Knowledge Centre
1. Bookkeeper
Why this matters: Bookkeepers keep the financial system alive. Without accurate, timely records, no business — big or small — can survive.
2. What You Need to Know
A bookkeeper is the backbone of every finance team. They make sure the numbers add up — literally.
- Bookkeepers: 
- Capture daily transactions 
- Track income and expenses 
- Reconcile accounts 
- Support VAT and payroll submissions 
- Keep the business audit- and SARS-ready 
In short: Bookkeepers don’t just record numbers; they keep the whole financial system running.
3.Why It Matters to You
- Entry into finance: Bookkeeping is the gateway into the finance profession — you don’t need a degree, just willingness to learn. 
- Career stability: Every organisation needs a bookkeeper; your skills are in demand across sectors. 
- Earning power: With CIBA’s Chartered Bookkeeper (CBK) designation, you can charge more and prove your value. 
- Recognition: Many bookkeepers do the work but lack professional recognition. CIBA changes that. 
The Designation Advantage
Anyone can call themselves a “bookkeeper.” But when you hold the Chartered Bookkeeper (CBK) designation, you show employers and clients that you are:
- Trustworthy and reliable 
- Committed to ethics and lifelong learning 
- Accountable to a professional body 
- Recognised as a lower-risk, higher-value professional 
That’s why the CBK designation increases recognition and earning potential — it proves you’re more than “the accounts person.”
4. Where Do Bookkeepers Work?
Almost everywhere:
- Accounting firms 
- SMEs and startups 
- Government departments 
- NGOs 
- Schools and hospitals 
- Freelance and remote roles 
Where there’s money, there’s a need for bookkeeping.
5. How Much Do Bookkeepers Earn?
- Entry level: R8,000 – R15,000/month 
- Mid-level: R15,000 – R25,000/month 
- Senior: R25,000 – R35,000+/month 
- Freelance: R200 – R450/hour 
Becoming a Chartered Bookkeeper (CBK) increases both earning power and job security.
6. Skills You Need
- Attention to detail 
- Basic accounting knowledge 
- Communication skills 
- Ethics and integrity 
- Software skills (e.g., Sage, Xero, QuickBooks) 
Career Path
Start → Bookkeeper 
Next → Assistant Accountant 
Then → Financial Manager or start own practice 
Eventually → Chartered CFO or Sector Specialist 
Each step brings more responsibility, income, and recognition.
Key Rules, Standards, or Requirements
- Companies Act – requires accurate financial records. 
- Tax Administration Act – links bookkeeping work directly to VAT, payroll, and tax compliance. 
- CIBA Code of Ethics – ensures honesty and integrity in handling client funds. 
- Professional Software Standards – many employers expect knowledge of accounting packages like Sage, Xero, or QuickBooks. 
How to Apply / Use This Role
Start by joining CIBA: membership recognises your role as a finance professional.
Apply for the Chartered Bookkeeper (CBK) designation: prove your competence to clients and employers.
Keep learning: CPD courses and software training keep your skills relevant.
Build your career map: use CIBA’s designation ladder to grow from bookkeeper to CFO.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Thinking bookkeeping is “just admin” — it’s the foundation of business survival. 
- Working without recognition — without a professional body, your value is often overlooked. 
- Ignoring software skills — today’s bookkeepers must be tech-competent. 
- Stopping your career journey — bookkeeping is a start, not a ceiling. 
Related Resources
- 📄 PDF: Guide to Becoming a Chartered Bookkeeper (CBK) 
- 🎓 CPD: Essential Bookkeeping Skills: VAT, Payroll, and Reconciliations 
- 📚 Related Knowledge Centre topics: Financial Administrator, The Role of the Finance Department 
Need Help?
- Contact the Technical Helpdesk 
- Ask a Membership Advisor 
- Submit a support ticket (pre-tagged: Careers → Bookkeeper) 
4. Why It Matters to You (Impact section)
- Bullet points answering: 
- How this can make you money 
- How it can save you trouble with SARS, regulators, or clients 
- How it positions you as a trusted expert 
5. Frameworks, Standards, or References (if relevant)
- Link to legislation, IFAC standards, CIBA policies, etc. 
- Keep it brief — no copy-paste of legal text, just summaries + links. 
6. How to Apply (Action steps)
- Numbered or bulleted step-by-step guide 
- Link to forms or related Help Centre Support articles 
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid (if applicable)
- Short list of pitfalls members fall into on this topic 
- Frame positively: “Do this instead…” 
8. Related Resources
