About this Course

This online short course gives bookkeeping practitioners a practical, structured understanding of how to prepare, read and interpret a balance sheet. Where general bookkeeping training covers the mechanics of posting transactions, this course focuses on the balance sheet itself — how assets, liabilities and equity fit together under the accounting equation, and what the resulting figures tell you about a business's financial position.

Learners work through real South African scenarios: classifying assets and liabilities as current or non-current, recording equity transactions, choosing between report and account presentation formats, correcting common balance sheet errors, and calculating the ratios used to assess liquidity, solvency and financial structure. Every concept is linked back to worked examples, journal entries and practical case studies, so learners see not just how to prepare a balance sheet but how to read what it says about a business.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to prepare a complete, correctly classified balance sheet for a South African business, calculate and interpret key financial ratios, and identify the errors and adjustments that keep a balance sheet accurate.

Learning Objectives

By completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Define a balance sheet, explain its purpose and apply the accounting equation: Assets = Liabilities + Equity
• Classify assets and liabilities as current or non-current, and apply the recognition and measurement rules that govern each
• Identify the components of equity — share capital, retained earnings and reserves — and record the transactions that affect them
• Prepare a balance sheet in report (vertical) and account (horizontal) format, with the correct classifications and subtotals
• Calculate and interpret key liquidity, solvency, financial structure and efficiency ratios
• Identify common balance sheet errors and correct them using journal entries and suspense accounts
• Apply the accrual, prepayment, depreciation and bad debt adjustments a balance sheet needs before it is reported
• Prepare a complete, compliant balance sheet from a trial balance, including notes, disclosures and comparative figures

Course Delivery, Duration and Effort

SA Accounting Academy delivers this online short course. The course is divided into 8 modules and is designed to be completed in two weeks. 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 accountants responsible for preparing or reviewing balance sheets
• Small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to understand what their balance sheet is telling them
• Finance administrators and accounts clerks who process asset, liability and equity transactions
• Accounting and bookkeeping students building practical, job-ready financial analysis skills
• Anyone seeking a practical introduction to balance sheet preparation and analysis in a South African context

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, accounting or small business finance 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 basic bookkeeping and financial statement 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: Understanding Assets
• Module 3: Understanding Liabilities
• Module 4: Understanding Equity
• Module 5: Balance Sheet Formats and Presentation
• Module 6: Analysing the Balance Sheet
• Module 7: Common Balance Sheet Errors and Adjustments
• Module 8: Preparing a Complete Balance Sheet

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 590.00 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 – R 590.00

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.