What is a JAFA?

Recently I decided to visit my sister, her partner and family in Devonport Auckland for the weekend.  We enjoyed the usual family good times and banter and pretty soon the question came up "How's your job going?  Are you still enjoying work in the accountancy world?"    I replied that Yes, it was fun working at Finman Paraparaumu and that a lot of the people there had become my friends both at work and were now personal friends.

Then the discussion turned to their own accountancy dilemma, as so often happens when family or friends have your ear and attention.  My sister and her partner Paul Beaurepaire, who is a well-known artist have an interesting business which I have helped them with some financial advice in the past.  They showed me their annual accounts, which had been prepared by a local accountancy firm, and sadly there were a number of issues that were not being attended to.  I have come home with some work to do to help my sister and her partner out !!

I reflected on the work that we do here at Finman and thought we would never get away with that here.   We are expected to respond promptly and in a professional manner, and of course, not forget to be friendly.

The rest of the weekend was really interesting.   Paul Beaurepaire has been invited for the 3nd time to exhibit his work at the Sculpture On Shore Exhibition.  He is presenting two exquisite, large pieces of sculpture in aluminium, which will be available for sale.  One is named "Bone Woman" and is 2400mm tall.  The other is "Key" and is 1800mm tall.  Both are priced in excess of $30,000.  Keith Richards from the Rolling Stones purchased one of Paul's sculptures and is amongst his extensive list of clients.   Paul and Joan's website is Alchemy Sculptures www.alchemysculptures.co.nz  to see more of his work.

Sunday afternoon found us all driving out to the Riverhead Tavern for a Blues Afternoon.   What a fabulous spot that is beside the river, north of Albany.   There were people of all ages from babies to Grandparents all enjoying themselves with a great variety of food available from the pub and a small hut serving chips, kids meals, etc for $5.  The musicians were entertaining to watch and the music great.  I thoroughly recommend you take a trip there next time you are in Auckland.  Riverhead Tavern website www.theriverhead.co.nz

And now back to the question - What is a JAFA?   Well, my family think I am one and I think they are - they just swap the AUCKLANDER for ACCOUNTANT.