See full profile: Brackenfell Accountant - Annemie van der Merwe
Were you always planning to be an accountant and why?
Yes, Figures are my passion
When meeting with clients do they mostly come to your own premises or do you mostly go their 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?
The way it all comes together in the end. There is nothing more satisfying that balancing a recon or knowing everything is 100% up to date and compliant.
Would you recommend accounting as a career for school-leavers, and why?
Yes, but you must have a passion for working with figures and attention to detail
What qualities should South African business people be looking for in their accountant?
Accountants must be organised, proactive and have attention to detail. And of course have the necessary skills and qualification to do the job.
What is the biggest challenge facing accountants today?
Modern software is making it so easy for people to do their own accounting, which is great, but one do need a solid background or training in accounting. Small business owners do not always realize that and are not always compliant with SARS and CIPC. They end up paying more to sort out queries and disputes, than if they got the assistance of an accountant from the beginning
What aspects of accounting do you focus on most?
Bookkeeping, Accounting, Management Accounts and keeping SME's SARS compliant
Describe your average client:
I have clients in the retail, construction and restaurant industries. I like to take on clients from varied industries, as it develops my knowledge of different industries
How far away from your premises is your furthest client?
All my client are within the northern suburbs of Cape town, it just worked out that way
From your accounting experience, if you could cite one of the biggest reasons SME's in SA fail, what would it be?
SME owners do not always understand the driving factors behind a healthy balance sheet.
What accounting software do you like best?
I prefer Xero, but I work with whatever package my clients prefer
What other software, online services or apps do you use?
SAGE, SIMPLE PAY, Shopify
Do you think the coming wave of automation in the next few years will steal some accounting jobs and why/why not?
YEs, especially on the processing side. But that is a good thing.
What is your opinion on Bitcoin?
I remain weary
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Spending time with my family, reading, being outdoors
What is the most interesting thing on your bucket list?
Travel, always travel!
What has your experience been on FindanAccountant?
Positive
