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INTERVIEW WITH MHLELI MTHEMBU

See full profile: Umhlanga Accountant - Mhleli Mthembu



Were you always planning to be an accountant and why?

Yes, I had a passion to assist people grow their business and provide the best advice on how to make company long term investment


When meeting with clients do they mostly come to your own premises or do you mostly go theirs?

Office, their places and restaurants


What is your preferred mode of communication with your clients?

Email


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

Yes


What do you love most about accounting?

Assisting clients grow their business and investments


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

yes, as the profession still require more young accountants


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

Integrity/credibility, Commercial Awareness, Communication, reliable and competent


What is the biggest challenge facing accountants today?

Risk of Big Four audit dominance, accounting fees cost, access to better clients to assist


What aspects of accounting do you focus on most?

Accounting, tax preparation, tax advisory, business consulting, Budgeting, SARS debts arrangement


Describe your average client:

Clients with Average income of 5 million per year


How far away from your premises is your furthest client?

400km


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

Access to finance, Poor planning, A lack of financial expertise, Poor stock and cash flow management, Failure to differentiate between the company and personal accounts


What accounting software do you like best?

Caseware


What other software, online services or apps do you use?

Xero, Pastel


Do you think the coming wave of automation in the next few years will steal some accounting jobs and why/why not?

No, software still have their errors and accountants will be required for their advisory


What is your opinion on Bitcoin?

Good investment if you have knowledge


What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Watching tv, reading, spending time with family


What is the most interesting thing on your bucket list?

SARS debts arrangement at 100%



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