The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) is the largest bookkeeping organisation in the world. They have been offering courses in South Africa since 1931. So you can be sure that you are gaining top-quality knowledge with them. The skills you will learn in ICB bookkeeping courses are a great introduction to the world of finance.
What Is ICB Bookkeeping?
Bookkeeping involves keeping track of all the finances in a business on a day-to-day basis. It is a very important job because it provides a useful summary of a company’s financial health.
Which ICB Bookkeeping Courses Can I Study?
There are two ICB Bookkeeping Courses for you to study. This programme will equip you with all the knowledge you need to complete your daily duties. All you need to get started is Grade 10 and a good understanding of English.
How Long Does It Take To Study Bookkeeping Courses?
It takes a total of 18 months to complete both ICB bookkeeping courses. The Junior Bookkeeper Course is 12 months long, whereas the senior bookkeeping course takes an additional six months. Once you graduate, you will have the skills to become a freelance bookkeeper and work from home, or go into an office and be employed full-time for a respected company.
Can I Study Directly Through ICB?
No you cannot study directly through ICB. This is because they are not a college. ICB is an external exam body. If you want to study ICB Courses, enrolling with an accredited training provider is best. They will provide you with support to get you exam-ready, and a graduation ceremony at the end of your course.
What Skills Will You Learn In ICB Bookkeeping Courses?
Your bookkeeping course is made up of 12 different subjects. These subjects are designed to give you all the skills you need to have a flourishing career in finance. They include:
- Bookkeeping To Trial Balance
- Payroll And Monthly SARS Returns
- Computerised Bookkeeping
- Business Literacy
- Financial Statements
- Cost And Management Accounting
Bookkeeping To Trial Balance
This is where you learn the foundation of bookkeeping and understand what it takes to prepare and balance the books of a business. This is the perfect starting place for students who did not study accounting at school.
Payroll And Monthly SARS Returns
Tax is an important part of every business. Many companies hire bookkeepers to ensure they meet all their tax requirements. This subject will teach you how to submit taxes for businesses and their employees.
Computerised Bookkeeping
As the world moves forward, new technology is created to help make jobs easier. And the finance industry is no different. So computerised bookkeeping is all about learning how to use special software to help you complete your duties.
Business Literacy
This subject teaches you all about how to communicate in business settings. You also learn important numeracy skills needed in business, such as how to calculate interest rates and do graphs.
Financial Statements
One of the most important tasks in bookkeeping is creating financial statements. These are documents that show how well a company has been performing financially.
Cost And Management Accounting
Cost and management accounting is a subject that will teach you to advise a company on how to save money by looking at what is profitable and what is not. It helps you make good decisions that will benefit the entire business.
Why Should I Study An ICB Course?
ICB is a well-respected organisation, so many employers prefer to hire people who have studied their courses. This means that when you enrol with them, you are making the best decision for your future, as you are increasing your career opportunities.
- They are accredited
- Gain up-to-date skills
- You can study flexibly
- Easy entry requirements
They Are Accredited
ICB courses are accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). All training providers must be registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). This means that the skills you gain will match the highest national standards.
Gain Up-To-Date Skills
Every year, ICB revises their syllabus. This is so that you can have access to the latest skills and knowledge in the industry. All courses receive an update so that it matches the latest finance regulations in the country.
You Can Study Flexibly
There are over 500 accredited ICB training providers in South Africa. They all range from part-time, full-time and distance-learning colleges. So you can study ICB programmes no matter your lifestyle, whether you work full-time or want to focus on your studies fully.
Easy Entry Requirements
Most ICB courses do not require matric to get started. The minimum requirement is to be at least 16 years old. You also do not need any previous work experience, but you can apply for exemptions if you do.
What Can I Do With An ICB Qualification?
You can use your ICB qualification to start your career. Some of the careers you can pursue include:
- Bookkeeper
- Payroll Clerk
- Financial Accountant
- Auditing Clerk
- Financial Manager
- Office Administrator
What Can I Study After ICB Bookkeeping?
Once you finish your bookkeeping course, you can work as a qualified bookkeeper. But you can also move on to study the financial accounting programme. This is the most popular study route for ICB students. You can then boost your finance skills and find a job as a qualified financial accountant.
Are Bookkeepers In Demand In South Africa?
Yes, bookkeeping is in demand in South Africa. This is because finance is considered a scarce skill, which means there are not enough qualified people in this industry. Studying for scarce skills means you stand a better chance of finding a job.
Are ICB Courses Recognised?
ICB courses are recognised both in South Africa and overseas. So you can go ahead and start a successful career either locally or abroad.
If you need more information about our ICB courses, feel free to contact our friendly course experts. You can also browse through our related articles below:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Skills Academy is an accredited ICB training provider. We offer all three ICB programmes. Our lecturers and tutors are also highly qualified to help you pass your course with flying colours.
ICB’s programmes are all registered with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
You can study ICB courses via distance learning at:
- Skills Academy
- Belview Insitute of Distance Learning
- Matric College
Each training provider has their own course fees. It is best to contact them directly. ICB themselves only charge registration and exam fees.
The ICB student portal is an online platform you can use to manage your studies. You can use it to:
- Register for ICB Courses
- Check your exam results
- Update your personal details
- Book exams
