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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Accounting 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
93811  Higher Certificate 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
Higher 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  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  SAQA 1141/23  2021-07-01  2024-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-06-30   2028-06-30  

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:
This qualification is an undergraduate qualification that offers a combination of theory and practice in the key area of accounting. The purpose of the qualification is to provide a structured qualification for learners wishing to work as bookkeepers and junior accountants. The qualification aims to develop an integrated conceptual understanding, synthesis and application of accounting principles. It provides a relevant higher education qualification enabling learners to gain meaningful employment.

The qualification will develop junior management and leadership skills, and provide participants with skills in accounting, organisation and management. The purpose of this qualification is to equip learners with a sound fundamental knowledge base regarding accounting. The Higher Certificate in Accounting is a qualification in a career pathway towards an accounting and financial management specialist.

Rationale:
This qualification aims to:
  • Contribute to regional and national goals by facilitating capacity building and human resource development.
  • Empower learners with knowledge, skills and competencies necessary to function in a public sector environment.
  • Recognise and cater for the career and economic needs of learners who are in employment.
  • Meet the needs of learners in a variety of positions in the public sector.
  • Provide learners with the opportunity to proceed on a course of study culminating in the attainment of a Bachelor's Degree.
  • Broaden the social base of learners in higher education by targeting learners with work experience. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning:
    This qualification may be obtained wholy 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 an examination of their Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  • Such 'non-standard' learners will be selected on the recommendation of a senior manager from their organisations/companies.
  • Where appropriate, interviews will also be conducted to assess the applicants. Some of the key criteria that will be used in evaluating 'non-standard' applicants include:
    > The applicants' motivation, maturity and realistic approach to their studies.
    > Job description, covering relevant area of work, giving examples of tasks carried out, possibly supplying references.
    > 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 amount of 'specific' credit granted is dependent on the match between prior learning and award towards which the intended qualification leads.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum level of attainment required for entry into this qualification is:
  • A National Senior Certificate, granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • A Further Education and Training Certificate or equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification, granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational) at NQF Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of six compulsory modules (20 Credits each) all at NQF Level 5 totalling 120 Credits:
  • Basic Economics.
  • Business Management.
  • Financial Accounting A.
  • Management Accounting.
  • Business Law.
  • Financial Accounting B. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    A learner attaining this qualification will be able to:
    1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the accounting and finance environment of an organisation.
    2. Apply management principles in a work-based context.
    3. Utilise technology to communicate effectively.
    4. Acquire skills in planning, budgeting, decision-making, and collaboration.
    5. Operate as an informed junior accountant or manager.
    6. Undertake basic accounting tasks in an organisation.
    7. Classify, record, implement and maintain basic accounting systems.
    8. Apply, implement and maintain the basic principles in cost and management accounting systems.
    9. Compile financial information for business decision making. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
  • Theory and principles are applied in a work-based context.
  • Appropriate technology is utilised in various communication modes.
  • Knowledge of accounting is demonstrated.
  • Research skills are displayed in solving work related problems.
  • Knowledge acquired is communicated.
  • An understanding of how to manage resources and processes is demonstrated.
  • An ability to propose solutions to problems is demonstrated.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The learner's competencies will be assessed using an integrated method utilising both formative and summative assessment.

    Assessment centres on:
  • The extent to which the learner has grasped the basic concepts.
  • The application of theory to a practical context.
  • The methods of research used.
  • A balance between theory and practice and its relevance to the level of the qualification.
  • The use of appropriate technology to ensure effective communication of ideas.

    Assessment methods measure the extent to which the learner has achieved competence in the different areas of study delivered through course modules.

    These assessment methods include:
  • Case studies.
  • Report writing.
  • Interpretative and analytical problem solving in the written examination.
  • Work based assignments.
  • Self assessment activities in the course material. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Grafton College in the United Kingdom present to interested and qualifying learners Higher Certificates and Diplomas designed to provide a specialist vocational programme that offer a strong sector related emphasis on practical skills development alongside the development of requisite knowledge and understanding. The institution offers a one year Higher Certificate in Accounting with 120 credits. The qualification provides a thorough grounding in the key concepts and skills required in accounting and allow for direct progression to employment or progression to higher education.

    Swinburne University of Technology in New Zealand also offer a Certificate IV in Accounting.

    The qualification aims to assist learners to be able to:
  • Completing Business Activity Statements (BAS) and other office taxes.
  • Operational reporting.
  • Producing non-complex management reports, including compiling budget information and compiling data for job costing reports.
  • Supervising the operation of computer-based financial systems.
  • Classifying, recording and reporting accounting information.
  • Maintaining inventory records.
  • Managing a small office and ensuring relevant legal requirements are adhered.

    Learners may enroll for a Diploma in Accounting after completing this qualification.

    Conclusion:
    The qualification is compares in terms of opportunities that it creates for learners at completion. The qualification also focuses on accounting principles as vital for learners to operate in the financial sector. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers both horizontal and vertical articulation opportunities for the qualifying learner:

    Horizontal Articulation with other qualifications at NQF Level 5 includes the following:
  • Higher Certificate in Business Management.
  • Higher Certificate in Banking Services.

    Vertical articulation with other qualifications at NQF Level 6 includes the following:
  • Advanced Certificate in Financial Planning.
  • Advanced Certificate in Banking Services. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    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. 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.