Every business needs someone to manage their books and finances!
This programme is the first level in the ICB Financial Accounting programme. Whether you dream of thriving in a small business environment or supporting Accountants and Financial Managers in larger organisations, this first-level programme is your ticket to success.
You will study business communication and numeracy, basic bookkeeping to trial balance, basic conditions of employment, SARS registrations and submissions, payroll bookkeeping and computerised accounting.
Successful learners can continue with studies towards the NQF Level 4 FETC: Bookkeeping, the NQF Level 5 Diploma: Technical Financial Accounting and the NQF Level 6 National Diploma: Financial Accounting.
The ICB (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers) is a professional body that offers a range of internationally-recognised qualifications in bookkeeping, accounting and financial management. These qualifications are structured in progressive levels, allowing you to complete more advanced qualifications in your own time, and as you gain experience and expertise.
Career Opportunities
On completion, you will be able to gain entry into a wide variety of jobs such as:
- Junior Bookkeeper
- Accounts administrator
- Debtors administrator
- Creditors administrator
- Payroll administrator
- SARS Returns Clerk
Course Outline
The qualification is made up of 4 modules.
Bookkeeping to Trial Balance (48 hours, 12 weeks part-time)
This module introduces the learner to source documents, the rules of double entry, subsidiary journals, the general ledger, bookkeeping for the different inventory systems and bank and creditors reconciliations. It will provide skills for the Accounts Clerk (who processes monthly financial transactions) and the Debtors and Creditors Clerk functions.
Payroll and Monthly SARS returns (48 hours, 12 weeks part-time)
This module will revise the manual monthly bookkeeping function. It will introduce learners to payroll and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act as well as basic business ethics. Learners will be able to complete the payroll function from the bookkeeping perspective and calculate PAYE, SDL and UIF. You will also be able to complete the monthly and annual SARS payroll returns (EMP201, IRP 5, IT3a, IRP501) and the VAT201 return.
Computerised Bookkeeping (12 hours, 3 weeks part-time)
It is essential that bookkeepers are able to work effectively on a computer. Learners must demonstrate their skills in basic business computing and a computerised accounting package. You will be prepared to complete the ICB Computerised Bookkeeping Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) which will include the completion of the monthly bookkeeping cycle on Pastel Accounting and Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
You need to have basic computer skills and working knowledge of Pastel Accounting or equivalent before doing this module.
Business Literacy (48 hours, 12 weeks part-time)
You will cover the key principles of effective business communication – spoken and written. You will also get to grips with fractions, percentages, ratios, equations and interest rates. Measuring and analysing workplace data is also covered.
Learners who hold a Level 4 (Grade 12) certificate must still complete this module as the fundamental unit standards of this qualification are at NQF Level 5.
Accreditation and Certification
On successfully completing each module, you will get an ICB Results Letter for that subject outlining the unit standards covered and the competencies achieved.
On successful completion of all four modules, the ICB will apply to FASSET for you to be awarded the National Certificate: Bookkeeping (NQF Level 3, SAQA ID 58375).
Entrance Requirements
- Grade 10 (Standard 8) or equivalent
- No prior accounting knowledge is required
- If you have previously been awarded registered qualifications or part qualifications – or if you’ve been working in a relevant field – you may be able to get certain credits through the ICB’s procedure for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Contact us for more details.