Finance Courses in South Africa: Your Path to Success

Before any major business decision can be implemented, managers need to study its financial aspects. These include costs, revenue, and profits. A company’s finances also help to determine its market value, play a role in asset investment, and determine its ability to take risks.

The field of finance offers exciting and challenging opportunities for anyone who has a knack for numbers and is interested in working on the financial side of business. A degree in finance teaches students about various financial practices and theories and prepares them for managing and making money for corporations and individuals.

In this article, we will cover the various finance courses in South Africa, the types of courses available, and the benefits of studying finance in South Africa.

What are Finance Courses?

Finance courses are designed to teach students the principles of corporate and personal financing. These courses include mathematics, economics, and statistics to teach students how to decode financial data and analyse numbers to make strategic decisions.

Finance courses in South Africa also include subjects such as accounting, corporate finance, financial planning, and risk management. A finance course can lead students to work for multinational corporations, advisory firms, and banks. 

The finance courses are designed to provide students with a deep knowledge of financial markets and models and key skills for navigating the complex world of corporate finance. In South Africa, these courses can be accredited by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), Accounting Technicians South Africa (AT(SA)), and the Chartered Institute for Business Accountants (CIBA)

What are the Types of Finance Courses Available?

Financial literacy is essential whether working in marketing or running a business. It allows individuals to make informed decisions and implement strategies based on a company’s financial health. Since any business decision is based on numbers, students should try to take at least a few finance-related courses during their undergraduate studies.

Short finance courses are also available in South Africa if a longer course is not an option. However, those who wish to study core finance can opt for degree programmes which can lead to roles in banking, insurance, and public sector companies.

These are the various types of finance courses in South Africa that students can choose to study. Public sector finance courses in South Africa train individuals to work within the framework of public sector enterprises. While corporate finance courses in South Africa are more aligned with the needs to multinational corporations. 

Short Courses:

These accredited courses are usually under a year in duration and most can be completed online. They help to introduce students to financial principles that can help them in their professional and personal lives. 

Diploma and Higher Certificate finance courses in South Africa are also available and can serve as a stepping stone for students who do not receive a Bachelor Pass in their matric exams.

Undergraduate Programmes:

Students who complete these programmes are awarded an NQF Level 8 qualification. At the undergraduate level, finance courses in South Africa offer students strong foundational knowledge of financial and accounting principles that make them attractive candidates for entry-level positions across industries. 

Students can also apply for several attractive bursaries that can help ease the cost of a finance degree. Some undergraduate programmes might require students to gain additional certifications before they can practice. 

Postgraduate Programmes:

Most postgraduate finance courses in South Africa, such as an MBA in Finance, require prior work experience. This helps students better understand the intricacies of financial modelling and principles taught at this level. 

These programmes can sometimes be available as part-time options, which allow professionals to continue working while studying towards a higher degree.

Read more about the Difference Between undergraduate and Postgraduate Degree

Why Study Finance in South Africa?

South Africa is one of the leading economies on the continent and serves as the base for several top corporations’ regional headquarters. Students who enrol in finance courses in South Africa gain access to accredited programmes that are recognised globally. 

The country’s emerging market status might have its challenges, but it also boasts a wide range of opportunities to learn and grow professionally. Additionally, South Africa allows students to gain globally recognised professional accreditations.

These are some benefits of studying finance courses in South Africa.

• Economic Opportunities: Students studying in South Africa gain first-hand knowledge of the country’s diverse economic scenarios. This enables them to better understand how to manage risk and various market dynamics.
• International Recognition: Students enrol in accredited finance courses in South Africa, which employers value. This helps to boost career prospects and allows finance graduates to find global employment positions.
• Growing Financial Sector: With several local and international financial institutions in South Africa, there is an increased demand for knowledgeable and experienced finance professionals. These individuals can help steer companies to greater profits with sound investments and risk management.

What are some Popular Finance Courses in South Africa?

When one thinks about finance courses, it is wider than gaining knowledge that allows people to work in the banking industry. The field of finance is diverse and covers roles in corporate accounting, bookkeeping, economic forecasting, taxation, and private equity.

