After 30 years in corporate banking, David Jennings understood business inside and out. He had worked across retail, commercial and corporate banking, credit, back office and client-facing roles. But like many professionals with long corporate careers, a redundancy forced him to reconsider what was next.
“I got a redundancy probably a little while ago now. I think it was probably about eight years ago now.”
After two years working within an accounting firm and helping build their data finance and networking side of the business, David started looking for something of his own. He knew he enjoyed working with small businesses. He just needed the right structure.
“I enjoyed helping small businesses.”
Why bookkeeping made sense
With an accounting degree and CPA qualification, David had options. He considered business consulting but quickly realised how crowded that space was. Instead, he saw bookkeeping as a practical and powerful way to stay close to small business owners and make a tangible impact.
“Bookkeeping is another thing to do so I can spread out and help their businesses and be more of a business coach and bookkeeper on the side basically.”
Joining First Class Accounts gave him both the platform and the support to make that shift confidently.
The hurdle every new franchisee faces
Like many new franchisees, the biggest early challenge was not technical knowledge. It was marketing.
“Getting that first client, the marketing and getting the first clients and growing the business in that respect.”
That first client matters more than people realise. It is proof that the model works. It validates the leap you have taken.
“There was a big party with myself when I got that first client.”
And just as he now tells new franchisees, once that first client comes, momentum builds.
The 12-month turning point
The first year was hard work. As with any new business, there is doubt. There is pressure. There is uncertainty.
“Probably after the first 12 months, I knew it was going to work.”
That shift from uncertainty to belief is a defining moment for many business owners.
“This is working, this is going to work. I’ve just got to work hard at it and it will work.”
From that point forward, growth became about consistency and discipline rather than survival.
Learning bookkeeping and leaning on the network
Although David had an accounting background, bookkeeping presented its own learning curve.
“I had an accounting background, but wasn’t actually had experience in bookkeeping.”
In those early stages, the First Class Accounts network became invaluable. Rather than struggling alone, he tapped into the experience around him.
“If something comes up that I don’t know about, there will be someone in the network that has happened to and they can walk me through it.”
That support gave him confidence to take on new work and expand his capability without fear of being stuck.
From 24/7 operator to business leader
Running a business changes you. In David’s case, it meant learning one of the hardest lessons for many founders: delegation.
“At the beginning, I was 24/7.”
Long hours and constant work are common in the early days, but they are not sustainable. With guidance from a coach and support from his team, David began shifting his mindset.
“I hold on to things too much when I should be delegating.”
Today, with two staff members and plans to grow further, he understands that scaling requires trust.
“You need help.”
Delegation has allowed him to focus on growth, marketing and strategic thinking rather than doing everything himself.
Adapting to the market
One of the most important lessons David learned was around ideal clients. When he started, he had a very specific picture of who he wanted to work with. Over time, that evolved.
If he had waited only for the perfect clients, growth would have stalled. Instead, he adapted. Many clients who did not initially fit his “ideal” profile became long-term relationships.
That flexibility helped build a stronger, more resilient business.
Community that goes beyond business
Support within the First Class Accounts network has not just been technical. It has been personal.
“So every day, every second day, we’re talking to each other and telling each other what’s going on in our business and how we can support each other.”
Those relationships have become a core part of his journey. The ability to pick up the phone, share challenges and get advice has been a defining factor in his success.
Looking ahead
David is now focused on growth. With two staff members in place and plans to expand further, he is also refining systems, including upgrading his CRM to improve efficiency and reduce risk.
Growth, for him, is not just about bringing in new clients. It is also about serving existing ones better and strengthening the foundations of the business.
Advice for new franchisees
For those just starting out, David’s message is clear:
“Work off the other franchisees. Talk to them and take their advice.”
Every challenge you face, someone in the network has already faced. The path is not always easy, but it is proven.
And if he could change one thing?
“I would have got that first client quicker.”
Because once that first milestone is reached, belief grows. And once belief grows, the business follows.
