Course Overview
Purpose
The Occupational Certificate: Bookkeeper (NQF Level 5, SAQA ID 98959) is a comprehensive professional qualification designed to meet the specific needs of the financial management sector. This industry-recognised certification prepares learners for diverse employment opportunities in finance-related roles across all business sectors and industries.
This qualification is structured around three integrated components that work together to develop well-rounded financial professionals:
- Knowledge Component: Provides theoretical understanding of bookkeeping principles, financial accounting, taxation, and business systems.
- Practical Component: Develops hands-on skills through application of theory in simulated work environments.
- Workplace Component: Experience through structured workplace learning, ensuring graduates are job-ready.
This integration of theory, practice, and workplace experience equips learners with the versatile skills to utilize both digital Information Communication Technology (ICT) solutions and traditional paper-based accounting systems.
The qualification empowers learners to understand, prepare, and analyze complex financial information, enabling them to generate accurate accounting statements and assess organizational financial performance effectively. Beyond technical skills, the program develops crucial business acumen, preparing graduates to communicate financial information professionally to various stakeholders in different formats and contexts.
Recognized and accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), this qualification provides a solid foundation for career advancement in accounting and financial management, with potential pathways to higher qualifications and professional designations.
The main goal is to equip learners with the skills to understand and use financial information, including preparing statements and analysing an organization’s financial performance. It also introduces learners to the business world, developing their ability to communicate financial information to various stakeholders. Skills acquired include describing, recording, presenting, interpreting, and analysing financial information, focusing on using ICT for accounting tasks, and fostering problem-solving skills.
What is an Occupational Qualification? An Occupational Qualification is a specialized certification, such as an Electrician, Bookkeeper, Tax Professional, or Insurance Agent, prioritizes hands-on learning and real-world work experience.
The Occupational Certificate: Bookkeeper (NQF Level 5, SAQA ID 98959) is a comprehensive professional qualification designed to meet the specific needs of the financial management sector. This industry-recognised certification prepares learners for diverse employment opportunities in finance-related roles across all business sectors and industries.
This qualification is structured around three integrated components that work together to develop well-rounded financial professionals:
- Knowledge Component: Provides theoretical understanding of bookkeeping principles, financial accounting, taxation, and business systems.
- Practical Component: Develops hands-on skills through application of theory in simulated work environments.
- Workplace Component: Experience through structured workplace learning, ensuring graduates are job-ready.
This integration of theory, practice, and workplace experience equips learners with the versatile skills to utilize both digital Information Communication Technology (ICT) solutions and traditional paper-based accounting systems.
The qualification empowers learners to understand, prepare, and analyze complex financial information, enabling them to generate accurate accounting statements and assess organizational financial performance effectively. Beyond technical skills, the program develops crucial business acumen, preparing graduates to communicate financial information professionally to various stakeholders in different formats and contexts.
Recognized and accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), this qualification provides a solid foundation for career advancement in accounting and financial management, with potential pathways to higher qualifications and professional designations.
The main goal is to equip learners with the skills to understand and use financial information, including preparing statements and analysing an organization’s financial performance. It also introduces learners to the business world, developing their ability to communicate financial information to various stakeholders. Skills acquired include describing, recording, presenting, interpreting, and analysing financial information, focusing on using ICT for accounting tasks, and fostering problem-solving skills.
What is an Occupational Qualification? An Occupational Qualification is a specialized certification, such as an Electrician, Bookkeeper, Tax Professional, or Insurance Agent, prioritizes hands-on learning and real-world work experience.
Why Should You Attend
- People looking to start or advance in finance roles.
- Individuals wanting to work as Financial Administrators, Accounting Clerks, Payroll Administrators, or Creditors/Debtors Clerks.
- Those interested in a career in financial administration across various sectors.
Accreditation Status
Alerts Professional Services is accredited by the QCTO (Accreditation Number: 07-QCTO/SDP241125193410) as a Skills Development Provider (SDP) for the Occupational Certificate: Bookkeeper, SAQA ID: 98959, NQF Level: 05, 364 Credits.
Duration & Prerequisites
Approximately 12 to 18 months, depending on the delivery model and learner profile.
Prerequisites / Admission Requirements
- Academic: A National Senior Certificate (NSC/Grade 12) with Mathematics, or another NQF Level 4 qualification.
- Alternative Entry: Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be accepted. Relevant work experience in bookkeeping, accounting, finance, or administration. RPL assessments conducted in line with QCTO RPL policy
- Successful completion of a diagnostic assessment or interview
Work Experience: Some programs require concurrent workplace experience.
Registration Procedures
Student are required to register with The Occupational Certificate: Bookkeeper through accredited training providers. First registrations require the following documentation:
- Certified copy of a valid SA ID document
- Certified copy of a valid school certificate
- Valid passport, Study permit, SAQA verification certificate of foreign results
Course Details
This qualification provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of bookkeeping. Upon completion, learners will be able to:
- Maintain and manage financial records efficiently using both manual and electronic systems.
