SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Accounting 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
104503  Diploma in Accounting 
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Finance, Economics and Accounting 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
A Diploma in Accounting prepares learners to be accounting technicians and technical accountants. This qualification will provide individuals with a sound understanding of general theoretical principles in the area of accounting as well as a combination of general and specific procedures and their application. Graduates will have theoretical knowledge, together with practical innovative skills such as accounting knowledge, skills, attitudes and competence in performing reporting functions, rendering of taxation services and management advisory services in accordance with the regulatory framework that will be enforced in the commercial law module.

The learners will be able to assist with the preparation of management accounting reports; managing staff payroll; recording receipts and payments; receipt and payment of invoices; dealing with basic bookkeeping; monitoring staff and company expenses; controlling budgets; accounting for resources; liaising with other professionals in the field; writing reports; using computerised accounting systems; drafting of financial reports; maintaining internal control systems; completing and submitting of tax returns and value-added tax returns. Such graduates will function under the supervision of senior personnel within the industries such as small, medium and microenterprises, large municipalities, non-governmental organisations or multinational enterprises.

Rationale:
The business environment of today and more specifically the accounting environment require more than only technical skills. This is as a result of increased global competition, continued development in technology and wider access to information and knowledge. These changes have brought new challenges not only to the accounting environment, but also to accounting education.

The qualification will target learners with National Senior Certificates and employees who are already working in the accounting environment. The development of this qualification is in line with the government policies to provide the necessary professional career paths for students in the accounting profession.

Students holding the qualification can work in all sectors of the economy in a number of positions, including accounts clerk, debtors and creditors clerk, finance administrator, wages clerk, accounts assistant, junior accountant, assistant accountant, financial controller, sales ledger clerk, tax assistant or tax practitioner and bookkeeper. Many progress to become more senior in the accounting flied and move on to positions such as financial controller and accounts manager.

Research by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) estimates that South Africa's accounting and auditing sector needs over 22 000 qualified accountants at various levels in order to bridge the existing skills shortage in the profession. The research revealed that over 16 000 vacancies exist for Level 5 to Level 6 accountants in business and government specifically, in both the financial and non-financial services sectors. The levels denote accounting professionals from entry level to just below Chartered Accountant level.

The Faculty of Economics and Finance is situated in Ga-Rankuwa to the north of Pretoria. It was noted that other universities in the immediate region of Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) such as the University of South Africa (Unisa) and the University of Johannesburg (UJ) are also offering the Diploma in Accounting. The difference in the offering of the program is: Unisa offers distance education whereas the proposed Diploma in Accounting will be offered on a fulltime basis at TUT with more contact time and practical applications of accounting concepts.

The University of Johannesburg is situated in the Johannesburg area and is not in the immediate region of TUT and therefore will be more costly for students from the feeder area of TUT.

The Diploma in Accounting provides students access to enter the accounting field and the main focus will be to alleviate the shortage of qualified Accounting Technicians. This covers all sectors of the South African economy, from the public sector, accounting practice, industry and commerce, including manufacturing, tourism and retail.

The Diploma in Accounting will contribute to the shortage of accounting technicians within the accounting industry. A labour market analysis performed by the department of accounting at TUT in 2010 indicated that there are not enough qualified competent accountants in South Africa.

