Think your SME is healthy? Without consolidated financials, you may be seeing half the picture—hidden risks and missed opportunities could cost you

Independent reviews are not just a quick sign-off. Under ISRE 2400, practitioners carry real responsibilities that go far beyond ticking boxes. You are the referee who ensures the game is fair, the professional who applies scepticism when numbers do not add up, and the communicator who helps clients understand the value of limited assurance. When you own your role, you protect the public, elevate your practice, and strengthen the credibility of financial reporting.

Financial instruments are not just about recording numbers, they also require clear and correct notes in the financial statements. This article explains the disclosure requirements under Section 11 of the IFRS for SMEs, focusing on what SMEs must include in their AFS. We cover key areas like impairment, aging of debtors, maturity of loans, and fair value challenges. You will also see examples of common mistakes and how to fix them. This guide helps Business Accountants in Practice meet their disclosure duties with confidence.

Are you too trusting with your numbers?
Professional skepticism isn’t just for auditors, it’s a critical skill every accountant needs. Whether you’re preparing reports, reviewing documents, or advising clients, asking the right questions can protect your reputation and uncover risks before they become problems. This article breaks down what skepticism really means, how to use it daily, and why it’s becoming non-negotiable in the profession.

Independent Reviews have become an essential assurance service for many South African companies that do not require a full audit. Guided by ISRE 2400, these engagements offer limited assurance through a structured process of enquiry and analytical procedures. For Chartered Business Accountants in Practice, understanding the scope, purpose, and legal requirements of Independent Reviews is key to delivering value while staying compliant with the Companies Act. This article explains what ISRE 2400 covers, how Independent Reviews differ from audits and compilations, and when they are required in South Africa.

When a customer cannot pay or a loan will not be fully recovered, the financial asset must be reduced. This is called impairment. In this article, we explain how to apply the impairment rules in the IFRS for SMEs Standard. You will learn how to spot signs of impairment, how to calculate the loss, and how to record it. We use simple steps and everyday examples to help Business Accountants in Practice apply the standard with confidence.

Amortised cost is one of the most important measurement tools in SME accounting, yet many professionals are unsure how it works. In this article, we explain amortised cost in simple terms and show how to apply it using the effective interest method. You will learn how to measure loans, receivables, and payables correctly, including how to deal with transaction costs and interest. With step-by-step examples and practical tips, this article helps CIBA members confidently apply Section 11 of the IFRS for SMEs in everyday situations.

The Property Practitioners Act (PPA) has introduced specific compliance responsibilities that directly affect accountants working with clients in the property sector. This article outlines the key thresholds, reporting requirements, and common errors made by property clients. It also highlights how practitioners can add value through independent reviews, trust account oversight, and timely advisory services grounded in regulatory updates.

The moment you enter into a contract involving money, whether it’s a loan, a sale on credit, or an interest-free advance, you need to recognise it in your accounting records. Section 11 of the IFRS for SMEs tells you exactly when and how to do this. In this article, we explain the rules for initial recognition and measurement of financial instruments in simple terms. You’ll learn how to record trade receivables, loans, and financing transactions correctly, and how to apply present value when needed. With practical examples and clear guidance, this article helps you get the basics right from day one.

Now that you understand what a financial instrument is, the next step is to learn how to classify it correctly. This matters because your choice affects how the item is measured, disclosed and tested for impairment. Section 11 of the IFRS for SMEs separates financial instruments into two types: basic and complex. In this article, we explain how to tell the difference in simple terms. We guide you through the rules step by step, using clear examples and everyday situations. By the end, you will feel confident about knowing which part of the standard to apply.

Think good deeds excuse bad books? Think again. Whether you're feeding communities or fighting for change, your non-profit’s finances could make, or break your next funding round. Here’s what SARS, CIPC, DSD, and your donors expect to see (and what happens if you fall short).

You might think financial instruments are something only corporate giants and investment analysts need to worry about, but if you're raising invoices, paying suppliers, or reviewing AFS under the IFRS for SMEs, you're already deep in that territory. Section 11 of the Standard draws a firm line between basic and complex financial instruments, and understanding this split is essential to getting classification, measurement, and disclosures right. This article breaks down the jargon into plain English and shows why even a local bakery’s overdraft matters when it comes to compliance and professional judgement.

Many Independent Reviews unravel long before the first analytical procedure is performed. The real trouble often starts with poor client take-on, vague engagement terms, and overlooked ethical concerns. When practitioners rush through pre-engagement checks or ignore their instincts, they risk compromising the entire engagement. This article outlines how to apply ISRE 2400 (Revised) with clarity and caution, helping you make informed decisions from the outset and avoid unnecessary professional exposure.

Most businesses give credit, but few manage it well. The accounts receivable cycle, often treated as an afterthought, can make or break cash flow, influence client relationships, and expose weaknesses in your internal controls. This article unpacks how to take control of the entire AR process, from setting credit terms and vetting clients to effective follow-ups, reconciliations, and write-offs. If you're ready to turn outstanding invoices into real income and protect your practice from preventable risks, this is your practical guide.

Integrated and sustainability reporting are no longer fringe ideas reserved for listed giants. They are fast becoming essential tools for every business that wants to remain competitive, resilient, and respected. This article unpacks the difference between the two, explores why they matter, and shows how Chartered Business Accountants in Practice can turn them into high-impact advisory services. From stakeholder trust to strategic storytelling, discover why these reports are where financial insight meets real-world value.

Cash is not just an entry in your ledger—it is the most visible measure of control, accuracy, and accountability. When the bank and petty cash cycles are properly managed, financial statements are clean, audits are smooth, and SARS stays off your back. But when they are not, everything else unravels. This article explores the practical steps, common pitfalls, and internal controls that bookkeepers must apply to protect their organisations from avoidable errors and preventable fraud.

Think NPOs are too small to worry about accounting rules? Think again. Whether it's bursary funds, donor grants, or profits, every cent must be tracked and reported properly. Here's how to manage funding, income, and expenses the right way—without losing credibility, compliance, or your sanity.

Many accountants treat Section 10 like background noise, until a client changes their accounting treatment halfway through the year, or an old mistake resurfaces just before an audit. This section is not just about policies and paperwork. It’s where your judgement, compliance risk, and credibility collide. Whether you're correcting prior period errors, updating estimates, or defending your position during a SARS review, Section 10 is your foundation. Use it properly, and it becomes a billable tool. Ignore it, and it becomes a liability.

Inventory is one of the most dangerous blind spots in small business accounting. Hidden among spreadsheets, missed stock counts, and inflated valuations lie the seeds of overstated profits, underpaid tax, and audit exposure. For Business Accountants in Practice, ignoring inventory means ignoring a revenue opportunity and risking your client’s financial stability. This article shows you how to clean up the stock chaos, comply with IFRS for SMEs, and turn inventory headaches into a profitable advisory service your clients will gladly pay for.

Are your financials tough enough to survive an audit? With ISA 570 tightening the screws on going concern, accountants can no longer rely on vague forecasts or hopeful assumptions. This article breaks down what’s changing, what auditors will now expect, and how you can bulletproof your AFS before audit season hits. If your projections can’t stand up to scrutiny, this is your early warning!