The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers and Accountants (ICBA) was a professional body for Bookkeeping and Accounting professionals. It was however discontinued as a South African Recognised Professional Body on 31 December 2021. The body offered professional membership to ICB Qualification holders and other recognised qualifications.
Is ICB A Professional Body?
No, the Institute of Certified bookkeepers (ICB) is not a professional body. It is an Independent External Examinations Body. The ICB had created the ICBA to be a professional membership body for ICB Qualification holders. The ICB performs the academic functions for its students.
It however does not offer any tuition or provide learning material. This role is played by accredited Learning Providers. Matric College is an accredited Learning Provider of the ICB. Here are some of the functions of the ICB:
- Register students for ICB Courses
- Provide ICB curriculum
- Setting fees
- Register students for ICB exams
- Set ICB exams
- Mark ICB exams
- Assess Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
What Is A Professional Body In South Africa?
A professional body or association usually seeks to further the interests of a particular profession. The interest could be that of individuals, organisations or of the public engaged in that profession. ICB Qualifications holders can apply for membership of the following professional bodies:
- South African Institute of Tax Professionals (SAIT)
- South African Institute of Business Accountants (SAIBA)
- International Association of Bookkeepers (IAB)
- International Association of Accounting Professionals (IAAP)
South African Institute of Tax Professionals (SAIT)
SAIT is the professional body for tax professionals with particular interest in the following:
- Taxation
- Customs or Accounting
- Affiliation
Who Can Apply For A SAIT Membership?
The following can apply for A SAIT membership:
- Holders of Bookkeeping: ICB Further Education and Training (FET) Certificate and
- Holders of Technical Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma
Membership Criteria
SAIT has a range of membership designations which are tailored to meet your needs. SAIT has the following membership criteria:
- General Tax Membership
- Chartered Tax Advisor
- General Tax Advisor
- Tax Technician Practitioner
- Customs Membership
- Master Customs Trade Practitioner
- General Customs Trade Practitioner
- Customs Compliance Practitioner
- Specialised Membership
- Tax Advisor
- Transfer Pricing Practitioner
- SAIT Affiliate
South African Institute of Business Accountants (SAIBA)
SAIBA is an Accountant body for Accountants and Finance Executives.
Who Can Apply For SAIT Membership?
The following can apply for ICB membership:
- If you want to register as an Accounting practitioner, you can be a member of SAIBA
- If you are holder of the Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma
- If you are an ICB student
Membership Criteria
SAIBA offers membership designations that suit your job role
| ROLE | DESIGNATION |
| Financial `Executive | Chartered Financial Officer |
| Financial Manager | Certified Business Accountant |
| Financial Accountant | Business Accountant |
| Financial Administrator | Chartered Financial Administrator |
| Bookkeeper | Chartered Bookkeeper |
| Accountant In Practice | Chartered Business Accountant in Practice |
Institute of Accountants And Bookkeepers (IAB)
The Institute of Accountants and Bookkeepers (IAB) is a United Kingdom-based Accountants and Bookkeepers professional body. The body is recognised in terms of Anti Money Laundering regulations.
Who Can Apply For IAB Membership?
You can apply for membership of this professional body if you hold the following:
- Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate
- Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate
- Technical Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma
- Certified Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma
- Pass a short assessment knowledge test
Membership Criteria
The IAB offers three (3) levels of membership as follows:
| MEMBERSHIP | DESIGNATION |
| Associate | AIAB |
| Fellow | FIAB |
| Member | MIAB |
International Association of Accounting Professionals (IAAP)
The International Association of Accounting Professionals (IAAP) is based in the United Kingdom. The IAAP is an international professional body offering recognition for Business and Accounting Qualifications in the world.
Who Can Apply For SAIT Membership?
You can apply for membership of this professional body if you hold the following ICB Qualifications:
- Technical Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma
- Certified Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma
Membership Criteria
The IAAP has one type of membership only. If you are accepted to become a member, you will be eligible to use the following designatory letters – MIAAP (Member international Association of Accounting Professionals).
What Are The Benefits Of Joining A Professional Body?
Here are some of the benefits of joining a professional body:
- Industry events including:
- Conferences
- Webinars
- Workshops
- Networking events and networking opportunities
- Volunteer work and opportunities
- Professional advice from experts
- Work experience opportunities
- Boost your CV through using designatory letters
- Access to technical knowledge and information
- Further training opportunities
Why Should I Study An ICB Course?
An ICB Qualification is an internationally recognised qualification, here are some of the reasons that you should study an ICB Qualification:
- Internationally recognised qualifications – ICB Qualifications are internationally recognised by both employers and other professional educational bodies for further studies. Here are other professional educational bodies that recognise ICB Qualifications for exemptions in further studies:
- ACCA – Association of Certified Chartered Accountants
- CIMA – Chartered Institute of management Accountants
- It is a scarce skill – All ICB Programmes are scarce skills courses. A scarce skills course equips you with skills and knowledge that are on demand on the job marketplace. This means that it will not take you a long time to secure employment upon completion of your course.
- You can work anywhere – With an ICB Qualification, you can work anywhere in the world. This is because ICB Qualifications are internationally recognised.
- Work in any industry – ICB Qualifications do not restrict you to work in a particular industry. With an ICB Qualification, you can work in an industry of your choice. The skills and knowledge acquired in ICB Qualifications are needed in any type of business or organisation.
- Qualifications are accredited – ICB Qualifications are accredited with the following bodies:
- QCTO – Quality Council for Trade and occupations
- ICB – Institute of Certified Bookkeepers
- SAQA – South African Qualifications Authority
- You can study and work at the same time – work and learn at the same time. You can study ICB Courses at Matric College. We are a distance learning institution that is accredited as a Learning Provider of all ICB Courses offered.
- Gain skills – When you study ICB Courses, here are some of the skills that you can gain:
- Communication skills
- Computer skills
- Organisational skills
- Leadership skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Problem-solving skills
What Is An ICB Qualification?
An ICB Qualification is a certificate of competency that you are awarded upon completion of studying an ICB Course. Remember that ICB Qualifications build on each other. Here is a list of ICB Qualifications:
Where Can I Study ICB Courses?
You can study ICB Courses at Matric College. Here is what Matric College can do for you:
- Provide you with textbooks and study notes
- Get additional learning material through online tools
- Assist you to register with the ICB
- Access to your tutors
- Access to Student Support Services every weekday from 08:00 am to 05:00 pm
- Get exam tips
- Affordable tuition fees
Author: Collin Wilbesi
Editor: Sive Ncanywa
Date: September 20 , 2022