Accounting is a useful skill that can help you find many job opportunities. If you want to study accounting but do not have matric, there are options for you. You can start with ICB courses that are open to students who have passed Grade 10. These courses are made for adults who want to grow their skills, find better jobs or run a business.
You do not need to attend classes in person. You can study from home through distance learning. This gives you the chance to study at your own pace while taking care of your other responsibilities.
Can I Study Accounting Without Matric?
Yes, you can study accounting without matric. If you have passed Grade 10, you can apply for ICB courses. These courses are a stepping stone into the accounting field and are designed to help you move forward in your career.
Skills Academy offers ICB accounting courses that are fully accredited. The first course you can take without matric is the ICB Junior Bookkeeper Course. This course gives you the foundation you need to grow in the accounting field. After completing it, you can move on to more advanced courses.
This makes it easier for adults who never finished matric to still get a recognised qualification and find work in finance or bookkeeping.
Can I Study Accounting Online?
Yes, you can study accounting online. All ICB courses through Skills Academy are offered as distance learning programmes. This means you do not need to go to class. You study at home, on your own schedule.
Here is how online learning works:
- You get your study material delivered to you
- You submit your assignments from home
- You write your exams at set times in the year
Why Study Accounting Online?
Flexibility You can plan your studies around your work or family.
No Need to Travel Study from anywhere in South Africa without transport costs.
Ongoing Support You get help from tutors and academic staff by phone, email, or online.
Faster Progress You can finish your course quickly if you are focused and work hard.
How Long is an Accounting Course?
The time it takes to finish your accounting course depends on which level you start at and how far you want to go. Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Course Name | Duration | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Bookkeeper: ICB National Certificate | 16 Months | Grade 10 |
| Certified Senior Bookkeeper: ICB FET Certificate | 24 Months | Must pass Junior Bookkeeper |
| Technical Financial Accounting: ICB Diploma | 28 Months | Must pass Senior Bookkeeper |
| Certified Financial Accountant: ICB Diploma | 36 Months | Must pass Technical Diploma |
What to Expect from Each Course :
- Junior Bookkeeper (16 Months)
Covers basic bookkeeping, business English, computer skills and more. Perfect for beginners.
- Certified Senior Bookkeeper (24 Months)
Builds on what you learned in the first course. You’ll learn more about financial statements and management accounting.
- Technical Financial Accounting (28 Months) You start to work with tax returns, cost accounting and even business law.
- Certified Financial Accountant (36 Months)
This is the final step. You learn corporate strategy, financial reporting and advanced accounting systems.
Each level prepares you for the next. If you want to grow in your career, you can keep moving up.
Ready to Get Started?
You don’t need matric to start your journey in accounting. With the ICB Junior Bookkeeper course, you can take your first step. Study online, learn at your own pace and open doors to new career paths.
If you want to know about prices or payment plans, speak to a course expert. They will guide you and help you find the best study plan for your needs. Our courses are affordable, and payment options are available.
What Are the Entry Requirements for Accounting?
To start studying accounting, you do not need high marks or a long school history. Your entry point will depend on the course level.
Entry Requirements for Different ICB Courses
- Junior Bookkeeper: ICB National Certificate You need Grade 10 to start.
- Certified Senior Bookkeeper: ICB FET Certificate You must pass the Junior Bookkeeper course first.
- Technical Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma You must pass the Senior Bookkeeper course.
- Certified Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma You need to finish the Technical Financial Accounting course.
These courses are taught in English. So, students must be able to read, write and understand English.
What Qualifications Do I Need for Accounting?
The good news is that you do not need a university qualification to work in accounting. Skills Academy offers ICB-accredited accounting courses. These are recognised across the country and open doors to many jobs.
You can build your knowledge step by step, starting with basic bookkeeping and working up to a diploma. Each course gives you a certificate when you pass. These are:
- National Certificate
- FET Certificate
- National Diploma
Once you have a diploma, you can apply for a National Diploma in Financial Accounting if you get the right work experience.
What Subjects Are Needed to Study Accounting?
You don’t need specific school subjects to start studying accounting with Skills Academy. If you have Grade 10, you can apply. But some school subjects can help you, such as:
- Maths or Maths Literacy
- Business Studies
- Accounting
Even if you didn’t take these subjects, you can still study. The courses start with the basics.
ICB Bookkeeping Courses
Skills Academy offers a full range of ICB bookkeeping courses. These courses are split into different levels. Each level helps you learn more skills.
Junior Bookkeeper: ICB National Certificate
This course is your starting point. It teaches basic skills you need to work in a finance team.
Subjects include:
- Introduction to Business English
- Bookkeeping to Trial Balance
- Payroll and Monthly SARS Returns
- Computerised Bookkeeping
- Business Literacy
You can finish this course in 16 months or less if you work fast.
Certified Senior Bookkeeper: ICB FET Certificate
This is the next step after the Junior Bookkeeper course. You will learn how to prepare full financial statements.
Subjects include:
- Bookkeeping to Trial Balance
- Financial Statements
- Cost and Management Accounting
- Business Literacy
- Computerised Bookkeeping
- Payroll and Monthly SARS Returns
This course takes about 24 months.
Technical Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma
This course teaches more advanced work like tax, financial management and business law.
Subjects include:
- Income Tax Returns
- Business Law and Accounting Control
- Financial Statements
- Cost and Management Accounting
The full course takes about 28 months to complete.
Certified Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma
This is the highest level in this stream. You will cover management, law and financial reporting.
Subjects include:
- Corporate Strategy
- Management Accounting Control Systems
- Research Theory and Practice
It takes up to 36 months to complete.
