See full profile: Sea Point Accountant - Ben Van der Linde
Were you always planning to be an accountant and why?
It turns out that the plan was always to be an accountant. As an accountant you can make a difference, you have the power to excite and change people's lives. What I like most is the involvement in creating success. This is my job satisfaction.
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
Have you ever done an online video call with a client?
Yes
What do you love most about accounting?
Planning forward, trying to calculate the future and then have the ability to look back and celebrate the past.
Would you recommend accounting as a career for school-leavers, and why?
Accounting is well rounded, you learn plenty of skills, you get a bigger picture and have the ability to give back in a meaningful way.
What qualities should South African business people be looking for in their accountant?
Integrity, honesty, reliability, accuracy and consistency. All other attributes will be in the package automatically.
What is the biggest challenge facing accountants today?
To break the mould and think out of the box, no way you can only be a record-keeping and compliance manager. That is no longer a requirement, it is a given. You can't only think like an entrepreneur, you have to be the entrepreneur in each of your client's businesses. Filing a tax return adds no value.
What aspects of accounting do you focus on most?
All aspects are equally important, start by being up to date and accurate. From there we can focus on forecasting, planning, budgeting and executing the plan of action.
Describe your average client:
Any business really, micro to small I thrive in, but bigger could be better too
How far away from your premises is your furthest client?
Regional Cape Town, but can consult online too
From your accounting experience, if you could cite one of the biggest reasons SME's in SA fail, what would it be?
Lack of ... funds, energy, initiative, vision...but mostly support.
What accounting software do you like best?
Xero, Pastel and QuickBooks
What other software, online services or apps do you use?
Dropbox, Sars Efiling, Sage products
Do you think the coming wave of automation in the next few years will steal some accounting jobs and why/why not?
Undoubtedly, everything is getting easier - less time to spend on bookkeeping and accounting - humans have to do what robots can't - and I am not saying looking after the elderly.
What is your opinion on Bitcoin?
Too good to be true comes to mind. Holding back on going there for the moment.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Sport, hobbies, relaxing of mind, body and soul.
What is the most interesting thing on your bucket list?
To become a successful Fashion Designer
What has your experience been on FindanAccountant?
Very good, round two now and really is every cent worth it.
See how our other local South African accountants have answered the above questions.
