Discover the latest news from Accensis

Following the passing of the Director of Standards at IRBA Imran Vanker, Accensis director Suresh Naidoo pays tribute to his long-time colleague and reflects on the huge loss to the audit fraternity.

Closing up for the year is no joke - juggling holiday plans, staff expectations, and the inevitable year-end financial tasks can leave you filled with dread. Here's how your business can succeed despite the holiday season pressure.

Hate your outfit? That could affect your whole day, potentially the rest of your career. Thembisa Hope Sondzaba explains how your choice of clothing can impact your career, and how science backs her up. Here's how you can eliminate that Monday morning 'fit dilemma!

As anxious parents and stressed students battle out the matric final exams season, Senior Auditor Mfanafuthi Nene discusses the heartbreaking reality of high unemployment rates and tertiary institutions struggling with capacity. For the private sector, this could be a lucrative opportunity. Here's how we can imagine a fruitful, skillful future for our youth.

The AI Boom isn't slowing down any soon and neither are we. The AI developments have us chatting! It's all about nuclear reactors, regulatory issues with deepfakes and new research on the job market. Join Deepika Naidoo, Nhlanhla Musa Mdlalose and Ebrahim Kaloo for the latest revelations in the artificial intelligence world.

What a court crisis, hey? The Department of Employment and Labour has recently been in hot water over service provider snafus - what's new? Well, a lot. Tax Manager Silindile Phakathi talks about cloud-based systems and how you, the taxpayer, will have to navigate the treacherous waters of service delivery failures.

Diversity is once again a contentious and trending topic. Following the shocking response from the private sector to the recent Texas DEI bans, Junior Accountant Gugulethu Mafuleka explains why you need to double down on diversity-focused policies and how to make inclusive changes in your organisation.

You are what you eat, especially regarding your bread and butter. But what do eating habits have anything to do with running a business? According to recent scientific discoveries, a lot. Trainee Kiasha Jurakan explains the often-overlooked connection between your employees' eating habits and the success of your business.

Auditing isn’t sexy anymore. Or, at least, according to the declining interest in the profession. But you know what they say: one person's unwanted job is another person's hidden gem. For BCom accounting graduates turned job seekers, here's why auditing could be for you.

Slowly, but surely, South African youths are leaving the country. But why? And how can we give them a reason stay? Senior auditor Aaron Ramlal explores strategies SA can employ to encourage our young workforce to stay.

Unless you've lived under a rock for the last year, artificial intelligence is taking us into the next digital era, and we need to face facts: AI is a risky business: Data can be leaked. Opportunities for security breaches. Algorithms have their flaws How do you safely and successfully implement these technologies in your business? Our very own AI Steering Committee chats about smart moves to avoid these risks.

"Congratulations on the promotion. It must be nice to have so much free time to focus on work. Some of us have families to take care of, and we can't afford to stay late or put in extra hours like others can." Ladies, have you ever heard something like this from a fellow woman? Or in a boardroom filled with men, the only other woman in the room doesn't have your back and sadly sees you as a competition? In the spirit of Women's Month, marketing manager Deepika Naidoo chats about recognising our internalised biases towards our gender and how women can support each other in their careers.

Do something every day, and soon it will be second nature. So how do you make sure you're making a positive impact on your journey? Audit Senior Siphumelele Nkosi talks about creating good habits, and shares expert effective ways to make sure you're on the path to success with your subconscious behaviours.

8% of South African CEOs are women. What incredible progress has been made, but there are still so many barriers women face in finance. So what's the next move? Senior Audit Manager Nirasha Naidoo celebrates the women of Accensis and shares what it will take to overcome the hurdles of the patriarchy.

Is this what I studied for you? You ask yourself as you drown under a pile of queries. Picture it: You're a graduate who just landed your dream internship. But much to your dismay, it's all long hours and endless files - begging the question: "is this it?" For our Gen Zs starting in the workplace, Audit trainee Yatish Hiralal chats about what to expect as a SAICA intern/trainee. Here's how to level up your career, starting from the bottom of the corporate ladder.

In 2024, you need more than a degree and 10+ years of work experience to successfully lead a team. With new working norms, what skills do you need to stay ahead of the curve? Senior Auditor Ntobeko Mzobe shares the unexpected power of self-awareness and empathy in today's working world.

