Financial accounting is all about working with money and keeping records. If you like numbers and want to help businesses manage their money, this could be the right career for you.
What Jobs Can You Get With Financial Accounting?
An ICB Financial Accounting qualification can help you get different jobs in finance. Many businesses need people who can keep track of their money. Here are some jobs you can do:
- Bookkeeper
- Accounting Clerk
- Payroll Administrator
- Tax Technician
- Cost Accountant
- Financial Accountant
- Auditor
- Credit Controller
Bookkeeper
A bookkeeper records all the money a business makes and spends. They handle invoices, payments, and expenses. Businesses need bookkeepers to keep their finances in order.
Accounting Clerk
An accounting clerk helps with financial records. They check transactions, prepare reports, and balance accounts.
Payroll Administrator
A payroll administrator makes sure workers get paid the right amount on time. They calculate salaries, bonuses, and deductions like tax and UIF.
Tax Technician
A tax technician helps businesses and people with their taxes. They complete tax forms and ensure everything is done correctly and on time.
Cost Accountant
A cost accountant checks how much money a business spends. They help companies budget and save money.
Financial Accountant
A financial accountant creates reports that show how much money a business makes and spends. They help businesses follow financial rules.
Auditor
An auditor checks a company’s financial records. They make sure everything is correct and help prevent fraud.
Credit Controller
A credit controller keeps track of money that customers owe to a business. They make sure payments are made on time.
These jobs are important for keeping businesses running smoothly. Some require more study or experience, but an ICB Financial Accounting qualification is a good start.
What Does a Financial Accountant Do?
A financial accountant helps businesses manage their money. They:
- Make financial reports.
- Manage budgets and track spending.
- Ensure companies follow tax and financial rules.
- Analyse financial data to help businesses make smart decisions.
- Work with auditors to check financial records.
Financial accountants help companies stay organised and avoid money problems.
Where Do Financial Accountants Work?
Financial accountants can work in different places. Every business needs someone to manage money. Here are some places where accountants work:
Businesses and Corporations
Most companies hire financial accountants to take care of their money. They help businesses stay profitable and follow financial rules.
Government and Public Sector
Government offices also need financial accountants. They manage public money, create budgets, and ensure funds are used properly.
Accounting Firms
Some accountants work in accounting firms. These firms help businesses with taxes, audits, and financial planning.
Banks and Financial Institutions
Banks and other financial companies need accountants to manage transactions and make sure everything runs smoothly.
Self-Employment and Consulting
Some accountants work for themselves. They offer bookkeeping, tax advice, and financial services to businesses and individuals.
Non-Profit Organisations
Charities and non-profits also need accountants. They track donations and make sure money is spent the right way.
With an ICB Financial Accounting qualification, you can choose from many career paths. Whether you work for a company, the government, or yourself, businesses will always need people with these skills.
ICB Financial Accounting Programme
The ICB Financial Accounting Programme at Skills Academy helps people learn important accounting skills. This programme takes students from basic bookkeeping to advanced financial accounting. It teaches them how to handle finances, manage payroll, and create financial reports.
Each course builds on the one before it. This means you start with the basics and move up to more difficult work. The courses are approved by the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) and the Quality Council for Trades & Occupations (QCTO). This makes the qualification official and respected in South Africa.
With Skills Academy, you can study at your own pace through distance learning. This makes it easier to work, take care of family, and study at the same time.
ICB Financial Accounting Requirements
To join the ICB Financial Accounting Programme at Skills Academy, you must meet certain requirements. These depend on which level you want to study. Below are the different courses and what you need to qualify.
1. Junior Bookkeeper Course (ICB National Certificate)
- What you need: Grade 10 or the same level
- How long it takes: 16 months
- What you will learn:
- How to use business English
- How to record business transactions
- How to do payroll and SARS tax returns
- How to use computers for bookkeeping
- Basic maths and numbers for business
This course teaches the basics of bookkeeping. It’s a good start for anyone who wants to work with business finances.
2. Certified Senior Bookkeeping (ICB FET Certificate)
- What you need: You must complete the Junior Bookkeeper Course
- How long it takes: 24 months
- What you will learn:
- How to prepare financial reports
- How to work with business costs and budgets
- How to do payroll and SARS tax returns
- How to use business English
- How to use bookkeeping software
After this course, you can apply for bookkeeping jobs or continue studying to earn a diploma.
3. Technical Financial Accounting (ICB National Diploma)
- What you need: You must complete the FET Certificate in Bookkeeping
- How long it takes: 28 months
- What you will learn:
- How to do tax returns
- The laws and rules of accounting
- How to manage business costs and budgets
This course prepares you for accounting jobs in payroll, tax, and business finance.
4. Certified Financial Accounting (ICB National Diploma)
- What you need: You must complete the Technical Financial Accounting Diploma
- How long it takes: 36 months
- What you will learn:
- How to create business plans and strategies
- How to manage money and finances in a company
- How to understand financial laws and reports
- How to do research in accounting
This is the highest level in the programme. After this course, you can work as a financial accountant, tax specialist, or business consultant.
