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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Financial Information Systems 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
101210  Diploma in Financial Information Systems 
ORIGINATOR
Walter Sisulu University 
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
2027-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 purpose of the Diploma in Financial Information Systems is to produce learners who have the requisite skills and who have a firm understanding of the underlying concepts in the field of accountancy and management.

This qualification provides a well-rounded, technically focused education that equips learners with the technical knowledge, proficiency and pervasive skills which will enable them to demonstrate initiative and responsibility and which will enable the development of practical and operational focused qualities.

Qualifying learners will be able to gain accountancy knowledge and skills that ensure competence in performing reporting functions, rendering taxation services and advisory services on an accounting technician level and to convert this embedded knowledge practically into an accounting software qualification.

Rationale:
The rationale for this qualification is to provide learners with the necessary knowledge, competence and skills to work in an accountancy environment with information systems background and understand the world of work, be confident about their value and have a higher than average chance of being employed.

The qualification will provide learners with the knowledge and learning experiences needed by accounting practitioners to perform their job in the field of accounting. The qualification also seeks to equip learners with a blend of accounting and financial information system skills and knowledge, thereby satisfying the national demand for public and private sector accounting technicians.

The qualification seeks to produce qualifying learners in line with the expectations of the various professional bodies will also be able to use this qualification to enter the next level of the education qualification, leading to qualification as a professional accountant affiliated with various accounting bodies.

The qualifying learner will gain sufficient depth of knowledge and skills that promote intellectual growth and lifelong learning that will lead to further studies in the various fields of accountancy. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The qualification creates access to learners that have work experience but do not possess a formal qualification in accounting fields. Firstly, the learner has to comply with institutional admission requirements. On admission, the learner must compile a portfolio of evidence as per the institutional framework for developing a portfolio of evidence. The assessor will assess the portfolio per framework stipulation. Where it is deemed necessary, the prospective learner will present him/herself to a panel determined by the policy to clarify issues that may not be clearly elucidated in the portfolio.

RPL may be used to demonstrate competence for admission to this qualification. Learners can achieve this qualification through Recognition of Prior Learning. The institution can grant the learner RPL for credits. Learners who already work in the commerce and industry who believe they possess competencies to enable them to meet some or all of the learning outcomes listed in the qualification will be able to present themselves for assessment against those of their choice.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Diploma studies;
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4;
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4 granting access to Diploma studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5 and 6 totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Financial Accounting I, 24 Credits.
  • Business Calculations, 12 Credits.
  • Business Communication Skills I, 12 Credits.
  • Financial Information Systems I, 24 Credits.
  • Commercial Law for Accountants I, 12 Credits.
  • Cost & Management Accounting I, 12 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurial Skills I, 12 Credits.
  • Software Skills I, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 216 Credits:
  • Financial Accounting II, 24 Credits.
  • Cost & Management Accounting II, 24 Credits.
  • Financial Information Systems II, 24 Credits.
  • Auditing II, 24 Credits.
  • Software Skills II, 24 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting III, 24 Credits.
  • Financial Information Systems III, 24 Credits.
  • Software Skills III, 24 Credits.
  • Taxation I, 24 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 6, 24 Credits (Choose One):
  • Cost & Management Accounting III, 24 Credits.
  • Internal Auditing III , 24 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Prepare, analyse and interpret complex Financial Statements for companies, applying IFRS(including certain accounting standards).
    2. Record the accounting implications of changes within company structure and investment.
    3. Identify, analyse and monitor accounting systems and information to make ethical, professional, justifiable suggestions for improving performance in financial reporting.
    4. Determine and apply various techniques whereby timeous and accurate information could be made available for decision making and control.
    5. Acquire an understanding of Information Systems in business.
    6. Analyse, design and implement a software system as a member of a team.
    7. Apply the principles of technologies needed to implement software systems in a database environment.
    8. Understand the components, steps, functions and techniques of project management.
    9. Audit manual and computerised business cycles, including networks.
    10. Determine the tax liability of individuals, assist in determining the tax liability of other legal entities and prepare submissions to the South African Revenue Services (SARS). 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply the principles of the Accounting Framework (AC000) to all financial accounting topics.
  • Use International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in preparation of financial statements.
  • Calculate and analyse ratios in order to assess business history and prospects.
  • Prepare and interpret cash flow statements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Prepare Accounting entries and balance sheets reflecting the effect of liquidations, amalgamations and reconstructions.
  • Determine the value of business interests.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Identify fundamental principles regarding professional standards and code of conduct.
  • Analyse and interpret ethical policies relevant to the workplace.
  • Identify and explain professional bodies for accountants globally in locally, as well as their purposes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Prepare budgets correctly.
  • Calculate and interpret variances.
  • Analyse expenses and describe ways whereby these could be controlled.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Show an understanding of Information Systems in business and how it assist to achieve organisational objectives and thus improve performance.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Analyse and design a business solution as required by the outcome.
  • Implement an integrated software system.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Design and translate Software solutions into computer programmes that, within a given deadline, produce correct results by using acceptable programming principles.
  • Implement a software solution by applying good user interface principles and interfacing with the database management system.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Explain the project management principles and techniques in terms of problems and case studies.
  • Apply project management principles, with emphases on teamwork issues, in the development of a software system.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Compile an Internal Audit programme and perform the required tests to ensure the efficient utilisation of business assets.
  • Document the Audit review.
  • Discuss the rules for efficient running of an Internal Audit Department.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Determine the tax liabilities of different legal entities and employer.
  • Prepare annual tax returns and provisional tax returns.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The Institutional assessment policy requires four assessments per year for year courses and two assessments for semester modules.

    Formative Assessment:
    There will be a minimum of two assessments per course per semester where the assessment can either be two written tests or one written test and an assignment.

    Summative Assessment:
    The summative assessment will take the form of a three-hour examination paper at the end of the semester or year. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Similar international qualifications exist, but individual institutions have unique offerings that may or may not fully articulate with this qualification. University of Greenwich in United Kingdom, for example, offers a degree in Accounting and Financial Information Systems, which is comparable to Diploma in Financial Information Systems. Swinburne University of Technology in Australia offers a degree in Accounting and Information Systems. There is, certainly synergy in courses with variations ranging from small to extreme, depending on the institution. The selection of countries was informed by similarities among the higher education systems of South Africa, United Kingdom and Australia.

    This qualification deals with the financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, software and information system content thereby offering the qualifying learner a broader perspective than purely finance and accounting and compares well with the above qualifications. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Internal Auditing, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Taxation, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Financial Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Cost & Management Accounting, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Auditing, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Accountancy, NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma Accounting, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma Cost & Management Accounting, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma Internal Auditing, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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. Walter Sisulu University 


    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.