Better questionnaires? Solar panel kickbacks? This filing season just got better! Tax Manager Nhlanhla Musa Mdlalose provides all the SARS updates for this 2024 tax season.

Black tax is not discussed enough among professionals. Referring to the money black workers provide to their families, accountant Zakithi Zondi shares how she balances her duty to her family and dedication to her personal goals.

A tale as old as time: staff meets manager, manager works with staff, and just before you know it - personalities clash. Once in harmony, Shabnum Hassim shares some lessons on how to navigate a relationship with your manager once its turned sour.

In the fast-paced accounting world, theoretical knowledge alone won't cut it. Aspiring accountants need more than classroom lectures; they need real-life work experience. Shazade Bisnath explores the exponential career growth that comes with on-the-job learning.

Doing your taxes is like playing a video game - efiling is a maze, and SARS is the final boss. But are there any cheat codes to win? Mumtaaz Khan discusses SARS' AI integration and how it's changing the tax game.

Why are none of my colleagues reading my emails? Maybe you're not getting your point across. Many of us wonder how our voice can be heard in a sea of emails, instant messages, and phone calls. It's strategy! Deepika Naidoo writes about how to communicate effectively within your organisation.

Be yourself—much easier said than done, right? Imposter Syndrome can have us down in the dumps—pretty bad! The audit team's Tshegofatso Nteko explains how to identify your heart's desires and practically beat feeling like an imposter in your successes.

Once again, the Accensis honourable speaker is hitting us with the politics 411. Considering the national election tomorrow, Mfanafuthi Nene explores the possibility of a coalition government and what that could mean for the political future of South Africa.

Cookie-cutter ideas of productivity don't cut it. By focusing solely on hours worked, our current productivity systems overlook the valuable contributions of neurodivergent employees. Shabnum Hassim explains how you can include all employees in your productivity measures.

Strategic play and genuine diversity - South Africa's Springbok rugby team has united the nation through each and every win. But their leadership? so much to learn! Our director Suresh Naidoo brings you the best of the 'Chasing the Sun 2' documentary and what leaders can learn from one of the most successful rugby teams of all time.

What makes you an exceptional manager? The challenges of 2024 have changed the definition of good leadership. There is new criteria used to judge your capabilities. HR Consultant Kuresha Subramony defines good leadership in the current workforce, and what you can do to level up your skills as a leader.

Picture it: the snow owl just dropped off your acceptance letter for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. But you're not 11, not Harry Potter, and it's the beginning of your auditor journey. In part 2 of this entertaining epic, and many lessons to be learned, HP fan Khofhid Govender explains how being a trainee has been like a fictional tale.

Guts, giggles, and greatness – three words he uses to describe his traineeship. Ebrahim Kaloo illustrates the battle of becoming a CA(SA) – From the torrid trenches to utter chaos, here’s how to win as a SAICA Trainee.

In the charged atmosphere of the upcoming elections on May 29, tax misuse is once again a hot topic. Phumelela Dion Makhoba weighs it up, what should we consider before raising SARS concerns.

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced that the estimated assessment functionality has been implemented for value-added tax (VAT). Director Suresh Naidoo and our team of tax experts, Nontando Zondo, Silindile Pearl Phakathi and Nhlanhla Musa Mdlalose, explain what this means for business owners.

Picture it: the snow owl just dropped off your acceptance letter for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. But you're not 11, not Harry Potter, and it's the beginning of your auditor journey. In part one of this entertaining epic, HP fan Khofhid Govender explains how being a trainee has been like a fictional tale. One that is both a dream and a nightmare!

Following recent mandates from major organisations for their workers to return to the office full-time, we think hybrid solutions are still possible. Many businesses are at a crossroads: Are you team #workfromhome or team #returntooffice? Kiyara Rampersadh argues for the case of offering working from home or a hybrid offering. She explains how the future is flexibility.

Danger lurks when you pile the work onto your best employee. Yes, they are more than capable, yes, they excel at their work. But this could be the very reason they jump ship. Shabnum Hassim explores why we need to stop burdening star employees.

