About this Course
This online short course provides participants with a practical introduction to both the HR and payroll functions within a South African business context. The course is designed to equip bookkeepers, accountants and small business owners with the knowledge and skills to understand employment law, manage payroll accurately and ensure compliance with statutory obligations.
The course covers the legal framework governing employment and payroll in South Africa, including the BCEA, LRA, UIF, SDL and COIDA, and explains how these interact with the bookkeeper’s day-to-day responsibilities.
Learners will explore core HR processes relevant to finance, including employee record management, leave management and employment equity compliance. The course integrates practical checklists, templates and worked examples to ensure immediate workplace application.
The payroll component covers the full monthly payroll cycle, from calculating gross pay and statutory deductions (PAYE, UIF, SDL, COIDA) to producing payslips, posting journal entries and submitting EMP201 returns to SARS.
By the end of the course, participants will have a confident working knowledge of both the HR and payroll functions, enabling them to support employers with accurate, compliant and well-documented payroll processing.
Learning Objectives
By completing this course, participants will be able to:
- Explain why bookkeepers are the first line of defence against payroll errors and penalties
- Identify the key South African legislation governing employment and payroll (BCEA, LRA, UIF, SDL, COIDA, EEA)
- Classify remuneration components correctly as taxable or non-taxable
- Calculate PAYE, UIF and SDL for a salaried employee
- Process leave accruals and calculate leave liability on the balance sheet
- Prepare standard payroll journal entries and reconcile to the general ledger
- Complete a monthly payroll checklist and submit an EMP201 return
- Identify common payroll pitfalls and implement controls to prevent them
- Apply HR metrics to assist with budgeting and management reporting
- Understand internal controls and fraud prevention in payroll.
Course Delivery, Duration and Effort
SA Accounting Academy delivers this online short course. The course is divided into 3 modules and is designed to be completed in a single day. Learners can study at their own pace and access recorded content at any time.
Is this course for you?
This course is suitable for:
- Bookkeepers and accounting technicians
- Accountants and financial administrators
- HR administrators and payroll officers
- Small business owners and entrepreneurs
- Office managers responsible for payroll
- Anyone seeking a practical introduction to HR and payroll in South Africa
Lecturer
Ruzel van Jaarsveld
Ruzel van Jaarsveld is a finance professional, business consultant and learning specialist with over 28 years of experience across bookkeeping, payroll, VAT, PAYE, management accounts, eFiling and Human Resources. As a qualified Skills Development Facilitator and experienced Financial Facilitator, she has designed and delivered practical financial workshops nationally for entrepreneurs, business owners and corporate finance teams, and is recognised for her ability to translate complex financial concepts into clear, actionable guidance.
Her areas of focus include tax optimisation, business development and online sales and marketing. Ruzel combines technical expertise with a practical, client-centred approach, making her a trusted resource for individuals and organisations seeking confident, solutions-focused financial support.
Prerequisites / Admission Requirements
This course is open to anyone who works in, or intends to work in, a bookkeeping, payroll or HR environment. The following are recommended prerequisites:
- Ability to work with basic calculations and financial figures.
- Access to a computer with internet connectivity for online learning.
- Basic understanding of South African business operations.
- Familiarity with bookkeeping or accounting concepts (advantageous but not required).
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 Basic Concepts
- Module 2: Introduction to Business HR
- Module 3: Introduction to Business Payroll
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 R1 770.00 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
Once off payment – R1 770.00
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
To register for this course: click here.