For the same reason, the courses students can choose at various educational levels are also diverse. Some finance courses in South Africa might require students to gain additional certifications before they can start practising.

Students who choose to study finance must have a string affinity for numbers and should have selected courses such as accounting and economics for their matric exams. Most finance courses in South Africa require students to have a high Admissions Point Score (APS) score to be eligible for admission.

These are some popular finance courses students can pursue in South Africa.

• Short Courses
  • Foundations of Financial Management
  • Bookkeeping 
  • Diploma in Accounting Sciences
  • Diploma in Local Government Finance
  • Higher Certificate in Business Management in Credit Banking
• Undergraduate Programmes
  • Bachelor of Accounting
  • Bachelor of Accounting Science
  • Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)
  • Bachelor of Accounting and Bachelor of Laws
  • Bachelor of Commerce (Chartered Accountancy)
  • Bachelor of Accounting Sciences in Financial Accounting
  • Bachelor of Management Sciences In Internal Auditing 
• Postgraduate Programmes
  • Master of Commerce in Financial Accounting
  • MBA in Finance
  • Master of Public Finance Management
  • Master of Commerce in Corporate Finance and Valuations
• Professional Certifications
  • Chartered Accountant
  • Auditor
  • Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
  • Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Regenesys School of Finance

The Regenesys School of Finance is a top choice for finance courses in South Africa. The school is strategically located in Johannesburg, and industry experts with years of experience and knowledge teach the courses.

Students can study finance at the Higher Certificate and Bachelor level at Regenesys. These programmes require students to have a strong mathematical background to help cope up with the subjects.

• Unique Offerings:
  • Holistic approach to education
  • Offline and online programmes 
• Key Features:
  • Industry focused curriculum
  • Networking opportunities
• Course Highlights:
  • Auditing
  • Advanced Taxation
  • Risk and Financial Management
  • Corporate Governance

What are some Career Opportunities After Finance Courses?

Finance is a diverse field, and graduates can find employment opportunities in core fields such as banking or choose to work in real estate, the public sector, or insurance. This field is in high demand with companies willing to pay well above the national average for outstanding finance professionals. 

Students who complete finance courses in South Africa can work with corporations before starting an independent practice that offers more flexibility. 

These are some careers that are available for finance graduates.

• Financial Analyst: They help to advise corporations and individuals on the best investment opportunities available for them. They do this by studying relevant historical financial data and studying stock prices and market reports.
• Investment Banker: They work with leading banks to help institutions and governments raise capital, complete mergers and assist in acquisitions.
• Risk Manager: Companies operate within an uncertain environment, and risk aangers help to identify, analyse and manage potential risks. These could be legal, strategic, or technological risks.
• Asset Manager: These finance professionals help to procure and manage investments to ensure they continue to remain profitable. Their main aim is to increase wealth and meet the financial goals set by their clients.
• Auditor: They are registered Chartered Accountants who help to study a company’s financial documents and provide an independent analysis of the financial health of a company.

Read more on the Highest Paying Finance Jobs in South Africa

What are the Benefits of Studying Finance Courses?

A career in finance can be challenging but also rewarding. Finance forms the core of all businesses and it would only be possible to manage and function a business with strong financial backing.

Finance courses train individuals to work to analyse financial documents and study financial markets critically. They also gain a deeper understanding of how financial systems work and the strategies they can employ to seek higher profits for their clients.

• High Earning Potential: Finance-based roles offer high compensation, and many roles also include commissions and compensation over base pay.
• Global Relevance: Students who study finance courses in South Africa can use their accreditation to seek employment in other countries. 
• Strategic Thinking: These courses train students to become analytical thinkers and problem solvers. 
• Career Flexibility: Finance graduates have the opportunity to work in various roles as they gain experience and rise the corporate ladder.

Conclusion

Finance is a dynamic and rewarding career path for anyone who has a strong affinity for numbers. Businesses require qualified finance professionals to help make decisions regarding mergers, asset management, and investments. 

Students who study finance courses in South Africa are equipped with the knowledge and skills to succeed in professional roles. They can help businesses make strategic decisions and find greater financial success.

Those interested in pursuing a careers in finance should check the various programmes offered by the School of Finance at Regenesys.

Finance Courses in South Africa – FAQs