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Bookkeeper

 

 

 

OFO No: 331301

 

 

 

What is a Bookkeeper?

Every business requires someone to do the bookkeeping (keeping financial records). Most companies employ a Bookkeeper – either full time or part-time depending on how big the company is.  

A Bookkeeper is responsible for keeping financial records of all transactions that take place, including sales and payments.

A Bookkeeper does basic accounting duties but is not a qualified accountant. Sometimes, Bookkeepers work alongside accountants in larger firms. A Bookkeeper, therefore, requires a lot less training than an accountant and has fewer responsibilities.

A Bookkeeper may work for a company or for themselves. If they work for themselves, they could freelance their skills to a variety of smaller companies and individuals at the same time.

What does a Bookkeeper do?

  • keeps and records every single financial transaction
  • keeps payment records
  • keeps track of payments made
  • balances the books
  • compares current and past balance sheets for finance department
  • prepares reports for managers
  • prepares bank deposits
  • reconciles monthly as well as annual balance sheets

Are you … ?

  • interested in a career in finance?
  • mathematically astute?
  • organised and methodical?
  • trustworthy?
  • accurate?
  • able to concentrate for long periods at a time?
  • able to work well under pressure?
  • a problem solver?

How do I become a Bookkeeper?

There a number of ways you can become a Bookkkeeper.

(1) Grade 10

  • If you left school after Grade 10, you could attend a TVET / FET college or private training institution to complete a NQF Level 4 relevant qualification before entering the job market.

(2) Grade 12

  • If you take accountancy in high school, you could enter the job market as a junior or assistant bookkeeper once you have passed your Grade 12.

(3) Learnerships

  • You can only be entered if you have an employer who is accredited to offer the learnership.

PLEASE NOTE: These paths can also be entered after completion of Grade 11 or an NQF Level 3 qualification. 

 

TRAINING:

  • CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
  • Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
  • To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.

 

  • ICB:  INSTITUTE OF CREDITED BOOKKEEPERS

‘In order to be an ICB-accredited training provider, an organisation has to be accredited by the Education and Training Quality Assurance (ETQA) body that’s responsible for the qualifications they offer – in this case, Fasset.
The ICB is a Quality Assurance Partner of Fasset, meaning that we can accredit training providers for our qualifications. Make sure that the provider you choose is on our list!’

CLICK HERE for BOOKKEEPING training providers: 

http://www.icb.org.za/where-to-study/training-providers.html

CLICK HERE for ICB’s website: http://www.icb.org.za/

Minimum requirements:  Each institution has their own requirements. Check your institution of choice for theirs.
Recommended Subjects:  Mathematics, Accounting, Economics


OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Accounts Clerk or Administration Officer

Is becoming a Bookkeeper the right career choice for me? 

 

 

 


Maths Required Qualification Required