Professional Accountant - Volume 2013, Issue 2, January 2013

Technology is moving in fast forward and if we don't move with it we will fall behind and get lost in the world of computer gadgets and applications, laptops, smart phones, iPads and more..

The quantity of publicity regarding the proposed BRICS Bank is so immense that it is difficult to believe that, apart from agreeing its feasibility and viability, little more has been done. There is an agreement to implement plans that will see a five-country-directed development bank and a contingent reserve arrangement (CRA). There was little more information at the time of going to press at the end of April 2013, only that the Finance Minister of each country has agreed to form a delegation that will formulate the main principles for establishing the Bank.

BRICS is a powerful group of the world's leading emerging economies, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The five countries combined account for roughly 25% of global GDP and over 40% of the world population. South Africa was the last country to join the group in December 2010. From 26 to 27 March 2013, South Africa hosted the fifth BRICS Summit at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC). The summit strengthened South Africa's international recognition as a BRICS member and helped leverage its position as a possible gateway into Africa.

Part two of a two-part series of articles by SAIPA Technical and Standards Department looking at the Statement of Cash Flow.

There is a fine line between accrual liabilities, provisions, and contingent liabilities. The classification, to a large extent, depends on management's judgement based on the interpretation and estimations of the circumstances prevailing at the reporting date about the outcome of the occurrences or non-occurrence of future events. The question of when one raises an accrued expense versus a provision or when is it a contingent liability is often confused, particularly in the SME sector.

Professional accountants can unwittingly give financial advice that falls just outside of the ambit of their regular business. But such a practice can find them on the wrong side of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act.

The results of IFAC's 2012 Global Leadership Survey of the Accountancy Profession, released in March, reflected global leaders' opinions regarding the most significant issues facing the global accountancy profession in 2013. As in past years, IFAC sent the survey to member bodies, associates, affiliates, recognised regional organisations, and acknowledged accountancy groupings. For the first time this year, it was also sent to members of the Forum of Firms to solicit opinions from this important stakeholder group.

Building the foundations of a successful business is similar to building the foundations of a house. Whether you are building a home or a business, what you lay down at the very beginning will determine whether the fruits of your labour will be deliciously sweet or decidedly sour.