SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Occupational Certificate: Internal Auditor

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
101839	Occupational Certificate: Internal Auditor
ORIGINATOR
The Institute of Internal Auditors SA
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate	Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies		Finance, Economics and Accounting
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	345	Not Applicable	NQF Level 07	Regular-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 06120/18	2018-07-01	2023-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30		2027-06-30

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as an Internal Auditor. An Internal Auditor executes internal audit engagements under supervision of an Internal Audit Professional in accordance with the International Professional Practices framework in order to meet specific audit engagement objectives.

A qualified learner will be able to:

Identify process risks and controls for a designated area within the internal audit engagement.

Conduct field work in order to prepare working papers according to International Professional Practices framework (IPPF) standards.

Adhere to professional conduct in accordance with IPPF code of conduct.

Rationale:
The Internal Audit function is acknowledged worldwide as an intrinsic part of good corporate governance in organisations, entities and government departments. In South Africa, legislation requires the establishment of an internal audit function in every public sector entity. A cornerstone of the South African National Development plan is clean government and zero tolerance for corruption and fraud. Over and above this requirement organisational efficiency is paramount to the success of our economy. The internal audit profession is critical for achieving this.

This occupational certificate will assist in providing the required number of people able to fulfil the internal audit role thereby helping government departments meet their legislative requirement in this regard and will contribute to the National economic development strategies. This qualification will enhance the existing qualifications and it will provide the required structure in practical and workplace learning. This Occupational Certificate will enable people working in internal audit to develop the required competencies to plan, implement, manage and advise on internal audits.

The qualification will acknowledge that a successful learner has attained the skills, knowledge and competencies equal to those of the highest and most prestigious, globally recognized internal audit certification. This qualification is confirmation to the market (the body of employers in all sectors), that the holder has attained globally recognised competencies which are based on the mastery of academic knowledge and its application in practical work situations.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record.

RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

Entry Requirements:
A Level 6 qualification and two years post qualification business/financial experience.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules:

Knowledge Modules:

242211000-KM-01, Fundamentals of Internal Auditing, Level 7, 24 Credits.

242211000-KM-02, Organisational Governance, Risk and Control, Level 7, 10 Credits.

242211000-KM-03, Organisational Fundamentals, Level 7, 10 Credits.

242211000-KM-04, Fundamentals of Fraud, Level 7, 9 Credits.

242211000-KM-05, Fundamental of Finance and Accounting, Level 7, 17 Credits.
Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 70.

Practical Skill Modules:

242211000-PM-01, Identify the context within which organisations function, the various external and internal influences and organisational processes and systems, Level 7, 7 Credits.

242211000-PM-02, Conduct operational risk and control assessment for processes under review, Level 7, 7 Credits.

242211000-PM-03, Map/flow chart operational systems and processes, Level 7, 7 Credits.

242211000-PM-05, Conduct field work and testing, Level 7, 14 Credits.

242211000-PM-07, Draft engagement findings, Level 7, 7 Credits.

242211000-PM-08, Apply due professional care, Level 7, 8 Credits.

242211000-PM-04, Prepare an Internal Audit engagement work programme, Level 7, 6 Credits.

242211000-PM-06, Capture and document results and evidence, Level 6, 7 Credits.

242211000-PM-09, Apply the principles and rules associated with relevant codes of ethics, Level 7, 2 Credits.
Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 65.

This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:

242211000-WM-01, Identify the context within the organisation to which the engagement applies and the various external and internal influences and organisational processes and systems related to the engagement, Level 7, 6 Credits.

242211000-WM-02, Conduct operational risk and control assessment for processes under review, Level 7, 24 Credits.

242211000-WM-03, Map/flow chart operational systems and processes, Level 7, 12 Credits.

242211000-WM-04, Prepare an Internal Audit engagement work programme, Level 7, 18 Credits.

242211000-WM-05, Conduct field work and testing, Level 7, 108 Credits.

242211000-WM-06, Capture and document results and evidence (At least four engagements), Level 6, 8 Credits.

242211000-WM-07, Draft engagement findings, Level 7, 28 Credits.

242211000-WM-08, Apply due professional care, Level 7, 4 Credits.

242211000-WM-09, Apply the principles and rules associated with relevant codes of ethics List of Experiences included in this module, Level 7, 2 Credits.
Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 210.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Interpret, document and map business processes.
2. Identify relevant and key risks and controls (Both manual and computerised controls).
3. Conduct an adequacy assessment of the key controls and select an appropriate audit approach (Risk and control matrix).
4. Plan and develop relevant audit programmes.
5. Gather sufficient, relevant, reliable and useful engagement information aligned to the key controls.
6. Design, prepare, analyse, interpret and conclude on the effectiveness and efficiency of the key controls based on engagement information and complete appropriate working papers for engagement assignments.
7. Use draft engagement findings in preparing final reports.
8. Determine the appropriateness of management action in line with the internal audit finding and recommendation.
9. Identify and document key fraud indicators.
10. Reflect on the appropriate application of the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) code of ethics in line with the relevant standards.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

System descriptions are prepared in an efficient and integrated manner for both manual and computerised processes.

