You Can’t Audit It—But You’d Better Get It Right: Body Corporate Accounting & Compliance

While CIBA members can’t audit body corporate financials, they play a critical role in making sure the accounts are accurate, the funds are separated, and the statutory requirements under the Sectional Titles Schemes Management Act (STSMA) are met. This session is about doing all the parts you can do—properly—so the audit process is smooth, compliant, and doesn’t come back to bite you.

3 CPD units July 14, 2025 1 presenter

What will set you apart

By completing this course you will gain the following competencies

What the STSMA and Prescribed Management Rules require from an accounting and compliance perspective
How to prepare accounting records, levy schedules, and fund statements that auditors can rely on
The difference between operating and reserve funds—and how to manage and report on each
How to support trustees in budgeting, arrears management, and statutory reporting
What CIBA members may and may not do under the law—and how to build a niche service offering within those limits

Event breakdown

Which laws apply to body corporates and what they require
Why audits are mandatory—and who may (and may not) perform them
What CIBA members can do: bookkeeping, budgeting, levy management, compliance support
Managing levy income, arrears, and special contributions
Operating fund vs reserve fund: setup, separation, and monthly tracking
How to prepare reports the auditor and trustees can use
Templates for trial balances, journals, and fund statements
Practical support for annual budgets, maintenance plans, and AGM reporting
Reconciling levy accounts and preparing audit-ready files (even if you’re not the auditor)
Helping trustees understand their fiduciary duties
Clarifying your role as the accountant or bookkeeper
Documenting advice and safeguarding your professional liability
Packaging your services: monthly bookkeeping, levy management, trustee support
How to liaise with auditors and avoid duplication or conflict
Scope of work, engagement letters, and pricing considerations

Category: Financial ReportingType: CPD CourseCPD category: Financial Reporting

Description

Body corporates must be audited—but that doesn’t mean CIBA members are left out. In fact, they do all the groundwork that makes a compliant audit possible. This session focuses on the accounting, levy tracking, financial recordkeeping, and trustee support work that CIBA members can legally and confidently provide to sectional title schemes. You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of the STSMA requirements, best practices for bookkeeping and fund management, and how to position your services as essential to the smooth running of any body corporate.

Presenters

Leana van der Merwe — Leana: Leana van der Merwe, with 18+ years in accounting and corporate governance, Leana leads technical support at CIBA and is a recognized thought leader in regulatory compliance.

You will earn a certificate

On successful completion you will receive a certificate for 3 CPD units in Financial Reporting.

Requirements

Laptop, desktop, or mobile device with internet access
Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Safari, or Firefox browser