BCom Degree in Accounting Job Options

Let’s find out what jobs a BCom degree in Accounting qualifies for in the South African career landscape.

First of all, I know many Bcom degree graduates who are anything but “Accountants” – some are Digital Marketers, while some are running their own totally different businesses. For many students, what happens after graduation is highly unpredictable than you may think.

However, a large portion of BCom Accounting graduates, still pursue accounting-related careers through all it’s complexities.

Second of all, when you choose to enrol for a BCom Accounting, you will be equipped with analytical, financial management, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills that are very essential in the business world of today.

Modules for a Bcom Degree at a university:

1. Accounting
2. Business Management
3. Commercial Law
4. Economics
5. Introductory Mathematical Analysis
6. Financial Management
7. Business Information Systems
8. Governance & Control
9. Ethical Foundation to Commerce
10. Management Accounting Strategy
11. Cost & Management Accounting
12. Taxation
13. 4IR in Accounting

Below are the jobs that you will be able to do with a BCom Accounting Degree as a minimum qualification:

1. Chartered Accountant (CA(SA))

With a BCom Degree in Accounting qualification, you can start your CA journey:

• Additional Requirement: To become a Chartered Accountant, you need to complete the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) accredited Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA) and pass both the Initial Test of Competence (ITC) and the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) exams. You’ll also need to complete a 3-year training contract (articles) with a registered SAICA training office.

2. Financial Manager

With a BCom Degree in Accounting, you can work towards becoming a Financial Manager:

• Additional Requirement: Experience in financial management and budgeting is crucial. While a BCom Accounting degree provides a solid foundation, you might need further qualifications in corporate finance or financial planning. Professional certifications such as CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) can enhance prospects.

3. Auditor

With a BCom Degree in Accounting, you can pursue a career as an Auditor:

• Additional Requirement: To be a registered auditor, you must complete the requirements to become a Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)), and then register with the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors (IRBA). Additional auditing experience and passing the Public Practice Examination (PPE) are essential.

4. Tax Consultant

With a BCom Degree in Accounting, you can eventually specialise as a Tax Consultant:

• Additional Requirement: Specialisation in taxation is recommended, often requiring completion of a Postgraduate Diploma in Tax Law or Master’s in Taxation. Registration with a professional body like SAIT (South African Institute of Tax Professionals) can be beneficial.

5. Management Accountant

With a BCom Degree in Accounting and experience, you can become a Management Accountant:

• Additional Requirement: To become a qualified management accountant, further certification from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) is often needed. CIMA offers globally recognised qualifications in management accounting.

6. Internal Auditor

With a BCom Degree in Accounting, you can progress to a Management Accountant role:

• Additional Requirement: For internal auditing, completing the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) qualification through the Institute of Internal Auditors South Africa (IIA SA) is recommended. Many employers seek this certification in addition to accounting qualifications.

7. Forensic Accountant

With a BCom Degree in Accounting, you can become an Internal Auditor:

• Additional Requirement: Specialisation in forensic accounting is usually required, along with certifications such as the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). Experience in investigating financial discrepancies and fraud is key.

8. Financial Analyst

With a BCom Degree in Accounting, you can specialise as a Forensic Accountant:

• Additional Requirement: A financial analyst typically needs to gain advanced skills in financial modelling and data analysis. Many pursue the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) qualification, which is highly regarded in the field of investment and financial analysis.

9. Cost Accountant

With a BCom Degree in Accounting, you can become a Financial Analyst:

• Additional Requirement: A cost accountant role may require certification from professional bodies like CIMA, which offers training in cost management and analysis. Experience in cost control within industries like manufacturing is often necessary.

10. Budget Analyst

With a BCom Degree in Accounting, you can explore a career as a Cost Accountant:

• Additional Requirement: This role requires experience in budget planning and financial forecasting. Gaining skills in financial software like SAP or Oracle is beneficial. Some professionals also pursue a Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) qualification.

11. Risk Manager

With a BCom Degree in Accounting, you can develop into a Risk Manager:

• Additional Requirement: Specialising in risk management usually requires further qualifications, such as a Postgraduate Diploma in Risk Management or certifications from bodies like the Institute of Risk Management South Africa (IRMSA).

12. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

With a BCom Degree in Accounting, you can aspire to become a CFO:

• Additional Requirement: Becoming a CFO often requires extensive experience in senior financial roles, along with advanced qualifications like an MBA or CIMA certification. Leadership and strategic planning experience are crucial.

13. Tax Auditor

With a BCom Degree in Accounting, you can pursue a career as a Tax Auditor:

• Additional Requirement: Working as a tax auditor requires a deep understanding of tax legislation. Some professionals pursue additional studies in tax law and gain certification through SAIT or other tax-related bodies.

14. Bookkeeper

With a BCom Degree in Accounting, you can become a professional Bookkeeper:

• Additional Requirement: While you can start in bookkeeping with a BCom degree, many pursue further qualifications through SAIBA (South African Institute of Business Accountants) or ICB (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers) for formal recognition as a bookkeeper or accountant.

15. Payroll Manager

With a BCom Degree in Accounting, you can aim for a role as a Payroll Manager:

• Additional Requirement: Experience with payroll systems like SAGE, and additional courses in payroll management, can enhance your prospects. Certification from SAPA (South African Payroll Association) is often beneficial.

16. Financial Planner

With a BCom Degree in Accounting, you can specialise as a Financial Planner:

• Additional Requirement: To be a financial planner, completing further studies in financial planning and earning a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation through the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa (FPI) is recommended.

17. Consulting

With a BCom Degree in Accounting, you can enter the world of financial Consulting:

• Additional Requirement: For consulting in finance or accounting, many professionals gain MBA qualifications or certifications in management consulting from bodies like ICM (Institute of Certified Management Consultants).