Bookkeeper

Are you an organised person who believes in keeping track of every last cent spent? Then you might consider a career as a Bookkeeper. Bookkeeping overlaps with accounting.

Job Responsibilities

Bookkeepers gather financial information to see how well the company is doing. This information is then presented to CEO’s, investors and customers.

Bookkeepers are responsible for filing important financial documents. That includes receipts, statements and forms. 

They gather information regarding the debits and credits of a company or individual in a double-entry book. 

Bookkeepers are responsible for making sure that employers receive their monthly salary.

What to Study

Certified Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma

ICB National Diploma: Certified Financial Accounting course is for you! It will equip you with knowledge and practical skills in bookkeeping, financial accounting and more.
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Technical Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma

An Advance Accounting Course that focuses on the more Technical Parts of Financial Accounting like Tax Returns and Business Law. Sign up today to find out more!
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Certified Senior Bookkeeping: ICB Certificate

The ICB FET Certificate: Bookkeeping (Certified Senior Bookkeeper) is for you! It will equip you with knowledge and practical skills in bookkeeping, financial accounting and more.
View Courses

What is a Bookkeeper?

A bookkeeper compiles financial transactions such as payment of bills, payroll, money due to the company and other expenses. They also balance and reconcile accounts. These records are kept in a book known as a general ledger account. The information recorded in these books needs to be accurate and valid. An accountant will then assess the records and report to the company’s board or owner.

Benefits of Becoming a Bookkeeper

A Bookkeeper is so important to the livelihood of any business that companies cannot do without them. Even with the changing times in terms of technology. To keep up with the world, this career has now included using latest technology software. 

Let’s have a look at all the other benefits, in addition to being able to keep up with the 4th industrialization:

  • Bookkeeping will allow you to progress in your career while you gain valuable skills in the process.
  • It is a safe job. This means that if the company were to close down, you’d be the last to go. 
  • In addition to being safe, it is a job that needs an ethical person. Being in this profession would mean that you are a person of high standards. It commands respect..
  • It gives you the ability to work in any industry of your choice. Where most careers focus  on specific industry, bookkeeping allows you to fly. It’s almost like a super power!
  • Lastly, bookkeeping qualifications are easy to get without breaking your bank.

How Much Does a Bookkeeper Make?

According to Indeed, the average salary for a bookkeeper is R13 628 per month. 

This job is mostly about experience. How much you make will depend on how much experience you have. Another thing to take into consideration would be the company you work for. How big it is, where it’s based and how many duties you have. 

What Qualifications do you Need to be a Bookkeeper?

To become a Bookkeeper, you don’t need to have a special qualification. However, if you want to be a reputable Bookkeeper, you will need to enrol for a Bookkeeping course. This will then improve your chances of getting a job. 

Another good thing with having a bookkeeping certificate is that you get an opportunity to go further in your career. You could specialise in areas such as credit control, budget control, becoming a Head Bookkeeper or an Office Manager. 

Where can you Study Bookkeeping Courses?

Getting a qualification for bookkeeping is easier than you’d imagine. There are many institutions you can enrol from. One of the best institutions is Skills Academy. Skills Academy is an accredited distance learning institute that puts you first. 

Not only will you be studying on your own terms and spending less, you will get the chance to kick start your career sooner as most recruiters will hire you while you study. You wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity to study with us.

Below is a list of Bookkeeping courses you can do from Skills Academy:

What are the Duties of a Bookkeeper?

A Bookkeeper has a wide variety of duties. Most times, Bookkeepers are required to work in a number of projects at the same time. They have to record financial reports like income, prepare and send invoices. 

Bookkeepers also ensure that financial records are accurate and understandable. They also prepare monthly statements about debits and credits for the organisations.

 

What is the Difference Between an Accountant and a Bookkeeper?

Although both these professions may seem to overlap, they have some very major differences. Both deal with financial information but actually have very specific roles. 

While a Bookkeeper handles financial record-keeping, an Accountant will analyse and provide financial advice based on the records from a Bookkeeper. 

Above everything, to be an Accountant, you need to have special certification and qualifications. However, for Bookkeeping basic knowledge of numeracy and experience is enough. But having a qualification increases your chances of getting a job and earning a good salary.

Skills you Need to be a Bookkeeper

When it comes to skills, every employer may look for something specific. However, there are universal skills you will need to have, such as: 

  • Attention to detail – This is a delicate job that will need you to have a sharp eye and an enquiring mind. You need to be able to catch and correctly record every cent.
  • Ability to work well under pressure – You will often be tasked with multiple tasks at the same time. So, you need to be able to keep your cool and do your best.
  • Be very good with numbers – This goes without saying. You can’t be a good bookkeeper if your numerical skills are lacking.
  • Good organisational skills – To be able to keep everything in order, you need to be good in organising stuff and making sure everything is how it’s supposed to be and where it’s supposed to be.

Author: Ncebakazi Stoto

Last Updated: August 18, 2020