Bookkeeper

This qualification is ideal for school leavers with a passion for finance and business. It is also recommended for individuals seeking a formal qualification in bookkeeping or entrepreneurs needing financial management skills

With this qualification, you can kickstart your career as:

• A Bookkeeper in small, medium or large enterprises
• A Financial Administrator managing day-to-day financial operations
• A Payroll Clerk handling employee compensation and statutory returns
• A Creditors or Debtors Clerk managing accounts payable and receivable
• An Accounting Assistant supporting financial reporting and reconciliations
• A Senior Bookkeeper overseeing financial records and compliance

Download our comprehensive fact sheet for full details.

• Accounting Systems and Practice is your gateway to mastering the language of business! You’ll learn how to confidently manage financial records, operate accounting software, and prepare accurate financial statements that meet legal and ethical standards. From understanding how accounting systems support decision-making to reconciling transactions and generating reports, this subject equips you with the practical skills and knowledge to thrive in any finance department.
• Taxation and Compliance empowers you to navigate the world of tax with confidence! You’ll learn how to calculate VAT, employee taxes, and complete SARS returns like VAT201, EMP201, and EMP501. From mastering the Income Tax Act to preparing accurate tax submissions for individuals and businesses, this subject gives you the practical skills to ensure compliance and add real value in any finance role.
• Cost and Management Accounting gives you the financial edge to plan, price, and perform with precision! You’ll learn how to calculate product and service costs, compile operational budgets, and analyse manufacturing accounts using real-world techniques like job costing and variance analysis. This subject equips you with the budgeting and cost control skills that businesses rely on to make smart decisions and stay profitable.
• Payroll and Financial Administration equips you with the skills to run payroll like a pro and keep financial operations running smoothly! You’ll learn to calculate salaries, generate payslips, and submit SARS returns using payroll software, while also mastering the admin tasks that keep finance departments organised and compliant. Whether it’s reconciling payments or supporting office processes, this subject prepares you to be the reliable backbone of any financial team.
• Business Communication and Customer Service helps you become a confident communicator and a customer service champion! You’ll master the art of writing business letters and reports, handling client queries, and delivering professional presentations. With practical skills in conflict resolution, multicultural communication, and customer interaction, this subject prepares you to build strong relationships and thrive in any business environment.
• End User Computing and Digital Literacy gives you the digital confidence to thrive in any financial office! You’ll learn how to create spreadsheets, format documents, design presentations, and communicate professionally via email—all while mastering internet safety and secure data handling. This subject builds your tech-savvy foundation for efficient financial reporting and workplace productivity.
• Professional Conduct and Workplace Readiness prepares you to step confidently into the professional world! You’ll master essential soft skills like ethics, time management, and office etiquette, while learning how to handle real workplace scenarios—from preparing audit packs to solving financial discrepancies with integrity. This subject ensures you’re not just qualified, but truly ready to thrive in any finance environment.
• Business Calculations and Financial Literacy gives you the confidence to work with numbers and financial documents like a pro! You’ll learn how to manage petty cash, process banking documents, and perform essential financial calculations using journals, ledgers, and spreadsheets. This subject builds your numeracy and financial literacy so you can support accurate reporting and smart financial decisions in any business environment.
• Project and Office Management gives you the skills to keep financial offices running like clockwork! You’ll learn how to plan and manage small projects, maintain accurate filing systems, and record inventory and assets with precision. This subject blends project management principles with hands-on office administration, preparing you to lead with confidence and keep operations organised and compliant.
• Accounting Principles and Ethics empowers you to work with integrity and professionalism in any financial environment! You’ll learn how to apply ethical standards, follow organisational policies, and manage your time effectively while solving real-world accounting problems. This subject builds your confidence to make sound decisions and uphold professional conduct in every aspect of your bookkeeping role.

This Occupational Certificate is accredited by the Quality Council for Trades & Occupations (QCTO).

Successful students will achieve:

• A nationally recognised Occupational Certificate: Bookkeeper (SAQA ID 98959 at NQF Level 5)
• Hands-on experience using accounting software and financial systems
• The skills to manage payroll, prepare VAT returns, and reconcile accounts
• Knowledge to communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders
• Training in ethical financial practices and professional conduct

• NQF Level 4 qualification with Mathematical Literacy and Communication in English
• All classes and assessments are conducted in English

Knowledge Modules - Theory

• Accounting Information Systems
• Bookkeeping Practice
• Financial Accounting
• Basic Principles of Cost and Management Accounting
• Basic Taxation
• Principles of Taxation
• End User Computing
• Business Communication and Customer Services
• Ready for Work Standards
• Basic Business Calculations
• Introductory Project Management

Practical Modules - Hands-on Learning

• Use a Recognised Accounting System to Record Accounting and Related Calculations to Validate the Legitimacy and Accuracy of Documents and Records Relating to Payments, Receipts and Other Financial Transactions
• Maintain and Update Filing of Financial Records Either Manually or Using Electronic Devices
• Apply Fundamental Financial Techniques to Perform Bookkeeping Duties with Accuracy
• Communicate Effectively Using Appropriate Methods to Maintain Effective Customer Relationships According to Organisational Standards
• Apply Knowledge of Bookkeeping Principles and Practices in Order to Identify and Solve Problems Arising in the Course of Work
• Apply Knowledge of Accounting Principles and Practices in Order to Identify and Solve Problems According to Professional and Ethical Standards

Workplace Experience Modules - Real World Practice

• Record and Calculate Financial Transactions Using an Accounting Information System
• Reconcile Records of Sales and Other Financial Transactions
• Develop and Use Spreadsheets To Perform Financial Calculations
• Assist With The Calculation of the Cost of a Product or Service for Purchasing/Manufacturing Purposes
• Assist with Preparing Operational Budget
• Preparation of Financial Reports
• Prepare Statutory Returns for Tax Compliance Purposes
• Record Inventory and Assets
• Process Payroll Transactions using Computerised Software
• Support Administrative Processes Given in Financial Unit
• Handle Customer and Clients Queries and Liaison in Relation to Financial Matters
• Apply Correct and Timely Processes to all Financial Supportive Tasks for the Unit/Division
• Audit Packs Prepared Under Supervision According to Internal Control Procedures