About this Course
This online short course gives accounting, legal and corporate governance professionals a comprehensive, structured understanding of the Companies Act 71 of 2008 and its most recent amendments. The course works through the Act's founding principles and objectives — promoting entrepreneurship, providing legal certainty and protecting stakeholders' rights — before moving into the detailed rules that govern how a company is formed, run and, where necessary, wound down.
Learners work through real South African scenarios: drafting and amending a Memorandum of Incorporation, authorising and issuing shares, managing directors' duties and liability, calculating a company's Public Interest score to determine its assurance requirements, and working through business rescue and insolvency processes. The course closes with a dedicated, practical module on beneficial ownership — identifying beneficial owners through the look-through method and filing correctly with the CIPC — reflecting the current compliance requirements under the 2024 and 2025 Amendment Acts.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to apply the Companies Act's core principles to real company structures, advise on directors' duties and corporate governance obligations, and correctly identify, record and file beneficial ownership information with the CIPC.
Delivered fully online and on demand, the course has no fixed intake dates. You can enrol at any time and start immediately.
Learning Objectives
By completing this course, participants will be able to:
- Apply the core principles and objectives of the Companies Act 71 of 2008, including the 2024 and 2025 Amendment Acts
- Distinguish alterable from unalterable Memorandum of Incorporation provisions and apply the correct amendment routes
- Apply the share capital, financial assistance and distribution rules, and run compliant shareholder meetings
- Apply directors' statutory duties and identify the grounds for personal liability and disqualification
- Calculate a company's Public Interest score and determine its audit, independent review or assurance requirements
- Apply the business rescue and insolvency framework, including the moratorium and voting on a business rescue plan
- Identify the roles of the CIPC, the Companies Tribunal, the Takeover Regulation Panel and the FRSC
- Identify beneficial owners using the look-through method and file beneficial ownership information correctly with the CIPC
Course Delivery, Duration and Effort
This course is delivered fully online through the SA Accounting Academy learning campus and is available on demand, with no fixed intake dates. Enrolment is open year-round and you get access immediately on registration, so you can start today. The course is divided into 8 modules completed over 8 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 auditors who need to apply the Companies Act in their client's or employer's business
- Business owners and directors who want to understand their statutory duties and liability exposure
- Company secretaries and compliance officers responsible for CIPC filings and beneficial ownership disclosure
- Legal and governance professionals advising on company formation, shares or business rescue
- Anyone seeking a practical, up-to-date understanding of the Companies Act and its 2024 to 2026 amendments
Lecturer
Caryn Maitland CA(SA)
Caryn is a CA(SA) and RA who lectured extensively at UKZN (and other institutes) specialising in Advanced Financial Accounting. Subsequently, she specialised in facilitating Ethics conversations, keeping assurance practitioners updated and unpacking legislation for the financial sector.
Caryn has conducted training for accountants since 2006 on various topics and has consulted on a number of technical issues. Since January 2011, Caryn has focussed on being a technical freelance consultant and trainer to the accounting profession. She has worked extensively with analysts, directors and other users of financials to interpret, prepare, analyse and forecast information based on these financials.
Prerequisites / Admission Requirements
This course is open to anyone. There are no minimum entry requirements.
Assessments
This course includes formative assessments to test knowledge throughout the modules. Learners must achieve all competencies of the course.
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
On successful completion (i.e. competence in all modules) of this course the learner will be awarded:
- Certificate of Completion from SA Accounting Academy
Curriculum
Modules:
- Module 1: Introduction and General Principles
- Module 2: The Memorandum of Incorporation
- Module 3: Shares and Shareholders
- Module 4: Focus on Directors
- Module 5: Accountability, Accounting and Assurance
- Module 6: Insolvency and Business Rescue
- Module 7: Role-Players and Other Bits and Pieces
- Module 8: Beneficial Ownership in Practice
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 4 850.00 and consists of:
Educational Resources
- Online Materials: Access a wealth of online resources, from e-books to tutorial videos, enhancing your learning experience.
Learning Support
- Facilitation: Benefit from expert-led facilitation sessions that offer personalised guidance, addressing individual queries and ensuring a thorough understanding of the subject matter.
- Formative Assessments: Reinforce your understanding with assessments on different topics.
- Learner Forum: Engage in meaningful peer-to-peer interactions through our dedicated learner forum. Share insights, ask questions, and collaborate on projects to enhance your learning experience.
- 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 take your assessments online, giving you the freedom to learn from anywhere.
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 4 850.00
Option 2: Debit order
- Application fee - R 2 425.00
- One debit order instalment - R 2 425.00
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