See full profile: Cape Town Accountant - DYLAN MARTENS
Were you always planning to be an accountant and why?
I originally planned to become an investment analyst, but after studying accounting as part of my degree, I realised how much value accounting can add to businesses across all industries and sizes.
When meeting with clients, do they mostly come to your premises or do you mostly go to theirs?
I mostly go to my clients
What is your preferred mode of communication with your clients?
Email, Phone, Face to Face, Skype, WhatsApp, Microsoft TeamsEmail
Have you ever done an online video call with a client?
Yes
What do you love most about accounting?
Accounting tells the story of a business. As Warren Buffet puts it, "accounting is the language of business".
Would you recommend accounting as a career for school-leavers, and why?
Yes, for anyone involved in business, regardless of whether they are a CEO, entrepreneur or investor, it's exceptionally important to understand how financial information can be used to make informed decisions regarding the future. Accounting is the study and practice of how to understand this information and translate it into business actions.
What qualities should South African business people be looking for in their accountant?
What is the biggest challenge facing accountants today?
The pace of change of new technologies and their impact on work and business. AI and blockchain technologies present profound and exciting changes to the industry and how we interact with clients.
What aspects of accounting do you focus on most?
Using any and all financial information to understanding how to grow a business.
Describe your average client:
A small to medium sized business or professional services firms in any industry.
How far away from your premises is your furthest client?
50km
From your accounting experience, if you could cite one of the biggest reasons SMEs in SA fail, what would it be?
Most businesses, and SMEs are no exception, tend to fail due to inadequate cashflow management. It’s the lifeblood of any business and without ruthless attention to cashflow, cracks appear that break the strongest of walls.
What accounting software do you like best?
Quickbooks Online
What other software, online services or apps do you use?
Xero, Sage HubDoc and, Dext
Do you think the coming wave of automation in the next few years will steal some accounting jobs and why/why not?
Potentially, AI expands the service offering and places a greater responsibility to add value beyond pure number crunching. AI requires accountants to understand how financial information can be translated into actionable insights for clients and their businesses.
What is your opinion on Bitcoin?
It is an amazing technology, which holds much promise for the future of financial services. It is however a technology that requires deep understanding as it poses significant risks if regarded lightly.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Playing golf and spending time with my family.
What is the most interesting thing on your bucket list?
Skiing in the Swiss Alps
What has your experience been on FindanAccountant?
It presents a great opportunity for clients and accountants to connect.
See how our other local South African accountants have answered the above questions.
