Renae Pitargue 2025 Franchisee of the Year
A tribute to the Whole Team at First Class Accounts - Ovens / Murray
When the announcement came through that the First Class Accounts Franchisee of the Year 2025 was going to Ovens and Murray, it wasn’t just a proud moment; it was a deeply humbling one for me. As the franchisee of this great team, the award is not about individual achievement. “Winning this award is for the Ovens and Murray team; I am simply the leader of this great team.”
I didn’t originally purchase the franchise with the goal of building a bookkeeping practice, but after a few years of realising growth was hampered by my own capacity, I decided to grow from a small business to the practice it is today. This transition took some self-development, identifying my weaknesses and working to build a trusted team around me. I’m proud to admit I supported this business and personal growth with the support of a business coach. A decade on, and this allows me to operate by the guiding principle of, I look after the team, and the team look after our clients. This motto has become the foundation for everything the business does, shaping the culture, guiding decision-making, and creating a workplace where people feel supported and valued.
Being part of the First Class Accounts franchise, the support and knowledge provided by the team have also been a great contributor to our growth. People often enquire about my long term connection to the franchise, but I cannot imagine navigating the changes we have experienced in this industry without this support network.
As the business has grown, so too has my role. These days, I describe myself as the business help desk, the go-to person for technical queries, workflow challenges, and day-to-day support. I spoke of this in a recent Business of Bookkeeping podcast with Robert Gerrish. The Business of Bookkeeping
What makes First Class Accounts Ovens and Murray particularly special is its team: a group of dedicated, all-female professionals who love their work and embrace the balance it allows them. Bookkeeping offers flexibility, and for many of them, that means being able to build a rewarding career while also having the freedom to prioritise family life.
The business cannot be where it is without my incredible team; this award is dedicated to them. Their commitment, teamwork, and ability to balance professional and personal life have created a supportive culture that supports them and benefits our clients.
For myself, success is not about profit margins. Purpose and connection matter just as much as business results. It’s not just about systems or numbers, it’s about people. When you build real connections, the business naturally grows.
That people-first approach extends beyond my immediate team. The franchise has become a key adviser and support for clients along with the wider First Class Accounts network, offering support, sharing knowledge, and helping others succeed.
Winning Franchisee of the Year is both a milestone and a motivator, particularly as a regional based franchise; we have achieved winning this for a second time, the first in 2018. The award will inspire me to continue to grow and support our franchise community. It’s a reminder of what’s possible when a group of people share a purpose and back each other every step of the way. And for the First Class Accounts network, this story is proof that leadership, teamwork, and community spirit are the true drivers of success.
Finally, if you are wondering what's next for First Class Account Ovens and Murray, our growth is likely to continue, always dependent on securing the next great team member and the matching selection of clients. And of course, I will need to embrace AI; no more time for denial! I may have even used ChatGPT to assist with this article
I didn’t originally purchase the franchise with the goal of building a bookkeeping practice, but after a few years of realising growth was hampered by my own capacity, I decided to grow from a small business to the practice it is today. This transition took some self-development, identifying my weaknesses and working to build a trusted team around me. I’m proud to admit I supported this business and personal growth with the support of a business coach. A decade on, and this allows me to operate by the guiding principle of, I look after the team, and the team look after our clients. This motto has become the foundation for everything the business does, shaping the culture, guiding decision-making, and creating a workplace where people feel supported and valued.
Being part of the First Class Accounts franchise, the support and knowledge provided by the team have also been a great contributor to our growth. People often enquire about my long term connection to the franchise, but I cannot imagine navigating the changes we have experienced in this industry without this support network.
As the business has grown, so too has my role. These days, I describe myself as the business help desk, the go-to person for technical queries, workflow challenges, and day-to-day support. I spoke of this in a recent Business of Bookkeeping podcast with Robert Gerrish. The Business of Bookkeeping
What makes First Class Accounts Ovens and Murray particularly special is its team: a group of dedicated, all-female professionals who love their work and embrace the balance it allows them. Bookkeeping offers flexibility, and for many of them, that means being able to build a rewarding career while also having the freedom to prioritise family life.
The business cannot be where it is without my incredible team; this award is dedicated to them. Their commitment, teamwork, and ability to balance professional and personal life have created a supportive culture that supports them and benefits our clients.
For myself, success is not about profit margins. Purpose and connection matter just as much as business results. It’s not just about systems or numbers, it’s about people. When you build real connections, the business naturally grows.
That people-first approach extends beyond my immediate team. The franchise has become a key adviser and support for clients along with the wider First Class Accounts network, offering support, sharing knowledge, and helping others succeed.
Winning Franchisee of the Year is both a milestone and a motivator, particularly as a regional based franchise; we have achieved winning this for a second time, the first in 2018. The award will inspire me to continue to grow and support our franchise community. It’s a reminder of what’s possible when a group of people share a purpose and back each other every step of the way. And for the First Class Accounts network, this story is proof that leadership, teamwork, and community spirit are the true drivers of success.
Finally, if you are wondering what's next for First Class Account Ovens and Murray, our growth is likely to continue, always dependent on securing the next great team member and the matching selection of clients. And of course, I will need to embrace AI; no more time for denial! I may have even used ChatGPT to assist with this article
