University of Cape Town
Bookkeeping
Strengthen your ability to manage inventory, track revenue, and organise financial information.
Start date
07 March 2022
Enroll by 01 March 2022
Course duration
9 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
7–10 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
The proportion of small business owners who identify bookkeeping (and other administrative work) as their top challenge.
Guidant Financial (2019).
The percentage of time that larger accounting firms (those with 50 or more employees) spend on bookkeeping activities.
Accounting Today (2019).
Duration: 9 weeks (excluding orientation)
Skilled bookkeepers are an invaluable part of any organisation. Without them, companies would find it challenging to maintain financial clarity and keep track of the information needed to make important operating and financing decisions.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) Bookkeeping online short course covers a range of bookkeeping fundamentals and provides instruction on topics like inventory control, value added tax (VAT) liability, bank reconciliations, and statutory returns. Learn how to complete journal entries, prepare ledgers and compile accurate, reliable financial reports. Improve your ability to impact your company positively, and receive formal proof of your skills from Africa’s leading university.1
1QS Top Universities (Jun, 2019).
Is this course for you?
This course is aimed at junior bookkeepers and entry-level finance clerks looking to update their skill set and formalise their knowledge. It’s equally suitable for professionals in administrative roles who want to develop new skills, and small business owners eager to acquire basic competencies in accounting. While there are no formal prerequisites for this course, some prior experience in bookkeeping will be advantageous.
Course overview
Introduction
Duration: 9 weeks (excluding orientation)
Skilled bookkeepers are an invaluable part of any organisation. Without them, companies would find it challenging to maintain financial clarity and keep track of the information needed to make important operating and financing decisions.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) Bookkeeping online short course covers a range of bookkeeping fundamentals and provides instruction on topics like inventory control, value added tax (VAT) liability, bank reconciliations, and statutory returns. Learn how to complete journal entries, prepare ledgers and compile accurate, reliable financial reports. Improve your ability to impact your company positively, and receive formal proof of your skills from Africa’s leading university.1
1QS Top Universities (Jun, 2019).
Is this course for you?
This course is aimed at junior bookkeepers and entry-level finance clerks looking to update their skill set and formalise their knowledge. It’s equally suitable for professionals in administrative roles who want to develop new skills, and small business owners eager to acquire basic competencies in accounting. While there are no formal prerequisites for this course, some prior experience in bookkeeping will be advantageous.
What will set you apart
An understanding of the key concepts, principles, and processes underpinning effective bookkeeping.
The skills to record, interpret, and report financial information for any organisation.
The ability to manage debtors and creditors ledgers, and produce bank reconciliation statements.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
The basics of bookkeeping
Module 2
Inventory control
Module 3
Value added tax
Module 4
Journals: Part 1
Module 5
Journals: Part 2
Module 6
The general ledger
Module 7
Debtors and creditors
Module 8
Bank reconciliations
Module 9
Statutory returns, wages and salaries registers
Get course prospectus
What past students
think
Mari-Louise Wait Nell
Admin and Accounts, Presentation Solutions
I was very impressed with how much I learnt from this course. I work with accounts every day of my life, but to finally understand how to do it myself and to know why you do what you do was very beneficial. I found the online learning experience very helpful and pleasant, especially the student discussions where everyone can ask their questions that in return help you with yours. This course has given me the confidence I was lacking to go out into the world and spread my wings, and not stay in my comfort zone out of fear. It’s true what they say: knowledge is power. My classmates are so friendly and helpful, and the tutor is there and ready to help whenever you need it. Overall, I am very pleased and impressed with the course. My only regret is not doing it sooner.
Course Convenors
Samiah Fakier
Lecturer in the College of Accounting, UCT
Nabeelah Daniels
Lecturer in the College of Accounting, UCT
About the certificate
Strengthen your bookkeeping skills and earn an official certificate of completion from the University of Cape Town.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.
Get a course brochure
Want to know more?
Why choose GetSmarter?
GetSmarter, powered by 2U, is an online learning expert with over 10 years' experience in developing premium online short courses from the world’s leading universities and institutions. We are powered by 2U to support you in unlocking your potential through life-changing learning with an immersive and high-touch experience.
We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required to upskill, reskill or kickstart a completely new career. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need. We ensure that leading universities and institutions are your expert guides and our people, technology, and resources are your engine – together we power more than just education, we power your potential.
Find out more about GetSmarter’s approach to digital learning, course design, and online delivery here.
Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing page, or contact an Enrollment Adviser, to find out which option you qualify for.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please see the list of university partner login pages here.
Financing options
We've recently partnered with financial services firm, FeverTree, to offer you another convenient way to finance your short course education. Find out how you can apply for a short-term loan below.
How do I apply?
- You have the option of applying for a full course-cost loan agreement with FeverTree (South African citizens and short courses only)
- FeverTree works with GetSmarter to ensure your studies are financed right away, giving you the chance to join the soonest presentation
- You can find out if you pre-qualify in seconds. Send an SMS with your “Name*Surname*ID Number*Gross Salary” to 30082
- FeverTree’s application process is simple and quick – expect a 15-minute turnaround to find out if you’ve been successful with your loan application
- Even if you aren’t successful in your FeverTree application, you’ll still be eligible for the payment plan options with GetSmarter
