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
90913  Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting 
ORIGINATOR
Regent Business School (Pty) Ltd t/a Regent Business School 
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
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:
The primary purpose is to equip and develop learners to be able to function in a wide range of financial and accounting tasks and to be able to function and add value in private and public sectors.
The qualification aims to develop a learner with:
  • Foundational knowledge in a range of core disciplines.
  • Forefront knowledge and expertise in information systems.
  • Financial information vital in the organisational structures to management for decision making.
  • Competency and skills related to general management principles of planning, organising, leading and control.
  • An understanding of theories and practices pertaining to Auditing the field of commerce and management studies.

    Rationale:
    South Africa is experiencing a grave shortage of accountants, black accountants in particular. Due to the high barriers to entry to the accounting field, a number of students drop out of the Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA) programme. The Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting is an ideal qualification for such learners who may choose to go the professional accounting route. According to statistics released by South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA), it is revealed that South Africa faces crippling shortages of accountants. Thus there is an increasing need to produce commerce graduates in the accounting field for economic development in the Southern African Development Community.

    Since information from Statistics South Africa indicates that the number of unemployed people with degrees and post matric qualifications is very low, it could be assumed that most unemployed people in the country do not take their education further than NQF Level 4, but rather join the labour market soon after completing their Senior Certificate. Once again, the data shows that unemployment is also higher among people with qualifications below NQF Level 4. By offering these Higher Education qualifications the institution aims to improve these employment statistics, particularly in the financial sectors, thereby making an improvement to the overall economy at a regional and national level.

    The Bachelor of Commerce Degree: Accounting will empower learners with skills and competencies necessary to function in both the private and public sector environments. This Qualification will also cater for the career and economic needs of learners and prepare learners for further postgraduate study. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The learners have obtained the general theoretical, practical and academic knowledge and understanding at NQF Level 4.

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Admission to this programme may be obtained through the Recognition of Prior Learning. Candidates who do not qualify for admission in terms of the minimum admission criteria may be considered for admission through a process of RPL in keeping with the RBS RPL policy.

    Access to the Qualification:
    The minimum entrance requirements for admission to the Bachelor of Commerce: Accounting are as follows:
  • A National Senior Certificate with endorsement for Degree studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate (prior to 2008).
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational) at NQF Level 4, with endorsement for Degree studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 5 with 75 Credits, at NQF Level 6 with 165 Credits and at NQF Level 7 with 120 Credits, totalling 360 Credits.

    Modules:

    NQF Level 5 Modules (75 Credits):
  • Accounting 1, 30 Credits.
  • Economics 1, 30 Credits.
  • Business Management, 15 Credits.

    NQF Level 6 Modules (165 Credits):
  • Commercial Law 1, 30 Credits.
  • Business Statistics 1, 15 Credits.
  • Accounting Information Systems 2, 15 Credits.
  • Management Accounting and Finance 2, 30 Credits.
  • Auditing 2, 30 Credits.
  • Taxation 2, 15 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting 2, 30 Credits.

    NQF Level 7 Modules (120 Credits):
  • Ethics 3, 15 Credits.
  • Management Accounting and Finance 3, 30 Credits.
  • Auditing 3, 30 Credits.
  • Taxation 3, 15 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting 3, 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate foundational knowledge in a range of core disciplines, including business ethics, mathematics, statistics, accounting, taxation and commercial law.
    2. Demonstrate specialist forefront knowledge and expertise in information systems.
    3. Provide accurate financial information vital in the organisational structures to management for decision making.
    4. Apply competence and skills related to general management principles of planning, organising, leading and control.
    5. Demonstrate an understanding of theories and practices pertaining to Auditing the field of commerce and management studies.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
    All the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed in the qualification. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Fundamental concepts and principles of accounting are described.
  • Financial data for a business is recorded, classified, journalised and interpreted.
  • Financial statements are prepared for different forms of ownership i.e. sole proprietor partnerships, close corporation and companies.
  • Cash flow statements are prepared.
  • All transactions related to organisations and societies not for gain are recorded.
  • Calculations involving whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages and exponents are carried out.
  • Methods of sampling, collecting data, analysing and using data for statistics purposes are applied.
  • The mode, medium and mean from grouped and ungrouped data are calculated and analysed.
  • Common measures of dispersion from grouped and ungrouped data including the range, inter-quartile range, quartile, mean deviation and standard deviation are examined.
  • The law of contract; the formation of a contract; principles and rules concerning valid and binding contracts; breach of contract, remedies on the ground of breach of contract are applied.
  • Knowledge of the provisions of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act is demonstrated.
  • Normal tax, donations tax, capital gains and losses and value-added tax are calculated.
  • Tax payable by individuals, partners, sole traders and non-residents are calculated.
  • The ethical decision-making process is discussed.
  • Principles of macro-ethics are applied.
  • The relationship between management and organisational ethics are critically evaluated.
  • The principles of corporate social responsibility are applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Gained knowledge and understanding of accounting information systems is practiced.
  • Knowledge of accounting information systems in the business environment is applied.
  • Accounting information skills are applied in order to participate and interact on a practical level in a business environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • An understanding of the key concepts in cost accounting and various costing systems is demonstrated.
  • A cost-volume-profit relationship is evaluated and cost data are analysed for decision making.
  • The nature and purpose of budgeting and budgetary control are described.
  • The activity-based model is implemented to measure the costs of activities.
  • The nature and purpose of a number of recent developments in management accounting practice are outlined.
  • Financial statements and reports are analysed.
  • Capital investment appraisal techniques are applied for the implementation of business decisions.
  • The significance of the long-term capital structure of a business and the management of its working capital are evaluated.
  • Shares of the company are appraised for acquisition purposes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • The importance of management to the business enterprise is explained.
  • Knowledge of fundamental management principles is demonstrated.
  • The components of the management environment are identified.
  • Knowledge of the evolution of management theory is demonstrated.
  • Understanding of the four basic management functions is demonstrated.
  • The scope and challenges of management are discussed.
  • The task and scope of human resource management are explained.
  • The importance of how marketing management creates value in the organisation is explained.
  • The different tasks of production and operations management are described.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • The nature and objective of an audit are explained.
  • The qualities, duties and responsibilities of an auditor are described.
  • Relevant auditing legislation is applied.
  • Auditing theory in evaluating the basic internal controls is used.
  • Auditing theory in executing the audit procedures is implemented.
  • Knowledge gained in relevant law and other legislation applicable to public accountants and auditors is applied.
  • Knowledge acquired is demonstrated and the principles of internal control are applied.
  • Audit procedure is conducted and the audit process is evaluated.
  • Audit report is completed.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative assessments and summative assessments will be weighted in the ratio of 40% and 60% respectively in each module to arrive at a final mark for the module.

