Bookkeeping Courses

What is bookkeeping?

Bookkeeping involves keeping up-to-date and accurate record of all the money and/or goods in a business. Without bookkeeping, it would be impossible to keep track of where the money goes. It helps you to know whether or not you are making a profit and it makes planning ahead much easier.

Keeping the books means that you have to make a specific note of all money coming in and going out of the business. You must also make a note of all the money that is owed to the business and of all the money that the business owes to others.

Proper bookkeeping makes it possible for companies and other organisations to comply with financial regulations and to meet their tax obligations. Without accurate financial records, organisations would not be able to determine their tax liabilities, which would result in penalties being imposed by the local tax collection authorities.

What is a bookkeeper’s job description?

Bookkeepers usually work in the finance department of an organisation. One of their main responsibilities is to maintain an accurate record of all financial transactions that take place within an organisation. Below is a list of some of the other tasks and responsibilities that are frequently assigned to bookkeepers in their job descriptions:

• • Posting journal entries of financial transactions to the relevant ledger accounts

  • Preparing trial balances

  • Purchasing office equipment and supplies

  • Paying supplier invoices and accounts on time

  • Issuing invoices to customers and making sure that customers pay their outstanding balances on time

  • Filing documents

  • Making cash deposits at the bank

  • Performing monthly bank reconciliations

  • Managing petty cash

  • Providing necessary financial records and information to the accountants and external auditors

  • Providing general administrative support where necessary

  • Completing tax returns

  • Performing payroll administration duties

Bookkeeping and payroll administration:

Bookkeepers are often required to perform payroll administration duties. Payroll administration refers to the tasks and activities that are involved in remunerating an organisation’s employees. These tasks and activities include things such as keeping track of the number of hours/days worked by each employee, calculating tax and other deductions (such as UIF and pension fund contributions), calculating any overtime compensation that might be due, and making sure that each employee receives the correct amount of money. If employees receive commission or bonuses, this must be calculated as well. Payroll administration also involves the rectification of any errors that may occur during the payroll process, such as the payment of an incorrect amount. Many organisations use computer software packages, such as Pastel, to facilitate the payroll process. Bookkeepers who are responsible for the payroll process should therefore be familiar with how to use such software packages.

How does bookkeeping differ from accounting?

Bookkeeping and accounting are intrinsically linked, as bookkeeping plays an integral role in the accounting cycle. Bookkeeping primarily involves the recording of financial transactions and the safekeeping of financial records and supporting documents. Accounting, on the other hand, focuses on using financial records in order to prepare financial statements and reports. Another important aspect of accounting is the interpretation and analysis of financial information. Accounting also entails the design of the financial systems that are used by bookkeepers to record financial data.

In other words, bookkeepers prepare the data that will be used by accountants to produce financial information. Due to the nature of the work involved, accountants generally need to be more highly qualified than bookkeepers.

Who will benefit from bookkeeping courses?

Anybody who works in any type of business will benefit greatly from taking a bookkeeping course, even an entrepreneur working from his dad’s garage. Every successful business must keep an accurate record of all the money coming in or going out, not just for practical reasons, but also because all profitable businesses must pay tax and you need to know what you earn to be able to pay taxes.

Bookkeeping courses usually prepare students for a career in bookkeeping. However, a bookkeeping course can also be the first step towards a career in accounting or financial management. It can help you to get a job in the financial department of a company, from where you might have the opportunity to study further or to work your way up to a more senior position. If you run your own business, or if you work in an industry where it is important to understand the financial implications of your decisions, you may find it very helpful to do a course in bookkeeping.

How long does a bookkeeping course take?

The bookkeeping courses offered by College SA vary in length – some will take you less than a year to complete, and others will take you about two years. It all depends on which course you are interested in studying.

What bookkeeping courses does College SA offer?

The best way to start a career in bookkeeping in South Africa is by registering for the following Bookkeeping Course - the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers’ Junior Bookkeeping course. When you have completed this programme, you can register for the next Bookkeeping course and go on to study towards the Senior Bookkeeping qualification. The Junior and Senior Bookkeeping Certificate courses give you access to higher level bookkeeping training, and they form the first steps towards becoming aTechnical Financial Accountant.

