Discover the latest news from Accensis

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.

The age-old strategic paradigm debated by most businesses in the pursuit of generating cost efficiencies and redirecting focus to value adding activities has regained its popularity, particularly with finance, accounting and IT functions

This Women's Day, Accensis has a look at a pressing matter for accountants and women: workplace burnout. From the 1956 protest to the current work force, we have a look at the reasons why professional women feel that they are running on fumes.

Technology has transformed the way many businesses operate. According to the 2018 Digital Transformation Index, 77% of businesses describe their relationship with technology as average or above average.

As the world is in much debate over the cost of the internet, copywriter and marketing consultant Deepika Naidoo explores how close we are to making the internet a Human Right.

A ‘secret currency’ has helped many of the world’s most prominent organisations scale beyond their wildest dreams. The world’s top tech companies use it to not only rise to the top of their field but to build long-lasting dynasties and become legendary.

The Big 4 audit firms are essentially private enterprises that are owned and managed by their partners or directors, depending on whether they are structured as an incorporated company or partnership.

It is that time of year again where we edge closer to the e-filing deadline date for individual taxpayers tax return submissions. Now the question on everyone’s mind is… “Working from home, do I qualify for any home expense deductions”?

As the cost of living rises, income tax rates are a cause for concern. The structure and financing of a tax change are critical to achieving economic growth. Audit manager Xolane Makhubu argues why reducing income tax could be our solution as everyday expenses soar.

BCom grads, It's time to choose your career path. Being a Chartered Accountant is appealing, but what would I need to get there? Audit Manager Loshnee Moodley gives us a reality check on the highs and lows of the CA route - but don't worry, it's all worth it in the end!

We are slowly but surely moving away from the idea that our identities and the working world can't go hand-in-hand. Financial Manager Kavika Singh explores how multiculturalism could be the solution to current workplace woes like The Great Resignation and paradigm shifts.

Working in the 4th industrial revolution, with institutional changes comes technological advancements ... and set backs. Leena Ramrutham from our BPO team tells us about the growing pains the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) experienced following the implementation of The Companies Act (2008).

One of the most pressing challenges facing a family-owned business is passing the baton from one generation to the next. When it comes time to pass the torch, the process of choosing a successor(s) should start years in advance of the actual cutover date.

Do you think Van-Gogh or Monet ever imagined that a machine could imitate their decades-long methods within seconds? BPO Accountant Marcel Naidoo explains how Art AIs can cause concern for struggling artists across the globe

Employee health affects more than just medical costs. A healthy workforce is a more productive workforce. Tax Manager Silindile explores the importance of taking time for your health in the workplace.

Audits have evolved from routine checklists to a vital part of a company’s governance process...

As the indicators of a global revolution continue to ring alarm bells around the world, many wait anxiously for our uncertain future. BPO Accountant Marcel Naidoo explains the patterns of civil unrest, and the uneasiness of a looming revolution in nations across our globe. Is South Africa next?

Used to the world not stopping for anything? Work is 25 hours a day 8 days a week? The festive season will show you flames - especially for those who can't turn off the engine. Audit manager Loshnee Moodley gives us a guide on how to take it easy this festive season

The first house that I bought was on the banks of the Umgeni River. On a January Saturday we all went out to watch the Dusi participants come in on their way to the finished at the Blue Lagoon. I used to follow the race from start on television and was in awe at the skills required by the canoeist to navigate these waters. Rapid water flows from starboard, from port and rocky outcrops ahead.

With a staggering 34.4% (7.8 million) of unemployment in South Africa and the youth of SA ages, 15-24 years making up 64.4% of the overall percentage. It is worrisome to be facing such an issue in a pandemic.

Over the decades, servicing many successful family businesses, I have picked up valuable lessons on what attributes and values set them on the path to success.

Trading on the stock exchange yields high returns for individuals, some owing to their success in their investments. However, it can be daunting for novices afraid of the uncertain results and not knowing where to begin putting their money.

It's Tax Time readers! In the latest edition of our tax updates, Senior Tax Consultant Nhlanhla Musa Mdlalose explains why SARS is doing away with the IT14SD form and how that affects companies and close corporations.

Are you aware of the implications of the IFRS 16 on your annual financial statements? Below is an overview, providing insight into the implications of IFRS 16 on your business...

An integrated report should highlight the company's positive and negative impacts, but whose baby is it anyway? Audit Manager Loshnee Moodley explains integrated reporting, and it's importance for your business.

The threat of climate change on the global economy could not be more glaring as climate and weather-related disasters surge. According to the United Nations, greenhouse gas concentrations are at record levels and the planet is on a path to overheating.

Human Rights' are still a foreign concept to many citizens of South Africa, even after we have spent the last month honouring those who sacrificed their lives for our fundamental Rights.

The following basic tax calendar has been developed to provide a guide for taxpayers, outlining the key deadlines that taxpayers need to follow to maintain their compliant status with SARS and to avoid interest and penalties.

Wrapping up Freedom month, marketing consultant Deepika Naidoo reflects on the KZN floods, decades-long inaction regarding service delivery and how this affects our freedom 28 years after the first democratic election in South Africa.

December is a time to kick back, relax and enjoy the festive vibes ... ... Unless you are working ofcourse. First-Year Audit Trainee Yatish Hiralal seems to think that you can do both. Here's guide to balancing work and pleasure. "Take a minute. You need it,"

More than 300 tax and accounting professionals were surveyed from various countries and backgrounds in June 2021 to gain insight into how COVID-19 affected diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts and those in diversity lead roles, as well as the impacts of the pandemic on individuals in underrepresented gender and ethnicity groups.

Our people love to talk sport. Since the start of the SA20 league, our office has been buzzing about cricket. Muhammad Umar Karim chats about South African cricket's bright future with the latest in local investment.

An interesting turn of events as Facebook’s founder and CEO, Mark Zuckerberg announces that Facebook will be giving back to its creators...

Yes or no? Sandwich or soup? Blue pill or red pill? It's tough outchea making decisions. But fear not, First-Year Audit Trainee Shabnum Hassim has some suggestions on how to decide like the pros.

As the Ukraine-Russia conflict rages on, BPO Manager Kavika Singh provides analysis on the socio-economic effects of a war on the globe today.

What is the state of information security in your organisation? A pen test is a tool that helps you gain more insight into this. This article explains what a pen test is, how it works, and the importance of pen tests to ensure the security of information at your firm.