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INTERVIEW WITH ACCOUNTANT VEE NAIDO

See full profile: Randburg Accountant - Vee Naidoo

 

Were you always planning to be an accountant and why?

I've always had an affinity for mathematics and accounting since my high school days. I always say it's "in my blood and came to me naturally". 

16 years ago I had the opportunity to work and study part-time. I had chosen a Bachelor of Accounting Sciences, with nothing but determination in hand. It was a long and difficult road. Working and studying part-time was definitely not child's play, especially when one's own expectation of one's self is extremely high. I worked hard and studied hard, with no time for play. After all the hard work, I finally obtained my degree. A few years later, I obtained my Post Graduate Diploma in Accounting Sciences. During all this time, I was fortunate enough to gain immeasurable work experience from some great companies, ranging from accounting, to auditing, to engineering, and agriculture. 

 My passion and determination to become an accountant never faltered to this day, with me now being a qualified Business Accountant in Practice (BAP (SA) and Tax Practitioner (SAIT). 

At VMN Financial and Consulting Solutions, we provide a full range of accounting, payroll, tax and advisory services to individuals, small, medium and large sized enterprises in South Africa. Through our commitment to our clients, we add maximum value to their business, as well as, assist in reaching their full potential.

 

When meeting with clients do they mostly come to your own premises or do you mostly go their theirs?

My clients come to my office, I mostly go to my clients

 

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 always changing and evolving, as does the world around us. Accounting allows me to add value to all and any type of businesses, irrespective of where they come from or what they do. It is always diverse and ever challenging, and is a part of who I am.

 

Would you recommend accounting as a career for school-leavers, and why?

Yes. 

There is more to being an accountant than just number crunching or debits and credits. 

 In becoming an accountant, you can work in almost any industry. You can help companies to improve and reach their full potential. Accounting\Finance is one of the core functions of all businesses and accountants are in high demand.

 

What qualities should South African business people be looking for in their accountant?

Honesty, integrity, to always work ethically and have respect for clients.

 

What is the biggest challenge facing accountants today?

Technology has, and always will be a challenge to the accounting profession. It continues to grow and introduce new trends, which can make certain duties redundant.

 

What aspects of accounting do you focus on most?

We focus on all aspects equally. 

Bookkeeping, Payroll, Accounting, Taxation, Management reporting, Financial Analysis, Annual Financial Statements and interpretation, Independent reviews.

 

Describe your average client:

We have a variety of clients. that range from small to medium sized business. They include:- attorneys, conveyancers, accounting firms, transporters, to name but a few.

 

How far away from your premises is your furthest client?

Our clients are from all over Gauteng :- Pretoria East, Centurion, Midrand, Fourways, Randburg, Houghton and all areas of Johannesburg South.

 

From your accounting experience, if you could cite one of the biggest reasons SME's in SA fail, what would it be?

Mostly in the rural areas of Gauteng. There is a lack of experience, poor planning and lack of access to facilities and services that are easily accessible in cities.

 

What accounting software do you like best?

We have used\use various ERP systems, which includes national and international, based on our clientele. We use Sage Pastel for many of our clients.

 

What other software, online services or apps do you use?

QuickBooks and Xero.

 

Do you think the coming wave of automation in the next few years will steal some accounting jobs and why/why not?

Technology and automation will definitely replace certain duties of accountants, especially those of a repetitive nature.

 

What is your opinion on Bitcoin?

All cryptocurrency have the same advantages and disadvantages and normal currency. Therefore, it can have both legal and illegal uses. 

It is the same and buying and selling shares, both are a gamble. Even though Bitcoin started off extremely well and prices soared, by late 2017, it dropped dramatically. 

 Bitcoin's prices are very volatile and changes daily. Either way, Bitcoin can both be a risk or reward.

 

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Reading

 

What is the most interesting thing on your bucket list?

To visit Ireland, especially the Cliffs of Moher and Trinity College.

 

What has your experience been on FindanAccountant?

Informative

See how our other local South African accountants have answered the above questions.