See full profile: Midrand Accountant - Nosimilo Mthimkhulu
Were you always planning to be an accountant and why?
My older cousin was very successful and growing up I looked up to him. He was a broker and emphasized that accounting is were the secret to financial success is. Ever since then I wanted to be an accountant.
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, Depends on the clients preference.
What is your preferred mode of communication with your clients?
Email, Phone, Face to Face, Skype, When the professional foundation has been laid then WhatsApp becomes acceptable.
Have you ever done an online video call with a client?
Yes
What do you love most about accounting?
The satisfaction of helping people and businesses get their books right.
Would you recommend accounting as a career for school-leavers, and why?
Definitely. The opportunities are endless and it is required in every industry.
What qualities should South African business people be looking for in their accountant?
Integrity, first and foremost. Qualifications, attention to detail and the pride taken in the work submitted.
What is the biggest challenge facing accountants today?
Credibility. The industry has been tainted with unscrupulous practices from members of well recognised associations. This brings into question the reliability of the information produced.
What aspects of accounting do you focus on most?
Monthly accounts and preparation of financial statements.
How far away from your premises is your furthest client?
45km
From your accounting experience, if you could cite one of the biggest reasons SME's in SA fail, what would it be?
Failure to comply with tax Not knowing how there business is performing financially, that is, are the y making a profit? Poor controls is place as the company starts to grow No financial records to present when applying for a loan, grants or prospective investors.
What accounting software do you like best?
XERO
What other software, online services or apps do you use?
Sage, Receipt banking, SimplePay
Do you think the coming wave of automation in the next few years will steal some accounting jobs and why/why not?
No. The software makes it easier and faster to process repetitive tasks but it still needs to be programmed and monitored by the accountant for each company. The technology allows accountants more time to work on more complex issues for the clients where as they would have been restricted by time I the past by performing these repetitive tasks.
What is your opinion on Bitcoin?
The value has no real backing other than people's opinions. This makes it incredibly risky. I would liken it to a pyramid scheme.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Reading
What is the most interesting thing on your bucket list?
To have a child of my own.
What has your experience been on FindanAccountant?
Interesting
See how our other local South African accountants have answered the above questions.
