See full profile: Brakpan Accountant - Amanda van Wyk
Were you always planning to be an accountant and why?
No, I was planning on becoming a Doctor, but in 2007, at the age of 17, I worked for an accounting firm, never knowing that it would be my calling. I fell in love with accountancy and since then have never looked back. I enrolled for my degree and from the start always achieved my goals on each test. I received 12 distinctions and passed each exam on my first attempt. I realized that the dream I had to become a Doctor turned into being an Accountant Doctor. Assisting entities who had the flu in the accounting system to achieve greatness.
When meeting with clients do they mostly come to your own premises or do you mostly go theirs?
I mostly go to my clients
What is your preferred mode of communication with your clients?
Email, Phone, Face to Face, WhatsApp
Have you ever done an online video call with a client?
Yes
What do you love most about accounting?
People say accounting is boring. Clearly they have never worked in a challenging accounting environment. One thing that I can confirm is that it is not boring. What I love most about accounting is seeing the smile and joy of a client after we have presented them with results beyond what they expected. Accounting is easy, but reaching the expectation of our clients is our challenge. We ensure that we do our very best to allow our clients to grow and succeed with us right next to them.
Would you recommend accounting as a career for school-leavers, and why?
Of course, YES, accounting is not just a JOB, it is a lifestyle, I don't think people realize that you use accounting each day. A simple fact like buying bread, there is an accounting transaction that took place from the raw produce to the final product. Everyone wants to reach success in life, accounting is not just a career choice, it's a lifestyle.
What qualities should South African business people be looking for in their accountant?
Trust. Your accountant is the person on which you will need to rely on the most for business advice and guidance. If you can't trust your accountant, who can you then trust. Yes, there are a lot of bogus accountants out there, which makes our market difficult to gain the trust of clients. Play your cards rights. An accountant should also always respect the needs of their client or employer, never be above them but always working in hand with them
What is the biggest challenge facing accountants today?
The big fish. We are all chasing those big clients, and getting rid of the ones that need you the most. In today's economy, it's not easy to obtain new clients. The market for accountants is not small, we have competitors around the block, up the street or in the next town. How do we stand out, don't always fish for the big ones, the little guy needs us, to grow into that big fish.
What aspects of accounting do you focus on most?
Guidance and accuracy. Processing and compiling financials are only a drop in the sea. Clients need guidance not only in their accounting needs but in business overall.
Describe your average client:
Entrepreneurs with dreams. We don't limit our choice who we take on as a client no matter if it is a start-up or empire. We serve our clients to what they need.
How far away from your premises is your furthest client?
Germiston.
From your accounting experience, if you could cite one of the biggest reasons SME's in SA fail, what would it be?
Well, not just our economy. But the lack of guidance and assistance from your current accountant. Most accountants get a file or paperwork emailed, there is no face to face guidance from your accountant. Regular visits are needed to gain trust and better understand of what your client needs you for.
What accounting software do you like best?
Sage is the most recommend. But there are other options. QuickBooks Online has been in development for many years, with great tools for accountants to access their client’s information.
What other software, online services or apps do you use?
Sage Online, Sage Desktop Applications, QuickBooks, Draftworx
Do you think the coming wave of automation in the next few years will steal some accounting jobs and why/why not?
This is actually one of our goals in AH Accountants, we are not just office-bound. Already with QuickBooks Online, it changed the way of old school accounting which I have experienced is a good thing. There is better control of expenditure and us, as the trusted business advisor, can access this information immediately. No sorting of slips and manual processing, no frequently asking for information.
What is your opinion on Bitcoin?
Share trading is a different ball game on its own. There is a saying, some you lose, some you win, as with any trading.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I am a businesswoman, but also a wife and a mom. I was working, studying, being a wife and had my children while building my practice. I don't have much spare time, but when that opportunity arises, we end up with movies and popcorn on the family bed.
What is the most interesting thing on your bucket list?
Take a hot air balloon ride
What has your experience been on FindanAccountant?
Being a new, new member on FindanAccountant, I would say that the site has opened doors for many new Accountants. One of our weak points is Marketing. So, thank you, FindanAccountant for taking away this headache.
See how our other local South African accountants have answered the above questions.
