A quick-fire Q&A with Money Metrics Rotorua franchisee Kelly Lelieveld | Money Metrics
What was your journey to becoming a franchisee with Money Metrics?

At 19 I started working in chartered accounting firm BDO Rotorua. While there I completed my business degree part time with the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand.  After 7 years I had worked my way up from an office assistant to a manager for one of the three partners at the time.

Following that, I furthered my experience as a Financial Accountant for Timberlands Ltd (7 years) and Management Accountant for Mercury Energy (3 years).

Joining Cass and the Money Metrics Papamoa team in 2016, the opportunity came up to secure my own franchise territory.  By the end of 2020 I was a director of my own flourishing business in my hometown of Rotorua.

How did Money Metrics help prepare you for becoming a business owner?

I had support from Money Metrics in all aspects of becoming a business owner.  From forming a company to understanding hours I needed to work, budgets and forecasts, Cass and Karyn guided me through everything I needed to know.  In addition, they were able to prepare me with all of the equipment and systems I needed to operate.

Before I fully committed to becoming a franchisee I had a full picture of what to expect.

Tell us about your clients and what type of businesses do you work with in Rotorua?

Money Metrics Rotorua collaborates with business owners who want to have a personalised accounting service.  They want to deal with an accountant who completes their work so they can focus on their core business.  My clients come from a range of industries including forestry, tourism, hospitality, construction, retail and other services.

My clients want to get helpful sound advice and support that is not too complicated. Ultimately, they want to be able to run their businesses efficiently.

What were the 3 key decision makers that made you want to join the Money Metrics franchise family?
  1. Support network of other professionals
  2. Flexibility to own my own business from home
  3. A great brand
What do you think you would have ended up doing if you didn’t have the career choice of becoming a franchise owner with Money Metrics?

Working for someone in town or trying to start my own accounting practice which would have been a lot harder to do from scratch.

How has being a franchise owner created more balance beyond the books for you personally?

Previously I had spent a lot of time travelling to and from work.  Now I get to structure my schedule so I can spend quality time with my kids after school and attend their events with ease.

What is the one thing you would say to to an industry peer considering joining the Money Metrics franchise?

It is a great opportunity to be flexible to work from home and be your own boss, but with the added security of having a great network of people to call upon for advice and support.