See full profile: The Reeds, Centurion Accountant - Kobus Ferreira
Were you always planning to be an accountant and why?
Yes, I knew from a young age that I would pursue a career in finance.
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, Microsoft Zoom
Have you ever done an online video call with a client?
No
What do you love most about accounting?
I love assisting business owners and individuals who have little knowledge about Accounting and taxes.
Would you recommend accounting as a career for school-leavers, and why?
I find it to be a fulfilling career and that quality accountants really help people with their business finances and taxes.
What qualities should South African business people be looking for in their accountant?
Attention to detail, Analytical, Financial savvy and especially integrity as we work with very sensitive financial information.
What is the biggest challenge facing accountants today?
Non-cooperative clients and Business owners failing to realize that accountants are a necessity to any business, and not a luxury.
What aspects of accounting do you focus on most?
I offer complete accounting solutions including, but not limited to financial accounting, Annual Financial Statements, Business and individual tax and Payroll services.
Describe your average client:
Small and medium-sized enterprises.
How far away from your premises is your furthest client?
I am based in Centurion and my furthest clients are in Potchefstroom.
From your accounting experience, if you could cite one of the biggest reasons SME's in SA fail, what would it be?
Not understanding the concept of "running a business". Because an individual can do a job to satisfy a need in the market, does not necessarily make them a good businessman/businesswoman. Entrepreneurs need to understand that there are other aspects to running a successful business than simply doing a specific job.
What accounting software do you like best?
I work with Sage and Caseware. I also have a high regard for Xero even though I am not yet working on their platform.
What other software, online services or apps do you use?
Microsoft Zoom, CIPC, E-filing, Outlook and of course Excel is heavily relied on.
Do you think the coming wave of automation in the next few years will steal some accounting jobs and why/why not?
Perhaps aspects of it. Automation processing is cutting down on processing time and report generation. There will however always be a need for accountants to analyze reports, give sound advice and provide value-added services. Accountants simply need to adapt and utilize the technology available.
What is your opinion on Bitcoin?
I do not invest as Bitcoin is not backed by anything like other currencies are backed by gold. The risk is too high that it can disappear just as fast as it appeared.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I like gaming, golf, rugby and, in true South African fashion, having a braai.
What is the most interesting thing on your bucket list?
I would love to visit Ireland on St. Patrick's day, New Year in Time Square and Oktoberfest in Germany. I would also love to attend the music festivals in Europe.
See how our other local South African accountants have answered the above questions.
