Professional Certificate: Payroll and Monthly SARS Returns
NQF Level: 4 | Credits: 130
Program Type:
Professional Certificate
Duration:
3 months
Mode:
Online, distance, or classroom
Accreditation
ICB
Program outline
Program overview
This programme prepares students to manage the manual monthly bookkeeping function and introduces key aspects of payroll, business ethics, and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act. Students develop the skills to perform payroll tasks from a bookkeeping perspective, including the calculation of PAYE, SDL, and UIF. The curriculum covers the completion of essential monthly and annual SARS returns, such as the EMP201, IRP5, IT3a, IRP501, and the VAT201, ensuring full compliance with national regulatory standards.
Is this course for you?
This course is for you if you want to build practical payroll skills and understand how payroll works in South Africa. You will learn how to process payroll and complete monthly SARS returns such as PAYE, UIF, and SDL. It is ideal for anyone starting a career in payroll or wanting to improve their payroll knowledge.
Your advantage
Save Time and Money
Connect from anywhere in the online facilitated classes with our industry experts and fellow learners. There is no need to relocate or travel—save time and money while gaining valuable interpersonal skills by participating in collaborative projects.
Study Your Way
Our flexible online evening classes are tailored for working professionals like you. Learn at your own pace so you can balance work and study.
Are you just starting out? Then, attend our intensive foundation program and a job placement to gain the experience needed to succeed in your new career.
Personalized Learning
iFundi’s AI platform tailors your learning journey. Get customized study advice, instant feedback, and dedicated personal support every step of the way.
What will set you apart
Develop practical skills in payroll processing, salary calculations, and accurate recordkeeping.
Gain practical skills in calculating PAYE, UIF, and SDL and completing essential SARS returns accurately.
Understand Labour Legislation – Apply South African labour laws to ensure compliant payroll administration.
Develop Computerised Payroll Skills – Manage payroll, employee records, and accounting using digital systems.
Apply Professional Ethics and Compliance – Ensure accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with payroll and tax regulations.
Module breakdown
- Basic bookkeeping and VAT
- Plan, organise, implement, monitor and work within the payroll environment
- Record and validate input variations on employee records
- Basic conditions of employment
- Statutory registrations
- Complete PAYE documents
- Accounting for payroll
- Computerised payroll
- Monthly SARS returns and eFiling
- Ethics and the registered Tax Practitioner
What our students say
The Payroll and Monthly SARS Returns course at iFundi helped me understand payroll processing, tax calculations, and SARS submissions with confidence. The practical lessons made complex topics easier to understand, and the flexible learning approach allowed me to balance my studies with other responsibilities. I now feel better prepared to pursue opportunities in payroll administration.
Course Convenor
Nqobile Muleya is a seasoned Data Scientist and AI expert with over nine years of experience in machine learning, statistical analysis, and data science. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Data Science, Nqobile has trained professionals in AI tools and techniques and developed impactful AI models across industries.