See full profile: Umhlanga Ridge Accountant - Lynette van Nieuwenhuizen
Were you always planning to be an accountant and why?
Being and accountant was not part of my eighteen year old self plan, it was only once my parents had aptitude tests done did accounting pop up as a career possibility
When meeting with clients do they mostly come to your own premises or do you mostly go their theirs?
I try to be flexable so we meet at either my office or theirs
What is your preferred mode of communication with your clients?
Email, Phone, Face to Face, WhatsApp
Have you ever done an online video call with a client?
No
What do you love most about accounting?
Unlike what people believe, accounting is never boring
Would you recommend accounting as a career for school-leavers, and why?
No, its a career with high stress levels and never ending deadlines, so I would rather recommend becoming a vlogger or "influencer"
What qualities should South African business people be looking for in their accountant?
Some one that understands their business /personal needs and is able to deliver the service that is required
What is the biggest challenge facing accountants today?
Accountants tend to be multi skilled - and have a true fascination with business. So not just for accountants but most entrepreneurs the biggest challenge TIME!
What aspects of accounting do you focus on most?
Management accounts, annual financials, taxation
Describe your average client:
Entrepreneurs young and old, both new start ups and established businesses
How far away from your premises is your furthest client?
Could we work out the distance between Durban and Paris France?
From your accounting experience, if you could cite one of the biggest reasons SME's in SA fail, what would it be?
The lack of capital to get the business up and running. Most entrepreneurs need to draw salaries relatively quickly and then don't have the funds to invest in innovation in their businesses.
What accounting software do you like best?
Pastel
What other software, online services or apps do you use?
Sage One, Quickbooks online, FNB Instant Accounting
Do you think the coming wave of automation in the next few years will steal some accounting jobs and why/why not?
No, automation is great in saving time from the repetitive work that needs to be done, but these figures still needs to be interpreted.
What is your opinion on Bitcoin?
I don't have enough knowledge on Bitcoin, however a cripto currency in my opinion was inevitable.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I read non stop - its my addiction
What is the most interesting thing on your bucket list?
I have been blessed that a lot of my bucket list items have been achieved, but the most fun and interesting thing was sky diving!
See how our other local South African accountants have answered the above questions.
