See full profile: Johannesburg Accountant - SHANICE J OWDBEHARI
Were you always planning to be an accountant and why?
I have always been in the financial field; accountancy allows me to plan for my clients from a holistic point of view. It is incorporated into Financial Planning, Tax Planning and Compliance. I love doing it, simply because we help corporates understand the importance of compliance and the key role this plays into having a successful business.
When meeting with clients, do they mostly come to your premises or do you mostly go to theirs?
It depends on what is more convenient for the client. Some clients are comfortable meeting at the office, some clients are more comfortable meeting at their office, and certain circumstances requires site visitations on a regular basis. This also builds relationship and trust with 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?
What I love most about accounting is how it brings clarity to complex financial information. I enjoy analyzing numbers, identifying patterns, and turning data into actionable insights that help businesses make informed decisions
Would you recommend accounting as a career for school-leavers, and why?
Accounting skills are highly transferable across industries. Every business, large or small, needs accountants, so there’s consistent demand for professionals in this field
What qualities should South African business people be looking for in their accountant?
An accountant must have a strong grasp of accounting principles, tax laws, and financial regulations in South Africa. Accuracy and attention to detail are critical because errors can have serious legal and financial consequences
What is the biggest challenge facing accountants today?
One of the biggest challenges is staying up to date with constantly evolving regulations, tax legislation, and compliance requirements. In South Africa, changes in SARS rules, VAT, and other reporting standards mean accountants must continuously update their knowledge to ensure businesses remain compliant.
What aspects of accounting do you focus on most?
Tax compliance, bookkeeping and legislation.
Describe your average client:
My average client is typically a small to medium-sized business in South Africa, operating in industries like retail, services, construction, or professional services. I also work with individuals who need tax planning, investment advice, or financial structuring
How far away from your premises is your furthest client?
I have clients throughout South Africa, I work nationally.
From your accounting experience, if you could cite one of the biggest reasons SMEs in SA fail, what would it be?
In my experience, one of the main reasons small and medium-sized enterprises in South Africa fail is poor cash flow management.
What accounting software do you like best?
Zoho Books, QuickBooks, Simple Pay, Sage - Just depending on the need.
What other software, online services or apps do you use?
None at the moment
Do you think the coming wave of automation in the next few years will steal some accounting jobs and why/why not?
Automation and AI are definitely changing the accounting landscape. Routine tasks like data entry, reconciliations, and basic bookkeeping can now be done faster and with fewer errors by software
What is your opinion on Bitcoin?
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have become an important part of the global financial conversation. They offer a new form of digital asset and payment system that has attracted both investors and businesses
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Cooking and catching up with the news.
What is the most interesting thing on your bucket list?
Travel the world
What has your experience been on FindanAccountant?
So far, great!
See how our other local South African accountants have answered the above questions.
