See full profile: Rondebosch Accountant - Nasr Samie
Were you always planning to be an accountant and why?
Not really. Initially I studied Computer Science, being a bit of a technology geek I thought I would enjoy working with computers. However, I found I missed the people aspect.
I went for a career asessment and they recommended that I look into accouting and I have never looked back.
When meeting with clients do they mostly come to your own premises or do you mostly go their theirs?
I mostly go to my clients.
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?
Learning about my clients and their businesses and finding ways to assist them to optimise their businesses and their profits.
Would you recommend accounting as a career for school-leavers, and why?
Yes, though it may not be fashionable to think so, I believe the profession has a great future. We need to form the human interface between the technology and the client by bringing our professional judgement and insight to the fore. Let the technology do the mundane work.
What qualities should South African business people be looking for in their accountant?
Integrity, Professionalism and Passion are key qualities. Together these qualities ensure that your accountant is always providing you with the best possible service.
What is the biggest challenge facing accountants today?
I believe there are two major challenges, Relevance and Trust.
The perception, with the rapid advance in technology and the recent high-profile failings in the professions, is whether accountants are needed or to be trusted. It is up to each accountant individually to prove this wrong by their actions rather than their words.
What aspects of accounting do you focus on most?
Financial Statement Compilation, Tax Planning and Preperation as well as Business Advisory Consulting.
Describe your average client:
New or established owner managed businesses in the R1m to R20m Turnover space.
How far away from your premises is your furthest client?
I have a CT based client where the senior management is based in JHB. We communicate via email, phone and WhatsApp.
From your accounting experience, if you could cite one of the biggest reasons SME's in SA fail, what would it be?
Owners are not aware if their businesses are profitable and assume "as long as there is cash in the bank" everything is OK.
What accounting software do you like best?
Pastel Partner, and propriety Excel solution for smaller clients.
What other software, online services or apps do you use?
Planning on adopting DraftWorx and currently using MS Office 365.
Do you think the coming wave of automation in the next few years will steal some accounting jobs and why/why not?
As per my earlier answer, No!!! We need to adapt to focus on adding value through insight and truly understanding both the client and their business's needs.
What is your opinion on Bitcoin?
It's a "speculative bubble" currently but the technology has a strong future.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Spending time with my family, reading, watching movies and cycling.
What is the most interesting thing on your bucket list?
Would like to go hot air ballooning in Cappedocia, Turkey.
What has your experience been on FindanAccountant?
Too early to say!!!
See how our other local South African accountants have answered the above questions.
