See full profile: Randburg Chartered Accountant - Paul Naude (CA)
Were you always planning to be an accountant and why?
No. I qualified with a Science degree first but saw the value in accounting from a business perspective. With technology there are numerous opportunities to provide value to clients, allowing them to focus on their core business activities.
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
What is your preferred mode of communication with your clients?
Email, Phone, Face to Face, WhatsApp
Have you ever done an online video call with a client?
Yes
What do you love most about accounting?
Opportunity to address difficult accounting issues that provide recognisable value to the client.
Would you recommend accounting as a career for school-leavers, and why?
Yes. However, I believe there should be more emphasis on the practical assistance of clients and understanding businesses.
What qualities should South African business people be looking for in their accountant?
Motivation in terms of assisting clients to address their problems. An accountant should provide a wider range of skills which should translate to a good balance of practical assistance and academic capability.
What is the biggest challenge facing accountants today?
Smaller accounting firms have to compete with large branded firms while often needing to provide similar or even better value at reduced pricing. When servicing small clients this can be a balancing act.
What aspects of accounting do you focus on most?
Providing understanding to the client on their financial statements against the backdrop of what is required of the accounting profession. Where there are tax implications, ensuring the client remains in good standing with SARS. Where there are problematic matters, ensuring prioritisation of those matters.
Describe your average client:
Successful SMEs that are astute in managing a difficult business environment. Our assistance contributes to their capability in ensuring efficiencies in their core business areas. Industries include construction, retail and the automobile industries.
How far away from your premises is your furthest client?
Fourteen kilometres (johannesburg area). We have also performed services in Kwazulu Natal.
From your accounting experience, if you could cite one of the biggest reasons SME's in SA fail, what would it be?
Over emphasis on Government led - statutory requirements. Excessive tax rates for smaller clients.
What accounting software do you like best?
Sage is our go to software across the Accounting and Payroll packages. We also have skills with Oracle Cloud with an emphasis on Project Management of customised solutions.
What other software, online services or apps do you use?
We have effectively utilised Process Management software. Additionally, dependent on the need we have used CaseWare, Audit Mate and Team Mate as well as Microsoft Office products including MS Project.
Do you think the coming wave of automation in the next few years will steal some accounting jobs and why/why not?
No - only some low level book-keeping positions. In the main there should be greater opportunity for qualified accountants who have strong information technology based capabilities.
What is your opinion on Bitcoin?
Bitcoin clearly has risks that are likely to be further exacerbated in the current South African market. I would suggest clients do not actively get involved in Bitcoin unless it is on a limited speculative basis and they are dealing with a reputable source probably US based and monitored.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Playing the guitar. Spending time with my children and our pets, including taking the dogs to the park.
What is the most interesting thing on your bucket list?
I am writing a fiction novel in my spare time.
What has your experience been on FindanAccountant?
Generally good but still hoping to get more good leads.
See how our other local South African accountants have answered the above questions.