Appropriate techniques are used to analyse the processes.

Comprehensive process maps that describe all the processes in detail indicating the business process flows and the key controls for each of the process components are developed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

All relevant and key risks are identified and aligned with the system description.

All controls are listed and key controls are described in detail indicating what they are, when they are done and who manages the controls and which risk/s they mitigate.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

The adequacy of all the key controls are determined by evaluating the appropriateness of the design of the controls (Cost vs benefit).

All controls are correctly categorised in categories (Such as: Preventative, detective and directive).

Compensating controls in the absence of key controls to mitigate the relevant risks are identified and described relevant to their adequacy.

The absence of controls is accurately identified and a detailed description of the consequences of their absence highlights the actual risk to the operation.

A comprehensive adequacy findings report clearly describes the level of adequacy of controls and describes the short, medium and long term risks to the organisation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Audit techniques to perform the field work are identified and adequately describe practical and feasible processes that include the use of a combination of appropriate techniques.

Audit programmes are designed to contain specific engagement objectives, audit procedures, period of review, population, sampling techniques and size.

Clear test procedures are implemented and are concise and adequately deal with the key control attributes specific and understandable for any auditor (How, what and why).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Information is extracted from an approved audit programme and is accurately related to a new process that must be used to perform the audit procedures.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Working papers contain: Identity of preparer and reviewer, work paper reference, specific engagement objectives, population and sampling techniques, test procedures, source of audit information, period under review and test results are sufficiently documented and referenced to supporting evidence and conclusion.

It is identified that the conclusion deals with the specific engagement objectives and that the overall results support the conclusions.

Reportable findings are identified.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

It is determined that engagement findings contain the following: Criteria, condition, root cause, effect/impact, recommendation, and space provided for management actions including the responsible person and time line).

Root cause analysis is properly identified and articulates the real root cause.

Recommendations are made that deal with the root cause, are feasible and sustainable.

Findings that describe clear links between the different elements of the findings are made (Golden thread).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

The appropriateness of the management considerations, the recommendations and root causes are analysed.

Immediate actions that deal with all the inefficiencies of management actions are implemented.

Recommendations that are clear, concise and add value to the mitigation of organisational risk are made.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

All potential fraud indicators/red flags/corrupt practices in the given scenarios are identified.

Fraud indicators are prioritised.

Potential and actual risks are described.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:

Potential and actual unethical behaviour within a range of different situations are identified and prioritised in terms of seriousness likelihood for causing organisational risks.

Breaches in the code of ethics are described accurately and recommendations for taking remedial action are aligned with leading global practices.

Integrated Assessment:
Integrated Formative Assessment:
The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

Integrated Summative Assessment:
An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) Assessment Quality Partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is a globally recognised certification for internal auditors. It is the mark of competency and professionalism in internal auditing and over 140,000 people have been awarded the designation since its launch in 1973.

The content of the examinations and expected outcomes are set by the global structures of IIA Incorporated (USA), and administered by affiliate organisations in more than 120 countries including South Africa.

The Institute for Internal Auditors in South Africa (IIA SA) designations are based on the IIA Inc. International Framework of Education developed by the Institute of Internal Auditors, Inc. in the United South America (USA). This framework is globally acknowledged in 98 countries. In the various participating countries, qualifications are developed to deal with the uniqueness of the specific environments.

The Occupational Certificate: Internal Auditor was compared to the qualifications in the United Kingdom (UK) and United States of America (USA).

United Kingdom:
To register for the certification and take exams, you must hold ONE of the following:

A Degree.

Two years' post-secondary education (such as A-levels) and two years' experience in internal audit.

Four years' experience in internal audit.

Upon registration for the CIA examination learners are issued with learning material and they can also participate in on line programmes and short courses and seminars. In the UK there are currently no formal qualifications for Internal Auditors.

United States of America (USA):
The USA follows the same pattern as in the UK and the rest of the world. Institutions require work experience and then provide tuition and coaching in order to complete the CIA examination.

Conclusion:
South Africa seems to be the only country where formal qualifications for internal auditing have been crafted. The content of the Occupational Certificate: Internal Auditor covers all the learning required for the CIA examination and additional content has been included to ensure that learners with a wide range of backgrounds can be fast tracked through the qualification.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Horizontal Articulation:

Advanced Diploma: Business Administration, Level 7, SAQA ID 67689.

Vertical Articulation:

Postgraduate Diploma: Internal Auditing, Level 8, SAQA ID 80947.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

Qualifying for external assessment:
In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of statements of results and work experience.

Additional legal or physical entry requirements:
None.

Criteria for the accreditation of providers:
Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) website.

The curriculum title and code is: Internal Auditor: 242211000.

This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:

This is not a trade qualification.

Part Qualifications:
None.

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

NONE

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

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