See full profile: Grassy Park Accountant - Duncan van de Heever
Were you always planning to be an accountant and why?
Yes. I did very well in High School and developed a passion for numbers and thus ended up studying Accounting.
When meeting with clients do they mostly come to your own premises or do you mostly go their theirs?
Both. My bigger clients prefer having business meetings to discuss their financial results.
What is your preferred mode of communication with your clients?
Have you ever done an online video call with a client?
Yes
What do you love most about accounting?
Accounting is like getting your report card. It tells you whether you failing of passing at what you doing, and clearly shows the areas that requires improvement.
Would you recommend accounting as a career for school-leavers, and why?
Most definitely. It is a skill that everyone requires in their everyday life, and all potential employers need it, but it is one of the skills that an entrepreneur should have.
What qualities should South African business people be looking for in their accountant?
Good people skills, good communications and timely finishing of accounting reports.
What is the biggest challenge facing accountants today?
The advancement in technology means accountants cannot just be bean counters, but have to be business coaches to remain relevant.
What aspects of accounting do you focus on most?
We have a general accounting practice aiming to provide the full accounting package that a business requires. We deal with bookkeeping. Payroll Taxes, monthly management accounts, VAT & Annual financial statements.
Describe your average client:
It is usually small to medium size businesses. I avoid clients that are not serious about their business. I am drawn to clients that wants to be successful and willing put in the necessary work ethic.
How far away from your premises is your furthest client?
50km
From your accounting experience, if you could cite one of the biggest reasons SME's in SA fail, what would it be?
Poor business and Accounting systems. A lot of people start businesses without a plan. If you have no plan and no business and Accounting systems, you plan to fail.
What accounting software do you like best?
QuickBooks
What other software, online services or apps do you use?
Draftworx
Do you think the coming wave of automation in the next few years will steal some accounting jobs and why/why not?
Automation will make bean counting by people more obsolete, and the focus will adding value in interpreting financial information.
What is your opinion on Bitcoin?
Good idea to use for diversification of your portfolio. The old principle of never put all your eggs in one basket still applies. So put some money in, but not more than 10-15% of your portfolio.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Spending time with the family and I enjoy watching English Soccer, and following the rugby and cricket.
What is the most interesting thing on your bucket list?
Parachuting & shark cage diving
What has your experience been on FindanAccountant?
Good
See how our other local South African accountants have answered the above questions.
