Occupational Certificate: Bookkeeper

NQF Level 05 - SAQA ID: 98959

The Occupational Certificate: Bookkeeper prepares learners to operate as competent bookkeeping professionals within a variety of business and financial environments. Learners will gain the knowledge and practical skills required to maintain financial records, process accounting transactions, perform bookkeeping duties, prepare financial reports, and support payroll and taxation processes.

Through this qualification, learners will develop analytical thinking, attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and financial administration skills needed to support business operations and maintain accurate financial records in accordance with organisational and statutory requirements.

Course Overview

Bookkeepers play a vital role in organisations by maintaining accurate financial records, processing transactions, and supporting financial management activities. This programme is designed to develop the accounting, bookkeeping, and administrative competencies required to work effectively within finance departments across various industries.

Learners will gain practical experience in bookkeeping, accounting systems, payroll administration, taxation, financial reporting, business communication, and computerised accounting processes. They will also develop organisational, communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills needed to support sound financial management and business operations.

Course Overview

Duration

The programme combines classroom, practical, and workplace learning. Modules can be scheduled flexibly to meet learner and workplace requirements. Workplace-based activities form a critical part of the programme to ensure applied skills are developed in real retail settings.

Delivery Method

The course can be delivered on-site at the learner’s business, at a training provider facility, or virtually. Accredited providers will supervise practical and workplace-based learning to meet all assessment and credit requirements.

Who Is This Course For?

Aspiring bookkeepers and accounting clerks
Payroll and finance administrators
Office and financial support staff
Small business owners managing finances
Individuals seeking careers in accounting and finance
Employers looking to upskill finance staff

Prerequisites

NQF Level 4 with Mathematics.

Cost

R38 500.00 Per Learner

Course Content

Knowledge Modules (Total Credits: 104)

KM-01: Accounting Information Systems, Level 5 – 10 credits
KM-02: Bookkeeping Practice, Level 5 – 20 credits
KM-03: Financial Accounting, Level 5 – 25 credits
KM-04: Basic Principles of Cost and Management Accounting, Level 6 – 10 credits
KM-05: Basic Taxation, Level 4 – 5 credits
KM-06: Principles of Taxation, Level 5 – 10 credits
KM-07: End User Computing, Level 3 – 6 credits
KM-08: Business Communication and Customer Services, Level 5 – 6 credits
KM-09: Ready for Work Standards, Level 4 – 5 credits
KM-10: Basic Business Calculations, Level 4 – 5 credits
KM-11: Introductory Project Management, Level 4 – 2 credits

Practical Skills Modules (Total Credits: 80)

PM-01: Use a Recognised Accounting System to Record Accounting and Related Calculations to Validate the Legitimacy and Accuracy of Documents and Records Relating to Payments, Receipts and Other Financial Transactions, Level 5 – 20 credits

PM-02: Maintain and Update Filing of Financial Records Either Manually or Using Electronic Devices, Level 5 – 20 credits
PM-03: Apply Fundamental Financial Techniques to Perform Bookkeeping Duties with Accuracy, Level 5 – 8 credits
PM-04: Communicate Effectively Using Appropriate Methods to Maintain Effective Customer Relationships According to Organisational Standards, Level 5 – 10 credits

PM-05: Apply Knowledge of Bookkeeping Principles and Practices in Order to Identify and Solve Problems Arising in the Course of Work, Level 5 – 15 credits
PM-06: Apply Knowledge of Accounting Principles and Practices in Order to Identify and Solve Problems According to Professional and Ethical Standards, Level 5 – 7 credits

Work Experience Modules (Total Credits: 180)

WM-01: Record and Calculate Financial Transactions Using an Accounting Information System, Level 5 – 20 credits
WM-02: Reconcile Records of Sales and Other Financial Transactions, Level 4 – 20 credits
WM-03: Develop and Use Spreadsheets to Perform Financial Calculations, Level 4 – 10 credits
WM-04: Assist with the Calculation of the Cost of a Product or Service for Purchasing/Manufacturing Purposes, Level 5 – 15 credits
WM-05: Assist with Preparing Operational Budgets, Level 4 – 10 credits
WM-06: Preparation of Financial Reports, Level 5 – 20 credits
WM-07: Prepare Statutory Returns for Tax Compliance Purposes, Level 5 – 20 credits
WM-08: Record Inventory and Assets, Level 4 – 10 credits
WM-09: Process Payroll Transactions Using Computerised Software, Level 5 – 15 credits
WM-10: Support Administrative Processes within a Financial Unit, Level 5 – 15 credits
WM-11: Handle Customer and Client Queries and Liaison in Relation to Financial Matters, Level 5 – 10 credits
WM-12: Apply Correct and Timely Processes to All Financial Supportive Tasks for the Unit/Division, Level 5 – 10 credits
WM-13: Audit Packs Prepared Under Supervision According to Internal Control Procedures, Level 5 – 5 credit