Running a business can feel like a solo journey, but for Trudy Mendis, owner of First Class Accounts – Carlingford, relationships have been the key to her success. She shares: “If I can do this with three kids, a husband, and a household to run, anyone can—it’s about having the drive and making it work.”
Finding Flexibility: From Corporate Finance to Bookkeeping
Before starting her bookkeeping business, Trudy had spent years working in corporate finance roles for companies like Bluescope, BOC and GlaxoSmithKline. But as a mother of three, the long hours and rigid structure of corporate life no longer fit her family’s needs.
“I felt the need to just leave the corporate world and run my own business. I wanted the flexibility to work around my three children. It’s good to stop, do what I need to do for them, and come back to work later when it suits me.”
Her lightbulb moment came when she began volunteering to do the books for the parents and citizens organisation (P&C) of her children’s school.
“I just fell in love with doing the bookkeeping. I converted them from one system to another, and I loved the whole process. I figured, why not start something I actually enjoy doing?”
Choosing a Franchise: Support Makes All the Difference
Starting a business from scratch can feel overwhelming. That’s why Trudy decided to join First Class Accounts instead of going it alone.
“I chose a franchise because I didn’t want to do it all by myself. I had an accounting background, but not much experience in bookkeeping. First Class Accounts gave me the training and support I needed to get started.”
Trudy credits the three-month training program as a key part of her early success. It provided not only the technical skills but also tools to promote her business and build confidence in networking, an area she initially found intimidating.
“They train you on marketing, how to approach networking, and how to let people know your business exists. That support gave me a solid foundation to build on.”
From Nervous Networker to Local Business Champion
Learning to network was one of Trudy’s biggest challenges. After years in corporate environments, selling herself and her services felt unfamiliar.
“Networking was a whole new world. I’d never done it before. I’m not a salesperson—I’m a bookkeeper! It took me a while to get comfortable with putting myself out there and talking about my business.”
But with the support of First Class Accounts’ training, Trudy persevered. She joined local networking groups, shared her story, and connected with small businesses in her community.
Before long, her confidence grew, and her business began to take off.
Trust Built Through Collaboration: The Story with Stuart
One of Trudy’s most valuable relationships started with a simple email. Following First Class Accounts’ advice to reconnect with people from her past, she reached out to Stuart, a former school auditor who had seen her work with the P&C.
“Stuart got to know me through the school. He saw how neat and tidy the books were and trusted me to do a good job.”
That trust turned into an ongoing professional relationship. Stuart began referring clients, small businesses and not-for-profits to Trudy, confident she would deliver clean, accurate records.
“Stuart sends me clients because he knows that when the files come back, they’re neat and tidy. He can focus on the accountant’s side of things without fixing errors. It’s a great collaboration.”
They also stay in touch regularly, catching up over breakfast every quarter to discuss their clients and share updates.
Milestones: From Starting Out to Winning Awards
Surviving the first year of business is a milestone for any new business owner, and for Trudy, it was a moment of pride.
“Getting through that first year was huge. You hear about how many businesses don’t survive it, so it was definitely a milestone.”
Her hard work didn’t go unnoticed. Trudy was named Best Emerging Franchisee 2024 at the recent First Class Accounts conference.
“It was a moment where I thought, ‘Okay, maybe I’m actually doing better than I realised.’ It was validation that the effort I put in was worth it.”
Tackling Technology with Community Support
Technology was another challenge for Trudy as she started her business. Choosing the right systems and software for her clients took time and trial and error.
“Tech has been a big thing for me. Deciding what to use, what works best—it can be overwhelming. You can easily fall down a rabbit hole.”
Thankfully, the First Class Accounts community played a big role in guiding her choices. Workshops, conferences, and advice from other bookkeepers helped her navigate the options and find the tools that worked for her business.
“The franchise group has been great with workshops and support. They give you a lot of information to help you figure out what suits you best.”
Looking Ahead: Building a Sustainable Business
Trudy’s goal was to build a sustainable business that would allow her to step back when she needed to.
“I don’t want a huge business. I just want a size where I can be content and step away occasionally if I need to. To get there, I’ll need one or two staff members to help manage things, and that will happen over time.”
She recently took the first step by hiring her first employee, a milestone with its own challenges and rewards.
“It’s another learning curve. I’ve managed teams before, but not in a long time. It takes time to figure out what works, but it’s nice to have someone to share the work with.”
Trudy’s Advice: It’s All About Relationships
For anyone thinking of starting their own bookkeeping business, Trudy’s advice is clear:
“Listen during the training. Take notice of what works for you, and put in the effort—because nothing happens if you don’t. Get out there, network, and talk to people. Relationships are what make it all work.”
She also encourages new business owners to attend First Class Accounts’ yearly gatherings and conferences:
“Talk to everyone you can while you’re there. You’ll learn so much, and it’ll guide your business.”
Ready to Build a Business That Works for You?
Trudy’s story reminds us that no one builds a business alone. Relationships have been at the heart of her success, from reconnecting with people like Stuart to finding support in the First Class Accounts network.
“If I can do this with three children, a husband, and a household to run, anyone can. You just have to have the drive to make it work.”
When you join First Class Accounts, you’ll:
- Learn everything you need to know with hands-on training, from bookkeeping basics to building client relationships.
- Be part of a supportive community of bookkeepers across Australia who share advice and experiences.
- Access proven systems and tools that make running your business simpler and more efficient.
- Grow at your own pace with the backing of a trusted brand and a team that’s always there to help.
If you’re ready to take control of your career, help small businesses, and create a life that works for you, First Class Accounts is here to guide you every step of the way.
Start your journey today. Learn more about joining First Class Accounts here.