ICB Financial Accounting Course Duration

Studying ICB Financial Accounting is a great way to start a career in finance. In this article, you’ll learn how long these courses take and what to expect while studying.

Studying ICB Financial Accounting is a great way to start a career in finance. These courses teach you the skills needed for bookkeeping, financial management, and business. In this article, you’ll learn about the ICB Financial Accounting Course Duration and what to expect while studying.

What Is The Duration Of Financial Accounting?

The time needed to complete an ICB Financial Accounting course depends on the level you choose. Some courses take a year, while others take longer. Your study pace also affects how quickly you finish.

How Long Does Financial Accounting Course Take?

ICB Financial Accounting courses are done step by step. You start with the basics and move up to advanced levels. Below is a table showing how long each course takes:

CourseEntry RequirementCourse Duration
Junior Bookkeeper Course: ICB National CertificateGrade 10 or equivalent16 months
Certified Senior Bookkeeping: ICB CertificateJunior Bookkeeper qualification28 months
Technical Financial Accounting: ICB National DiplomaSenior Bookkeeping qualification28 months
Certified Financial Accounting: ICB National DiplomaTechnical Financial Accounting qualification36 months

Each course builds on the one before it. You can start with the Junior Bookkeeper course and work your way up to a diploma. If you study part-time, it may take longer to finish.

How Long Does It Take To Learn Financial Accounting?

Learning financial accounting depends on how much time you put into it. Some people learn quickly, while others need more practice. Good study habits can help you learn faster.

  • Make a study plan: Set a daily or weekly schedule to go over your work. This helps you stay on track.
  • Use past papers: Doing past exams helps you see what kind of questions you’ll get and how to answer them.
  • Find extra resources: Online videos, study guides, and quizzes can help you understand difficult topics.
  • Ask for help: If something is confusing, speak to a tutor or classmate. Learning is easier when you ask questions.

Can I Learn Accounting In 3 Months?

You can learn the basics of accounting in three months, but getting a qualification takes longer. Short courses can teach you simple bookkeeping skills. If you want to work in finance, an ICB course is the best choice.

ICB Financial Accounting Diploma

The ICB Financial Accounting Diploma helps students build a strong career in finance. It teaches important skills like bookkeeping, tax, and financial reporting. There are two diploma courses to choose from:

Technical Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma

This diploma is great for students who want to move into higher accounting jobs. You will learn about financial statements, tax, and business law. Once you complete this course, you can apply for jobs as a financial officer, tax consultant, or senior bookkeeper.

Certified Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma

This is the highest ICB Financial Accounting course. It covers corporate strategy, financial reporting, and management accounting. With this diploma, you can work as a financial accountant, accounting officer, or tax specialist.

ICB Financial Accounting Course

ICB Financial Accounting courses start with basic bookkeeping and go up to advanced financial management. Each level teaches new skills to prepare you for jobs in accounting. Finishing the full programme gives you many career options in finance.

Junior Bookkeeper Course: ICB National Certificate

This is the first course in ICB accounting. You will learn bookkeeping basics, financial transactions, and business literacy. After completing this course, you can work as a junior bookkeeper or accounts clerk.

Certified Senior Bookkeeping: ICB Certificate

This course builds on the Junior Bookkeeper Course. It includes payroll, financial statements, and advanced bookkeeping. After finishing this course, you can apply for jobs as a senior bookkeeper or assistant accountant.

ICB Financial Accounting Modules

You will how to record transactions with our computirsed booking module. The modules in our ICB Financial Accounting courses will arm you with the skills necessary to become a great Bookkeeper in any industry. Below is a table of subjects covered in ICB Financial Accounting courses.

