’s pretty close. That’s good enough.”
That milestone proved his instincts were right. Steady effort, client care, and patience pay off.
Learning what works and what doesn’t
Over the years, Andrew has learned to trust his judgement about clients.
“In the early days, I had a few clients who didn’t want me to lodge their BAS because they couldn’t afford to pay it on time,” he recalls. “Despite my advice, they missed their deadlines and then blamed me. That taught me to read clients more carefully and understand who I wanted to work with.”
He adds, “Now I make sure every client relationship is a good fit.”
The benefit of being part of a franchise
After more than 20 years, Andrew says the ongoing support from First Class Accounts is one of the biggest reasons he has stayed.
“People ask me why I am still with them after all this time, and the answer is simple, the learning never stops. The franchisor keeps you up to date with new laws, software, and industry changes. That saves a huge amount of time because you’re not constantly doing your own research.”
He also values the relationships with other franchisees. “It feels like a big family. We share advice, leads, and support. There’s no sense of competition, just a genuine willingness to help each other.”
Working your own way
While some franchisees grow teams, Andrew chose to remain a sole operator.
“I had managed people in my previous career, and I decided I didn’t want staff this time around,” he explains. “It’s just me, and that’s the way I like it.”
That choice has given him something even more valuable, flexibility.
“I always say my middle name is flexibility. I can work odd hours, go outdoors during the day, and make any day a weekend day or any rainy weekend day can be a work day. It allows me to fit work around life, and I love that.”
He adds, “I also say I don’t believe in Work/Life balance. This term prioritises Work and suggests it comes first. I believe in Life/Work balance, where enjoying life is more important. Of course, this is a function of being at the tail end of my working life.”
Advice for new business owners
Having mentored many aspiring franchisees, Andrew has a few key pieces of advice.
“Don’t go into it counting the dollars from day one,” he says. “Be prepared to give your time and knowledge. Help clients solve problems, even for free sometimes. They’ll remember that and stay loyal.”
He also encourages patience. “Put the client first, focus on what matters, and don’t sweat the small stuff. The rest takes care of itself.”
Looking ahead
After more than 20 years with First Class Accounts, Andrew is looking to slow down.
“I’m nearly 70 now, and I want to catch up on some travel experiences while I still can. I’ve started reducing my client base and hours so I can focus on the next chapter.”
Over the past few years, Andrew and his wife have travelled widely, both within Australia and abroad. “When clients are loyal and view you as a trusted advisor, being away for a few weeks becomes quite do-able with a bit of pre-planning.”
For Andrew, that means hiking, exploring, and enjoying the flexibility his business has provided for so long. “You’ve got to have an exit strategy,” he says with a smile. “My business has been wonderful, but life outside it is just as important.”
Conclusion
Andrew’s story is one of adaptability, longevity, and balance. From his early days in IT to more than two decades as a trusted local bookkeeper, he has built a business on integrity, learning, and genuine care for his clients.
For anyone considering a franchise, his message is clear: take the leap, stay flexible, and always do right by your clients.
Ready to explore your own bookkeeping franchise?
If Andrew’s story resonated, take the next step with First Class Accounts.
Talk to the team: https://www.firstclassaccounts.com/franchise-opportunities/contact/
