Build your career inside finance teams, from Bookkeeper to CFO

CIBA gives you the designations, support, and recognition to move up fast and reduce risk as you take on bigger responsibilities. 

Read more: Explore Jobs & Roles [member hub] 

Why This Matters 

Finance is more than numbers, it’s a career of influence, powering every decision a business makes.

The Commerce Career Pathway 

Path: Bookkeeper → Financial Administrator → Accountant → Financial Manager → Chief Financial Officer (CFO) 

Bookkeeper 
Keep businesses alive with accurate records. 
You’ll do: capturing transactions, bank recons, supplier/customer ledgers, VAT returns. 
You’ll need: accuracy, basic accounting, good software skills. 
Next step: Financial Administrator. 

Financial Manager 
Lead teams, controls, and performance. 
You’ll do: lead month-end, oversee controls, manage audits, guide working capital, support strategy. 
You’ll need: team leadership, risk and governance, forecasting. 
Next step: CFO. 

A circular diagram illustrating the process of chartered accounting with five steps: Record, Prepare, Report, Plan, Lead. Each step is numbered and labeled, with additional surrounding layers indicating related Chartered and Chartered Business accounting practices.

Financial Administrator 
The reliable middle of the finance team. 
You’ll do: payroll coordination, month-end packs, reconciliations, creditor/debtor control. 
You’ll need: working knowledge of IFRS for SMEs, VAT/PAYE rules, process discipline. 
Next step: Accountant. 

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) 
Shape strategy, risk, and survival. 
You’ll do: capital planning, board reporting, funding, growth strategy, risk and resilience. 
You’ll need: strategic finance, stakeholder management, regulation & ethics. 

Accountant 
Turn financial data into business decisions. 
You’ll do: trial balance to management accounts, cash flow, budgets and variance analysis. 
You’ll need: reporting skills, Excel modelling, business understanding. 
Next step: Financial Manager. 

CTA under grid: See Detailed Job Descriptions [Member Hub} 

Your Designation Levels (Commerce)

  • entry roles; trusted records and compliance. 

  • monthend, payroll, control. 

  • management accounts, budgets, business partnering. 

  • team lead, controls, performance. 

  • strategy, capital, governance. 

Tools, Training & Support Provided by CIBA 

CPD mapped to each role (reporting, controls, budgeting, leadership) 

Templates: monthend pack, cashflow model, board pack outline 

Technical Helpdesk: quick answers on standards and compliance 

Member Rewards: software discounts and PI cover 

“Moving from accountant to financial manager felt impossible. My CIBA designation made my capability visible. Within a year I was promoted and now present to the board.”

— Thandi M., CFM

FAQs (Commerce)

  • Yes, your designation proves level, not sector only. 

  • Yes, career resources and reference letters. 

  • No, designations complement qualifications and experience.

Start Your Chartered Journey Today 

No long process. No risk. Recognition that lasts a lifetime.

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