At Skills Academy, your work is marked through assignments and tests. You will also have a final exam at the end of your course.
ICB Financial Accounting NQF Level
The ICB Financial Accounting Programme at Skills Academy is part of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). This means the qualifications are recognised in South Africa.
Below is a table showing the NQF levels for each course:
| Course Name | NQF Level |
|---|---|
| Junior Bookkeeper (ICB National Certificate) | Level 3 |
| Certified Senior Bookkeeping (FET Certificate) | Level 4 |
| Technical Financial Accounting (National Diploma) | Level 5 |
| Certified Financial Accounting (National Diploma) | Level 6 |
The higher the NQF level, the more advanced the skills. These qualifications help students get better jobs and grow in their careers. Some students may also apply for membership in accounting organisations or continue studying further.
Why Choose Skills Academy for ICB Financial Accounting?
Studying at Skills Academy gives you:
- Flexible learning – Study from anywhere in South Africa at your own pace.
- Official qualifications – ICB-accredited courses are trusted by employers.
- Affordable fees – You can pay in installments.
- Great support – Get help from friendly tutors and student advisors.
If you want to work in finance, payroll, or accounting, Skills Academy’s ICB Financial Accounting Programme is the best way to start. You will learn skills that businesses need and build a strong career path.
Is Financial Accounting a Good Career?
Yes, ICB Financial Accounting is a great career, especially if you study at Skills Academy. It gives you the right skills to get a good job, grow in your career, and earn well.
Here’s why it’s a good choice:
- Respected Qualification – ICB courses are recognised in the workplace.
- Many Job Options – All businesses need financial accountants.
- Study from Home – You can study at your own pace with Skills Academy.
- Career Growth – Start small and work your way up to bigger roles.
With an ICB Financial Accounting course, you can learn important financial skills and build a strong future.
Are Financial Accountants in Demand?
Yes! ICB Financial Accountants are needed in every business. Companies must keep track of their money and follow financial rules.
Here’s why businesses need financial accountants:
- Businesses are Growing – More companies mean more jobs for accountants.
- Laws Require It – Companies must report their finances correctly.
- Small Businesses Need Help – Many small businesses hire accountants for support.
An ICB Financial Accounting course from Skills Academy will help you get a stable and in-demand job.
Which Field of Accounting is Best?
ICB Financial Accounting is one of the best fields because it teaches real-world skills. You can work in bookkeeping, payroll, and business finance.
With ICB, you can specialise in:
- Junior Bookkeeping – Learn the basics of finance.
- Senior Bookkeeping – Manage accounts and keep records.
- Technical Financial Accounting – Handle advanced accounting tasks.
- Certified Financial Accounting – Manage a company’s money.
These courses help you work as a Financial Accountant, Payroll Administrator, or Tax Consultant.
How Many Years Does It Take to Become a Financial Accountant in South Africa?
It depends on the ICB course level you choose. Here’s how long each step takes at Skills Academy:
| ICB Course Level | Duration |
|---|---|
| Junior Bookkeeping (ICB National Certificate) | 12 months |
| Senior Bookkeeping (ICB FET Certificate) | 12 months |
| Technical Financial Accounting (ICB National Diploma) | 12 months |
| Certified Financial Accounting (ICB National Diploma) | 12 months |
| Total Time to Become Fully Qualified | 4 years |
Total time: 4 years to become a fully qualified ICB Financial Accountant. But you can start working in just 1 year.
What Does Financial Accounting Focus On?
ICB Financial Accounting teaches you how to manage a company’s money. It helps businesses track spending and stay financially healthy.
It focuses on:
- Bookkeeping – Keeping track of all money that comes in and goes out.
- Taxation – Making sure businesses pay the right taxes.
- Financial Reports – Creating and understanding balance sheets.
- Payroll & Business Rules – Paying salaries and following legal rules.
By studying ICB Financial Accounting at Skills Academy, you get the skills you need to work in finance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) qualification is highly regarded in the finance and accounting industry. It provides practical skills and knowledge that employers value, making it a great choice for anyone looking to build a career in bookkeeping, accounting, or financial management.
Financial accounting can be challenging, but it is not impossible to learn. With the right study materials, support, and practice, you can grasp the key concepts. The difficulty level depends on your background, interest in numbers, and willingness to put in the effort.
Yes, financial accounting involves math, but it is mostly basic arithmetic and formulas. You don’t need to be a math genius to succeed. The focus is more on understanding financial concepts, analyzing data, and applying accounting principles rather than complex calculations.
After earning a diploma in financial accounting, you can further your studies by pursuing an advanced diploma, a degree in accounting or finance, or professional certifications like CIMA or ACCA. You can also enter the workforce and gain experience in roles such as an accountant, bookkeeper, or financial manager.
Author: Kirsten Keet
