Ember Academy is a distance learning college which prides itself in helping students pass through superior student support services. The Academy offers the following Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) Courses:
ICB Financial Accounting Courses
Financial Accounting Courses equip students with the skills and knowledge to run and manage the finances of a business or organisation. The role of a Financial Accountant is very important in any organisation as success can be determined by how well the finances are handled. Here are the Financial Accounting Courses that you can study:
ICB Business Management Courses
Business Management Courses equip students with the skills and knowledge to run and manage a business. Business Management is an important function in a business as it can determine how well a business can perform. Here are the Business Management Courses that you can study:
ICB Office Administration Courses
Office Administration Courses equip students with the skills and knowledge of managing and running a business office. A business’s success can also be dependent on how well the offices are administered. Here are the Office Administration Courses that you can study:
Can I Study Directly Through ICB?
No, you cannot study through the ICB. The ICB is an Independent External Examination body. What this means is that the ICB is geared toward assessing your competency in the courses that they offer. They do not offer any tuition.
They also do not provide any study material. Tuition is provided by their accredited Learning Providers. Ember Academy is an accredited Learning Provider of the ICB. Here are some of the functions of the ICB:
- Register students for ICB Courses
- Register students for ICB exams
- Provide course curriculum
- Set exams
- Mark exams
Why Should I Study ICB Courses?
Here are some of the reasons why you should consider studying ICB Courses:
- The Courses are accredited
- The Qualifications are recognised
- The courses are scarce skills courses
- You gain skills
- You work anywhere
- You can work in any industry
The Courses Are Accredited
All ICB Courses are accredited. The courses are accredited by the following bodies:
- South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
- Quality Council for Trade and Occupation (QCTO)
- Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB)
The Qualifications Are Recognised
ICB Courses are recognised by employers. This is in addition to being recognised by other national and international professional bodies, either for membership or for exemptions:
International Bodies
- IAB (International Association of Bookkeepers, UK)
- ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, UK)
- IAAP (International Association of Accounting Professionals, UK)
- CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, UK)
National Bodies
- SAIT – South African Institute of Tax Practitioners
- SAIBA – South African Institute Of Business Accountants
The Courses Are Scarce Skills Courses
All ICB Courses are scarce skills courses. This means that once you complete your studies, your skills and knowledge are in demand. Employers are always looking for people with these skills. You will not last for a very long time on the job market.
You Gain Skills
When you study ICB Courses, there are a number of skills that you gain in each of the Courses. The following are the common skills that you gain when you study ICB Courses:
- Computer skills
- Analytical skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Leadership skills
- Communication skills
You Work Anywhere
With all ICB Courses, you can work anywhere. This is because ICB Courses are internationally recognised. With ICB Qualifications, you can work anywhere in the world. You will not be restricted to working only in South Africa.
You Can Work In Any Industry
In addition to working anywhere, ICB Courses allow you to work in any industry. ICB Courses are in demand in every industry. This will not only increase your chances of getting employed, but will also give you a choice of industries that you can work in.
Which Institute Is Best For Bookkeeping?
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) is the best for Bookkeepers. ICB offers the following Bookkeeping Qualifications:
What Qualifications Do I Need To Study Bookkeeping?
Bookkeeping falls under the Financial Accounting Courses of the ICB Programmes. Here are the qualifications that you need to study for ICB Courses:
ICB Financial Accounting Courses
- Grade 10 (NQF 2) or Equivalent
- You must be 16 years or older
- Able to read, write and understand English
- Be able to study through distance learning
ICB Business Management Courses
- Grade 11 (NQF 3) or equivalent
- ICB Bookkeeping: National Certificate
- You must be 16 years or older
- Able to read, write and understand English
- Be able to study through distance learning
ICB Office Administration Courses
- Grade 12 or Matric Equivalent Certificate
- You must be 16 years or older
- Able to read, write and understand English
- Be able to study through distance learning
Can You Self-Study With ICB?
Yes, you can self-study with ICB through Ember Academy. It is a distance learning institution. With a distance learning college, you do not need to attend any classes. You can study in the comfort of your home or anywhere else that you may feel comfortable.
Here are the other reasons why you should consider Ember Academy:
- The tuition fees are affordable
- There is tutor support available
- Provision of student support services
- Free textbooks and study notes
- Online support
How Many Years Does It Take To Study Financial Accounting Courses?
Here is how long it will take you to study Financial Accounting and other ICB Courses:
ICB COURSE | RECOMMENDED DURATION |
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING | |
Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate | 12 – 15 months |
Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate | 6 – 9 months |
Technical Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma | 6 – 9 months |
Certified Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma | 12 – 15 months |
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT | |
Small Business Financial Management: ICB National Certificate | 6 – 9 months |
Office Administration – Business Management: ICB Higher Certificate | 15 – 18 months |
Financial Accounting – Business Management: ICB National Diploma | 12 – 15 months |
OFFICE ADMINISTRATION | |
Office Administration: ICB National Certificate | 18 – 21 months |
Office Administration: ICB Higher Certificate | 9 – 12 months |
Office Administration: ICB National Diploma | 9 – 12 months |
What Does A Bookkeeper Earn In South Africa?
Here is the average salary of a Bookkeeper and other ICB Courses related professionals:
CAREER | AVERAGE SALARY PER MONTH |
Bookkeeper | R 17 000.00 |
Finance Manager | R 62 519.00 |
Office Administrator | R 15 000.00 |
Business Manager | R 51 317,00 |
Human Resources Assistant | R 27 909.00 |
What Can I Do After An ICB Course?
Here are your options after completing an ICB Course:
- Look for employment opportunities – After completing your ICB Diploma, you can look for employment opportunities. However, with ICB, you do not even have to wait for the completion. You can look for employment opportunities after each course.
- Study further – You can also study further after completing your ICB Course:
- Other ICB Courses – ICB Courses have common subjects for all three (3) Programmes. When you study any other ICB Course, you will get exemptions for the common subjects. This means that you will finish the programme earlier.
- Other Professional Courses – you can also study other professional courses like CIMA and ACCA where you can get exemptions
Author: Collin Wilbesi
Editor:Sive Ncanywa
Date: September 01, 2022