- Utilise standard computer software to perform accounting functions and verify the accuracy of financial transactions.
- Apply fundamental financial techniques to execute bookkeeping tasks accurately.
- Communicate effectively using professional methods to uphold strong customer relationships in line with organisational standards.
- Accurately calculate, compile, and complete SARS returns related to payroll compliance.
- Use standard computer software packages to perform accounting and related calculations to verify the accuracy of documents and records relating to payments, receipts, and other financial transactions.
What will I learn to do?
The level 5 qualification covers higher-level accounting tasks, including drafting financial statements, managing budgets, and evaluating financial performance. You’ll also have the opportunity to specialise in areas from tax to auditing and credit control.
Course Structure
- Module 1: Accounting Information Systems
- Module 2: Bookkeeping Practice
- Module 3: Financial Accounting
- Module 4: Basic Principles of Cost and Management Accounting
- Module 5: Basic Taxation
- Module 6: Principles of Taxation
- Module 7: End User Computing
- Module 8: Professional Ethics and Work Readiness
- Module 9: Business communication and customer services
- Module 10: Basic business calculations,
- Module 11: Project Management
For more information on what will be covered in the curriculum, please check our prospectus.
Training Methodology/ Delivery
The Occupational Certificate: Bookkeeper can be delivered at a location of your choice or tailored to your company’s needs. This course can also be presented through a combination of contact sessions (face-to-face learning), online and self-study.
Lecturer Support – via Email, Phone, and WhatsApp. You can ask all your content-related questions and receive a response from your lecturer within 24 hours. You can also view all past questions and answers, which is an added benefit as often students battle with these similar issues – that way you do not need to wait for a response, the answer is there for you straight away.
As registered learnerships, the Occupational Certificate: Bookkeeper qualifications enjoy all the benefits of SETA funding, tax rebates, and government incentives.
Assessment and Certification
The assessment system for this qualification consists of multiple components designed to evaluate comprehensive competency:
- Formative Assessments: Ongoing evaluations throughout each module to gauge progress and understanding.
- Workplace Logbook: Documentation of workplace experiences and competencies acquired during the practical component.
- External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA): A final comprehensive assessment conducted by the QCTO Assessment Quality Partner.
Certification Requirements
To qualify for the Occupational Certificate: Bookkeeper (NQF Level 5), learners must:
- Complete all compulsory knowledge modules with passing grades.
- Demonstrate competence in all required practical skills modules.
- Submit a completed and verified workplace experience logbook.
- Provide statements of results for all required components.
- Pass the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA).
Learners who successfully complete all three compulsory components of the qualification, and who pass the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA), will be awarded the: Occupational Certificate: Bookkeeper (NQF Level 5) SAQA ID: 98959, by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) opening doors to various professional opportunities in the financial sector. The qualification is nationally recognised and registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
Progression and Articulation
Successful learners may progress both horizontally (career) and vertically (education and professional development). May proceed to do a Diploma in Accounting / Financial Accounting (NQF Level 6). Graduates may qualify for membership or progression with relevant professional bodies, subject to their specific criteria.
Career Opportunities
Career Opportunities
By studying this qualification, you will be equipped with skills that open doors to various roles, including: Bookkeeper, Financial Assistant, Accounts Manager, Financial Controller, Junior Accountant, Assistant Finance Manager, Payroll Manager and SARS Registered Tax Practitioner (Self-employed Consultant)
Course Fees & Payment Options
Course Fees
The course fee is R35 000.00 and consists of:
- Study material – Online course material
- Online Facilitator support
- Four contact classes per module
- Lecturer Support – via Email, Phone and WhatsApp
- Formative and summative assessments
Payment Methods
Debit / Credit Card or Instant EFT
You can pay directly to our account through Debit / Credit Card or Instant EFT. This is an easy, secure, and instant transaction.
Debit Order
You can choose to pay the amount over a certain number of months via debit order.
EFT / Bank Deposit
You can make a payment directly into our bank account using your Online Banking App, Online Banking services, or by visiting your local bank branch.
Payment Options
Option 1: Once off payment (the R1 000 application fee is not included in this price)
- R 1 000.00 (Once a year registration fee)
- R 35 000.00 for two years (May be paid as R25 000 in year one and R10 000 in year two)
Option 2: Pay per semester / per module.
- R 1 000.00 (upfront application fee *)
- R 14 000 per semester (R 6 500 in year two)
- R 5 800.00 (Price per subject/Module)
Option 3: Monthly Debit Order
- R 1 000.00 (First Payment on Approval *)
- R 3 000.00 (R 1 500 in year two – monthly Debit Order for 10 Months)
* The application fee includes an annual AT(SA) student fee of R 575.00. If a learner does not complete all the subjects within year 1 (12 months) they will need to pay the annual AT(SA) student fee plus other fees again in year 2 as stated above.
General Terms
- The application fee, if any, is non-refundable.
- Continuous access to the content is dependent upon adherence to the payment terms and conditions.
- Absence from exams without valid reasons results in full liability for exam fees.
- Postponement of exams after registration incurs a fee.
