About this Course
This online short course takes accounting professionals from AI-curious to using AI tools confidently and safely in a South African practice. It covers what AI actually is, which tools are worth paying for, how to set them up with client confidentiality in mind, and where they add value in audit, tax, financial reporting and client communication.
This edition reflects the AI landscape and the South African regulatory position as at 1 October 2026, including IRBA Staff Audit Practice Alert 11, SAICA’s AI ethics guidance, section 72 of the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA) and recent South African case law on AI hallucination. Subscription prices are shown in rand, converted from US dollar pricing.
Each module combines a written lesson made up of short units, a recorded video session, a key terms glossary, a discussion forum and an assessment. Short scenario questions between units ask learners to apply professional judgement to situations they are likely to meet in practice, and the lessons include tasks to try straight away on real work.
The course is written specifically for South African accountants, auditors, bookkeepers and tax practitioners. No technical background is needed, and learners who have never used an AI tool can start right at the beginning.
Delivered fully online, the course is self-paced with no deadlines, so learners control how quickly they work through it.
Learning Objectives
By completing this course, participants will be able to:
- Explain what AI is in plain terms, and decide where it is worth using in your own practice
- Choose AI tools and a subscription tier for yourself or your firm, at 2026 prices in rand
- Set up an AI account securely, configure its privacy settings, and draft an AI-use clause for your engagement letters that is aligned with POPIA
- Apply AI to routine work in audit, tax, financial reporting and client communication, within IRBA and SARS requirements
- Write structured prompts, reusable templates and multi-step prompt workflows that produce usable first drafts
- Apply defences against hallucination, confidentiality breaches and bias, and identify the tasks where AI should not be used
- Build or scope a custom assistant, such as a custom GPT or Claude Project, for a recurring workflow
- Plan, cost and measure a phased AI rollout across your firm, and keep up to date as the tools change
Course Delivery, Duration and Effort
SA Accounting Academy delivers this online short course. The course is divided into 8 modules, each with a written lesson, a recorded video session, a key terms glossary, a discussion forum and an assessment, completed over 16 weeks at your own pace, with a required effort of 4 to 6 hours per week. This way you can maintain a work-life balance whilst studying and improving your professional skills. Go faster if you have the time, slower if life is busy.
Is this course for you?
This course is suitable for:
- Accountants, bookkeepers and trainee accountants who want to use AI accurately and efficiently in their daily work
- Auditors and assurance professionals working within IRBA’s expectations for the use of GenAI in audit engagements
- Tax practitioners and compliance officers looking to speed up tax research and compliance drafting
- Financial managers, CFOs and small business owners responsible for reporting, forecasting and cash flow
- Accounting firm owners and partners deciding how their firm should use AI and how to roll it out
Lecturer
Nestene Botha CA(SA)
Nestene Botha CA(SA) is a Chartered Accountant (South Africa) who provides AI training and advisory work to the accounting profession through Explore ProTech. She presents SA Accounting Academy’s AI for Accountants: Monthly Update & Implementation Lab and has presented more than 60 CPD webinars to South African accounting professionals.
She was named one of SAICA’s Top 35 under 35 in 2018 and won the Best Paper Award at the Southern African Accounting Association Central Region Conference 2026.
Prerequisites / Admission Requirements
This course is open to anyone who works in, or intends to work in, an accounting, audit, bookkeeping or tax environment, in practice or in business. The following are recommended:
- Basic accounting knowledge and general computer literacy. Exposure to accounting software is helpful but not required.
- A computer with internet access and an account on at least one AI platform, such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or Microsoft Copilot. Module 3 walks through setting one up.
- No technical or AI background is required and learners who have never used an AI tool can start right at the beginning.
Module 2 compares the main platforms and what they cost, and Module 3 covers choosing a subscription tier, so learners can decide on a paid plan as part of the course. Plans and prices change often, so check the provider’s pricing page before signing up.
Assessments
Each module includes a discussion forum and a short assessment. Learners need 80% to pass each assessment and may attempt it as many times as needed, with the highest score counting. Each module opens once the previous module’s assessment has been passed.
Between units, short scenario questions ask learners to apply professional judgement to a situation they could meet in practice. These are not recall tests: a wrong answer sends the learner back to the relevant content, and a correct answer moves them on. Module 1 also includes a short reflection.
