Running a business in South Africa is like navigating a bumpy dirt road in the rainy season — the journey is worth it, but you need the right support to avoid the potholes. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur in Sandton or a startup founder in Gqeberha, managing your finances isn’t just about crunching numbers. It’s about having clarity, confidence, and control.

For many small to medium-sized business owners, an accountant is often seen as someone you visit once a year — a face you associate with tax returns and SARS deadlines. But times have changed. Today, a good accountant isn’t just a box-ticker; they’re a business partner. They can help you weather economic uncertainty, identify growth opportunities, and save you from costly mistakes before they happen.

In this post, we’ll unpack what to look for when choosing an accounting partner — someone who understands your goals, speaks your language (financial and otherwise), and supports your business like it’s their own.

Let’s start by looking at what accountants actually do — beyond balancing books.

The Role of an Accountant Beyond the Books

Think of your accountant as the navigator in your business vehicle. While you’re focused on the road ahead — winning clients, building your brand, managing day-to-day operations — your accountant is quietly reading the map, making sure you’re headed in the right direction and not missing any key turns.

Gone are the days when accountants only dealt with receipts, payroll slips, and expense reports. Modern accounting services are far more strategic. They can help you:

• Forecast your cash flow, so you’re never caught off guard by a surprise expense or slow-paying client.

• Create budgets that work in real life, not just in spreadsheets.

• Stay compliant with SARS and CIPC regulations — especially important in a country where legislation can change quickly.

• Evaluate risk, whether it’s related to tax exposure, investment decisions, or expansion plans.

• Apply for funding or grants, with the financial reports and guidance needed to meet strict criteria.

Let me give you an example from a real client we worked with — a small manufacturing business in Pretoria. They had been operating for three years and were doing relatively well, but the owner felt stuck. They were unsure whether to invest in a new production line or hold back due to economic uncertainty. When we stepped in, we didn’t just look at the numbers — we sat down, understood the business model, ran projections, and identified cash flow gaps they hadn’t noticed. Within six months, they secured a government incentive and expanded confidently.

That’s the kind of insight a forward-thinking accountant should bring to the table — not just balance sheets, but business sense.

So before you think, “I already have someone who does my taxes,” ask yourself — are they helping you grow, or just keeping you compliant?

Key Qualities to Look for in an Accounting Partner

Choosing an accountant is a bit like choosing a business partner — trust, communication, and shared goals matter. You’re not just hiring someone to do your books; you’re handing over the keys to one of the most critical parts of your business: your finances.

So, what makes a great accounting partner?

Let’s break it down.

1. Professional Qualifications Matter (But That’s Just the Start)

Make sure your accountant is properly registered — look out for designations like SAIPA, SAICA, or a SARS-registered tax practitioner. These bodies ensure your accountant meets professional standards, but it doesn’t stop there.

An accountant might have all the letters behind their name but still lack practical experience in your type of business. That’s why…

2. Industry Experience is a Game-Changer

Imagine trying to explain stock rotation to someone who’s only worked with service-based businesses. Or asking for help with project-based income if they’ve never seen a construction budget. You want someone who gets your industry and can spot issues before you do.

For instance, we once onboarded a Durban-based marketing agency that was battling with fluctuating monthly revenue. Their previous accountant treated them like a retail client — tracking sales but not the ebb and flow of project billing. We introduced a cash flow system tailored to project work, and suddenly, the agency had clarity and control. The right accountant should adapt to you, not the other way around.

3. Communication Style — Clear, Consistent, and Proactive

There’s nothing more frustrating than silence when you need answers. Your accountant should:

• Be responsive to your calls or emails

• Explain financial terms in plain English (or isiZulu, Afrikaans — whatever helps!)

• Schedule regular check-ins, not just at year-end

One client told us their previous accountant “spoke in tax code” and left them feeling more confused than helped. A good accountant doesn’t just send you numbers — they make sure you understand them.

4. Tech-Savvy and Tools-Focused

In today’s fast-moving business world, you need someone who’s working with technology, not against it. Cloud accounting tools like Xero, Sage, or QuickBooks Online allow for:

• Real-time collaboration

• Mobile access to your books

• Automated invoicing and expense tracking

If your accountant is still sending you Excel spreadsheets with no explanation, it may be time to upgrade.

🔍 Questions to Ask When Evaluating an Accountant

• Do they have experience working with businesses similar to mine?

• How often will they communicate or meet with me?

• What tools and software do they use?

• Can they provide references or success stories?

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Just like you’d be wary of a car that makes strange noises before a long road trip, you should keep your ears and eyes open for signs that your accountant might not be the right fit.

Not all accountants are created equal. Some will be helpful guides, while others might leave you stranded just when you need support the most. Here are some warning signs that should raise eyebrows — and maybe even prompt a change.

1. Missed Deadlines or Late Submissions

A good accountant is organised, reliable, and always one step ahead — especially when it comes to SARS deadlines. If your accountant consistently files late, leaving you to deal with penalties or interest charges, that’s more than just an oversight — it’s costing your business money and peace of mind.

Real Story:
We recently spoke with a business owner in Bloemfontein who received an unexpected R15,000 penalty from SARS — not because their business was non-compliant, but because their accountant submitted returns two weeks late without saying a word. When asked about it, the accountant said, “It happens.” That client now works with us — and hasn’t had a single late return since.