Students having the qualification will be able to apply knowledge and skills in the entrepreneurial environment or workplace and advise communities on financial related matters. The Diploma in Accounting will be based on a theory and practical component to ensure the continuous development of the competencies of students. The qualification will provide students with the practical skills they need to work in finance and accountancy. The qualification will enable students to exercise these competencies at an accounting technician level. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The admission requirements for this qualification are in line with Tshwane University of Technology (TUT's) policy which aims to facilitate equitable access to education in respect of gender or race which are informed by the Higher Education Act of 1997, which calls for the demographic representation of intake of learners which should reflect the South African population. The learners have an opportunity to progress academically either vertically or horizontally depending on the learner preference, though as a university we prefer and encourage vertical growth of individual learners. Access to this qualification could also be through Recognition of Prior Learning which will not constitute more than 10% of the student intake for the qualification.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • The National Senior Certificate (NSC), Level 4.
    Or
  • A National Certificate (Vocational) (NCV), Level 4.
    Or
  • A National Certificate in Financial Management, Level 5. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 5 and 6 totalling 468 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 216 Credits:
  • Communication for Academic purposes, 10 Credits.
  • Computer Literacy, 10 Credits.
  • Life Skills, 2 Credits.
  • Business Management, 12 Credits.
  • Professional standards and ethics, 12 Credits.
  • Academic Literacy, 2 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting A, 12 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting B, 12 Credits.
  • Microeconomics, 12 Credits.
  • Macroeconomic, 12 Credits.
  • Work Integrated Learning (WIL) in Accounting (Simulation), 12 Credits.
  • Business Mathematics, 12 Credits.
  • Auditing IIA, 12 Credits.
  • Auditing IIB, 12 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting IIA, 12 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting IIB, 12 Credits.
  • Business Information System IA, 6 Credits.
  • Business Information System IB, 6 Credits.
  • Commercial law IA, 6 Credits.
  • Commercial law IB, 6 Credits.
  • Taxation IA, 12 Credits.
  • Taxation IB, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 252 Credits:
  • WIL in Accounting II (Simulation), 24 Credits.
  • Financial accounting IIIA, 12 Credits.
  • Financial accounting IIIBC, 12 Credits.
  • Financial management IIA, 12 Credits.
  • Financial management IIB, 12 Credits.
  • Auditing IIIA, 12 Credits.
  • Auditing IIIB, 12 Credits.
  • Taxation IIA, 6 Credits.
  • Taxation IIB, 6 Credits.
  • Commercial law IIA, 6 Credits.
  • Commercial law IIB, 6 Credits.
  • WIL in Accounting III (Simulation), 24 Credits.
  • Financial accounting III, 12 Credits.
  • Financial management II, 12 Credits.
  • Financial management II, 12 Credits.
  • Auditing III, 12 Credits.
  • Auditing III, 12 Credits.
  • Taxation II, 6 Credits.
  • Taxation II, 6 Credits.
  • Commercial law II, 6 Credits.
  • Commercial law II, 6 Credits.
  • WIL in Accounting III (Simulation), 24 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of Financial Accounting, Auditing, Taxation, Professional Standards and Ethics, Commercial Law, Financial Management and Business Information Systems, including an understanding of and the ability to apply the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories to unfamiliar but relevant contexts; and knowledge of the area of accounting and how that knowledge relates to economics in the field of business studies.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to select, analyse, evaluate and interpret financial statements, auditing reports, budgets, tax returns, and diligently apply financial accounting, auditing and taxation methods, procedures related to accounting in the field of business studies.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to identify, analyse and solve problems in financial accounting, auditing, taxation, commercial law, business information systems, financial management by professionally gathering evidence and attentively applying solutions on procedures appropriate to accounting in the field of business studies.
    4. Demonstrate an understanding of professional standards and ethics, legal aspects and reporting procedures as well as communication, planning, interpersonal and organisational skills, within an accounting context based on an awareness of the complexity of ethical dilemmas.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to professionally select, Interpret, analyse, evaluate and present appropriate sources of information in financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial management using investigative, reporting, planning, numeracy and interpersonal skills in the field of business studies.
    6. Demonstrate the ability to prepare, analyse, interpret, present and communicate financial management, financial accounting, auditing and taxation information reliably and coherently using communication for academic purposes, computer literacy, and information literacy and reporting procedures in the area of accountancy appropriate to the field of business studies.
    7. Demonstrate the ability to make decisions and act appropriately in a diligent, effective, accurate manner, demonstrating an understanding of the relationships between financial accounting, auditing and taxation in a work integrated learning context and how these impact on other systems in the field of business studies.
