See full profile: Ruimsig Accountant - Nadia Torrinha
Were you always planning to be an accountant and why?
Even though I excelled in Accounting in High School, when I went to University I initially registered to do a BCom Marketing. In 1st year all BCom subjects were the same, and as one of the students with the highest Accounting marks I was invited to a cocktail party at Deloitte and Touche. They did various presentations and this ultimately swung my decision to study Accounting instead.
When meeting with clients do they mostly come to your own premises or do you mostly go their theirs?
Both. Depending on client preference.
What is your preferred mode of communication with your clients?
Email, Phone, Face to Face, Skype, WhatsApp
Have you ever done an online video call with a client?
Yes
What do you love most about accounting?
I love the diversity of the profession. As a CA(SA) one can choose to stay in auditing, or lecture at a University, or become a Financial Director in a Multinational Company or open an Accounting Practice.
Would you recommend accounting as a career for school-leavers, and why?
Absolutely. There are so many options one can follow once qualified. CA(SA)'s are well regarded internationally and Accountants are in demand both in South Africa and abroad.
What qualities should South African business people be looking for in their accountant?
Integrity, honesty, technical ability and the ability to think on their feet, improvise and be solution driven.
What is the biggest challenge facing accountants today?
Providing the best advice whilst maintaining professional integrity.
What aspects of accounting do you focus on most?
Interpreting Management Accounts, Annual Financial Statements and Tax Compliance.
Describe your average client:
We are fortunate to have a wide and diverse client base. From individual taxes to small companies and CC's to larger multinational companies requiring International Group Reporting.
How far away from your premises is your furthest client?
Based in Johannesburg, we have clients in Cape Town (1100km away) and Durban too.
From your accounting experience, if you could cite one of the biggest reasons SME's in SA fail, what would it be?
We find ourselves in an economic recession and pressure on cash flow makes it difficult for business owners to keep up with their own obligations resulting in them taking more cash from the business than their profitability allows.
What accounting software do you like best?
Pastel, Evolution, Sage Pastel Payroll and Draftworx
What other software, online services or apps do you use?
Quickbooks
Do you think the coming wave of automation in the next few years will steal some accounting jobs and why/why not?
No. You will always need a professional to interpret financial information, structure businesses and provide advice.
What is your opinion on Bitcoin?
I think it is an interesting concept but I haven't bought or used any myself so I don't really have an opinion on them.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I think it is an interesting concept but I haven't bought or used any myself so I don't really have an opinion on them.
What is the most interesting thing on your bucket list?
Probably a cruise in Alaska.
See how our other local South African accountants have answered the above questions.
