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INTERVIEW WITH ACCOUNTANT CHRIS HERBST

See full profile: Stellenbosch Accountant - Chris Herbst

 

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

 

Have you ever done an online video call with a client?

Yes

 

What do you love most about accounting?

The analytical aspect and the fact that it is a relevant support service to all businesses.

 

Would you recommend accounting as a career for school-leavers, and why?

Yes, the demand for accountants are high and you can enter various fields if you studied accounting.

 

What qualities should South African business people be looking for in their accountant?

An accountant that is available to them at all times, understand their business and provide more value than only doing the minimum.

 

What is the biggest challenge facing accountants today?

The current condition of state institutions and cashflow, since many small businesses does not adhere to payment terms.

 

What aspects of accounting do you focus on most?

Management accounts and financial statements.

 

How far away from your premises is your furthest client?

In the United Kingdom

 

From your accounting experience, if you could cite one of the biggest reasons SME's in SA fail, what would it be?

Lack of administration and internal controls as well as owners being to tied up in operations to focus strategically.

 

What accounting software do you like best?

Sage

 

What is your opinion on Bitcoin?

Blockchain has major future implications. However the current speculative trading in bitcoin has no intrinsic value and something will give way.

 

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Walking, running, reading and listening to music.

 

See how our other local South African accountants have answered the above questions.