According to recent business media reports, there is a global shortage of qualified accountants, and the situation is not improving. Recognising this need for financially able specialists in a time of financial crisis, The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) has stepped up its national campaign to impress upon businesses and financial institutions the philosophy of creating a solid foundation of financial support staff in one’s business.

“For every one Chartered Accountant, you need three bookkeeping staff”, says ICB CEO, Andrew Carlsson.

Carlsson continues, “what many businesses forget is that a Chartered Accountant is the pinnacle position in a multi tiered skills system.” The ICB’s current mission is to help companies build competent structures on which management and Chartered Accountants can lean for support. “If people only study for the top positions in the pyramid, there is nobody in the layers below to offer back-up,” he explains.

Rather than encourage learners to commit themselves to lengthy accounting degrees, Carlsson explains that the ICB not only ensures that those who have accounting acumen are able to climb the career ladder with the structured courses on offer, it also ensures that even the lowest tier of learning equips learners with skills to make them absolutely employable.

Essentially, says Carlsson, the ICB is instrumental in helping to create a large, stable pool of well-equipped staff for successful companies.

The ICB offers courses that span the entire scope of accounting needs in businesses, no matter the size. Starting with the ICB Junior Bookkeeping diploma, course participants can graduate to certificates and Diplomas such as Certified Senior Bookkeeper and Technical Financial Accountant, a position that would enable a qualified individual to manage a range of business functions from income tax returns to business law intricacies and accounting control.

Since 1931, top-notch financial institutions have called upon the ICB to help improve accounting skills in their support teams. Carlsson explains that in today’s current economic climate, it is increasingly essential to ensure that all administrative staff members are well trained and competent.

“Small mistakes cost money and often have a domino effect in businesses”, he says, adding that the ICB’s courses are also a lifeline for companies wanting to empower their staff by up-skilling them. An added advantage for those who sponsor staff to equip themselves with the ICB certifications, whether in junior or more specialised roles, is that there are generous tax rebates for learnership programmes.

Carlsson is firm in the belief that fewer companies would go bankrupt if more people were trained in basic bookkeeping skills. “The ICB has weathered economic recessions, political turmoil and uncertainty, and even a World War, and our philosophy of teaching people the fundamentals of sound business practise is the core of our own business success. Our job is to help companies instil a strong culture of competency in checks and balances through well-trained, financially savvy staff”.