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 Accounting 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
103057  Bachelor of Accounting 
ORIGINATOR
Boston City Campus (Pty) Ltd formerly Boston City Campus and Business College (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  2021-07-01  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 purpose of this qualification is to equip successful students with graduate-level knowledge, specific skills and applied competence for continued personal and intellectual growth, economic activity and valuable contributions to business and broader society in the fields of accounting and external reporting; auditing and assurance; taxation; strategy, risk management and governance; financial management; and management decision making and control. The application of principles and theory are emphasised as a basis for entry into the labour market, professional training, postgraduate study or professional practice in a wide range of careers in the fields of financial and accounting services.

The breadth and depth of learning achieved by individuals reflect a well-rounded, broad education characteristic of a Bachelor's degree that equips graduates with the knowledge base, theory and methodology of disciplines and professional fields of specialised study, and to enable them to demonstrate initiative and responsibility in an academic and/or professional context.

Rationale:
The Bachelor of Accounting is a response to the workplace need for financial accountants across all economic sectors including public and civil society. The current and future need for competent entry-, mid-level and professional financial accountants have been expressed by employers. The qualification has been developed to facilitate access to the professional world-of-work for individuals who are capable of knowledge performance in support of those areas of world-of-work that rely on the application of knowledge and skills systems supporting financial and accounting practices.

The qualification can be justified, broadly, with reference to two considerations. The first is the pressing need for increased access to higher education in South Africa, and the unique contribution that distance education offers in this regard. Second, and more specific, the shortage of skills in South Africa - in particular in the field of accounting and at Level 7 graduate level, mandates the provision of qualifications are designed with this particular need in mind.

The qualification provides exciting career opportunities in the fields of accounting, finance and management, for example:
  • General Accountant.
  • Accountant in practice.
  • Financial Manager.
  • Management Consultant.
  • Financial Advisor.
  • Internal Auditor.
  • Tax Specialist.
  • Cost and Management Accountant.
  • Credit analyst.
  • Tax accountant.
  • Budget analyst.
  • Business manager.
  • Small Business Manager or Owner or Entrepreneur.

    In the increasingly competitive, sophisticated and changing professional world of work; the continued development of higher order applied knowledge is essential. The curriculum has been designed to give employees the skills required to manage life-long learning, to build successful careers and to remain productive and responsible citizens. The qualification provides a balance in fields that are broadly enabling in relation to career pathways while providing opportunities in both professional memberships with a variety of local and international bodies and further studies through vertical and/or horizontal articulation pathways, for example:
  • Specialised studies in financial accounting or management accounting.
  • Advanced Diploma in business management or financial management.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in accounting and external reporting; auditing and assurance; and taxation.

    Graduates will be able to join the commercial world-of-work and contribute to organisations in the capacity of general accountants, tax practitioners, financial managers and other similar capacities.

    For a rapidly evolving and growing nation, this qualification forms part of the increase in provision of graduates with higher order capabilities to grow the economy, to advance social transformation, and to remain regionally relevant and globally competitive. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Learners may provide evidence of prior learning for which they may receive credit towards the qualification by means of portfolios or other forms of appropriate evidence which may include, verified accounts of previous relevant work done and performance records and which evidence is in accordance with the requirements of the relevant Quality Council.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirements are:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Bachelor's Degree studies with an achievement in English, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy and Accounting.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational) (NC (V)) at Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's Degree studies with an achievement English, Mathematical Literacy and Accounting.
    Or
  • A Higher Certificate with Accounting as one of subjects passed at Level 5. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 396 Credits:

