Prepayments may seem like small accounting entries, but they reveal a lot about how a business thinks about time and value. Paying upfront for future benefits is not just a cash flow decision — it’s a lesson in discipline, foresight, and financial honesty. For accountants in practice, explaining prepayments in plain language can turn a routine adjustment into a powerful conversation about planning, trust, and smarter business. After all, good accounting is not about the past; it’s about making tomorrow’s numbers make sense.

Independent reviews are not about ticking boxes or cutting corners. Under ISRE 2400, the true strength of a review lies in asking the right questions. Effective enquiry goes beyond “yes or no” answers , it digs into the story behind the numbers, uncovers risks, and opens doors to valuable insights. When practitioners master this skill, they not only protect themselves and their clients but also transform a statutory requirement into an opportunity to build trust, grow their practice, and strengthen South Africa’s business landscape.