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The job descriptions associated with a CBK

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

Statutory criteria

The Chartered Bookkeeper certification is issued by the Chartered Institute for Business Accountants NPC, Reg. No. 1990/005364/08, in accordance with its constitution registered with the CIPC. The Chartered Bookkeeper certification is awarded upon successful completion of the Professional Short Course: Chartered Bookkeeper. Please note, this certification is not a professional designation and is not registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) under the National Qualifications Framework Act, 67 of 2008.

• 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.

Click here for a list of the required supporting documentation

Click here for an overview of the application process

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. Supporting Documentation & Qualification
   • Submit certified copies of your ID and latest CV
   • Submit certified copies of academic transcripts, to make sure you have the required subjects or obtain them via cpd.myciba.org
   • 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:

     • Verification of Experience - Map your experience to CIBA's Competence Framework. Provided at application.
     • Certified Marriage Certificate (if applicable). Required if the surname on your qualification differs from your ID.
     • Sworn Affidavit. Provided at application.
     • One employer reference letter from your past/current employer or client stating the employment period, job position, and key responsibilities on company letterhead. Example provided at application.
     • Professional Support Reference letter from a SAQA-recognised professional body designation holder. Example provided at application. If a reference from a designation holder is not available, the applicant must provide a second reference letter from either a current or former employer or a client.
     • Proof of successful completion of CIBA's Professional Readiness Programme and commitment to Lifelong Learning.
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 certification. This gives credibility and is valued by employers.

• Professional Readiness Programme

  The Chartered designation is a mark of excellence in the accounting and finance profession. It demonstrates to employers, clients, and peers that the holder is committed to best practices, ethical conduct, and lifelong learning and maintains high professional standards. As the profession evolves, accountants must go beyond technical expertise to demonstrate ethical leadership, industry awareness, and accountability. The Professional Readiness Programme reinforces and evaluates the skills to navigate a dynamic business environment while upholding public trust. It includes the following areas: Technical Application Skills, Ethical Awareness, Environmental Awareness, and Readiness for Responsibility.

• Ethics

  The CIBA ethics CPD and assessment be completed annually.

• Technology and business

  CBK should stay updated on technology and business development by annually completing CPD events in technology and business.

• CPD

  A CFM 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 cpd.myciba.org .

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.
• Certifications 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 CFM and CCFO 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.