If you want to work in finance or business, a financial accounting course can help you get started. This guide will show you how long these courses take, what you will learn, and why ICB qualifications are a great choice. Whether you’re looking for a short course or a full diploma, you’ll find all the details here.
How Long Is a Diploma in Financial Accounting?
A Diploma in Financial Accounting can take 12 to 36 months, depending on the level of study and whether you study full-time or part-time. Below is a list of ICB Financial Accounting courses and how long each takes.
- Junior Bookkeeper Course: ICB National Certificate – 16 months: This course is great for beginners. You’ll learn the basics of bookkeeping and how to handle financial records.
- Certified Senior Bookkeeping: ICB Certificate – 24 months: This level builds on what you learned before. You’ll cover topics like VAT, financial statements, and business law.
- Technical Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma – 28 months: This course prepares you for mid-level accounting jobs. It includes financial reporting, taxation, and cost management.
- Certified Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma – 36 months: This is the highest ICB diploma. It teaches management accounting, internal controls, and business strategy.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Financial Accounting?
The time it takes depends on what level you want to reach. A short course can help you learn the basics in a few months. A full diploma takes between one and three years. Gaining experience through work helps you improve faster. If you study regularly and practice accounting tasks, you’ll learn quicker.
How Long Is the ICB Course?
ICB courses have different lengths depending on the level and study pace. Below is a table showing the Skills Academy ICB courses, their durations, and what you need to enrol.
| Course | Course Duration | Entry Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Small Business Financial Management Certificate | 12 months | No Matric required |
| Business Management: Higher Certificate | 27 months | No Matric required |
| Business Management: Financial Accounting Diploma | 36 months | Higher Certificate in Business Management |
| Junior Office Administration: ICB National Certificate | 24 months | No Matric required |
| Office Administration: ICB Higher Certificate | 26 months | National Certificate in Office Administration |
| Office Administration: Certified Office Manager ICB Diploma | 36 months | Higher Certificate in Office Administration |
Most ICB courses take one to three years, depending on the level. If you study part-time, it may take longer. These courses are flexible, so you can study at your own pace.
Financial Accounting Courses in South Africa
In South Africa, many colleges and universities offer financial accounting courses. ICB-accredited courses are a popular choice because they are recognised by employers. Skills Academy offers these courses through distance learning, so you can study from home.
Junior Bookkeeper Course: ICB National Certificate
This is the first step in financial accounting. It teaches you how to record transactions, balance accounts, and manage financial records. This course is perfect if you want to start a career as a bookkeeper.
Certified Senior Bookkeeping: ICB Certificate
This course is a step up from the Junior Bookkeeper level. You will learn about financial statements, VAT calculations, and business law. After completing this course, you’ll be able to handle more complex bookkeeping tasks.
Technical Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma
This diploma gives you strong technical skills. It covers financial reporting, tax, and cost management. With this qualification, you can work in businesses, accounting firms, or even start your own practice.
Certified Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma
This is the highest ICB qualification in financial accounting. It teaches business strategy, management accounting, and internal auditing. After this course, you can become a financial accountant or tax consultant.
Financial Accounting Short Courses
We do not offer Financial Accounting Short Courses. However, if you want to learn more about financial management quickly. We offer these short courses:
- Financial Management Short Course
- Financial Management Short Certificate Course
- Financial Management Short Comprehensive Course
Financial Management Short Course
This is a basic course that teaches you financial skills for the workplace. You’ll learn about bookkeeping, budgets, and financial planning. It’s great for beginners or small business owners.
Financial Management Short Certificate Course
This course expands on the basics. It covers credit control, cash flow management, and financial reporting. It’s perfect for those who want more skills in business finance.
Financial Management Short Comprehensive Course
This is the most advanced short course. It covers risk management, tax principles, and financial forecasting. If you want to improve your financial skills for business or career growth, this is a great option.
Which Accounting Course Is Best?
The best course depends on your career goals. If you want a quick qualification, a short course is best. If you want a full career in accounting, an ICB Diploma in Financial Accounting is a great choice. For fast career growth, ICB courses are a great option because they are recognised by employers.
Is ICB a Good Qualification?
Yes! ICB qualifications are respected in South Africa and abroad. Many employers prefer hiring ICB graduates because these courses teach practical financial skills. Our courses are registered with both SAQA and the Quality Council For Trades and Occupations (QCTO).
Accredited
ICB courses are trusted by businesses. Employers like them because they focus on real-world skills. Many students find jobs even before they finish studying.
Flexible
ICB qualifications are flexible and accessible. You can study part-time or full-time, making them perfect for working adults. You don’t need Matric to start, which makes them a great alternative to university.
Career Relevant Subjects
ICB courses meet industry standards. They cover accounting, tax, and business management, so graduates are ready for the workplace. You can also join professional accounting bodies with an ICB diploma.
Career Advancement
ICB qualifications help you grow in your career. You can start with a certificate, move to a higher diploma, and then apply for senior accounting roles. It’s a great way to build a long-term career in finance.
ICB Financial Accounting courses give you the skills to start a career in finance and business. Whether you want to start with a short course or complete a full diploma, these courses help you succeed.
Want to learn more? Talk to a course advisor today and start your journey!
Diploma in Financial Accounting Requirements
If you want to study for an ICB Financial Accounting Diploma, there are a few things you need to qualify. These basic requirements help make sure you’re ready for the course. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Basic English Skills: You must be able to read, write, and understand English. This is important because all course materials and exams are in English.
- Numeracy Skills: Since financial accounting involves working with numbers, you should be comfortable with basic maths.
- Junior Bookkeeper Certificate: To move on to diploma-level courses, you must first complete the lower-level bookkeeping courses.
