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!

Let’s face it, accounting isn’t just about ticking boxes and crunching numbers. It’s about telling the real story of your business. And sometimes, that story changes. Whether it’s a delivery van that’s still running five years past its “retirement,” or machinery that refuses to quit, it’s time we talk about what to do when the numbers on your books don’t match what’s actually happening on the ground. In this article, we unpack how to handle these changes what to do when assets have been depreciated to zero but still have some kick left in them, and how ignoring this can quietly erode your business’s net asset value. Let’s get those estimates back on track!

Group financial statements can feel overwhelming—like juggling family dynamics on paper. But Section 9 of the IFRS for SMEs makes it clearer than you think.

This article breaks down the key rules on when to prepare consolidated, separate, or combined statements, and what “control” really means in practice. For CIBA members, it's not just about compliance—it's about helping clients make sense of their business as a whole.

Most accountants treat the notes to the financial statements like the terms and conditions of a software update — long, boring, and best ignored. But here’s the truth: if you’re skipping over Section 8 of the IFRS for SMEs, you’re not just missing out on disclosure—you’re risking client trust, SARS audits, and review queries that eat into your billable hours

Most accountants still treat the cash flow statement like a back-page formality. But it’s where the story of survival—or growth—really lives. If you’re still shoving bank overdrafts into financing without thinking, or classifying supplier finance as operating outflows because “that’s how it’s always been done,” this is your wake-up call. Here's what the IFRS for SMEs actually says—and how to get it right.

Section 6 of the IFRS for SMEs gives you two options—and choosing the right one can save time, cut costs, and keep your clients out of SARS trouble. In this article, we break down when to use the full Statement of Changes in Equity and when you can simplify with a Statement of Income and Retained Earnings. It’s not just about compliance—it’s about working smarter, billing better, and proving your value.

Too many accountants still fumble the basics of Section 5 reporting—and that can make your work look sloppy, even if it’s technically correct. Whether you're prepping year-end for a client or presenting to a board, how you lay out that income statement matters. This article breaks down exactly what Section 5 of IFRS for SMEs requires—no jargon, no fluff. You’ll see why choosing one or two statements isn’t just an admin choice, and how small mistakes (like calling something "extraordinary") can raise red flags with SARS or your client.

Understanding how to account for plants, animals, and farm produce is important for businesses in agriculture. IFRS for SMEs Section 34 explains how to record and report biological assets like crops and livestock and harvested products like milk or fruit. This article breaks down the key rules in simple terms, helping businesses stay compliant and manage their finances better.

The statement of financial position shows what a business owns, what it owes, and what is left for the owners. It helps businesses understand their financial health at a specific point in time. Section 4 of the IFRS for SMEs explains how to present this information clearly. By following these guidelines, businesses can organise their assets, liabilities, and equity in a way that makes sense. This ensures financial reports are accurate and useful for decision-making

Financial statements must be clear, accurate, and follow IFRS for SMEs. They should reflect the true financial position of a business and include key reports like the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. Consistency, transparency, and proper labeling help ensure reliability for investors and stakeholders.