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: 

Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110219  Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting 
ORIGINATOR
MANCOSA Pty (Ltd) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree  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 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-07-25  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

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 primary purpose of the Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting qualification is to provide students a convenient and appropriate avenue into the accounting, tax and auditing fields and can eventually lead to obtaining a qualification as a professional accountant for students who are seeking employment. The qualification is also designed to develop graduates with the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge so that they can on graduation be able to:
  • Display the necessary knowledge and skills, attitudes and applied competence to enable them to demonstrate administrative proficiency.
  • Display knowledge of management in general.
  • Apply skills of rational judgment and planning.
  • Recognise and appreciate changes within organisations.
  • Make appropriate use of information technology.
  • Analyse and solve operational problems.
  • Display skills for the recording and processing of financial information within an accounting framework.
  • Display ethical behaviour in a corporate management context.
  • Display the functional competence of a graduate to proceed to middle management level within an accounting (auditing/tax) environment.

    The qualification also provides a qualification that would fulfill the admission requirements for other Postgraduate qualifications offered by the institution.

    Rationale:
    While South Africa possesses an 88% basic literacy level, research shows that financial literacy remains a significant concern as it impacts significantly on the national economy. The latest data from the annual study of South African financial habits and attitudes shows a high percentage of misunderstanding or no knowledge of key financial management concepts and functions (FinScope, South Africa, 2013). The lack of appropriately skilled professionals has had significant impacts on both the public and private sectors (SAIPA, 2014). This mismatch between the skills demand and skills supply has created a national imperative for the development of accountancy skills.

    According to the "National Scarce Skills List: Top 100 Occupations in Demand", accounting, financial and related skills have been identified as a scarce skill in South Africa (Department of Higher Education, 2014). In this regard the Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting qualification will address regional and national priorities as identified by the South African government. This qualification aims to address the scarce and critical accountancy skills shortage in South Africa.

    The Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting qualification is a sought after qualification as there are limited opportunities for persons to pursue this qualification at public higher education institutions. The qualification is intended to provide students with a qualification that will enable access to the labour market. The qualification will provide the market with the necessary skills to generate economic growth.

    A market demand analysis was conducted by the institution in which a number of human resource professionals representing companies across all industries in the Southern African Development Corporation (SADC) regions agreed that there is a moderate to high demand for graduates with a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting qualification in industry and at the numerous accounting and auditing practices. It is believed that a qualification such as this would fulfil a large and very obvious need in this regard.

    The Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting qualification is targeted at both school graduates and those currently working. Upon completion this qualification will open up opportunities in the accounting, taxation and auditing sectors. The Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting qualification will equip students with the skills and competencies necessary to function in both the private and public sector environments. The Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting qualification will provide improved opportunities for graduates in a sector that has high demand for qualified and competent employees. Graduates of the Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting qualification will, with the necessary work experience, be able to move upward into middle and senior management positions. This qualification will provide graduates with vital skills to both the public and private sectors to enable entities to effectively account to all relevant stakeholders. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    This qualification may be obtained in whole or in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning. In the cases where prior learning is to be recognised for purposes of access to the qualification:

    It is assumed that the learning derived from work or life experience will be a major element in the profiles of non-standard entrants primarily by means of a portfolio of evidence. Such 'non-standard' candidates will be selected on the recommendation of a senior manager from applicants' organisations/companies.

    Where appropriate, interviews will also be conducted to assess applicants for selection purposes. Some of the key criteria that will be used in evaluating 'non-standard' applicants include:
  • A full comprehensive Curriculum vitae (CV).
  • The nature and level of life/work experience and prior study, and the learning which has resulted from such experience.
  • Details of in-company short courses, length, content of material covered, standard achieved.
  • The clarity of the applicant's educational goals and objectives.
  • The extent to which the applicant can provide evidence of the threshold skills and knowledge for the qualification.

    Where prior learning is recognised for advanced standing, credit will be given for prior certificated learning in accordance with established practice at South African higher education institutions. The maximum amount of 'specific' credit granted is 50%. Credits may only be accumulated for modules, which are prescribed within the structure of a named award.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum admission requirements for this qualification are:
  • National Senior Certificate.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational).
    Or
    Higher Certificate or an Advanced Certificate or Diploma in a cognate field of study.

