Understanding the Client’s Business

You cannot advise a client properly if you do not understand how their business really works. This session shows you how to truly understand a client’s business so you can give better advice, reduce risk, and add real value.

2 CPD units 15 January 2026 1 presenter

What will set you apart

By completing this course you will gain the following competencies

How to understand a client’s business model and how they make money
How to identify key risks and problem areas in a client’s business
How operations, finance, and compliance link together
What questions to ask clients to get the full picture
How to spot warning signs before problems arise
How better business understanding improves your advice and decisions
How this knowledge helps you build stronger client relationships

Event breakdown

What it means to truly understand a client’s business
Understanding business models and income streams
Key operations and how they affect financial results
Identifying business risks and weak areas
Understanding cost structures and cash flow drivers
Linking business activities to financial information
Asking the right questions during client meetings
Using business understanding to improve advice
Strengthening professional judgement and decision-making

Category: Assurance & reportingType: CPD CourseCPD category: Independent Review

Description

Many accountants focus only on the numbers and miss what is really happening inside a client’s business. This session helps delegates step back and see the full picture. It explains how to understand a client’s operations, income streams, costs, risks, and decision-making processes in simple and practical terms. Delegates will learn how different parts of a business connect and how poor understanding can lead to bad advice, higher risk, and unhappy clients. The session focuses on real business behaviour rather than theory, helping professionals ask better questions and make better judgments. By the end of the session, delegates will feel more confident engaging with clients, understanding their challenges, and providing advice that actually helps the business move forward.

Presenters

Leana van der Merwe — Leana van der Merwe is a Chartered Accountant and Registered Auditor with over 18 years of experience in business accounting, audit and corporate governance. A former Audit Director and professional-body Technical and Standards Executive, she has guided more than 14,000 professionals through complex regulatory matters. Leana also serves on the PAFA Technical Advisory Group, the IFAC Anti-Money Laundering Committee and the IFRS Foundation SME Implementation Group.

You will earn a certificate

On successful completion you will receive a certificate for 2 CPD units in Independent Review.

Requirements

Laptop, desktop, or mobile device with internet access
Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Safari, or Firefox browser