See full profile: Johannesburg Accountant - Lesedi Mosegomi
Were you always planning to be an accountant and why?
I've always planned to become an entrepreneur. I've also acquired a few skills along the way, especially when it came to exploring new ways to streamline everyday business processes. That's why I'm passionate about cloud accounting: I plan to offer convenience & peace of mind, to small businesses nationwide!
When meeting with clients, do they mostly come to your own premises, or do you mostly go to theirs?
I mostly go to my clients.
What is your preferred mode of communication with your clients?
Email, Phone, WhatsApp.
Have you ever done an online video call with a client?
Yes.
What do you love most about accounting?
I really enjoy crunching numbers. I love using new-age software to streamline financial processes of small businesses.
Would you recommend accounting as a career for school-leavers, and why?
I believe the accounting profession is undergoing some changes, & some of these changes have many wondering whether the arrival of artificial intelligence could mean the end of accounting as a career path. Whether that's true or not is all in the future. What is true is that the game is changing - that's a fact! This is the perfect time for new blood.
What qualities should South African business people be looking for in their accountant?
Integrity! That, for me, is peace of mind. A high quality of skill & expertise is crucial to the development of my character as a trusted accountant. As much as I know small business owners aren't really keen on the idea of running their books, processing payroll & EMP201s, or even filling annual returns, I also know that a number of them won't jump at the first accountant that shows up on their search engine. For them, research is key, & when they research me, I want integrity to be the quality that stands out.
What is the biggest challenge facing accountants today?
For me, it was entering the market. For most accountants, I believe it's maintaining a certain degree of professionalism in their business relationships with the clients.
What aspects of accounting do you focus on most?
Cloud Accounting & Payroll Management for small businesses in South Africa. As a set of value-adding services, I also offer tax & CIPC-related services, offering clients convenience & peace of mind.
Describe your average client:
The average small business owner, from anywhere in South Africa.
How far away from your premises is your furthest client?
They're based in Rustenburg, North West Province - I'm based in Johannesburg, Gauteng Province.
From your accounting experience, if you could cite one of the biggest reasons SMEs in SA fail, what would it be?
One thing about small businesses in South Africa - they have the capital. Business owners need to adopt new, innovative ways of streamlining everyday business processes. They need to start thinking of more savvy ways to invest their capital.
What accounting software do you like best?
Sage Business Cloud Accounting. I love Sage Business Cloud Payroll, too!
What other software, online services or apps do you use?
I use Dext - it's a website for converting PDF files to CSV. Many clients may prefer to send you PDF bank statements, as it's the most convenient way. In order to import the bank feed (or bank statement) onto the Sage system, I first need to convert it to CSV. I also make use of Sage's directory listing.
Do you think the coming wave of automation in the next few years will steal some accounting jobs and why/why not?
I believe that AI will enhance mankind's ability to accurately & efficiently process financial data. It's important to know that, as accountants in today's climate, the ones that survive will be the ones that adapt to this new wave of automation. Accountants need to start thinking of how they can use it to their advantage. Businesses still prefer the human element which is provided by Accountants, that will not go away in the next coming 2 decades.
What is your opinion on Bitcoin?
I'm still green when it comes to cryptocurrency. I believe that the future holds the fate of Bitcoin as a medium of exchange. I personally wouldn't say whether or not cryptocurrency is here to stay.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I'm a big YouTube fan. I love watching videos & documentaries on strategy, cloud accounting, entrepreneurship, business ventures such as Soft Bank, WeWork & the rise of conglomerates like Facebook. I am big nerd!
What is the most interesting thing on your bucket list?
Marriage! Simply because I'm still not sure if it's what I want.
What has your experience been on FindanAccountant?
I'm really excited to see what the platform can do for me & my brand. I believe that it will be a prosperous partnership for many years to come!
See how our other local South African accountants have answered the above questions.
