See full profile: Kensington Accountant - Rochelle van Greunen
Were you always planning to be an accountant and why?
Life rarely turns out exactly as we plan, but accounting is a field where you can reliably estimate and plan accordingly.
When meeting with clients, do they mostly come to your own premises or do you mostly go to theirs?
I mostly go to my clients, We service our clients remotely. Technology has made it possible to increase communication without the associated cost to travel to client premises and vice versa.
What is your preferred mode of communication with your clients?
Email, Phone, WhatsApp, Virtual meetings
Have you ever done an online video call with a client?
Yes
What do you love most about accounting?
I find it very rewarding that my job is about helping businesses reach their goals.
Would you recommend accounting as a career for school-leavers, and why?
I would yes. Accounting is a diverse field.
What qualities should South African business people be looking for in their accountant?
Not only should businesses be looking at qualifications, but also professional membership. In my personal experience, the most important quality is the people aspect. You want an accountant who is as invested in your business as you are. Someone who really cares about the goals that you have set for your business and is able to help you achieve those goals.
What is the biggest challenge facing accountants today?
Resistance to change. Not only is the accounting industry slow to embrace new technology and better ways of doing things, but we find that some clients are as well.
What aspects of accounting do you focus on most?
We focus on the whole process from standard bookkeeping & payroll to external reporting and tax planning and submissions.
Describe your average client:
Our average client is an SME. As we are a virtual firm, our clients are scattered all over RSA, but the majority are still in JHB.
From your accounting experience, if you could cite one of the biggest reasons SMEs in SA fail, what would it be?
Not properly accounting and utilizing the data to plan and monitor the business. Accounting should not just be a compliance issue, but also a very valuable tool in any business arsenal.
What accounting software do you like best?
We are partnered with both Xero and Sage
What other software, online services or apps do you use?
Simplepay for payroll, Syft for management accounts and analytical tools.
Do you think the coming wave of automation in the next few years will steal some accounting jobs and why/why not?
You will always need a person to plan and focus strategically. Automations are there to help you do so as efficiently as possible and should be embraced.
What is your opinion on Bitcoin?
I am pro Bitcoin, but cautiously so.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Painting and gardening
What is the most interesting thing on your bucket list?
Living the life of a digital nomad
What has your experience been on FindanAccountant?
We have received very few referrals in the past 12 months.
