Bookkeepers compute, classify, and verify numerical data in order to develop and maintain financial records. In smaller organisations bookkeepers handle all aspects of financial transactions. They record debits and credits, compare current and past balance sheets, summarise details of separate ledgers and prepare reports for supervisors and managers. They may also prepare bank deposits and send cash, cheques and other forms of payment to the bank. The increased use of computers has allowed the use of specialised accounting software on personal computers.

Professional designations:

Associate Bookkeeper (Certificate) Fellow bookkeeper (Diploma)

Study path:

A person may become a bookkeeper with a National Senior Certificate with Mathematics and Accounting as subjects. Various private institutions offer certificate and diploma courses in accounting and bookkeeping.

Institute for Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) professional qualifications: Certificate for Registered Bookkeeper (NQF 4) National Diploma: Technical Financial Accounting (NQF 5).
These two qualifications are registered as learnerships.

Professional bodies:

Professional body membership or registration is not a requirement to work as a bookkeeper. You may want to become a member of the ICB.