We love artificial intelligence! So we are bringing the best of it to you. The AI Steering Committee, Deepika Naidoo, Nhlanhla Musa Mdlalose, Tshegofatso Nteko, Ebrahim Kaloo and Mumtaaz Khan, share the chronicles of the Accensis AI journey and how we are going to shake up the accounting world.

After I am dead and gone, what does it matter? I say, do it while you can. Let's talk wills and estates. Our attorney and fiduciary manager, Amishka Hansjee, wants to remind you of the benefits of creating an inter-vivos trust.

Following the passing of great South African cricketer Mike Procter, our director Mr Suresh Naidoo shares his moment with Proccie and how his impact paved the way for sports people of all races.

Having it all - how do you do that? Mother of 2, wife and BPO accounting manager Nthabiseng Lebogo, AGA(SA), shares some tips on how she thrives in her many roles.

Providing relief for the general fuel levy, in 2000 the government implemented the diesel refund system. With the help of SARS, food manufacturers have a diesel refund extension until 2025. Tax Practitioner Nhlanhla Musa Mdlalose explains how business owners can cash in.

Providing learning opportunities to employees is a vital strategy when considering staff retention. We are on board with it, but how does this help you? Audit Manager Shayur Mohun explains why both businesses and professional individuals thrive when further learning opportunities are available to employees.

One of the joys of youth is freedom. Freedom to exist, choose your path and enjoy what the world offers. Two of our trainee auditors/accountants Khofhid Govender and Shabnum Hassim recently travelled to the Netherlands to visit our clients, Visser & Visser. Read all about exciting new cultures, networking opportunities and lessons to take your audit career to the next level.

Internal promotions are a litmus test for a employee's value in an organisation. Recently promoted to senior accountant, Zamokuhle Mkhize shares how he flourishes and rakes in the accolades.

Stakeholders are concerned, employers are frustrated, and aspiring accountants feel failed - but what's the solution? Here are some suggestions for bridging the skills gap in the audit, accounting and tax industries.

Thank you, reader. It’s been real, it’s been fun but it’s time to lock up shop. Accensis has wrapped up for the year, I hope our favourite takes of 2023 can keep you comforted this festive season. Have a look at our year's ‘montage’.

During the 2023 tax year, SARS issued a Taxation Law Amendment Act of 2021 that has seen a few changes to the Income Tax Act system. Have a look at how these changes will affect your business.

Do you ever scroll through social media and worry about your life? Are you stressed about falling behind and not meeting your goals like your peers? Stop comparing. Trainee Auditor Tshegofatso Nteko explains how intentionality and focusing on yourself can contribute to your happiness.

It's time to prepare for the future - starting with wills and estate planning! But have you wondered why this process can take so long? Fiduciary Manager Amishka Hansjee discusses how the shortcomings of the Masters' Offices can affect you in their most difficult times, and what are the solutions to the on-going mayhem.

Becoming a trainee doesn't sound like fun at first - grueling work, demanding managers and coffee runs? Not at Accensis! Second-year audit trainee Khofhid Govender shares why he thinks you should pursue the CA(SA) route, despite the challenges you will face.

You will always strive towards being rewarded for your efforts as a worker. So why not be recognised more often? At Accensis, we recently implemented a quarterly review process. HR Consultant Kuresha Subramony explains how it's beneficial to business owners and their employees to have performance reviews more than once a year.

Why is my milk so expensive? Why are these debit orders more painful than before? Audit Trainee Yatish Hiralal explains the chain of events that happen when the price of petrol increases, and how that affects the average South African household.

Following the tragic events of October 7 2023, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has again come to light. Trainee Accountant Mumtaaz Khan explains the history behind the conflict and how South Africans can relate these events.

Being a professional, you often get stuck in your work, leaving your self-care on the back burner. You become concerned about the shininess of your hair, the neatness of your nails, and the condition of the largest organ, the skin. Audit Trainee Zamokuhle Majola shares some things to consider when starting your skincare routine.

One of the most valuable experiences one could have in life is travelling to a new place: a new culture, new people, a whole new world awaits! Tax Manager Nontando Zondo feels that as a young professional, she gained a whole of perspective from her trip to Thailand. Here’s how she did it.

A life where you earn and learn? Sign me up! Or is it too good to be true? Audit Trainee Nomvula Madondo reveals how she manages her work at Accensis while studying in her journey to CA(SA).

