See full profile : Centurion Accountant - Jaco de Bruin
Were you always planning to be an accountant and why?
No, I started off wanting to become a medical doctor. I studied for 2 years and then realised the dream and reality was not the same.I changed career path, completing a legal B.Com and then went on to complete two honours degrees on my way to qualify as a Chartered Management Accountant. I chose CIMA as I believe in the forward looking strategic approach to financial management.
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, Skype, WhatsApp
Have you ever done an online video call with a client?
Yes
What do you love most about accounting?
The number allways tell the truth. The bank balance never lies and working with people provides exciting opportunities to improve the future.
Would you recommend accounting as a career for school-leavers, and why?
Yes, once you get past the numbers and reports, working with people at all levels of the organisation to interpret the outcome and possible future direction and growth, provides enormous satisfaction.
What qualities should South African business people be looking for in their accountant?
Someone that can look beyond the numbers and financial reports. Someone that can be part of the management team and add value through interpretation.
What is the biggest challenge facing accountants today?
Being number crunchers only.
What aspects of accounting do you focus on most?
Forecasting, Business Plans and cash flow management
Describe your average client:
A SME and/or professional practice that cannot afford the fulltime services of a financial professional but will benefit from CFO/FD services for direction and growth.
How far away from your premises is your furthest client?
Currently 35km, but there is potential for clients around 300Km away.
From your accounting experience, if you could cite one of the biggest reasons SME's in SA fail, what would it be?
Management do not plan and execute strategies properly, they do not manage cash flow on a frequent enough basis and they do not have the correct teams around them.
What accounting software do you like best?
SAGE for SME's
What other software, online services or apps do you use?
Microsoft Office.
Also a number of financial information applications and websites.
Do you think the coming wave of automation in the next few years will steal some accounting jobs and why/why not?
No, accouting professionals will always be needed to interpret the results, to provide insight and assist in planning and control.
What is your opinion on Bitcoin?
Embrace change, understand the risk and manage it.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I am an avid road runner as well as cyclist. I take part in most big road running events as well as at least one cycling event every other month.
I try and spend as much time as possible with the family doing various other activities.
What is the most interesting thing on your bucket list?
Run the Wall of China half marathon
Attend the Hong Kong sevens