    Annual modules will be assessed as follows: four formative assessments and a summative assessment.

    Semester modules will be assessed as follows: two formative assessments and a summative assessment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The University of Adelaide in South Australia offers a three year Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting. The qualification is intended for learners who wish to gain their professional accounting qualifications with knowledge in financial accounting; management and auditing functions. The Bachelor of Commerce is a multidisciplinary Degree that aims to develop learners' professional skills in preparation for entering the workforce. Commerce offers a choice of pathways including accounting, corporate finance, international business, management and marketing.

    Modules:
  • Accounting for Decision Makers I.
  • Accounting Method I.
  • Principles of Microeconomics.
  • Principles of Macroeconomics.
  • Information Systems I.
  • Business and Economic Statistics I.
  • Commercial Law I.
  • Financial Accounting II.
  • Management Accounting II.
  • Commercial Law II.
  • Business Finance II.
  • Management II.
  • Organisational Behaviour II.
  • Introduction to Marketing I.
  • Financial Institutions Management II.
  • Accounting Theory III.
  • Corporate Accounting III.
  • Income Tax Law III.
  • Auditing III.
  • Advanced Management Accounting III.
  • Business Taxation and GST III.

    The Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia, offers a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting. The qualification is structured to assist in the intellectual, social and personal development of the learners as preparation for entrance to a range of specialist and generalist business professions. The opportunities in professional accounting practices and consultancies, after completion include fund management, general management, financial planning or in small businesses. Other roles include business analyst, auditor, fund accounting officer, taxation accountant and chief financial officer.

    Foundation Units:
  • Accounting for Managers.
  • Organisation and Management.
  • Introduction to Business Information Systems.
  • Microeconomics.
  • Quantitative Analysis A OR Quantitative Analysis B.
  • Introduction to Business Law.

    Specialisation Units:
  • Financial Information Systems Finance.
  • Management Accounting for Planning and Control Analysis for Competitive Advantage.
  • Financial Accounting.
  • Accounting Theory.
  • Auditing.
  • Company Law.
  • Taxation.
  • Macroeconomics.

    Capstone Units:
  • Integrative Business Practice.
  • Industry Consulting Project.
  • Careers in the Curriculum (non credit unit).

    The University of Ballarat in Sydney, Australia, also offers a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting. The qualification equips learners with skills they need to be a leader in Commerce and Business.

    Foundation Courses:
  • Accounting and Business Decisions.
  • Accounting Fundamentals.
  • Business Microeconomics.
  • Business Macroeconomics.
  • Fundamentals of Law.
  • Commercial Law.
  • Business Information Systems.
  • Business Statistics.
  • Principles of Responsible Business.

    Specialisation Courses:
  • Personal Financial Planning.
  • Financial Management.
  • Advanced Financial Management.
  • Comparative Economic Systems.
  • Financial Markets and Institutions.
  • Banking and Finance.
  • Competitive Analysis.
  • International Business.

    In Singapore, Murdoch University offers a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting that may also be used for comparison. The following models are completed:

    Modules:
  • Technology and Accounting Processes.
  • Corporate Finance.
  • Management Accounting.
  • Contemporary Financial Accounting.
  • Company Law.
  • Accounting Theory and Accountability.
  • Auditing.
  • Taxation.

    Conclusion:
    This Bachelor of Commerce: Accounting compares favourably with the qualifications indicated above in terms of modules and the focus which is to develop learners with expertise in the commercial field. All the qualifications equip learners with skills to able to interpret and use financial information in managerial decision making in government or private institutions. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal articulation possibilities at NQF Level 7 include:
  • Bachelor of Accounting Science.
  • Bachelor of Commerce: Accounting Sciences.
  • Bachelor of Accounting Sciences: Taxation.

    Vertical articulation possibilities at NQF Level 8 include:
  • Bachelor of Accounting Honours.
  • Bachelor of Accounting Science Honours.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours: Accounting Science.
  • Postgraduate Diploma: Applied Accounting Sciences. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    All examination question papers are moderated.
    The minimum number of examination scripts sent for moderation is 20% of the total. The Examinations Board approves both the appointment of moderators and final assessment marks. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    To qualify as an assessor an individual must:
  • Have a Higher Education qualification at least one level higher than the qualification being assessed.
  • Be in the possession of qualifications that are relevant to this qualification.

    The following criteria are used for appointing external moderators:
  • Their experience of examining similar qualifications.
  • Their independence from the institution and from the tutoring team.
  • Their expertise in the subject area.
  • Be in possession of a qualification at least one level higher than the qualification being assessed. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2015. 

    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. Regent Business School (Pty) Ltd t/a Regent Business School 


    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.