See full profile: Umhlanga Accountant - Mhleli Mthembu
Were you always planning to be an accountant and why?
Yes, I had a passion to assist people grow their business and provide the best advice on how to make company long term investment
When meeting with clients do they mostly come to your own premises or do you mostly go theirs?
Office, their places and restaurants
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?
Assisting clients grow their business and investments
Would you recommend accounting as a career for school-leavers, and why?
yes, as the profession still require more young accountants
What qualities should South African business people be looking for in their accountant?
Integrity/credibility, Commercial Awareness, Communication, reliable and competent
What is the biggest challenge facing accountants today?
Risk of Big Four audit dominance, accounting fees cost, access to better clients to assist
What aspects of accounting do you focus on most?
Accounting, tax preparation, tax advisory, business consulting, Budgeting, SARS debts arrangement
Describe your average client:
Clients with Average income of 5 million per year
How far away from your premises is your furthest client?
400km
From your accounting experience, if you could cite one of the biggest reasons SME's in SA fail, what would it be?
Access to finance, Poor planning, A lack of financial expertise, Poor stock and cash flow management, Failure to differentiate between the company and personal accounts
What accounting software do you like best?
Caseware
What other software, online services or apps do you use?
Xero, Pastel
Do you think the coming wave of automation in the next few years will steal some accounting jobs and why/why not?
No, software still have their errors and accountants will be required for their advisory
What is your opinion on Bitcoin?
Good investment if you have knowledge
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Watching tv, reading, spending time with family
What is the most interesting thing on your bucket list?
SARS debts arrangement at 100%
See how our other local South African accountants have answered the above questions.
