See full profile: Ferndale Accountant - Namashiwayam Govender
Were you always planning to be an accountant and why?
I qualified as a teacher but switched to become an accountant. The scope of becoming an accountant was wide enough to generate a greater interest careerwise. As a general accountant, I had exposure to and experienced the different types of roles that an accountant would encounter. As a result, I am able to handle all aspects of business challenges relating to financial management.
When meeting with clients do they mostly come to your own premises or do you mostly go to theirs?
I mostly go to my clients, I am very flexible in this regard. To service a client I believe that your approach must create a positive impact on the potential client.
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?
Accounting is seeing the end results ultimately after all the recording and adjustments have been processed. It's the end result that is significant to the business owner--- this generates more queries. It's an ongoing process.
Would you recommend accounting as a career for school-leavers, and why?
Yes, a career that has many different forms of speciality for any aspiring individual.
What qualities should South African business people be looking for in their accountant?
Extensive experience and wide knowledge with the essential qualification.
What is the biggest challenge facing accountants today?
Giving concrete advice to business managers. Bear in mind you could be blamed for the shortcomings but always provide options available.
What aspects of accounting do you focus on most?
Preparation of reports especially the Annual Financial Statements.Budgeting and monitoring of budgets and cost control. Implementing effective controls n the work environment.
Describe your average client:
My average client requires monthly processing done timeously for submission. Vat analysis and submission. Payroll management and submission to SARS timeously. Management accounting to ensure a strong cash flow setup.
How far away from your premises is your furthest client?
120 km
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.
Cash flow problems and firm order generation.
What accounting software do you like best?
Team and Sage
What other software, online services or apps do you use?
Excel and Xero
Do you think the coming wave of automation in the next few years will steal some accounting jobs and why/why not?
I think It will generate more challenges and more opportunities to deliver.
What is your opinion on Bitcoin?
I think it can be very risky if you are not au fait.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Watching sports esp soccer. I am a keen runner/walker. Completed 10 Comrades and 12 Two Ocean Marathons.
What is the most interesting thing on your bucket list?
To make myself as useful to any fellow being as possible, so as to help improve the quality of life. To enjoy the simple things in life.
See how our other local South African accountants have answered the above questions.
