See full profile: Bryanston Chartered Accountant - Thasigan Naidoo
Were you always planning to be an accountant and why?
Yes. I always had a flair for accounting from the time I first studied it at high school level and was mentored by my teacher to pursue a career in the CA field.
When meeting with clients do they mostly come to your own premises or do you mostly go to theirs?
In the new digital and post-pandemic world, we deal mostly with clients on online platforms e.g. Zoom, Teams etc.
What is your preferred mode of communication with your clients?
Zoom
Have you ever done an online video call with a client?
Yes
What do you love most about accounting?
It's almost like a perfect science. For every debit, there has to be a credit.
Would you recommend accounting as a career for school-leavers, and why?
Yes. It is tough, but can be rewarding as the opportunities to branch out are endless. One doesn't even need to be a pure accountant. You have CA's that have started their own recruitment firms, CEO's of companies or to something totally unrelated to accounting. It is not a rigid profession. You use the skills/knowledge/training etc. to do what it is you want to do.
What qualities should South African business people be looking for in their accountant?
Integrity, experience, qualifications, business partner/entrepreneurial-minded
What is the biggest challenge facing accountants today?
The ethical scandals facing prominent accounting firms has brought the profession into disrepute e.g. KPMG and their links to the state capture
What aspects of accounting do you focus on most?
Going beyond just the accounting aspects, but unlocking the full value potential at a client
Describe your average client:
An SMME or start-up that is looking for a CFO but unable to pay the price of a full-time CFO
How far away from your premises is your furthest client?
Within 35km radius
From your accounting experience, if you could cite one of the biggest reasons SME's in SA fail, what would it be?
Not having a proper financial/business plan and strategy
What accounting software do you like best?
Sage Business Online Accounting
What other software, online services or apps do you use?
Sage Payroll
Do you think the coming wave of automation in the next few years will steal some accounting jobs and why/why not?
It might impact the typical accounting/bookkeeping functions as with some software these tasks are no longer manual. However, just like how audit firms had to evolve when Companies Act requirements for audits changed whereby fewer companies required and audit, they expanded their consulting/advisory business, accountants need to do the same to stay relevant.
What is your opinion on Bitcoin?
My opinion has changed from something that not many really knew much about to it gaining mainstream acceptance. When big tech companies like Tesla invest a $billion in it, then you stop and take notice. Having said that it is a highly speculative investment that one should be careful of. Only invest as much as you are willing to lose. What is becoming apparent is that we need to look at the bigger picture. It is blockchain technology that we should be paying attention and not just Bitcoin. For e.g. Whilst people are suffering from FOMO, Ethereum has almost doubled (the last time I checked). So, final point on this is people should not just get caught up in the hype but do their own research so they know what they are investing in and the risks involved.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I am a motoring fanatic so that can take up hours of my time. I also like adventures in nature, zip-lining, travelling (when we are allowed to again), music, movies.
What is the most interesting thing on your bucket list?
To see the Northern Lights
What has your experience been on FindanAccountant?
It has been an interesting experience as it’s very focused and not just another regular advertising platform.
See how our other local South African accountants have answered the above questions.