    A student is required to have passed Accounting at the appropriate level. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of sixteen compulsory modules at Levels 5, 6 and 7, totalling 360 Credits.
  • Business Management 1A, Level 5, 15 Credits.
  • Economics 1A, Level 5, 15 Credits.
  • Business Mathematics, Level 5, 15 Credits.
  • End User Computing, Level 5, 15 Credits.
  • Business Management 1B, Level 5, 15 Credits.
  • Economics 1B, 5, 15 Credits.
  • Business Communication, Level 5, 15 Credits.
  • Introduction to Financial Accounting, Level 5, 15 Credits.
  • Business Ethics, Level 6, 15 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting 2A, Level 6, 15 Credits.
  • Commercial Law 2A, Level 6, 15 Credits.
  • Management Accounting and Finance 2A, Level 6, 15 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting 2B, Level 6, 15 Credits.
  • Commercial Law 2B, Level 6, 15 Credits.
  • Introduction to Taxation, Level 6, 15 Credits.
  • Introduction to Auditing, Level 6, 15.
  • Financial Accounting 3A, Level 7, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Display the necessary knowledge and skills, attitudes and applied competence to enable them to demonstrate administrative proficiency.
    2. Display knowledge of management in general.
    3. Apply skills of rational judgment and planning.
    4. Recognise and appreciate changes within organisations.
    5. Make appropriate use of information technology.
    6. Analyse and solve operational problems.
    7. Display skills for the recording and processing of financial information within an accounting framework.
    8. Display ethical behaviour in a corporate management context.
    9. Develop the functional competence of a graduate to proceed to middle management level within an accounting (auditing/tax) environment. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associate Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Analyse and develop organisation context to demonstrate administrative proficiency.
  • Implement appropriate processes to achieve administrative efficiency.

    Associate Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Understand components of effective management to enhance knowledge of management.
  • Implement appropriate management capabilities to achieve organisational outcomes.

    Associate Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Select standard methods, procedures and/or techniques in finance and accounting and apply rational judgment.
  • Compile, implement and monitor operational and other plans in an accounting or operational context.

    Associate Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Analyse situational contexts of organisations to identify the changes and their effects on the organisation.
  • Apply knowledge of and how knowledge systems develop and evolves to remain current in this regard.

    Associate Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Utilise appropriate information technology in accounting, operational and management environments to record, report on and maintain accounting and management systems.

    Associate Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Identify, evaluate and solve routine and new problems are within a familiar context.
  • Apply solutions based on relevant evidence and procedures or other forms of explanation appropriate to commerce and industry to provide solutions to problems.

    Associate Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Understand key concepts, principles, knowledge, skills and techniques in accounting and related fields to be able to display these skills for the recording and processing of financial information.
  • Gather and apply a range of sources within an accounting context, including oral, written or symbolic texts and select information appropriate to the task and record basic processes in accordance with generally accepted accounting frameworks.

    Associate Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Take into account prescribed ethical codes of conduct, values and practices and conduct appropriate behaviour in accordance with it.

    Associate Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Understand and implement management functions, competencies and processes in an operational environment.
  • Use functional competence in a commercial and international business to demonstrate accountability.
  • Demonstrate managerial, supervisory and resource responsibility to show management competency.
  • Communicate commerce and accounting information reliably, accurately and coherently by using conventions appropriate to context, either in writing, verbally or in practical to demonstrate management communication competence.
  • Assess own performance and performance of others and take appropriate corrective action taken where necessary to display human resource management competency.
  • Appropriately manage own learning and learning of others in a structured learning process.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The institution's Assessment Strategy has been reviewed and amended according to Council on Higher Education Accreditation Criteria (2012) and the National Policy and Criteria for Designing and Implementing Assessment for National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Qualifications and Part-Qualifications and Professional Designations in South Africa (SAQA, 2014).

    Assessment Type, Method and Description:
    Formative Assessment:
    The scheme of work includes assignments based on the learning material and students are given feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and limited number of outcomes. Formative assessment consists of knowledge checks, reflective assessments and learning community assessment. Knowledge checks may comprise of matching columns, multiple choice questions, true and false and drag and drop assessment methods. Reflective assessments may consist of short essay, long essay/case studies and posting comments/peer review.

    Summative Assessment:
    Examinations or equivalent assessment such as a research essay or portfolio in order to determine a representative selection of the outcomes practised and assessed in the formative stage. Summative assessment also tests the student's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module. Summative assessment consists of projects, pen/paper exam, portfolio of evidence and dissertation. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Australia.
    Institution: University of Canberra.
    Name of Qualification: Bachelor of Commerce Accounting.

