After nearly 15 years working as a senior bookkeeper in an accounting firm, Robyn Welch knew she had reached the ceiling. She had built her skills, worked through countless client challenges, and enjoyed her role, but there was nowhere left to grow. The turning point came after COVID, when the pressure of deadlines and lack of appreciation began to take its toll.
“I wasn’t happy for a while, and my son pointed it out. I realised I had two choices: keep complaining, or make a change. That’s when I looked back into First Class Accounts. The timing just felt right, and everything fell into place.”
This is Robyn’s story of taking the leap into her own business, facing the challenges of those first years, and finding personal growth along the way.
A bold move into business ownership
Robyn had looked into First Class Accounts a number of years earlier, but her personal circumstances at the time meant buying a franchise wasn’t possible. When the opportunity came around again, she didn’t hesitate.
She committed fully, leaving her job to begin the training while still juggling a mortgage and no backup income. “The first 18 months were tough,” she admits. “I had to rely on long service leave at the beginning, but after that it was just me. The financial strain was real, but it motivated me to make it work. I wasn’t going to let it fail.”
Growing through challenges
Building a business from scratch is never easy, but Robyn credits networking for helping her confidence and growth.
“When I first joined my networking group, I hated standing up and selling myself. I would write everything down and practise over and over. Fast forward two years, and I can stand up and ad-lib with ease. When you love what you’re doing and know what you’re talking about, it just becomes natural.”
That personal growth is what Robyn sees as one of her biggest milestones. “By 18 months in, I wasn’t where I wanted to be. But by the two-year mark, I was ahead of where I hoped to be. It was a great feeling.”
The ongoing challenges of small business
Like many bookkeepers, Robyn feels the pressure at peak times such as the end of the financial year. “Meeting deadlines is my biggest challenge. I don’t like letting clients down, and I don’t like letting myself down either, so I put a lot of pressure on myself.”
Working solo adds to the challenge. While she has begun outsourcing, Robyn is still the main engine behind her business. “Time management is key, but it’s still something I’m fine-tuning. Using systems and support, like onboarding with Expert, has been a big help.”
Lessons learned along the way
Robyn is the first to admit she underestimated the financial side of starting out. “It takes time to build up clients. My advice is to have funds behind you, because you don’t want to feel like you’re always chasing to stay afloat.”
Her other advice? Market yourself consistently, even if it feels uncomfortable. “One of my first clients came from cold calling. I nearly skipped a beautician’s office because I thought they wouldn’t be interested. Three months later, she emailed me to say her bookkeeper wasn’t working out, and she’s still my client today.”
She also encourages new franchisees to get their BAS agent registration as soon as possible. “I even paid for a cleaner so I could use Saturday mornings to study. The relief when I finished was incredible.”
The power of community
For Robyn, being part of First Class Accounts is about more than training and compliance. It’s the support network.
“I never considered going out on my own. After COVID, I knew I needed to be part of a group that could keep me up to date and provide mentoring. I love the regional meetings, and I’ve only missed one. Just having people to call when you need reassurance makes such a difference.”
Looking ahead
Robyn’s future is a balance between lifestyle and growth. With a recent marriage and house move, she is considering bringing on admin support to free up more time for chargeable work.
“I like the idea of growing, but I’m still weighing up whether I want to manage a larger team. For now, I’m focused on building smarter systems, looking after my clients, and enjoying the flexibility of running my own business.”
Advice for aspiring franchisees
Robyn’s message to anyone considering First Class Accounts is clear:
- Be financially prepared while your business grows
- Market yourself consistently from the start
- Invest in your BAS training early
- Use the systems and attend every event you can
- Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone
As Robyn’s journey shows, the challenges are real, but so are the rewards. From personal growth to professional freedom, owning her own franchise has given her the chance to build a career on her own terms.Ready to write your own story?
Join the First Class Accounts network and take the next step in your bookkeeping career with training, support, and a community behind you.
