See full profile: Newcastle Accountant - Jason Gordon
Were you always planning to be an accountant and why?
I first wanted to be an engineer and applied for accountancy and engineering at University. My father convinced me that accountancy would give me more reach in terms of being able to be involved in any type of business I had an interest in. It was wise advice and I can now help business owners regardless of their business area.
When meeting with clients do they mostly come to your own premises or do you mostly go their theirs?
Running a 'cloud' practice means my meetings are normally via Zoom or Google Meet.
What is your preferred mode of communication with your clients?
Email, Phone, WhatsApp, Zoom, Google Meet
Have you ever done an online video call with a client?
Yes
What do you love most about accounting?
It's a universal business language and can be applied to bring value anywhere.
Would you recommend accounting as a career for school-leavers, and why?
Yes. Accountants are always needed, in every industry. Chartered Accountants have become known for their ability to do more than just accounting. They are business leaders and can guide all businesses forward in this technological age.
What qualities should South African business people be looking for in their accountant?
The ability for the accountant to be an approachable business partner. Meaning that once the standard compliance work is efficiently done (i.e. the bookkeeping and tax), the accountant should be able to offer extra such as cash flow forecasting, budgeting, business plans, being a part of strategic discussions, and also be able to guide in terms of IT and technology systems, to name a few scenarios. This is where the value of an accountant is and where clients will see a return on investment.
What is the biggest challenge facing accountants today?
Keeping abreast of change in a quickly evolving business landscape. Those that don't keep up, can't add as much value to their clients and will end up being outdone by those that do.
What aspects of accounting do you focus on most?
Value added services. Financial management consulting, strategic advice, business plans etc. This is what I see is of most benefit to my clients.
Describe your average client:
Small business owner, not large enough to justify a full accounting team but needs the financial management guidance.
How far away from your premises is your furthest client?
450km
From your accounting experience, if you could cite one of the biggest reasons SME's in SA fail, what would it be?
Not having a well thought out plan in place and a financial professional on board to help them see it through. Many have a good idea but don't have the expertise to keep an eye on cash flow and profitability.
What accounting software do you like best?
Xero
What other software, online services or apps do you use?
Figured Farming, Hubdoc, Bitrix 24, Quickbooks, G Suite
Do you think the coming wave of automation in the next few years will steal some accounting jobs and why/why not?
It may cause the accountants that don't keep up to date with it to lose clients to those that do. As an accountant, I'm excited with how automation is evolving in the accounting software realm. It allows our business to spend less time bookkeeping and more time adding value to our clients.
What is your opinion on Bitcoin?
I'm sceptical. It is after all 'value' electronically generated from nothing...But then aren't all currencies these days. It has value because people say it has value and so the price continues to rise. Time will tell if it's here to stay or not...
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Spending time with my family on our smallholding outside Volksrust.
What is the most interesting thing on your bucket list?
It may be generic but I'd love to tour Europe with my wife once our kids are out of the house. Perhaps in a camper van.
What has your experience been on FindanAccountant?
Excellent
