To become a Bookkeeper, here are some qualifications that you can study at Matric College that you need:
Can I Study Bookkeeping From Home?
Yes, you can study a Bookkeeping course from home. Matric College is a distance learning institution. Here is why you should study your bookkeeping courses from home:
- You can study and learn at the same time
- You can save money
- There is flexibility
- COVID-19 free
You Can Study And Learn At The Same Time
With distance learning, you can study and learn at the same time. This is because you can set your own study timetable. You can study when you are free from your work as there are no classes to attend.
You Can Save Money
Since you will not be travelling to classes, you will cut costs on transport. Other associated costs that you will cut are teas and lunches. In addition, tuition fees for distance learning are competitive.
There Is Flexibility
Distance learning offers you flexibility in the way that you study. You can study at times that suit you. This means that you will set up your own study timetable. You will also study where it is more convenient for you. Just make sure that there are no distractions at the place that you choose to study.
Covid-19 Free
You can be free from COVID-19 when you study through distance learning. Since there are no classes to attend, there is no mingling either at school or in public spaces. When you stay home you stay safe.
Is Bookkeeping A Good Career?
Yes, Bookkeeping is a good career choice, here is why:
- It is a scarce skill
- Gain soft skills as a Bookkeeper
- Grow your Bookkeeping career
- Earn A Competitive salary
It Is A Scarce Skill
Bookkeeping is a scarce skill. This means that it is a skill that employers are searching for. Remember that there is no organisation that can function properly without a Bookkeeper. As soon as you are qualified, it will not take long before you are employed.
Gain Soft Skills
During the course of studying Bookkeeping, you will gain soft skills. These are skills that are needed if you are to be an effective Bookkeeper. Soft skills are transferable. This means that you will not only use these skills as a Bookkeeper but can use the skills in any other profession or social setting.
Here are the soft skills that you will gain as a Bookkeeper:
- Numeracy
- Communication
- Analysing
- Report writing
- Time management
Grow Your Career
You can grow your Bookkeeping career into becoming an Accountant. Growing your career means that you will have more responsibilities. More responsibilities will mean that you will be paid a better salary.
Besides, you become more marketable in the job market. Here are the courses that you can study to grow your career:
Competitive Salary
Being a scarce skill, Bookkeepers’ salaries are competitive. Remember that there is a demand by employers for Bookkeepers. When a profession is in demand salaries are competitive.
Can Anyone Be A Bookkeeper?
Yes, anyone can be a Bookkeeper. All one needs is to meet the entry requirements of the Bookkeeping course. Here are the requirements that you need to qualify for the ICB Bookkeeping Course:
- You must have passed and completed Grade 11
- Be at least 16 years or older
- Be able to study through distance learning
- Be able to read write and understand English
If you do not meet the above requirements, you can complete the ICB Bridging Course. A Bridging Course qualifies you to study any of the ICB Programmes: Here are the entry requirements of a Bridging Course:
- You must have passed and completed Grade 10
- Be at least 16 years or older
- Be able to study through distance learning
- Be able to read write and understand English
Are Bookkeepers In High Demand?
Yes, Bookkeepers are in demand. Bookkeepers are needed in the industry, commerce, Public Sector and Not-for-Profit organisations. No organisation can function smoothly without a Bookkeeper.
What Do Bookkeepers Do?
Here are the duties of a Bookkeeper:
- Record day to day financial transactions
- Bring the books to the trial balance stage
- Perform checks of the posting process
- Complete tax forms
- Create reports and financial statements
- Process account receivable
- Process account payable
- Handle the payroll
How Long Does It Take To Become A Qualified Bookkeeper?
ICB courses build on each other. There are two ICB courses that qualify you to be a Bookkeeper. Here are the recommended course durations for the two ICB courses:
| BOOKKEEPING COURSE | RECOMMENDED DURATION |
| Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate | 12 months |
| Bookkeeping: ICB FET National Certificate | 12 months |
What Is The Difference Between Bookkeeper and Accountant?
Here are the differences between a Bookkeeper and an Accountant:
| BOOKKEEPER DUTIES | ACCOUNTANT DUTIES |
| Records day to day financial transactions | Prepares budgets |
| Brings the books to the trial balance stage | Publishes financial statements |
| Performs checks of the posting process | Reconciles accounts payable and receivable |
| Completes tax forms | Prepares tax returns |
| Creates reports and financial statements | Manage balance sheets and profit/loss statements |
| Processes accounts receivable | Audits financial transactions and documents |
| Processes accounts payable | Assesses company’s financial health and liquidity |
| Handle the payroll | Performs monthly, quarterly and annual closings |
Can A Bookkeeper Call Be Called An Accountant?
No, a Bookkeeper can not be called an Accountant. As you can see from the table above their duties are not the same. A Bookkeeper reports to an Accountant. A Bookkeeper cannot perform some duties of an Accountant.
What Is The Best Bookkeeping Course To Do?
Here are the best Bookkeeping courses to do:
These are the best Bookkeeping courses because of the following:
- Entry requirements are flexible
- You can study by distance learning
- The courses build on each other. This means that your skills and knowledge are improved with each course.
- You can study further
How Can I Study Bookkeeping?
To start studying Bookkeeping take the following steps:
- Contact one of our course experts
- Register at Matric College
- Receive your study material within 5 – 7 days after registration
- Make your study timetable
- Contact your tutors to assist you in areas that you are having challenges
- Revise your work
- Get exam tips from Matric College
- Write your exams
- Pass your exams
- Get awarded your Bookkeeping Certificate
Author: Collin Wilbesi
Editor: Amy Venter
Date Published: April 8, 2022