Here are 100 must-have skills (concise, actionable, and industry-aligned) for a National Diploma in Finance or Accounting, useful for CV preparation, graduate readiness, and aligning with South African job market expectations:
Understanding of double-entry bookkeeping
Preparation of financial statements
Bank reconciliation skills
Accounts payable processing
Accounts receivable management
Basic payroll processing
Petty cash management
Knowledge of VAT calculations
Understanding of tax returns basics
Asset register maintenance
Depreciation calculation methods
Budget preparation and monitoring
Variance analysis
Cost allocation principles
Understanding of trial balance
Journal entry preparation
Adjustment entries
Prepayments and accruals handling
Basic financial analysis
Understanding of financial ratios
Cash flow management
Forecasting techniques
Bank statement analysis
Ability to prepare cash books
Use of Pastel Accounting
Use of Sage software
Basic Excel skills (SUM, VLOOKUP, PIVOT)
Data capturing accuracy
Attention to detail
Time management in month-end processes
Filing and documentation management
Reconciliation of supplier statements
Customer statement preparation
Handling of credit notes
Handling debit notes
Knowledge of IFRS basics
Understanding of GAAP principles
Ethics in finance
Confidentiality management
Analytical thinking
Problem-solving in finance
Understanding internal controls
Fraud awareness
Knowledge of SARS processes
Effective communication (written & verbal)
Basic report writing
Presentation of financial data
Working under pressure during audits
Year-end procedures knowledge
Stock control basics
Inventory reconciliation
Bank loan processing support
Interest calculation on loans
Knowledge of procurement processes
Knowledge of supply chain financial impacts
Handling supplier queries
Handling customer queries
Electronic banking processes
EFT processing
Payment run preparation
General ledger maintenance
Chart of accounts understanding
Posting to ledgers
Credit management basics
Debtors management
Ability to work in a team
Ability to work independently
Professional email communication
Using accounting software for reporting
Payroll statutory deductions understanding
Leave provision calculations
Skills development levy calculation basics
UIF and PAYE processing
Financial document verification
Filing SARS e-filing returns
Understanding business law basics
Contract analysis from a financial perspective
Handling of petty cash vouchers
Matching invoices to purchase orders
Matching delivery notes to invoices
Ability to prioritise financial tasks
Knowledge of business ethics
Good listening skills for client queries
Accurate data entry under deadlines
Invoice preparation
Following up on overdue payments
Identifying financial discrepancies
Ability to prepare management accounts
Cash book balancing
Basic auditing support skills
Ability to meet financial deadlines
Microsoft Office proficiency
Email etiquette
Handling confidential documentation
Reporting to management
Following company financial policies
Recommending process improvements
Use of financial calculators
Logical reasoning in financial decisions
Professional conduct in financial environments