All courses are accredited by QCTO and accepted by employers across South Africa.
Bookkeeping Course Prices
Skills Academy offers affordable courses with payment plans. You do not have to pay for the full course upfront.
The cost of your course depends on:
- The course level
- How long you study
- Your payment plan
You can contact the course experts to get a full price breakdown. They will also help you choose a payment option that fits your budget. Speak to someone today to get your free quote and course advice.
ICB Financial Accounting
Financial accounting is one of the most trusted fields in business. If you’re interested in working with numbers, following rules, and helping businesses stay on track with their money, then financial accounting might be for you.
Which Accounting Course is Best?
The best accounting course depends on your current skills and your career goals. Skills Academy offers a full ICB Financial Accounting programme. You can start from the beginning and work your way up to an advanced level.
Here Are the Four ICB Accounting Courses Available:
- Junior Bookkeeper Course: ICB National Certificate
- Certified Senior Bookkeeper: ICB Certificate
- Technical Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma
- Certified Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma
Let’s look at what each course includes.
Junior Bookkeeper Course: ICB National Certificate
This course is ideal if you have passed Grade 10. It gives you the basics of bookkeeping. You will learn how to handle business transactions, manage payroll, and use accounting software.
Main Subjects:
- Introduction to Business English
- Bookkeeping to Trial Balance
- Payroll and Monthly SARS Returns
- Computerised Bookkeeping
- Business Literacy
You will learn how to speak and write clearly in a work setting. You’ll also learn how to keep books, do tax calculations, and use basic computer tools like Pastel.
Certified Senior Bookkeeper: ICB Certificate
This is the next step after the Junior Bookkeeper course. You will build on what you already know and take on more duties.
Main Subjects:
- Introduction to Business English
- Bookkeeping to Trial Balance
- Payroll and Monthly SARS Returns
- Computerised Bookkeeping
- Business Literacy
- Financial Statements
- Cost and Management Accounting
These subjects will help you prepare financial statements, understand costs in a business, and manage budgets. You’ll also continue using computer tools and sharpen your maths skills.
Technical Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma
To join this course, you must first complete the Certified Senior Bookkeeper course. This diploma teaches you how to prepare detailed financial reports and manage a company’s finances.
Main Subjects:
- All subjects from the previous courses
- Income Tax Returns
- Business Law and Accounting Control
Here, you learn how to calculate different types of tax and follow business laws. You’ll also gain more skills in using accounting software and writing financial reports.
Certified Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma
This is the highest course in the ICB Financial Accounting stream. You need to complete the Technical Financial Accounting diploma first.
Main Subjects:
- All previous subjects
- Corporate Strategy
- Management Accounting Control Systems
- Financial Reporting and Regulatory Frameworks
- Research Theory and Practice (Mini Dissertation)
You’ll learn how to think like a manager, understand advanced reporting rules, and do research on financial topics. These skills will help you qualify for top-level positions in accounting.
Which Accounting Certificate is the Best?
Each certificate has value, but the best one depends on how far you want to go.
- If you want to learn the basics and start working soon, the Junior Bookkeeper Certificate is a good choice.
- If you want a full career in accounting, the Certified Financial Accounting Diploma is the top option.
All the ICB qualifications are recognised in South Africa. These courses are accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). That means employers will trust your skills.
You don’t need a degree to get started. Even with Grade 10, you can begin with the first course and build your way up.
If you’re not sure where to start or which level suits you best, speak to a course expert. They can help you choose the right course based on your background and goals.
You can also ask about fees and payment plans. These accounting courses are affordable, and different payment options are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you want to become an accountant quickly, the best option is to start with a skills-based accounting course. You do not need to wait to study at a university. Our FASSET-accredited Accounting Courses are designed to help you get started without delay. These include:
- Junior Bookkeeper: FASSET National Certificate
- Certified Senior Bookkeeper: FASSET Certificate
- Technical Financial Accounting: FASSET National Diploma
- Certified Financial Accounting: FASSET National Diploma
With these courses, you gain practical accounting skills from the start. This allows you to apply for entry-level jobs while continuing your studies.
The fastest path is to start with the Junior Bookkeeper course, build experience, and move up from there. You can study from home and at your own pace. This means you save time and start your career quicker.
Yes, you can study accounting even if you are not good at maths. While basic maths is useful, you do not need advanced maths or accounting background to start. Most of our Accounting and Bookkeeping Courses only require you to read, write and understand English.
We will teach you what you need to know step-by-step, including how to:
- Work with numbers
- Use accounting software
- Manage financial records
- Understand financial statements
So do not let maths hold you back from reaching your goals. Our courses are designed to support all students, even those who struggle with maths.
No, you cannot study directly with the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB). The ICB is not a training provider. It is an external examination body that sets the exams for accredited courses.
To study an ICB course, you must register with a college that is an approved ICB training provider. We are one of those colleges. That means:
- You study with us
- We provide your course materials and support
- You write your exams through ICB
You get the best of both worlds: expert tuition from us and a recognised qualification from ICB.
If you do not have matric, there are still many great courses you can study. The best options for you are Open Access Courses, which do not require a matric certificate. These include:
Accounting and Bookkeeping Courses:
- Junior Bookkeeper: FASSET National Certificate
- Certified Senior Bookkeeper (after completing Junior Bookkeeper)
Small Business Management Courses:
- Short Course Certificate
- Certificate Course
- Comprehensive Certificate
These courses are designed to give you real skills for the workplace. You can:
- Start your own business
- Apply for entry-level jobs
- Learn valuable business and finance knowledge
We also offer flexible payment plans, so studying without matric is easier than ever.
Author : Kirsten Keet
