Interview with Grant Meikle – Jim’s Bookkeeping and Tax National Franchisor

Eden Exchange
Thanks for speaking with us Grant. Can you tell us about your background and career? Why did you get in to franchising? How long have you been at Jim’s Bookkeeping and how did you first get involved with the company?

Grant Meikle
My background is as a Chartered Accountant working in accounting practices. My core role was working with small and medium sized business owners to guide them and improve their businesses. And at the same time growing my own client base.

Back in 2013 I was working with Jim’s Group in my role as a Chartered Accountant and I grew to appreciate the Jim’s Franchise model and the high standards of customer service that exist throughout the group. Shortly after the National Franchise business of Jim’s Bookkeeping became available, and I saw a great opportunity to grow a successful franchise network and work with another set of business owners – our franchisees and franchisors, as they build their businesses.

Eden Exchange
Jim’s Bookkeeping and Tax has franchise territories available across Australia. What areas are you particularly focusing on? What are some of the factors making running a Jim’s Bookkeeping and Tax Franchise businesses unique?

Grant Meikle
We are particularly focused on growing our franchise network. There is significant demand for the services we provide. Good operators will be successful in any location, but the extra size of the metropolitan markets provides even more opportunities than usual.

We are seeing experienced accountants and bookkeepers grabbing the opportunity to become their own boss as Jim’s Bookkeeping and Tax franchisees. This gives them flexibility and control, and the opportunity to improve their income.

We also now have the opportunity for our franchisees to provide tax services to their clients. It is great for them to be able to offer the one stop shop for their clients, and improve their income.

From a franchise recruitment point of view this has opened up a whole new stream of opportunities – for people who want to build up a tax accounting practice alongside bookkeeping.

Another important point is delivering ongoing benefits through maximising our scale, including benefitting from group buying arrangements and being Gold Partners with the likes of Xero and MYOB.

Finally, in the accounting and bookkeeper sector in Australia currently the industry is transforming. The future will look quite different to the past, and the way we work with our franchisees is all about helping them be set up for success in the future cloud accounting world.

Eden Exchange
What advice do you have for someone looking to run a franchise for the first time? What’s the key message you tell new franchisees and franchisors?

Grant Meikle
Like all good accountants I would tell people to do their due diligence! Speak to franchisees in the model already and really understand how it all works in a day to day sense. The key message I have is a good franchise can provide you with the framework and structure to run a great bookkeeping and tax business. Look for what makes that model unique – how will you be able to differentiate yourself and maximise those benefits? Because ultimately it will be up to you, as a new small business owner. We will support you and help hold you accountable to the high standards we have, but it is up to you to follow the plan that we create with you.

Eden Exchange
What type of background and experience does a new Jim’s Bookkeeping and Tax franchisee need to have? What makes for a successful owner? Is it experience, attitude or something else?

Grant Meikle
Our model is set for those who already have knowledge and practical experience. You need to be able to do the work for the clients that engage you. We require a Certificate IV in Bookkeeping or higher qualification and experience in using accounting software – in fact we test that. The Jim’s brand has high standards, and keeping a great reputation is important. Thus everyone coming in needs to have a certain standard of skills and abilities.

What is really important is being someone who has the desire to be successful and the discipline to execute the plans and strategies that create success. Someone who wants to be a successful small business person and has the energy to build something great.

So, you need the experience, but most importantly you need the right attitude.

Eden Exchange
What type of support does Jim’s Bookkeeping provide once a new franchise has opened its doors?

Grant Meikle
We are there every step of the way. A key to the success of all the Jim’s Group Divisions is how we support our franchisees. With the franchisor a plan is built, and they are there to guide and support along the way. One of the best things though is the network, of Jim’s Bookkeepers and also the wider Jim’s Group. From our annual conference to the regular newsletters, that ongoing backup in a changing world helps you feel connected and supported.

Eden Exchange
What major industry trends should franchise buyers and sellers be looking out for? What’s your take on where bookkeeping and the small business services industry in Australia is heading?

Grant Meikle
The key trend in our industry is change. It is ongoing and relentless. Digital transformation, cloud accounting, regulatory change and the everyday pace of life. I don’t know how solo operators keep up!

I suspect that many are not. And over time that will really cost them, a mixture of lack of efficiency and being overtaken by better operators.

One of the great benefits of being part of Jim’s Bookkeeping and Tax is that we are ensuring our team is kept up to date on the changing opportunities they have. I spend a lot of my time with major accounting software vendors, add on vendors and with the industry bodies we work with. I share that information with our franchisees and encourage them to take up opportunities that we negotiate at scale.

Eden Exchange
What are some of the key achievements you are proud of at Jim’s Bookkeeping? On the other side, what challenges have you faced to get the business where it is today?

Grant Meikle
The introduction of Jim’s Tax has been a well-received achievement. What it has done is round out our proposition, our franchisees now have that wider opportunity to serve their clients and improve their business.

Also adding additional value add solutions like Jim’s Bookkeeping Payroll is a great way to leverage our brand and everytime you hear a success story from a franchisee it gives you a lift. And seeing them evolve and meet their goals is very satisfying.

The key challenge you face in this Industry is keeping up with what is happening. Attending all the conferences and seminars provides a significant load to manage, but is worthwhile when you get the outcomes.

Eden Exchange
What are the strategic priorities of Jim’s Bookkeeping? Where do you see the company in a year from now?

Grant Meikle
We have 3 key priorities:

• Keep delivering value to our franchisees
• Keeping growing – it strengthens our brand
• Expand with Regional Franchisors – they will select and support franchisees

Eden Exchange
What’s the best part about your job? What drives you to do what you do?

Grant Meikle
The best part is having satisfied franchisees, and being able to share in their success. Being alongside someone walking in feeling nervous about starting something new, to creating a business that gives them flexibility in their life and a sustaining income.

Eden Exchange
Thanks for your time Grant

Grant Meikle
My pleasure. It is good to summarise the ‘Why’ I do what I do.

 

About Jim’s Bookkeeping and Tax

Looking for a new challenge and want to be your own boss? Nothing could be easier than owning your own franchise business with Jim’s. We will provide you ongoing support to help you with your journey to success.

With over 3,700 franchisees across Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the UK, the Jim’s Group is a recognised and trusted brand. Our franchisees enjoy the flexibility, lifestyle, income and ability to control their own time with their business.

If you’re interested to find out more or are thinking about becoming a Franchisee with Jim’s Bookkeeping and Jim’s Taxl Care speak to us today to discuss how the Jim’s family could be right for you. Jim’s Bookkeeping and Tax are there to help you succeed, call 131 546 today or fill in our Franchise Enquiry Form.