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)