See full profile: Kempton Park Accountant - Nkosinathi Mhlophe
Were you always planning to be an accountant and why?
I was not planning to be an Accountant. Infact I was good in sciences and thought I would end up a pilot but after matriculation I discovered a profession where I would help people achieve their business goals and what better profession to study than Accounting. Accounting now flows in my veins. It goes beyond making money
When meeting with clients do they mostly come to your own premises or do you mostly go their theirs?
My clients come to my office
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?
Accounting gives me an opportunity to help SMMEs grow and oh what a fulfilment I get when I see that someone has grown because of my humble input
Would you recommend accounting as a career for school-leavers, and why?
I would definitely recommend Accounting but will be quick to say it is not just about making money. It is about passion
What qualities should South African business people be looking for in their accountant?
Integrity,Ethical,Honesty and good Interpersonal and communication skills
What is the biggest challenge facing accountants today?
The biggest challenge is fly by nights accountants and scammers who badly influence the profession. There is a confusion also out there by bookkeepers who because of lack of accreditation charge low fees while also doing shody work
What aspects of accounting do you focus on most?
Management Accounting; Taxation; Financial Accounting; Business Development; Systems Development
Describe your average client:
My average client is mostly a start up who wants to grow and develop their business to end up having a finance department of their own with my help
How far away from your premises is your furthest client?
50km radius
From your accounting experience, if you could cite one of the biggest reasons SME's in SA fail, what would it be?
Clients many a times do not keep proper records and that affects the accuracy of reporting. While this is wrong from a companies act perspective, it is also a diservice to clients in the sense that they cannot track the management of their finances. Many a promising clients have fallen by the way side as a result of lack of proper financial management tools
What accounting software do you like best?
Pastel, Pastel Auditor, Draftworx
What other software, online services or apps do you use?
Sage Accounting Online, Sage Payroll Online, SMEasy
Do you think the coming wave of automation in the next few years will steal some accounting jobs and why/why not?
I think in order to survive future accountants will have to either keep up with technology or always be a step ahead.I think a lot of accounting jobs will fall be the wayside.
What is your opinion on Bitcoin?
I am still trying to understand Bitcoin having just been introduced by a friend
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I love travelling and that helps me destress from the pressure that comes with the job
What is the most interesting thing on your bucket list?
Travelling around the world; losing a few kilos; learn a new language
See how our other local South African accountants have answered the above questions.
