Bookkeeping is an essential function of any business. This function ensures that all the financial operations of a business are recorded. Keeping financial records helps in making business decisions. Here are the qualifications that you need to be a Bookkeeper:
Our Bookkeeping Qualifications
Here is more information about our Bookkeeping Qualifications:
Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate
The following are the requirements for the Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate:
- Grade 10 or Grade 10 Equivalent Certificate
- Be able to read, write and understand English
- Be able to study thorough distance learning
- Be 16 years or older
Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate
The following are the requirements for the Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate:
- Must have completed the ICB Bookkeeping National Certificate
- Be able to read, write and understand English
- Be able to study through distance learning
- Be 16 years or older
Do You Have To Be Good At Maths To Study Bookkeeping?
No, you do not necessarily have to be good at Maths to study Bookkeeping. You do not need to be proficient in mathematics to apply for the ICB Bookkeeping Course.
You are also not expected to have prior knowledge of Bookkeeping or Accounting
Do I Need Certification To Be A Bookkeeper?
Yes, you need certification to be a Bookkeeper. Here are the two certifications that you can apply for to become a Bookkeeper. These two courses build on each other:
How Long Do You Study To Become A Bookkeeper?
Here is the recommended duration for studying the ICB Bookkeeping Qualifications:
| ICB QUALIFICATION | RECOMMENDED DURATION |
| Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate | 12 to 15 months |
| Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate | 6 to 9 months |
Is It Hard To Study Bookkeeping?
No, studying Bookkeeping is not hard. If you are passionate about numbers and calculations, then this is the perfect career for you to head into. Here are the steps you can take to apply for a course at Matric College:
- Step 1: Register with Matric College
- Step 2: Upon Successful registration, receive textbooks and study notes via courier
- Step 3: Come up with your own study timetable. Matric College can assist you if need be
- Step 4: Stick to your study timetable
- Step 5: Make sure there are no distractions where you study
- Step 6: Do not study continuously for more than an hour
- Step 6: Have 10 to 15-minute breaks in between your studies
- Step 7: Complete and submit your assignments in time every time
- Step 8: Start preparing for your exams early
- Step 9: Get exam tips from Matric College
- Step 10: Write your exams
- Step 11: Pass your exams
- Step 12: Get certified
Can I Study Bookkeeping Online?
Yes, you can study Bookkeeping online. Online learning is distance learning. Distance learning uses online tools to reach out to students. Matric College is a distance learning institution.
This means that you do not attend any classes when you study with us. Here are some of the online tools that can be used when one studies via distance learning:
- Telephone
- SMS (Short Messaging Service)
- Website
What Does A Bookkeeper Do?
Here are some of the duties of a Bookkeeper:
- Record day-to-day financial transactions
- Posts the day-to-day financial transactions
- Verify that transactions are recorded in the correct books
- Bring the books to the trial balance stage
- Perform partial checks of the posting process
- Complete tax forms
- Maintain records
- Create reports and financial statements
- Process accounts receivable/payable
- Handles the payroll
What Makes A Good Bookkeeper?
The following qualities make up an excellent Bookkeeper:
- High organisational skills
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Integrity and transparency
- Problem-solving skills
- Analytical skills
- Computer skills
- Numeracy skills
How Do I Get My First Bookkeeping Job?
Here are the steps that you can take to get your first Bookkeeping job:
- Register with Matric College
- Register with the ICB to study Bookkeeping Courses
- Write your exams
- Register for your exams
- Get certified
- Gain experience
- Gain skills
- Look for your first job
Register With Matric College
Register with Matric College before registering with the ICB. Use any of the following ways to register:
- Fill out an online application form
- Book a call
- We can be reached at (021 838 8295)
- Visit us at our physical address
Register With The ICB To Study Bookkeeping Courses
Here is how you will register with the ICB to Study Bookkeeping Courses:
- Register as an ICB Student
- Sign up on ICB MACCI to build your Portfolio of Evidence (PoE)
- Finish and submit your assignments on ICB MACCI
- Write your tests on the ICB MACCI Portal
Register For Your Exams
Here is how you register for ICB Exams:
- To register for the final exam, complete the ICB Student Portal exam entry form
- You can write the ICB final examination online or at an examination centre
Get Certified
When you pass the ICB exams, you get certified by FASSET (Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority). In addition, ICB exams are accredited by the following bodies:
- SAQA (South African qualification authority)
- QCTO (Quality Council for Trade and Occupations
- ICB (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers)
Gain Experience
Here is what you can do to gain experience
- Volunteer to a charity organisation or community group
- Get an internship
Gain Skills
As you practice your trade, here are some of the skills that you will learn:
- Communication skills
- Computer skills
- Analytical skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Numeracy skills
- Organisational skills
Look For Job Opportunities
Having gained experienced and grown your skills, you can actively start looking for job opportunities. Your first step will be to write a killer CV. A well-written CV will enable you to market yourself in the best way possible to prospective employers.
Can I Work For Myself As A Bookkeeper?
Yes, you can work for yourself as a Bookkeeper. That is the beauty of most scarce skill courses. You can either get employed or you can start your own business.
Not only will that give you the opportunity to determine how much you can earn, but you can also employ other people as your business grows.
How Much Should A Bookkeeper Charge?
Professional Bookkeeping bodies usually recommend the fees that their members can charge their clients. The charges can are determined by the following:
- Number of clients
- Location
- Certifications
- Experience
- Types of services
- Frequency of service
Are Bookkeepers In Demand?
Yes, Bookkeepers are in demand. Remember, Bookkeeping is a scarce skill. This means that there are few people on the job market that have the skills and knowledge of Bookkeeping. After completing your studies, you will not spend a long time looking for employment opportunities. This is because employers are always on the lookout for Bookkeepers.
Author: Collin Wilbesi
Editor: Sive Ncanywa
Date: September 15, 2022