The dramatic collapse of the oil price during the final quarter of the year was probably the most important macro-event of 2014. Oil fell from $91/barrel at the start of the fourth quarter to $55 at the end of the year. It fell further in the first two weeks of 2015 to around $48/barrel. Since…
DetailsThe enterprise resource planning (ERP) market is evolving at a rapid pace as a result of technology innovation. At the same time, most businesses are changing themselves as they try to keep up with the frantic pace of business in the digital era. That means that you should always be keeping a close eye on…
DetailsGoing into a new year, there are a few things that those who prepare financial statements need to keep in mind. Here are my top 5: 1. The new standards applicable for the year that affects your financials A number of amendments to standards became effective in 2014, either from 1 January or 1 July…
DetailsTo enter a trainee contract as a prospective CA(SA) is rigorous and not for the faint-hearted. It has taken long hours, mental anguish and tears to get this far! To ride on a mountain bike from Cairo to Cape Town will take blood, sweat and tears. Some will even say it is madness. What do…
DetailsWhat is integrated reporting assurance all about? By Mark Hoffman Following the gathering momentum behind the integrated reporting initiative, it was not long before the debate regarding how to go about obtaining the necessary assurance over integrated reporting ensued. The International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) in August 2014 released an insightful discussion paper entitled “Assurance…
Details“In the long run I believe the cloud is here to stay.” Although there has been a trend towards cloud services over the past years both locally and internationally, there is a part of me that wonders if it is just a fad we are caught up in or if it is really here to…
DetailsManagement as an art, not a science, particularly in today’s dynamic workplace, writes Anthia Falekkos One of the many definitions of a manager is a “person who is responsible for controlling and administrating an organisation or group of staff”. This definition in the current workplace and economy describes a role that is redundant. The new…
Details“A few wrong decisions on seemingly minor choices can actually have a significant impact on your overall financial health.” In the fast-paced world of professionals, financial planning can often fall to the bottom of the priority list while they are trying to strike the right balance between work and life. However, it is critical that…
DetailsIF PASSED, AMENDMENTS TO THE REPORTABLE ARRANGEMENT PROVISIONS WILL HAVE RETROSPECTIVE EFFECT FROM 16 JULY 2014 AND FAILURE TO REPORT COULD INCUR A HEFTY FINE, WRITES DAN FOSTER The reportable arrangement (RA) provisions are under renewed focus since the issue of a draft notice of reportable and excluded transactions and the publication of proposed amendments…
DetailsProfessor Akbar Bootha’s fulfilling career includes lecturing young people from less advantaged backgrounds, but his own children are also making their mark in the accountancy profession. Lynn Grala spoke to him Picture for a moment young boys or girls living in a rural community under the most difficult circumstances imaginable – on the one hand…
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