SubjectsWhat You Will Learn
Introduction to Business EnglishLearn how to write and communicate in a business setting.
Bookkeeping to Trial BalanceUnderstand how to record financial transactions.
Payroll and Monthly SARS ReturnsLearn how to manage payroll and file tax returns.
Computerised BookkeepingGet hands-on experience with accounting software.
Business LiteracyBuild basic business and finance skills.
Financial StatementsLearn how to prepare and read financial statements.
Cost and Management AccountingUnderstand how businesses manage costs and budgets.
Income Tax ReturnsLearn how to calculate and submit tax returns.
Business Law and Accounting ControlUnderstand the laws that affect businesses and accountants.
Corporate StrategyLearn how businesses plan and manage their finances.
Management Accounting Control SystemsUnderstand how companies track performance and make decisions.
Financial Reporting and Regulatory FrameworksLearn about the rules businesses must follow when reporting finances.
Research Theory and Practice (Financial Accounting)Complete a short research project on an accounting topic.

ICB Financial Accounting NQF Level

ICB Financial Accounting courses are recognised in South Africa’s National Qualifications Framework (NQF). The beginner courses start at NQF Level 3 and go up to NQF Level 6. A diploma in financial accounting is at an advanced level.

Which Accounting Course Is Best?

The best accounting course depends on what you want to do. Some students start with a bookkeeping course, while others go straight into a diploma. Here’s how you can choose the right one:

Which Accounting Diploma Is Best?

The best diploma depends on your career plans. If you want to work in top finance jobs, the ICB Certified Financial Accounting Diploma is a great choice. If you want to focus on tax or technical accounting, the ICB Technical Financial Accounting Diploma is a good option.

Is Financial Accounting Math?

Financial accounting involves numbers, but you don’t need advanced maths skills. The focus is on recording and organising financial transactions. Basic maths, like adding and subtracting, is more important than complex calculations.

Can I Do Accounting If I’m Bad At Math?

Yes! Accounting mostly uses simple maths like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It’s more about understanding how money moves in a business than solving hard maths problems.

What Kind Of Math Is Used For Accounting?

Accounting mostly uses basic maths. You will work with percentages, profit calculations, and budgeting. More complex tasks, like financial analysis, are made easier with accounting software.

What Math Skills Do You Need To Be An Accountant?

To study accounting, you need a few key maths skills. These will help you do calculations, create financial reports, and solve problems.

  • Basic Arithmetic: You will add, subtract, multiply, and divide to manage finances.
  • Understanding Percentages: Many accounting tasks involve working with tax, profit, and discounts.
  • Problem-Solving: Accountants find and fix mistakes in financial records.
  • Attention to Detail: Small errors in numbers can cause big problems, so accuracy is important.

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Can I Study ICB Without Matric?

Yes, you can study ICB courses without a matric certificate. Some courses have open-entry requirements, which means you don’t need matric to enrol. Below are the entry requirements for ICB courses at Skills Academy.

  • Basic reading and writing skills
  • A good understanding of English
  • The ability to work with numbers
  • A strong willingness to learn

Basic Reading and Writing Skills

You need to read and write well to complete coursework and assignments. Good communication skills help you understand financial documents and course materials. These skills are needed for all ICB courses.

A Good Understanding of English

ICB courses are taught in English, so students must be comfortable reading and writing in the language. You’ll need to read textbooks, complete assignments, and write exams in English. Being confident in your language skills will help you succeed.

The Ability to Work with Numbers

Accounting involves working with numbers, so students should feel comfortable with basic maths. You don’t need advanced maths skills, but you should understand addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. These skills are used in bookkeeping, budgeting, and financial management.

A Strong Willingness to Learn

Accounting requires hard work and dedication. You need to put in time for studying, assignments, and exams. Having a positive attitude and being willing to learn new skills will help you complete the course successfully.

What Is The ICB Pass Mark?

To pass an ICB course, you must score 60% or higher in your final mark. This includes marks from assignments, tests, and the final exam. If you don’t pass, you’ll have the chance to rewrite the exam through ICB’s exam system.

How Long Is The Financial Accounting Exam?

The ICB Financial Accounting exam takes three hours to complete. The exam includes theory and practical questions. Students must apply what they have learned to real-world financial situations.

What Happens If You Fail An ICB Exam?

If you don’t pass an exam, don’t worry! You can rewrite it and improve your score. Follow these steps to try again.

