See Full Profile: Fourways Chartered Accountant - Douglas Fenn
Were you always planning to be an accountant and why?
I always had an aptitude for accounting and enjoy working with people and assisting in making their business a success.
What is your preferred mode of communication with your clients?
Have you ever done an online video call with a client?
Yes
What do you love most about accounting?
I enjoy working with people and businesses in different fields of industry, it gives me access to a lot of different types of businesses and a diverse spectrum of operations.
Would you recommend accounting as a career for school-leavers, and why?
Yes, it is a very important role to play in the development of an economy and there will always be a need for accountants and their services.
What qualities should South African business people be looking for in their accountant?
Integrity, honesty and diligence.
What is the biggest challenge facing accountants today?
Corruption in the workplace.
What aspects of accounting do you focus on most?
Financial statements and business strategy.
Describe your average client:
5 man operation, turnover under R10mil.
How far away from your premises is your furthest client?
100km
From your accounting experience, if you could cite one of the biggest reasons SME's in SA fail, what would it be?
Drawing to much cash out of their company.
What accounting software do you like best?
Pastel
What other software, online services or apps do you use?
Caseware, VIP.
Do you think the coming wave of automation in the next few years will steal some accounting jobs and why/why not?
A bit, although you will always need accountants to intelligently allocate costs and give advice.
What is your opinion on Bitcoin?
There is a place for it, although concerned about the traceability and ethics around it.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Spending time with family.
What is the most interesting thing on your bucket list?
Retirement LOL
