📞 “Can I sue him? Do I have to pay this? Is this contract enforceable?”

If you’re an accountant in South Africa, you’ve heard these questions. And maybe — in the heat of a client crisis — you’ve even answered them. But here’s the brutal truth: the second you step from accounting into legal advice, you’re not protecting your client. You’re exposing yourself — to lawsuits, PI insurance refusals, even disciplinary action.

Yes, tax practitioners have a narrow statutory carve-out. But beyond that line? It’s dangerous ground.

👉 Read the full article: When Accounting Advice Becomes Legal Advice.

Money brings them in. Leadership makes them stay.
In a world where automation and AI are reshaping accounting, one truth remains: people don’t leave bad jobs, they leave bad leaders. With only 51% of employees sticking around for the paycheck, the other half are staying because of something far more human. Want to keep your best team members engaged, resilient, and ready for the future? It’s not about raising salaries, it’s about raising your game.

Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant threat to the accounting profession, it’s already here, reshaping how firms operate and how clients expect results. From reconciliations completed in minutes to real-time cash flow forecasts, AI is raising the bar for efficiency. For accountants, this shift is both opportunity and risk. Smaller firms can now access affordable, cloud-based tools once reserved for the Big Four. But without oversight, AI can also expose practices to compliance breaches and reputational damage. The challenge is clear: how do you harness AI responsibly while protecting the trust at the heart of your profession?

Most small firms will fail their next FIC inspection.

Not because they’re criminals, but because they’re drowning in SARS chaos, CPD confusion, and admin overload.

Here’s the harsh truth: KYC isn’t paperwork. It’s survival.
Ignore it, and you’re one inspection away from a fine big enough to kill your practice.

But here’s the kicker: the firms that get KYC right don’t just stay out of trouble, they turn compliance into a billable service their clients will pay more for.

👉 Want to know how? Read on.

Subpoena shock: are you ready if the sheriff comes knocking?
When a subpoena duces tecum lands in your hands, personally served by the sheriff, it’s not a request, it’s a court order. For CBAPs, that means juggling legal duties, client trust, and compliance chaos. In this article we explain what to do in the first 48 hours, how to avoid fines or jail time, and how to safeguard your practice before one shows up. Read now and stay one step ahead.

Registering your practice with a recognised professional body is more than a compliance step, it’s a statement of integrity, competence, and commitment to excellence. At CIBA, we believe your firm’s credibility is built on transparency, ethical conduct, and the assurance that every partner or member is qualified to deliver trusted professional services. Choosing the right entity structure and meeting the professional requirements ensures your practice is recognised, respected, and ready to grow in a competitive market.