- Access to a Computer: Some course content includes computerised bookkeeping, so you’ll need a computer with internet access.
What Subjects Do I Need to Study Financial Accounting?
The subjects you study in financial accounting depend on the level of your course. You start with basic bookkeeping and work your way up to advanced financial reporting and business law. Each subject builds on what you’ve learned before.
Junior Bookkeeper Course: ICB National Certificate
This is where you begin if you want to work in bookkeeping or financial accounting. It covers basic finance, payroll, and bookkeeping. Once completed, you’ll be ready for entry-level jobs.
Subjects:
- Introduction to Business English
- Bookkeeping to Trial Balance
- Payroll and Monthly SARS Returns
- Computerised Bookkeeping
- Business Literacy
Certified Senior Bookkeeping: ICB Certificate
This course builds on the Junior Bookkeeper level. It focuses on financial statements and managing business costs. It’s a great step for those wanting to handle more complex accounting tasks.
Subjects:
- Financial Statements
- Cost and Management Accounting
Technical Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma
This diploma teaches advanced finance skills. You’ll learn how to handle tax returns and understand business law. It’s perfect for those looking for a higher-level finance role.
Subjects:
- Income Tax Returns
- Business Law and Accounting Control
Certified Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma
This is the highest level in ICB Financial Accounting. It prepares students for senior finance roles. You’ll learn about corporate finance, financial reporting, and business law.
Subjects:
- Business Law and Accounting Control
- Corporate Strategy
- Management Accounting Control Systems
- Financial Reporting and Regulatory Frameworks
- Research Theory and Practice (by short dissertation; Topic: Financial Accounting)
Can I Study ICB Without Matric?
Yes! You don’t need Matric to start studying ICB Financial Accounting. You can begin with the Junior Bookkeeper course and work your way up. This makes ICB courses a great choice for people who want to build their qualifications step by step.
Can I Study Directly With ICB?
No, you can’t register directly with ICB. You need to enrol with an accredited training provider, like Skills Academy. These providers offer study materials, tutor support, and help with exam registration.
Where Can I Study This Course?
You can study ICB Financial Accounting at colleges, private institutions, or through distance learning. Many students choose distance learning because it allows them to study from home while working. Skills Academy offers flexible study options for students across South Africa.
How Can I Get an ICB Certificate?
To get your ICB certificate, you need to pass all the required subjects. Once you complete your course and exams, you will then be issued your official certificate. But, first you must enrol in a course. You can enrol for ICB Courses by filling out the relevant registration form.
How to Pass Financial Accounting?
If you want to pass your ICB Financial Accounting course, you need a good study plan. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Create a Study Plan: Set a schedule to go through your coursework and revise your notes regularly.
- Practice with Past Papers: Doing past exam papers helps you understand the types of questions you’ll face.
- Use Online Resources: There are videos, study guides, and practice tests available to help with tricky topics.
- Ask for Help: If you’re struggling, reach out to tutors, classmates, or online study groups.
What Is the Pass Mark for the ICB Exam?
To pass an ICB exam, you need at least 60%. Your final mark is made up of 30% from assignments and 70% from the final exam. You must pass both parts to complete the course.
Is Financial Accounting Course Hard?
Some students find financial accounting challenging at first, but with regular study and practice, it becomes easier. If you stay consistent and ask for help when needed, you’ll get through it.
How Long Is the Financial Accounting Exam?
ICB exams last three hours. They include multiple-choice questions, calculations, and financial statements. Practising past papers helps students get used to the exam format and timing.
What Happens If You Fail an ICB Exam?
Failing an ICB exam isn’t the end. You have options to try again. You can rewrite the exam or apply for a re-mark if you think there was a mistake.
Review Results
Check your results carefully. If your score is close to 60%, you can ask for a re-mark to see if there was an error.
Register For Rewrite
If you don’t pass, you can register for a rewrite. ICB exams are held four times a year, so you’ll get another chance soon.
Examine Previous Exam
Look at where you went wrong. Use exam feedback to identify weak areas and focus on improving them.
Study Harder
Prepare better for your next attempt. Use study guides, past papers, and extra practice. Joining a study group can also make a big difference.
Studying ICB Financial Accounting is a great way to build a career in finance. With the right study plan and dedication, you can complete your course and earn a qualification that employers respect. Want to learn more? Talk to a course advisor today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Financial accounting is a stable and well-paying career. Every business needs someone to manage its money, track expenses, and prepare financial reports. With the right qualification, you can work in many industries, from small businesses to large corporations.
Salaries in financial accounting depend on experience and qualifications. In South Africa, entry-level accountants earn around R15,000 per month. As you gain experience and higher qualifications, you can earn over R50,000 per month in senior roles.
You can become a freelance bookkeeper. There are many job opportunities in accounting. If you have an ICB Accounting Certificate, you can work in different roles, including:
- Bookkeeper: Keeps track of daily money transactions and makes sure business records are correct.
- Payroll Administrator: Handles salaries, tax deductions, and payments to employees.
- Tax Consultant: Helps people and businesses prepare tax returns and follow SARS rules.
- Financial Administrator: Manages budgets, prepares reports, and makes sure a company’s finances run smoothly.
- Accounts Clerk: Processes invoices, payments, and checks that financial statements are accurate.
Yes, but you don’t need to be a maths expert! Financial accounting uses basic maths like adding, subtracting, and percentages. The most important skill is understanding financial data and knowing how to organise numbers.
Both subjects are different, but neither is impossible to learn. Accounting focuses on keeping financial records and making sure everything adds up correctly. Finance is more about planning money and making investment decisions. Some people find finance more theoretical, while accounting requires attention to detail and accuracy.
Author: Jodie Jacobs
