While accounting principles have not changed, technological advances have altered the technical and soft skills requirements of today’s accountants. Accounting is no longer viewed as a mere mathematical tool, but as a valuable asset that can help drive strategic decision-making for an organization. Whether you are micro, small or medium size. It matters.
As your financial year-end is approaching, we need to accept the need for compliance but also realise that it is the time of the year that we need to visualise the future of your company and anticipate challenges and trends with data that is everywhere. I work with a team that has the ability to use technologies above a traditional accounting system that can help a business use analytics to better understand what affects performance. This is not a luxury, but a competitive edge, no matter the size of a business.
I have found that many business owners have lost their passion and drive for what they do, and I find it most enjoyable to find that minor business adjustment that can re-ignite the passion and bring them back on a strategic track. In general, my job is easy to explain: it is to assist SMMEs with strategy, accounting, data, compliance and human resource related functions. But it becomes so much more as I get involved: then I also become a business advisor, IT support, website designer, lawyer……
My focus will always be to understand the client’s financial needs but in this process the ability to get along with my client is very important. My work often comes in ‘cold’ – either via a website or client referrals. These clients are more than just clients - they are people I get along with and most importantly they all feel comfortable bouncing ideas off me.
I try to fulfil many roles. That of a technical expert, bookkeeper/accountant, adviser, impartial sounding board and an honest and impartial friend in many instances. I believe that forms a strong foundation on which real business and personal relationships are built upon. This should in almost all cases result in a long-lasting and mutually beneficial relationship between a company, its staff and its accountant.
Name of business Owner: Marina Wilbraham
Name of Business : Number Farm
Location:PARADISE BEACH / JEFFREY’S Bay
Phone Number: 072 612 5500
Email Address: marina@numberfarm.co.za
Website:
www.numberfarm.co.za