You can't be scrambling at the end. That's why we have Amishka here to help you! Estate planning? Wills? Trusts? Welcome fiduciary manager Amishka Hansjee to the Accensis team, and discover how she can help you manage your assets during your lifetime.

As a busy young professional, It’s easy to ignore your health to make deadlines. Our in-house health champion, Tax Manager Silindile Pearl Phakathi reveals her exercise routines, meal plans and tips for healthier living.

Let's talk about the elephant in the room - there is a link between corporate profits and inflation. Our director Suresh Naidoo shares his analysis on how the average man's struggle is fueled by corporate greed in the current economic landscape.

"Accepting the bare minimum is a direct insult to your dreams" Imposter syndrome, a term that has been buzzing around us lately - when one has doubt in their ability to succeed, believing that they aren't worthy of the accolades and praise. Junior BPO Accountant Siyabonga Kubeka shares the dangers of 'sleeping on your level', and what you can do to gain confidence in yourself.

We can't shy away from the on going issues with the Department of Labour with UIF. Mothers have to wait for months, years before they can even receive a payment after taking a cut in their paychecks. BPO Accounting Manager Nompilo Hadebe shares her story and how she experienced a broken system.

"You are too young to be this senior!" "Your time has passed" "Let me speak to your boss; I am sure he would have a better understanding." Most women have experienced discrimination in the workplace - especially when it comes to their age. Accountant Leena Ramrutham and Marketing Manager Deepika Naidoo explore how we can speak up and end this kind of injustice.

Not all heros wear capes, sometimes they have calculators. Two years after the release of the Zondo Commission's State Capture Report, our honorable writer and Senior Auditor Mfanafuthi Nene urges accountants and auditors to look at their role in South African politics.

Maybe you are sick of hearing this but we are sick of your judgements! Boring? Pencil pushers? Coin counters? Clearly, you haven’t met the Accensis crew! BPO Accountant Zamokuhle Mkhize shares his thoughts on common misconceptions surrounding accountants.

Gone are the days where accountants and auditors are forced to wear stuffy black or brown suits in their cubicle. What comes with evolving our business for our people? embracing their interests - like fashion! One of our favourite office fashionistas audit trainee Kiyara Rampersadh breaks down why we are seeing more fashionable looks in the work place.

What is it like to be a vacation student at Accensis? Dylan Kriel, a third-year Bcom student at Potchefstroom University, spent the last two weeks learning a thing or two about the accounting world. He has some thoughts and takeaways after working with our accounting, auditing and tax teams.

Everyone ones to be perfect. Who wants to make a mistake? But let's be honest, being a perfectionist isn't all that it is cracked up to be. Audit Senior Vuyokazi Klaas shares her lessons on her journey to CA(SA) and how this has helped her achieve post articles.

We wish all of you a blessed and holy Eid ul Adha. Audit Trainee Ebrahim Kaloo explains the significance of this day for muslims. "Eid ul Adha serves as a reminder of the values of faith, sacrifice, generosity, and community"

Do you need some audit and accounting industry tips to make your job easier? Audit manager Shayur gives a quick but essential list of Excel shortcuts that you may or may not know already. Even if you are an MS Excel savant, there is always a shortcut you never knew you needed!

Youth unemployment is at an all-time high. Mental health issues are on the rise, and what is the future? Not looking too bright. We look at where it has all gone wrong and what the future could look like for young South Africans.

Maybe it's the meticulous nature of our work, or maybe it's because we are friends with the numbers – next time you are looking for a financial advisor for your business or yourself, think about an accountant! Accounting Manager Prenesha Singh explains why she has confidence in her fellow accountants to be trusted with your finances.

We've talked about why you need it for your accounting, but what about for your people? Our HR manager Noorain Manjoo explains how managing your workforce and attracting talent can improve thanks to technology.

Start your week right with what's buzzing at Accensis. It's already tough being a manager, but that's definitely because there are things they don't tell you. The one and only assistant audit manager Xolane Makhubu shares his tips and tricks on how to master the art of communication for today's leaders.

Accountants aren't boring - some of us are also DJs! When he isn't mixing it up in the club, Ntobeko Mzobe from our audit team talks about his tricks and tips for a successful side hustle AND excelling in your day job.