    8. Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a team, group, organization and community, accurately identify and address his or her task-specific learning needs, awareness of professional bodies or industry and appropriate use of academic support units: take responsibility for own decisions and actions of others and evaluate own performance against given assessment criteria. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of financial accounting in unfamiliar but relevant contexts in the area of accounting.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of auditing in unfamiliar but relevant contexts in the area of accounting.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of taxation in unfamiliar but relevant contexts in the area of accounting.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of professional standards and ethics in unfamiliar but relevant contexts in the area of accounting.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of commercial law in unfamiliar but relevant contexts in the area of accounting.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of financial management in unfamiliar but relevant contexts in the area of accounting.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of business information systems in unfamiliar but relevant contexts in the area of accounting.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of reporting procedures in unfamiliar but relevant contexts in the area of accounting.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Demonstrate the ability to select, analyse, evaluate and interpret financial statements as diligently applied to financial accounting.
  • Demonstrate the ability to select, analyse, evaluate and interpret auditing reports as diligently applied to auditing.
  • Demonstrate the ability to select, analyse, evaluate and interpret tax returns as diligently applied to taxation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate the ability to identify, analyse and solve problems by gathering evidence and attentively applying solutions based on evidence and procedures appropriate to financial accounting.
  • Demonstrate the ability to identify, analyse and solve problems by gathering evidence and attentively applying solutions based on evidence and procedures appropriate to auditing.
  • Demonstrate the ability to identify, analyse and solve problems by gathering evidence and attentively applying solutions based on evidence and procedures appropriate to taxation.
  • Demonstrate the ability to identify, analyse and solve problems by gathering evidence and attentively applying solutions based on evidence and procedures appropriate to commercial law.
  • Demonstrate the ability to identify, analyse and solve problems by gathering evidence and attentively applying solutions based on evidence and procedures appropriate to business information systems.
  • Demonstrate the ability to identify, analyse and solve problems by gathering evidence and attentively applying solutions based on evidence and procedures appropriate to financial management.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of professional standards and ethics within an accounting context.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of legal aspects within an accounting context.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of reporting procedures within an accounting context.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Demonstrate the ability to professionally select, interpret, analyse, evaluate and present appropriate sources of information in financial accounting in the field of business studies.
  • Demonstrate the ability to professionally select, interpret, analyse, evaluate and present appropriate sources of information in auditing in the field of business studies.
  • Demonstrate the ability to professionally select, interpret, analyse, evaluate and present appropriate sources of information in taxation in the field of business studies.
  • Demonstrate the ability to professionally select, interpret, analyse, evaluate and present appropriate sources of information in financial management in the field of business studies.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Demonstrate the ability to prepare, analyse, interpret, present and communicate financial management in the area of accountancy appropriate to the field of business studies.
  • Demonstrate the ability to prepare, analyse, interpret, present and communicate financial accounting in the area of accountancy appropriate to the field of business studies.
  • Demonstrate the ability to prepare, analyse, interpret, present and communicate auditing in the area of accountancy appropriate to the field of business studies.
  • Demonstrate the ability to prepare, analyse, interpret, present and communicate taxation in the area of accountancy appropriate to the field of business studies.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Demonstrate the ability to make decisions and act appropriately in a diligent, effective, accurate manner and an understanding of financial accounting in a work integrated learning context and how these impact on other systems in the field of business studies.
  • Demonstrate the ability to make decisions and act appropriately in a diligent, effective, accurate manner and an understanding of auditing in a work integrated learning context and how these impact on other systems in the field of business studies.
  • Demonstrate the ability to make decisions and act appropriately in a diligent, effective, accurate manner and an understanding of taxation in a work integrated learning context and how these impacts on other systems in the field of business studies.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a team, group, organization and community.
  • Demonstrate the ability to accurately identify and address his or her task-specific learning needs.
  • Demonstrate the ability to be aware of professional bodies or industry and appropriate use of academic support units.
  • Demonstrate the ability to take responsibility for own decisions and actions of others and evaluate own performance against given assessment criteria.