College SA offers the following Bookkeeping Courses:

Full Programmes:

• • National Certificate: ICB Junior Bookkeeper, NQF 3

  • National Certificate: ICB Senior Bookkeeper, NQF 3 + 4

  • National Diploma: ICB Technical Financial Accounting, NQF 3+4+5.

  • National Diploma: ICB Certified Financial Accounting, NQF 3+4+5+6

Short Courses:

• • Junior Bookkeeper: Bookkeeping to Trial Balance

  • Junior Bookkeeper: Computerised Bookkeeping

  • Junior Bookkeeping: Business Literacy

  • Junior Bookkeeping: Payroll and Monthly SARS Returns

  • Senior Bookkeeping: Cost and Management Accounting

  • Senior Bookkeeping: Financial Statements

  • Technical Financial Accountant: Business Law and Accounting Control

  • Technical Financial Accountant: Income Tax Returns

  • Corporate Strategy

  • Accounting Theory and Practice

  • Financial Reporting and Regulatory Frameworks

  • Management and Accounting Control Systems

  • Computerised Bookkeeping

  • Payroll Administration

  • Tax Studies

If you are interested in studying one of these courses, and would like us to call you, simply complete this form, and we will get back to you shortly:

How can I become a certified bookkeeper?

You can become a certified bookkeeper by completing one of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) courses. College SA offers a number of ICB courses. If you register for an ICB course at any academic institution, you must also register as a member of the ICB. You will be required to pay an annual membership fee for this. If you have completed the relevant qualifications, you are entitled to use the appropriate ICB designations for as long as what you are a member of the ICB.

The advantage of certification is that it indicates to employers that you have a recognised qualification, and that you have passed a certain level of assessment. The ICB is an internationally recognised professional body, and is also affiliated with the International Association of Bookkeepers and the Institute of Financial Accountants in the United Kingdom. This means that you will be able to obtain recognition for your ICB qualification outside of South Africa as well.

Career outlook for bookkeepers:

Most organisations require bookkeepers. If an organisation has any form of income and expenditure, it is likely that it will benefit from having a bookkeeper. Even small or non-profit organisations (including sports clubs) require someone to maintain their financial records. This means that there will always be a demand for people with bookkeeping skills. Jobs in this field are available all over the world, and bookkeepers can also choose to work in any industry.

There are many different job titles that are associated with bookkeeping functions. Depending on your qualification, skills, and field of specialisation, you can consider applying for the following types of positions:

Assistant Bookkeeper/Bookkeeper Accounts Receivable Clerk Accounts Payable Clerk Billing Clerk Payroll Administrator Office Administrator

Bookkeepers usually work normal office hours. However, they may need to work overtime at month-end in order to make sure that all the deadlines are met. Bookkeeping is a stable career choice, and offers opportunities for growth in the sense that there is the possibility for studying further in order to become an accountant or financial manager.

A bookkeeper can expect to earn less than an accountant, but more than a general office administrator. Salary levels vary according to industry, the level of responsibility attached to the position, and the size of the organisation. The more experience you have, the higher your salary is likely to be.

How do I know if bookkeeping is the right career for me?

A career in bookkeeping might be the right choice for you if:

• • You enjoy working with numbers.

  • You like to make sure that things are well-organised.

  • You can work accurately.

  • You can work well under pressure.

  • You can work well on your own as well as within a team.

  • You would enjoy working in an office environment.

  • You have high ethical standards.

  • You are reliable.

  • You are comfortable with working in an administrative environment.

  • You are good at following instructions.

Can I study bookkeeping via distance learning?

Yes, all of College SA’s courses are offered on a distance learning, or home study, basis. This means that, instead of going to classes, you will receive your study material via courier. You will then be able to work through this material in your own time and at your own pace. You will also be assigned to a tutor that will be available to help you via telephone, e-mail, Skype, or SMS if you experience any problems with your course work.

In order to complete the ICB full qualifications, you will be required to submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) and to write an examination. Examinations are conducted at ICB examination venues around the country. College SA gives you the option of selecting an “All-inclusive” payment package, which means that your course fees will include your ICB membership and examination fees for the duration of your course. The package covers the cost of one exam per subject, which means that you will have to pay the exam fee yourself if you need to rewrite an exam.