See full profile: Strand Accountant - Rudman de Waal
Were you always planning to be an accountant and why?
No, my brothers and sister are actually all in the medicine field and I also started out looking to become a doctor. Luckily I'v ended up in the accounting field and I really enjoy it working with figures and bringing it to life.
When meeting with clients do they mostly come to your own premises or do you mostly go their 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?
No
What do you love most about accounting?
Working with figures and helping to explain it to people that does not always work with it. I like it when accounting can add value to a business to either save money or even where it can add revenue.
Would you recommend accounting as a career for school-leavers, and why?
Yes, you got to love accounting and also working with people. The accounting field has moved on from just being number crunching. It also now involves consulting and adding value to a business by being an adviser.
What qualities should South African business people be looking for in their accountant?
Honesty, Trustworthy, Integrity and Knowledgeable.
What is the biggest challenge facing accountants today?
Getting new clients and keeping up to date with the ever evolving future of accounting.
What aspects of accounting do you focus on most?
Accounting, Consulting, Company Registrations and Tax.
Describe your average client:
Small business that can afford a full time accountant and individual tax returns.
How far away from your premises is your furthest client?
45 km's
From your accounting experience, if you could cite one of the biggest reasons SME's in SA fail, what would it be?
Working capital to keep a business going. Not being financial educated to manage their business. Patients to see though the first 1000 days of a start up.
What accounting software do you like best?
Pastel and Quickbooks online.
What other software, online services or apps do you use?
Caseware
Do you think the coming wave of automation in the next few years will steal some accounting jobs and why/why not?
Basic bookkeeping will be affected but accountants will always be needed by business to lead and help them with growing their business and also the statutory requirements and compliance that needs to be adhered to.
What is your opinion on Bitcoin?
Can't really comment on this as I do not understand the mechanics behind Bitcoin.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Exercise and the outdoors.
What is the most interesting thing on your bucket list?
Cycle through the USA.
What has your experience been on FindanAccountant?
I really like the concept around this and hope to get a few clients.
See how our other local South African accountants have answered the above questions.