2. Vague or Unclear Fees

If your accountant’s invoices feel like a mystery novel — vague line items, confusing charges, or last-minute extras — that’s a red flag. You deserve transparency. Whether it’s a fixed monthly fee or hourly billing, the pricing should be upfront, clear, and aligned with the value you’re getting.

Ask Yourself:

• Do I understand what I’m paying for?
  
  

• Have there been surprise charges with no explanation?

A trustworthy accountant will happily break down their fees, not hide behind complicated jargon or ambiguous “admin charges.”

3. Limited Knowledge of South African Tax Laws or Industry Requirements

South Africa’s tax landscape changes often — from updates in VAT thresholds to shifts in allowable deductions. Your accountant should stay on top of these changes and how they impact your sector.

If they aren’t keeping up, they might miss deductions you’re eligible for, incorrectly advise on compliance, or put your business at risk. Worse still, you may be left with outdated advice that doesn’t reflect your current operating environment.

Quick Check:
Ask them what’s changed in SARS compliance over the past year. If they can’t answer confidently — or haven’t proactively shared updates — it’s a concern.

4. They Only Show Up at Tax Time

If the only time you hear from your accountant is when your annual return is due, they’re not acting as a true partner. Your accountant should be checking in regularly, helping you plan ahead, and pointing out ways to strengthen your business.

You want someone who’s involved throughout the year — offering guidance, not just reports.

Watch for These Signs:

• Missed SARS deadlines

  • Can result in penalties and damage your reputation

• Unclear pricing

  • Leads to mistrust and budgeting issues

• Outdated knowledge

  • Risk of non-compliance or missed opportunities

• Lack of contact

  • You’re missing out on proactive advice

In short, your accountant should bring you peace of mind, not added stress. If you’re constantly second-guessing their work, chasing them for updates, or cleaning up their messes — it may be time to move on.

Tailoring the Partnership to Your Business Needs

No two businesses are alike. A bakery in Cape Town doesn’t have the same needs as a freelance consultant in Polokwane or a small construction firm in Durban. Your accounting partner should recognise this and offer services that scale with your business — not force you into a cookie-cutter package.

Choosing the right accountant isn’t just about credentials and communication — it’s also about the right fit for your stage and size.

1. Understand What Level of Service You Actually Need

You don’t need a CFO-level service if you’re a solo entrepreneur just getting off the ground. On the other hand, if your team is growing and you’re managing payroll, VAT, and supplier contracts, a basic bookkeeping-only service won’t cut it.

Let’s break down some typical service levels:

• Basic Bookkeeping & Tax Filing: Ideal for solo entrepreneurs or microbusinesses.
  
  

• Monthly Retainers with Advisory: Perfect for growing SMEs who want monthly reports, payroll help, and ongoing guidance.
  
  

• Full-Service Outsourced Accounting: Great for businesses with more complex needs but no internal finance team.

Quick Tip: Look for flexibility. You should be able to upgrade or scale back services as your business evolves — without having to switch providers.

2. Choose a Partner Who Can Grow With You

Here’s a true story.

A client of ours — a husband-and-wife landscaping business in Johannesburg — initially came to us just needing help with VAT submissions. Within a year, they landed a contract with a housing developer and suddenly had five teams on the road, a fleet of vehicles, and a payroll of 20+ staff.

Because we understood their journey and had systems already in place, scaling up their accounting support was seamless. We added monthly management accounts, helped them integrate payroll tools, and guided them through tax-efficient business structuring.

That’s the kind of adaptability a good accounting partner should offer — not just serving you now, but preparing you for what’s next.

3. Consider Your Industry’s Unique Requirements

A retail business might need support with inventory control and point-of-sale system integration. A consultant might need help structuring contracts and managing provisional tax. A contractor might need project-based accounting and help bidding for tenders.

Your accountant should understand your industry’s quirks — from the specific deductions you qualify for, to how SARS audits businesses like yours.

Ask Them:

• Have you worked with businesses like mine before?

• What specific advice do you offer for businesses in my industry?

🔎 Questions to Reflect On:

• Am I paying for services I don’t need?

• Is my accountant advising me based on my business, or using a one-size-fits-all approach?

• If my business doubled in size tomorrow, could they keep up?

A great accounting partner isn’t just reactive — they should anticipate your needs, adapt their services, and walk alongside you as your business evolves.

Conclusion: Your Accountant Should Feel Like a Partner, Not a Vendor

Choosing the right accountant is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a business owner. They’ll have a front-row seat to your company’s finances — and ideally, a voice in shaping its future.

Let’s recap what you should expect from an accounting partner:

• Someone who goes beyond the books and helps your business grow strategically.

• A professional who is qualified, experienced in your industry, communicates clearly, and embraces technology.

• A partner who avoids red flags like missed deadlines, vague billing, or outdated knowledge.

• A service provider who tailors their approach to match your current needs — and scales with you as your business evolves.

Whether you’re running a family business in Port Elizabeth or scaling a digital agency in Johannesburg, your accountant should offer more than compliance. They should bring insight, peace of mind, and a real investment in your success.

So take a moment to reflect:
Is your current accountant helping you build your business, or just balancing the books?

If the answer’s unclear, it might be time to explore a better fit.