    Integrated Assessment:
    For the assessment strategy as a whole, evidence must be demonstrated through a variety of options which can include formative assessment such as tests, case studies, problem solving assignments, projects and practical exercises. Learners will be required to compile a portfolio of learning materials. Summative assessment will consist of written examinations.

    Integrated assessment will measure applied competence. It will assess whether learners are able to recognise, identify and assess internal and external factors that influence the accounting environment (practical competence), understand the theoretical and fundamental basis of accounting principles (foundational competence) and apply accounting principles in order to make economic decisions (reflective competence). 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is comparable as far as outcomes, notional hours and level of difficulty to the following qualifications:

    Diploma in Accounting at Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia:
    This qualification builds on fundamental accounting knowledge to enable students a career in an accounting support role or continue their studies to a higher level. Students obtain knowledge in manual accounting systems and computerised accounting systems and learn various ways to communicate within an office environment. Graduates must complete nine units, six core and four elective units. Core units consist of: Provide financial and business performance information; Prepare income tax returns for individuals; Manage budgets and forecasts; Prepare financial reports for corporate entities; Implement and maintain internal control procedures; Provide management accounting information. Elective units consist of: Develop and use complex spreadsheets; Establish effective workplace relationships; Establish and maintain accounting information systems; Evaluate business performance; Apply economic principles to work in the financial services industry; Interpret and use financial statistics and tools; Comply with financial services legislation and industry codes of practice; Prepare financial reports to meet statutory requirements; Prepare financial forecasts and projections.

    Bachelor of Accounting at Polytechnic of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia:
    The qualification offered by Polytechnic of Namibia is a 3-year Degree, with no diploma offered and is intended for graduates who wish to pursue careers in any of the sub-systems of the accounting function, including auditing and taxation. The course represents a coherent introduction to the broad knowledge, concepts and problem solving techniques in the areas of Management Accounting, Financial Accounting, Taxation and Auditing .The following courses are included: Financial Accounting; Quantitative Methods; Principles of Microeconomics; Commercial Law, Computer User Skills; Language in Practice; Cost and Management Accounting; Business Law; Basic Science; Company Law; Intermediate Microeconomics; English for Academic Purposes; Introduction to Business Management; Taxation; Auditing; Intermediate Macroeconomics; Information Competence; Management Accounting; Contemporary Issues; Managerial Finance; Computerised Accounting; Work Integrated Learning.

    Diploma in Accounting at Pacific College of Technology, Sydney, Australia:
    The qualification is intended for graduates who are working or wish to work in the professional accounting job roles in financial services and other industries. The course aims to provide graduates with the knowledge, skills and attitude in Accounting accompanied by a broad range of relevant generic business and financial skills. The course is designed to reflect the role of employees who perform duties within a company such as: Introducing and maintaining accounting systems; Maintaining internal control systems; Preparing financial statements; Preparing tax returns; Reporting on business performance; Managing small teams; Developing business plans; Preparing management accounting reports. The following courses are included: Prepare financial reports; Design and produce business documents; Contribute to OHS identification and risk assessment; Process financial transactions and extract reports; Make decisions in a legal context; Prepare financial statements; Set-up and operate computerised accounting systems; Carry out business activity and instalment activity statement tasks; Apply principles of professional practice to work in the financial services industry; Provide financial and business performance information; Prepare income tax returns for individuals; Manage budgets and forecasts; Prepare financial reports for corporate entities; Implement and maintain internal control procedures; Provide management accounting information; Develop and use complex spreadsheets; Prepare financial forecasts and projections; Interpret and use financial statistics and tools.

    Diploma in Accounting at University of London, United Kingdom:
    This qualification is suitable for graduates who wish to secure a stand-alone qualification in Accounting. It aims to provide a thorough grounding in the principles of accounting. The following courses are included: Principles of accounting, financial management, corporate finance, financial reporting, auditing and assurance and management accounting.

    Diploma in Accounting and Business Finance at Kaplan Higher Education Institute, Singapore.

    This qualification aims to extend the core knowledge and enhance professional skills in accounting and business finance, equip graduates with the necessary knowledge and skills to work as accounting or finance professionals in any type or size organisation and in any sector of public or private organisations.

    Conclusion:
    There is a great deal of similarity between the qualifications and learning content of these qualifications and those of the Diploma in Accounting. This implies that the Diploma in Accounting is internationally comparable. The difference is that the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Accounting Diploma will contain a work integrated component. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Taxation/Cost and Management Accounting/Financial Management/Auditing.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Accounting/Taxation/Financial Management/Auditing at Level 7.
  • Bachelor's Degree general at Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    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.
     
    1. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.