Accreditation
This course is aligned with continuous professional development (CPD/CPE) requirements and may qualify for CPD hours with relevant professional bodies.
Assessment and Certification
To complete the course, learners must:
- Pass all eight module assessments (80% or higher)
- Complete the discussion forums in Modules 1 to 8
- Complete the course feedback survey
Passing the assessments alone does not complete the course. On successful completion of all of the above, the learner will be awarded:
- Certificate of Completion from SA Accounting Academy
Curriculum
Modules:
- Module 1: Introduction to AI in Accounting
- Module 2: The AI Tool Landscape (2026)
- Module 3: Getting Started with AI Tools
- Module 4: AI Use Cases for Accountants
- Module 5: Prompt Engineering & Effective AI Use
- Module 6: AI Limitations, Risks & the SA Regulatory Landscape
- Module 7: Customisation & Automation
- Module 8: Integration & Implementation
For more information on what will be covered in the curriculum please download the prospectus.
About SA Accounting Academy
The SA Accounting Academy is an accredited private QCTO, SAICA - AT(SA), ICB and BANKSETA qualifications provider. We are committed to providing our students with the highest quality training and support, to ensure that your skills and knowledge are up to date and ready to face the challenges of the modern workplace. Qualifications and courses delivered are designed to ensure that you reach your professional goals and advance your career. With our experienced faculty, staff, and resources, you can be confident that you will receive the highest quality of training.
SAAA is a Level 2 B-BBEE contributor, with 125% procurement recognition. Training spend on certain solutions can be allocated against the Skills Development element of the B-BBEE Scorecard through accredited and nonaccredited training or claimed through SETA grants. In addition, 25% of your Skills Expenditure can be claimed on non-accredited training or courses.
Course Fees
Invest in your future with our comprehensive course. Our fee is an all-inclusive investment in your future.
The course fee is R 5 775.00 and consists of:
Educational Resources
- Online Materials: Access a written lesson made up of short units, a recorded video session and a key terms glossary for every module.
Learning Support
- Facilitation: Benefit from a presenter-led course with a recorded video session for every module.
- Formative Assessments: Reinforce your understanding with an assessment for every module, which you can attempt as many times as you need to reach 80%, and scenario questions between units.
- Learner Forum: Engage in meaningful peer-to-peer interactions through a dedicated discussion forum for every module.
- Continuous Support: Our dedicated team is always on standby to assist with any academic or administrative queries, ensuring a smooth learning process.
Flexibility and Convenience
- Study Online: Complete your course and assessments online, giving you the freedom to learn from anywhere, at your own pace.
Payment Methods
Debit / Credit Card or Instant EFT
You can pay directly on our website for an easy, secure, and instant transaction. During promotional periods, customers can take advantage of additional savings. This is the fastest and most efficient option, saving both time and money.
EFT / Bank Deposit
You can make a payment directly into our bank account using your Online Banking App, Online Banking services, or by visiting your local bank branch.
Your Company / Employer
It may be beneficial for your company to invest in training for its staff members. As there are financial and tax advantages for doing so, please speak with your employer or Training / HR manager about the possibility of paying for this training.
Third Party
If you have someone who is willing to pay for your studies, such as a parent or relative, they can either log in and pay on our website or they can pay via any of the payment options above on your behalf.
Payment Terms
Option 1: Once off payment
- Full course fee - R 5 775.00
Option 2: Debit order
- Application fee - R 2 887.50
- One debit order instalment - R 2 887.50
Corporate Training Solutions
At SA Accounting Academy, we recognise the evolving needs of businesses in today's dynamic environment. Beyond our standard webinar offerings, we provide tailored corporate training solutions designed to empower your team with the latest in accounting and professional skills. Whether you're looking for online sessions or face-to-face training, our programs are crafted to ensure a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.
Drawing inspiration from modern training methodologies, our corporate solutions are interactive, adaptable, and focused on real-world applications. We prioritise hands-on learning, ensuring your team can immediately apply their newfound knowledge in practical scenarios.
Interested in a bespoke corporate training experience? Reach out to us at corporate@accountingacademy.co.za or call 010 593 0466. Together, let's design a training program that elevates your team's capabilities and aligns with your organisational goals.
Contact Us
- Online chat through our website www.accountingacademy.co.za
- WhatsApp: Start chatting (+27635026114)
- Phone: 010 593 0466
- E-mail: support@accountingacademy.co.za