Professional Accountant - Volume 2013, Issue 1, January 2013

The South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) is joining in the economic efforts of our country to reduce our carbon footprint.

In an exciting first, the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with its Nigerian counterpart, the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN).

Ever since South Africa formally adopted review engagements with the launch of the Companies Act 71 of 2008 there has been a significant amount of confusion and speculation as to which companies are exempt from an audit and, if so, whether they should opt to have a voluntary audit.

Part one of a two-part series of articles by SAIPA Technical and Standards Executive, Faith Ngwenya, looking at the Statement of Cash Flow.

Many businesses and individuals - accountants included - bemoan the plethora of regulations that constrain them in their daily affairs. Rules and regulations are generally rather unpopular and are often seen as a burden to personal freedom, society and the economy. This perception is also widely held in South Africa.

The proposed revision of the Codes of Good Practice on Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (the Codes) that are currently under review holds promising prospects for the accounting industry.

The vast majority of New Year's resolutions end in failure. Here's an easier, more effective approach to making awesome changes.

High-quality internal and external reporting is critical for all organisations. High-quality reports promote better internal decision-making and high-quality information is also integral to the successful management of any organisation.

About 17 years ago social media could have been described as printed media, radio and television. That was until we were introduced to the World Wide Web and all the wonderful things that we are now capable of from our desks without having to go to the library, the post office or even having to speak to somebody in person. It cannot be argued that the Internet drastically changed the way we communicate and do business.

The South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) is pleased to announce that it has been recognised as a professional body by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and has further registered the designation of Professional Accountant (SA) with SAQA. In recognising SAIPA as a professional body SAQA has acknowledged the critical role SAIPA plays in quality assurance and standards development within the National Qualifications Framework, and includes SAIPA in the regulated system of professional bodies in the country as determined by the NQF Act 67 of 2008.

"I am addicted to numbers. They talk to me; they tell a good, factual and unambiguous story. Numbers fascinate me and I am passionate about what I do - just like a professional athlete performing at the highest level of their sport." This is the extent of the enthusiasm that Ms Ntina Themba, Gauteng's Provincial Accountant General, exudes when she describes her love for numbers which resulted in her becoming a professional accountant and occupying senior positions in the Gauteng Provincial Government.