Financial Accountant Career in South Africa
Explore the official OFO occupation, common tasks, specialisations and approved South African qualification pathways.
Occupation overview
Contributes to the development and implementation of the organisation's accounting systems, policies and procedures.
What does a Financial Accountant do?
A Financial Accountant helps an organisation maintain and improve the way it manages accounting information. The work focuses on contributing to accounting systems, policies and procedures so that financial processes are applied consistently and support the organisation’s financial management.
Specialisations
How to become a Financial Accountant in South Africa
- Explore the role and the accounting systems, policies and procedures used by organisations.
- Consider a relevant mapped qualification such as the Certificate Financial Accounting (NQF Level 4, 120 credits), Diploma: Accounting and Financial Computing (NQF Level 5, 240 credits), or National Diploma: Technical Financial Accounting (NQF Level 5, 251 credits). These are relevant pathways, not stated universal requirements.
- Develop practical familiarity with organisational accounting systems and procedures through appropriate learning or workplace exposure.
- Confirm current qualification, provider, registration and assessment details with SAQA or an accredited provider before enrolling.
- Build experience applying accounting procedures and contributing to improvements in an organisation’s accounting systems and policies.
Edupstairs Preparation Guidance
The mapped qualifications provide relevant study options for entering the field, but the appropriate route depends on the organisation and the role. Compare the content of each qualification with your career plans, and verify current details with SAQA or an accredited provider. Workplace exposure can help you understand how accounting systems, policies and procedures operate in practice.
Useful school subjects
- Mathematics
- Accounting
- Business Studies
- Computer Applications Technology
Skills that may help
- Understanding accounting systems
- Applying accounting policies and procedures
- Contributing to the development of procedures
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Analytical thinking
- Organisational skills