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"Start your Accounting journey with us"

A holistic designation for all operational roles within the finance department

Recognition

Gain valuable recognition as an accounting professional with this unique designation that will help distinguish you as someone who demonstrates professionalism, ethical conduct and lifelong learning.

Where you fit in

The finance department has great importance in the success of any business and it is the backbone of organization's process and operations. No business can run without finance and effective management of available finance is the key to success. The roles in the finance department can be split between Functional, Administrative, Operational, Management and Strategic levels. The Chartered Bookkeeper (CBK) designation is the one designation for all operational finance roles, and will allow you to progress towards the CBA(SA) and Cert.Fin.Officer(SA) designations helping you move up the finance department hierarchy:

LEVEL >> ROLE >> << DESIGNATION APPLY NOW
Strategic Chief financial officer Certified Financial Officer (SA) Click here
Management Financial manager Certified Business Accountant (SA) Click here
Operational Financial accountant Business Accountant (SA) Click here
Administrative Financial Administrator Chartered Financial Administrator (CFAdmin) Click here
Functional Bookkeeper Chartered Bookkeeper (CBK) Click here
Practice Accountant in Practice Business Accountant in Practice (SA) Click here

Our designations have been carefully researched and aligned to industry norms and regulations. Each designation is based on a set of competencies that reflect the expertise required for each level within the finance department.

Steps to becoming a Chartered Bookkeeper (CBK)

If this is you then apply for Chartered Bookkeeper

  • Anyone working within the entry level of a finance or accounting department.
  • Typical roles eligible for the designation include: Clerk, Trainee, Assistant accountant, and similar.
  • Persons from any nationality that may have an interest in Southern Africa
  • If you are a non-financial manager that needs to expand your knowledge and understanding of accounting

The job descriptions associated with a CBK

There are a variety of job descriptions associated with the CBK designation. This short summary explains more about what is expected of a CBK within the finance department.

Statutory criteria

CBK is an official CIBA designation and is currently not recognized in terms of the National Qualifications Framework Act, 67 of 2008. The entry criteria for the designation as published:

  • Qualification requirement:
    • Matric or National Certificate from an accredited secondary institute (High School). (NQF4 or higher).
    • Qualification can be obtained in any field i.e. commerce or non-commerce.
    • If no qualification or incomplete qualification you may qualify for our RPL route. Talk to us to learn more about this option.
    • For foreign qualifications, evaluation by SAQA is required. Please click here for more information
  • Experience requirement:
    • 6 to 12 months relevant experience at a functional level measured against a competency framework.
    • Complete the workplace experience assessment and confirmation by employer. You will be required to complete an Examination-By-Experience. This consists of self-assessment, employer verification, and corroboration by colleagues of obtaining critical competencies at a Mastery (Application) level.
  • Assessment:
    • We will evaluate your application and supporting documents, and determine the type of assessment required. CIBA will communicate the results of the assessment and inform you of the outcome. This may be confirmation that your application was successful, or unsuccessful, or a recommendation for further development in which case we will recommend a course to develop a required skill.
  • Private practice:
    • Chartered Bookkeepers may not act in private practice e.g. only Business Accountants in Practice are allowed to act as accountants in private practice or as accounting officers.

The application process and post-designation requirements

  1. Application
    • Register on our website or membership portal.
    • Complete the workplace experience assessment and confirmation by employer. You will be required to complete an Examination-By-Experience. This consists of self-assessment, employer verification, and corroboration by colleagues of obtaining critical
  2. Qualification
    • Submit certified copies of your ID and latest CV
    • Submit certified copies of academic transcripts
    • Provide proof of either of the following:

      A completed qualification e.g., Matric Certificate, National Diploma or Degree (commerce or non-commerce) obtained from an institute of higher learning registered with the South African Department of Education, or:

      A SAQA evaluation and alignment certificate indicating the comparative South African qualification if the qualification was obtained from a Non-South African institute of higher learning.

      Relevant prior learning obtained in the form of part qualifications, modules, short courses or similar courses completed and which CIBA as recognised for membership purposes.

      Membership of a professional body that ascribes to the membership criteria of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) or a professional body with whom CIBA has signed a membership agreement, and whom CIBA has recognised for membership purposes.

      • In this case the experience requirements are adjusted to 18 months demonstratable experience within a finance department, or:
      • Membership of a professional body at an Accounting Technician level, that ascribes to the membership criteria of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) or a professional body with whom CIBA has signed a membership agreement, and whom CIBA has recognised for membership purposes.
  3. Experience: Awareness level
    • Complete the workplace experience assessment and confirmation by employer. You will be required to complete an Examination-By-Experience. This consists of self-assessment, employer verification, and corroboration by colleagues of obtaining critical competencies.
  4. Payment
    • You will be redirected to a secure online payment portal to pay your CBK designation fee. This can be paid annually or monthly via debit order.
  5. Evaluation
    • We will evaluate your application and supporting documents.
    • Once your application is approved, we will email you confirmation of registration and certificate.

Continuous quality confirmation is a hallmark of the CBK designation. This gives credibility and is valued by employers.

  • Ethics

    Complete the CIBA endorsed CIMA course in ethics and assessment. This must be repeated annually and must be obtained within 6 months of being awarded a designation.

  • CPD

    A CBK needs to log 10 hours continuing professional development (CPD) per annum. CPD is required by law from all accountants in South African that has earned a designation. It shows your commitment to lifelong learning, and must be obtained from CIBA.

CBK, because you deserve it

  • Proof that you are committed to ethical conduct and lifelong learning
  • Proof that you belong to a community of professionals and have subjected yourself to peer review and self-improvement
  • Professional membership increases employability.
  • Designations mean better employability.
  • Access to job opportunities
  • Access to accounting news and developments
  • Networking opportunities at CIBA events
  • Personal and professional development seminars and free webinars.
  • Pathway to CBA(SA) and CFO(SA) designation.
  • Click here to read more about the value of a CIBA designation

Contact us

  • Contact us on 012 643 1800 or send an email to membership@myciba.org should you require more information about the process.

Become a CBK

Join now and recieve the essential credential for career development

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  • Gain accreditation as a professional accountant
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