    Purpose of Qualification:
    The aim of this course is to produce business professionals who are equipped to solve problems in a multi-disciplinary business environment. The worlds of commerce and accounting will be explored in the context of wider social, legal, economic and political environments. The student will gain a solid base of understanding across commerce, which is essential in a wide range of careers, plus they will complete a series of carefully integrated units in financial accounting, management accounting, auditing and finance.

    Learning Outcomes:
    The student will be able to:
  • Evaluate and synthesise concepts and theories acquired in accounting.
  • Exercise critical thinking skills when dealing with ambiguous and incomplete information.
  • Identify and obtain relevant information for decision making and providing advice to stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds.
  • Utilise discipline-specific technologies to analyse complex problems in a variety of contexts.
  • Communicate a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas to a variety of stakeholders, addressing a diverse range of business/commerce problems.
  • Develop the capacity to exercise initiative and professional judgement, in an ethically and socially responsible manner.
  • Engage in a range of authentic, work-integrated learning opportunities to reflect on and improve professional practice in areas of communication, judgement, cross-cultural teamwork.

    Content:
    1. Business Decision Making - Level B.
    2. Professional Orientation - Level B.
    3. Quantitative Methods in Commerce - Level B.
    4. Professional Evidence - Level A.
    5. Introduction to Management - Level B.
    6. Introduction to Economics - Level B.
    7. Business Communication - Level I.
    8. Business, Government and Law - Level 3.
    9. Accounting systems and Practices - Level I.
    10. Management Accounting - Level I.
    11. Corporate Accounting - Level I.
    12. Business Finance - Level I.
    13. Accounting and Decision Support Systems - Level I.
    14. Contemporary Issues in Accounting - Level A.
    15. Auditing - Level A.
    16. Advanced Management Accounting - Level A.
    17. Business Law - Level I.
    18. Revenue Law - Level A.
    19. Law of Business Associations - Level A.

    Similarities/Differences:
    Similarities:
    Core modules in accounting, management accounting and auditing up to third year level. Business communication and law courses aimed at similar outcomes. Inclusion of Introduction to management principles and practice.

    Differences:
    Taxation for South African context included in the institution qualification. Five elective modules can be chosen from any of the modules offered at the University of Canberra - not limited to finance modules. The institution qualification has been structured with 24 core and fundamental modules without any electives.

    Country: United Kingdom.
    Institution: University of Bedfordshire.
    Name of Qualification: Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance.

    Purpose of Qualification:
    This course is designed to develop graduates who are already part-qualified in terms of accounting qualifications; who are already equipped with technical accounting and finance knowledge and skills; who have practical experience in the use of leading accounting software; and who as a result are, on graduation, job-ready and capable (core units only) of:
  • Preparing financial statements: from book-keeping to consolidated financial statements.
  • Analysing and evaluating alternative short-term and long-term investment and proposing profitable portfolio of investment based on factual judgements.
  • Documenting business reports highlighting the impact of key economic events for a concerned organisation.
  • Formulating acceptable solutions to regulatory problems of corporations within the context of cultural norms.
  • Developing corporate governance mechanisms in line with best practice principles in compliance with legal, regulatory and voluntary codes applicable to a given organisation.

    Learning Outcomes:
    The student will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the practice of accounting and finance in the real world scenarios.
  • Assess problems using analytical skills which use research rigour, financial analysis and critical judgement.

    Content:
    1. Business Pod.
    2. Introduction to Accounting and Finance.
    3. Practice weeks: Career Planning.
    4. Intermediate Financial Reporting.
    5. Intermediate Management Accounting.
    6. Intermediate Financial Management.
    7. Corporate Governance and Financial Regulation.
    8. Project Management.
    9. Intermediate Auditing.
    10. Intermediate Taxation.
    11. Economics of International Finance.
    12. Practice Weeks: The Future You.
    13. Advanced Financial Reporting.
    14. Advanced Management Accounting.
    15. Advanced Financial Management.
    16. Specialist Project in Accounting and Finance.
    17. Advanced Auditing.
    18. Advanced Taxation.
    19. Economic Policy in the Age of Globalisation.
    20. Economics of the European Union.

    Similarities/Differences:
    Similarities:
    Core modules up to third year in accounting, management accounting, taxation and auditing.
    Similar outcomes relating to preparation of financial statements, problems solving and consideration of corporate governance.

    Differences:
    University of Bedfordshire does not have any Business Management or Introductory Economics courses as The institution does.
    No learning outcomes or modules relating to business communication at the University of Bedfordshire. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification has the following articulation possibilities.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management, Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Accounting, Level 8.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management, Level, 7. 
    		•

    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. MANCOSA Pty (Ltd) 


    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.