See Results

Check your exam results as soon as they are released. ICB provides detailed feedback on your performance. This will help you understand which areas need improvement.

Study Course Material

Go through your course material and identify weak areas. Use past exam papers and study guides to practise. Online resources and study groups can also help.

Register For Rewrite

Register for a rewrite through ICB. There are multiple exam sessions throughout the year. Make sure to book your spot early to secure your place.

Set Higher Exam Goals

Write the exam again and aim for a higher mark. Use the extra time to improve your knowledge and build confidence. If needed, ask for help from a tutor or join a study group.

What Kind Of People Become Accountants?

You must be independent especially if you work for a smaller business. You may be required to work alone. Accountants need specific qualities to succeed in their careers. Below are four important skills for anyone considering this field:

  • Attention to detail: Working with numbers requires accuracy. Small mistakes in financial records can cause big problems, so being careful and precise is important.
  • Good problem-solving skills: Accountants often find and fix errors in financial statements. Being able to analyse information and solve problems is a valuable skill.
  • Strong organisational skills: Keeping track of financial documents, tax records, and deadlines is essential. Staying organised helps accountants work efficiently.
  • Honesty and trustworthiness: Accountants deal with sensitive financial information. Clients and businesses must trust them to handle money responsibly.

Is ICB A Good Qualification?

Yes! ICB qualifications are respected in the finance and business industries. These courses teach real-world skills that help students find jobs in accounting, bookkeeping, and finance. Many South African employers prefer hiring ICB graduates because of their practical knowledge.

Is ICB Recognised In South Africa?

Absolutely! ICB courses are accredited and recognised by employers across South Africa. Many companies hire ICB graduates for finance, bookkeeping, and accounting jobs. Our courses are accredited with both SAQA and the Quality Council For Trades and Occupations (QCTO). The courses meet industry standards and are designed to prepare students for the workplace.

How Do I Know If Accounting Is Right For Me?

If you enjoy numbers and solving problems, accounting could be the right path for you. People who like structured work and are detail-oriented often do well in this field. If you are curious about business and finance, studying accounting could be a great choice.

Other ICB Courses For You

If you want to study ICB, there are other exciting options besides accounting. ICB also offers courses in office administration and business management. These qualifications can lead to many career opportunities.

ICB Office Administration

ICB Office Administration courses help students develop skills in office management and business operations. These courses prepare students for roles in office support, human resources, and administration. Here they are below:

These courses equip students with skills to run an office efficiently. They cover subjects like business communication, bookkeeping, and computer literacy. Graduates can work as office managers, administrative assistants, and HR coordinators.

Frequently Asked Questions

Financial accounting isn’t too hard if you stay organised and keep up with your studies. It involves working with numbers, solving problems, and understanding financial records. If you practice regularly and ask for help when needed, you’ll find it much easier.

The best accounting certificate depends on what you want to do. ICB Financial Accounting qualifications are a great choice because they teach real-world accounting skills. These courses help you find work in finance, bookkeeping, and business administration.

You will be able to manage your own finances instead of needing to hire someone, therefore you will save some money. Accounting is a great career with many benefits. Here are four reasons to study an ICB accounting course:

  • Plenty of job opportunities: Every business needs someone to manage money and keep financial records. This means accountants are always in demand.
  • Career growth: Accounting skills help you move into better-paying jobs, like financial manager or tax consultant. You can also study further to qualify for higher positions.
  • Useful in any industry: Whether you work for a company or start your own business, understanding finance is a big advantage. Accounting skills can be used in many fields.
  • Good salary potential: Accountants can earn good money, especially with experience and extra qualifications. The more you learn, the more you can earn.

Accounting has three golden rules that help keep financial records correct. They are: debit the receiver, credit the giver, debit what comes in, credit what goes out, and debit expenses and losses, credit income and gains. Following these rules makes bookkeeping simple and accurate.

You can study ICB courses at accredited colleges or through distance learning. Skills Academy is a great option because you can study from home while getting full support. This lets you learn at your own pace while still getting a recognised qualification.

Author: Jodie Jacobs 

Last Updated: 3 March 2025

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