Bookwiz Academy Founder Martine Hoosen joins Global Top 50 Women in Accounting Alumni

When I started out in 2000, a newly-single mother of two, I was determined to achieve financial freedom. I wanted to not only survive, but thrive, as an independent business owner.  

I’m proud of every personal & professional milestone that saw me grow from a struggling soloist to multi-award-winning business owner, mentor, & industry leader. 

And I am so humbled to be named as a Top 50 Women in Accounting alongside a pool of such amazing women.

So, I thought I would share a little more about my journey.

What Drives Me

My passion and commitment to supporting women achieve financial freedom is rooted in my past.

My childhood was overshadowed by domestic violence (DV). I left home at 16, & left my birth country (NZ) at 18 – with no money or support, just a determination to be independent. Years later, I found myself in a marriage that didn’t afford me that independence. I wanted to study, pursue a career, and establish a business of my own, though it became clear that we wanted different things, and had very different ideas about what married, family life looked like. I felt trapped, and I was unable to live the life I wanted for myself & my children. I left the home & business we had built together, & walked away with nothing (again), though this time with two young boys. 

My personal experience with DV, & the hardships associated with not being financially independent, have driven many of my business decisions. 

My Commitment

Early on, I made a personal commitment to advocate for the financial independence of women. When it came to pursuing my own business dreams, this included determining a business model that allowed me to provide tangible opportunities for women in the industry to achieve financial freedom, & business success. 

Bookwiz's national franchise model allowed me to develop a group of passionate, dedicated women to build 9 successful franchises. Some had limited prior experience, though all were intelligent, brave, & committed to furthering their futures in the industry.

During this time, I also volunteered as a Franchise Council of Australia (WA) committee member, to help advocate the importance of business & financial knowledge to the franchise sector. 

In 2021, I decided the franchise model was no longer right for me (or my franchisees). The legislative requirements around operating franchises had become cumbersome and I didn't see a viable (or at least not an enjoyable) future in it. 

In the meantime, my franchisees had become strong, female business owners. I knew they could run successful independent bookkeeping businesses, so I released them to do just this. To be clear - I still run my original Bookwiz business, providing Bookkeeping and Financial Services to high value clients. I am still also actively involved with my franchisees, and continue to support and celebrate them through Bookwiz Academy. Some also still operate under the Bookwiz brand under agreement. I am so proud of what we have collectively achieved, and really value and appreciate the fact that we have stuck with each other over the years.

The Birth of Bookwiz Academy

Letting go of the franchise side of the business allowed me to focus on my next project – Bookwiz Academy.

I have always taken a mentoring role in the industry and knew that this is where my heart was. I have also been fortunate to be considered a go-to course creator & facilitator, delivering programs to industry professionals, along with Financial Literacy Workshops to business owners for Local Government. This exposure provided me with fantastic insight into the industry, people's aspirations, goals, and pain points. 

It also provided me with the opportunity to develop a very valuable set of resources, tools, and skills. I realised that I loved sharing this knowledge with others, watching them grow, helping them reach their goals, and overcome their challenges. 

I was so proud to open the doors to Bookwiz Academy in late 2021. I feel that I have, after 21 years in business, created a platform that actively supports bookkeepers, accountants and advisors with the  resources, tools, & community they need to succeed - whether that means creating a business model that allows them to raise a family, or becoming an industry leading powerhouse.

Thank you

I am so grateful to be named as a Top 50 Women in Business Leader, and thank ignition and the 2021 Women in Accounting Awards for acknowledging me and the other amazing women in the industry.

I am proud to add this latest award to my list of accolades.

2021 Top 50 Women in Accounting Winner, supported by ignition

MYOB Diamond Partner Status – one of the first Australian bookkeeping-only firms

2019 MYOB Connected Practice of the Year 

2019 Bookkeeper of the Year, Australian Accounting Awards

2019 Bookkeeping Firm of the Year, Australian Accounting Awards

2018 Bookkeeping Firm of the Year , Australian Accounting Awards

2017 Emerging Franchisor of the Year, Excellence in Franchising Awards Finalist 

2016 MYOB Partner of the Year

Need help?

1800 Respect - 1800 737 732

Lifeline - 13 11 14

Financial Counselling Australia - 1800 007 007

Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636

Women's Domestic Violence Helpline - 1800 007 339