Dedicated to giving our clients the very best service, we have an extra super weapon up our sleeve. Focused on the technicalities behind our firm’s internal compliance and quality management, as well as the training and development of our audit and accounting staff, our Training and Development Officer plays a pivotal role in how we continue to do things right.
Dedicated to giving our clients the very best service, we have an extra super weapon up our sleeve. Focused on the technicalities behind our firm’s internal compliance and quality management, as well as the training and development of our audit and accounting staff, our Training and Development Officer plays a pivotal role in how we continue to do things right.
Impressively, this focused employee also maintains our auditing and drafting software – CaseWare.
In this brief interview, you’ll get to meet Corné Maass and how she is positioned to give you, our client, potent opinions on accounting matters while also being able to train our staff in technical accounting and audit matters.
And we say bravo, better staff means happier clients!
Corné, what is the number one difference you feel you make for MGI Bass Gordon’s clients? And why is this a good thing?
We boost their confidence in their overall reporting. Ensuring that legally compliant audits, independent reviews, and compilations are being executed by our engagement teams to professional standards, they get to enjoy ongoing peace of mind.
With the current loadshedding crisis, how can the results of an audit be used to help a client better plan to maintain or even improve productivity?
One of the main benefits of an audit is helping identify potential issues early on, thus highlighting where improvements can be made. In terms of assessing the impact of loadshedding, auditing reports provide:
Comparative figures to past performance emphasizing where in the business losses are now being made because of loadshedding
The funds available to put in place measures to reduce the effect of load shedding such as investing in generators or renewable energy
Cost-saving measures that could/should be implemented to soften the financial blow of loadshedding
How does MGI’s internal compliance and quality management directly affect clients?
Our clients are guaranteed that the performance of the assurance engagement on their financial affairs is conducted to the highest ethical and legal standards. MGI Bass Gordon’s internal compliance and quality management process is a watertight system that assesses the safeguards and the overall well-being of our clients’ business operations from the inside.
Which technical matters do you most often consult on?
Application of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) or the International Financial Reporting Standard for Small and Medium-sized Entities (IFRS for SMEs).
Application of ISA requirements in a specific scenario/engagement.
Application of Companies Act requirements in a specific scenario.
On offering opinions on accounting matters, what is your approach?
My first step is gaining a clear understanding of what is being requested. A thorough review of all the supporting documentation follows as well as thorough research on the applicable financial reporting framework requirements. From the collective information collated, I reach my final conclusion and document my approach.
When it comes to training audit and accounting staff, what is the major challenge that trainees face – and how do you overcome this?
Trainees mostly struggle with making the connection between taught theory and applying it in practice. They’re also challenged with remembering what has been taught. This is overcome by:
Providing training with practical examples
Encouraging trainees to share what they are challenged by or don’t understand
Allowing ample Q and A time during training sessions
Making recordings of the training sessions which, mostly happen online
Why do you feel your training role is important to MGI Bass Gordon?
With the upskilling of our staff because of the ongoing training, the firm as a whole offers quality engagements with our clients in line with professional standards and legal and regulatory requirements. My training also contributes to our team’s professional development, assisting those who are continuing with their studies.
As Training and Development Officer, what are your 3 top strengths and how do you channel them to achieve results?
Being hardworking, dedicated, and paying attention to detail results in quality of work produced.
Having a passion for auditing and accounting results in me thoroughly enjoying my work. This motivates me to share knowledge and drive quality within the firm’s auditing and accounting environment.
Being approachable and open to listening to others’ views results in staff members working together as a team to find the most efficient solution to problems, without compromising on quality.
What is your top personal challenge when it comes to training? How do you navigate this effectively?
Being an introvert, speaking to large groups of people does not come naturally – I found this especially challenging when first starting to present. I navigate this by making sure that I am always well-prepared.
In terms of CaseWare, what makes this auditing and drafting software powerful?
It provides the benefit of working efficiently while still complying with professional and accounting standards. CaseWare Cloud and SmartSync enable efficient and easy real-time sharing of engagement files in the remote working environment, the templates designed with compliance in mind.
What is your day-to-day role exactly in maintaining this software?
There are basically three main template categories to maintain, namely the audit template, IFRS for SME financial statements, and IFRS financial statements.
My day-to-day role depends on what time of the year it is and what updates to professional and accounting standards are becoming effective.
In general, I attend to the following:
Staying up to date with CaseWare changes and developments.
Assisting staff members with questions
Liaising with CaseWare to resolve matters that could not be resolved internally.
As and when requested, consulting with CaseWare regarding template content and updates
By improving employee job performance, actively consulting with clients on game-changing information, and maintaining one of our core software programs, Corné is a true case study for girl power.
To experience exactly how we innovate, make business personal, and provide next-level client service, start the conversation with your engagement Partner or Corné today: +27 21 405 8500 or send an email to info@bassgordon.co.za
MGI Worldwide is a leading international network of separate and independent accounting, legal and consulting firms that are licensed to use "MGI" or "member of MGI Worldwide" in connection with the provision of professional services to their clients. MGI Worldwide is the brand name referring to a group of members of MGI Ltd., a company limited by guarantee and registered in the Isle of Man with registration number 013238V, who choose to associate as a network as defined in IESBA and EU rules. MGI Worldwide itself is a non-practising entity and does not provide professional services to clients. Services are provided by the member firms of MGI Worldwide. MGI Worldwide and its member firms are not agents of, and do not obligate, one another and are not liable for one another’s acts or omissions
