Certificate in Accounting and Management Skills
The Certificate in Accounting and Management Skills (CAMS) is a short course that equips participants with foundational knowledge in accounting, budgeting, financial analysis and business management. Offered at Kenya Methodist University through the Centre for Continuous Learning and Professional Development, the programme prepares individuals for entry-level roles in accounting and business administration.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 67,189 a year at a public institution, Ksh 16,797 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 46,010 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of D+ or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 3 months, full-time, part-time, with 0 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 3 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Forensic Audit Investigator, at 17 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The curriculum covers basic accounting principles, financial statement analysis, budgeting techniques, business communication skills, entrepreneurship and management fundamentals. Participants develop practical skills through exercises, case studies and real-world simulations.
The programme responds to the need for foundational accounting and management skills among professionals and small business owners. It provides a practical introduction to accounting and business management for career enhancement.
The programme is delivered through flexible scheduling options including part-time and full-time modes, with lectures, practical exercises, case studies and simulations. The course runs for three months.
Graduates pursue entry-level roles as accounts assistants, bookkeepers, office administrators, business development assistants and small business managers in various organisations. The certificate also serves as a pathway to diploma and degree programmes in accounting and business administration.
Prospective students should have a KCSE mean grade of D+ or equivalent. The programme is suitable for school leavers, small business owners and professionals seeking to strengthen their accounting and management skills.
What you study
4 subjects- Basic Accounting Principles and Financial Statement Analysis
- Budgeting Techniques and Financial Management
- Business Communication Skills and Entrepreneurship
- Management Fundamentals and Business Mathematics
Modules
4 in the programmeBasic Accounting Principles and Financial Statement Analysis
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers basic accounting principles, double-entry bookkeeping, financial statements, balance sheets, income statements and financial statement analysis.
Budgeting Techniques and Financial Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers budgeting techniques, cash flow management, budget preparation, financial planning and basic financial management for small businesses.
Business Communication Skills and Entrepreneurship
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers business communication, professional writing, presentation skills, entrepreneurship fundamentals and small business management.
Management Fundamentals and Business Mathematics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers management fundamentals, organisational behaviour, business mathematics, basic statistics and management decision-making.
A day as a student
A typical day involves morning lectures on accounting principles or financial statement analysis, followed by practical exercises on budgeting techniques or case studies. Afternoon sessions include business communication workshops and group discussions on entrepreneurship and management fundamentals.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| The programme is short (3 months), providing quick skills for entry-level employment. | The certificate provides only foundational knowledge, limiting career advancement without further study. |
| Flexible scheduling options accommodate working professionals. | The programme is offered at only one university. |
| The certificate serves as a pathway to diploma and degree programmes in business and accounting. | — |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 331 business coursesAnnual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.
The fine print
Public TVET 67,189/yr. Private: RTTC 31.6K, Finstock 46K/yr (rttc.co.ke, finstockevarsity.com).
KeMU may offer internal bursaries for short courses. Students can enquire directly with the CLPD office.
Scholarships you could apply for
3 usable where it is taught- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
KCSE mean grade D+ or equivalent, or relevant professional experience.
When it next starts
Taught at 3 institutionsIncluding Kenya Methodist University, KCA University, Daystar University.
Including Kenya Methodist University, KCA University, Daystar University.
Including Kenya Methodist University, KCA University, Daystar University.
How you are assessed
2 componentsContinuous Assessment
Assignment50% of the mark
Practical exercises, case studies and class participation covering accounting principles, budgeting and business communication.
Final Examination
Written examination50% of the mark
End-of-course written examination covering all modules.
Accreditation
Kenya Methodist University
Academic
Offered at Kenya Methodist University, Centre for Continuous Learning and Professional Development.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesAccounts Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 25,000 to Ksh 80,000
Supports accounting operations, maintains financial records, processes invoices, assists with bookkeeping and supports financial reporting.
Bookkeeper
Moderate demandKsh 22,000 to Ksh 75,000
Maintains financial records, records transactions, reconciles accounts, prepares basic financial reports and supports payroll processing.
Office Administrator
Moderate demandKsh 25,000 to Ksh 85,000
Manages office operations, handles administrative tasks, supports business communication and assists with basic financial record-keeping.
Business Development Assistant
Low demandKsh 20,000 to Ksh 70,000
Supports business development activities, assists with marketing, prepares business documents and supports entrepreneurship initiatives.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as accounts assistants, bookkeepers, office administrators and business development assistants in various organisations.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Forensic Audit InvestigatorBusiness17Low exposure
- Franchise Operations ManagerBusiness18Low exposure
- Infrastructure Finance SpecialistBusiness18Low exposure
- Intermodal Reefer TechnicianBusiness18Low exposure
- Climate Risk UnderwriterBusiness19Low exposure
- Coldchain Logistics ManagerBusiness19Low exposure
- Municipal Finance SpecialistBusiness19Low exposure
- Islamic Banking SpecialistBusiness20Low exposure
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
A certificate in accounting qualifies you to be an accountant.
The certificate provides foundational accounting knowledge for entry-level roles. Professional accounting requires further study such as CPA, diploma or degree qualifications.
Short courses don't add value to your career.
Short courses like CAMS provide practical skills that enhance employability and serve as pathways to further professional and academic qualifications.