Bookkeeping as a Career, Bookkeeping Salaries, Bookkeeping Prospects, Bookkeeping Benefits and more on Mywage Zambia
By Sanday Chongo Kabange
In its literal form, Bookkeeping might be understood as a job where one is supposed to keep or look after books, like a Librarian or Documentation Officer. However, this is not the case! Working as a Bookkeeper entails doing clerical work, managing petty cash, data capturing and keeping an inventory of books of accounts. Sometimes Bookkeepers work closely with accountants or even fill in for them.
Qualifications, Experience and Pre-Employment Training
For one to work as a Bookkeeper in Zambia, one needs to possess a full Grade 12 Certificate or 5 ‘O’ levels including English and Mathematics. Minimum qualifications include three years work experience, a Diploma in Debt Collection or Banking and Reconciliation, and Computer and Bookkeeping knowledge. Most employers who hire candidates straight from school offer them in-house training or sponsor them at learning institutions that are accredited with the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) or Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA).
Salaries and working conditions
Because of the nature of the work involved in Bookkeeping, the pay in this industry is fairly fulfilling especially for new entrants into the trade. Human Resource analysts say one can earn anything between K900, 000 and 2, 100, 000 per month, depending on the employer. In cases where the candidate has a lot of experience, the salary can be as high as K3, 000, 000 per month after tax. This is far higher than the minimum wage of K715, 000 per month provided for in the Minimum Wages and Conditions of Employment Act CAP 276 (as amended in May 2006).
Bookkeepers work eight hours a day like most professions in Zambia. This is usually from 8am to 5pm with a one-hour health break in between. Working late hours, weekends and public holidays are rewarded with Overtime Allowances at a fee agreed by both parties. Annual and Maternity Leave are mandatory but the duration is determined by the employer.
According the Employment Act, Workers with Disabilities should be accommodated and should not be discriminated against. Medical Aid is offered at the discretion of the employer, although Zambian Labour Laws compel every employer to offer such to every employee.
Importance and Duties
Bookkeepers play a crucial role in a company because as they work within the accounts section, they are able to keep an inventory of creditors and debtors, manage cash books and journal entries, supervise account clerks, reconcile petty cash and prepare balance sheets.
Growth prospects
There are career growth opportunities in Bookkeeping. Those who prove their worth can climb up the corporate ladder and double their monthly earnings. Bookkeeping is an exciting career for young women, who could eventually rise into the rank of accountant or auditor. All they would require is continuous training and working for a substantial number of years as a Bookkeeper. Bookkeeping Consultants can also work from the comfort of their own homes. Bookkeeping also offers freelance opportunities.
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