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John Birse
Managing Director at FRM Consulting (Australia) Pty Ltd
Professional Background
John Birse is a seasoned professional with over two decades of dedicated experience in developing exemplary practices within the bookkeeping industry. His journey began in the field of education as a Commerce Teacher in Victoria, where he engaged students in the intricate world of economics and commerce for 15 years. John’s passion for education and technology eventually led him to a role in the Victorian Education Department as a Regional Consultant. In this capacity, he made significant contributions by managing the School Administrative Computing Unit, where he spearheaded the development of a computerized accounting package that would enhance the operational efficiency of schools across Victoria.
Transitioning to the private sector, John demonstrated his versatility and expertise by working with renowned organizations such as Kambrook, ICL, and Labtam Australia, primarily in their computer divisions. It was during this time that John recognized the burgeoning demand for quality bookkeeping services and training in the business sector. Drawing upon his extensive background, he took a significant leap forward by establishing Taskforce Training, a computer training college dedicated to empowering small business owners through tailored training programs. His ability to create comprehensive training manuals further solidified his reputation as a leader in financial education.
John’s accomplishments did not stop there; he was appointed as the first externally appointed Principal of a Self Governing School in Victoria, the Concord School. This milestone not only showcased his leadership skills but also his unwavering commitment to educational excellence. One of the notable high-profile clients he worked with was the Jim’s Group, where he leveraged his expertise to conduct a series of training sessions at their National Conferences. This relationship ultimately inspired him to launch Jim’s Bookkeeping, a division specifically designed to cater to small businesses seeking reliable bookkeeping support through the trusted Jim’s Franchising model.
After successfully building and nurturing the Jim's Bookkeeping Franchise, John decided to sell the national rights in April 2013, and he eventually stepped away from the franchise in 2018. His trajectory in the bookkeeping arena further expanded as he became an active participant in various leading organizations, contributing to the growth and development of the bookkeeping industry in Australia.
Education and Achievements
John Birse holds a Bachelor of Economics with a focus on Accounting from Monash University, which laid the foundation for his impressive career in both teaching and financial management. Prior to his university studies, he completed his HSC in Accounting at McKinnon High School, further enhancing his knowledge in the field. Throughout his career, John has received recognition for his contributions to bookkeeping education and practices. As a former Director of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers, he was instrumental in championing industry standards and practices within Australia. He was also actively involved in the Expert Working Group of the National Skills Council (IBSA), where he played a pivotal role in developing the FNS10 course for Certificate IV in Bookkeeping, a course that now sets the standard required for BAS Agents across the nation.
In addition to his educational contributions, John serves on the Tax Practitioners Board Advisory Forum and participates in the ATO's BAS Agents Advisory Group (BASAAG). His involvement in these organizations underscores his commitment to ensuring that the bookkeeping profession remains robust and well-regulated. John’s recent efforts have concentrated on enhancing financial governance within voluntary organizations, such as Landcare, and improving client access to modern business information via cloud accounting technologies.
Key Achievements
- Establishment of Jim’s Bookkeeping: John played a key role in the inception and growth of Jim’s Bookkeeping, effectively utilizing the successful Jim's Franchising model to provide comprehensive bookkeeping services to small businesses, which are essential for their financial health.
- Contributions to Industry Standards: As a former director at the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers, John has significantly influenced the establishment of high standards in bookkeeping training and practice within Australia.
- Educational Leadership: John made history as the first externally appointed Principal at a Self Governing School in Victoria, showcasing his dedication to education and leadership in managing educational frameworks.
- Innovations in Technology: By forming FRM Consulting, John is at the forefront of delivering innovative technology solutions to address the challenges posed by legacy systems in financial services, emphasizing his role as a catalyst for change in the industry.
- Community Engagement: As a Treasurer at the Lilydale Horticultural and Agricultural Society and through his work with voluntary organizations, John has demonstrated his commitment to giving back to the community and ensuring better financial governance across sectors.
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Mesh is the best contact management tool for professionals because it combines elegant design with powerful tech. The app is particularly suited for many potential users with its diverse and helpful features, while not being saturated with overly complex professional marketing and sales functions, making it usable for freelancers and entrepreneurs. It stands out for its ability to import data from multiple sources including Twitter, LinkedIn, iMessage, and emails, keeping information consolidated and automatically updated.
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Mesh is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Mesh beneficial.
Mesh offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Mesh offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Mesh's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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