    Compulsory Modules at Level 5: 118 Credits.
  • Computer Literacy 1, 16 Credits.
  • Company Law 1, 8 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting Principles, Concepts and Procedures, 20 Credits.
  • Business Management, 16 Credits.
  • Business Mathematics, 6 Credits.
  • Legal Aspects in Accountancy, 12 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting Reporting, 18 Credits.
  • Economics, 16 Credits.
  • Business Communication, 6 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 6: 146 Credits:
  • Computer Literacy 2, 14 Credits.
  • Company Law 2, 14 Credits.
  • Auditing Theory and Practice, 16 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting for Companies, 14 Credits.
  • Principles of Management Accounting, 12 Credits.
  • Principles of Taxation, 12 Credits.
  • Ethics in Accountancy, 14 Credits.
  • Corporate Governance in Accountancy, 12 Credits.
  • Selected Accounting Standards and Simple Group Structures, 12 Credits.
  • Principles of Strategy, Risk and Management Techniques, 12 Credits.
  • Experiential Learning, 14 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 7: 132 Credits:
  • Audit Planning and Tests of Control, 13 Credits.
  • General Financial Reporting, 12 Credits.
  • Group Financial Reporting, 14 Credits.
  • Application of Management Accounting Techniques, 14 Credits.
  • Taxation of Business Activities, 14 Credits.
  • Substantive Procedures in Finalising and Audit, 13 Credits.
  • Distinctive Financial Reporting, 12 Credits.
  • Specific Financial Reporting, 12 Credits.
  • Application of Financial Management Techniques, 14 Credits.
  • Taxation of Individuals, 14 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply principles, theories and methodology of financial accounting to analyse financial reporting needs and establish relevant systems, and conduct external financial reporting.
    2. Develop knowledge and an understanding of the underlying principles and concepts relating to auditing and assurance and technical proficiency in using auditing techniques.
    3. Demonstrate knowledge of the general legal framework, and specific legal areas relating to business including the South African tax system as well as the ability to prepare tax calculations in accordance with legal requirements.
    4. Develop knowledge and understanding of the underlying principles and concepts relating to financial management and management accounting.
    5. Identify, evaluate, and analyse socio-economic needs of society, display an awareness of professional ethics and ethical standards, and recognise the need for life-long learning. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate integrated knowledge of accounting procedures and principles.
  • Identify an appropriate reporting framework, analyse financial reporting needs, develop financial reporting process and develop reliable financial information.
  • Develop and evaluate accounting policies in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
  • Prepare financial statements using IFRS.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Understand and explain the concepts and principles relevant to the audit function.
  • Assess internal control systems and make appropriate recommendations.
  • Explain the major stages of the audit process and the rationale behind each part of the procedures for obtaining audit evidence.
  • Explain the risks in the different internal control cycles.
  • Explain the legislation, regulations, generally accepted auditing standards and contractual requirements relating to audit and related services.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply the knowledge and skills that are associated with the Income Tax Act to produce tax calculations.
  • Differentiate between various income tax concepts.
  • Compute tax liabilities in terms of the Income Tax act.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Explain the principles and theory underlying to the budgeting process and control system of an entity.
  • Analyse and evaluate investment and financing information and decisions.
  • Integrated knowledge of the principles and theory related to risk management and governance in business.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Recognise ethical standards in world-of-world contexts, evaluate and justify actions based on those standards.
  • Recognise the political, economic, social and technological context in which the accounting function operates.
  • Manage self, others and own learning within the context of continuous professional development.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated assessment is ordinary practice in this type of qualification and is essential to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved in relation to the professional focus carried by the qualifier and in terms of its propositional and declarative knowledge, vocational relevance, reflexive competency and critical cross-field learning outcomes.

    Successful learners will have undertaken an extensive process in which assessments progressively build the learners' integrated competency to a point where the learner is able to express - through a range of mechanisms measured against valid, reliable and transparent criteria - that they can operate effectively in an entry level professional position within the knowledge system specified by the qualification title.

    Formative Assessment integrates the cycle of teaching and learning, and assessment. Study guides and texts contain self-assessment exercises. The scheme of work includes formal assessments in the form of tests and/or assignments based on the learning material and students are graded and provided written feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and limited in the number of outcomes assessed.

    Summative Assessments are in the form of proctored examinations, or equivalent assessment such as a research report which assesses 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 full course. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Bachelor of Accounting has been compared to three international Institutions, each from a different global region: Asia, North America, and the United Kingdom (UK).

    Country: Malaysia.
    University: Open University Malaysia.
    School/Department: N/A.
    Qualification: Bachelor of Accounting with Honours (BAC).
    Duration: 3 years full-time.
    Credits: 134 (credit hours).

    Purpose/Description: This programme aims to produce competent graduates with comprehensive knowledge and skills in accounting and other relevant disciplines applicable in the accounting environment; graduates who are able to respond ethically and professionally in their working environment and society; who are able to think critically, communicate, lead and collaborate in teams when executing their accounting duties; competent graduates with diverse career opportunities and the ability to adapt to the dynamic changes in the business environment as well as to pursue lifelong learning. This qualification is accredited by the Chartered Professional Accountants of Australia. CPA Australia (Certified Practising Accountant) is a professional accounting body in Australia with offices across Australia, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, New Zealand and the UK.

    Conclusion: There is considerable overlap between this qualification and the Bachelor of Accounting. The overlap is evident in terms of content (subject matter covered) and the intended outcome for the programme, namely, to produce professional accountants. As noted above, the qualification is accredited with the Chartered Professional Accountants of Australia. Boston's Bachelor of Accounting is also a professional qualification and is SAICA aligned.

    Country: Canada.
    University: Ryerson University.
    School/Department: Accounting and Finance.
    Qualification: Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting.
    Duration: 4 years full-time.
    Credits: Not indicated.

    Purpose/Description: This programme is designed to offer an experiential learning curriculum that provides students with the in-demand and career-ready skills to succeed in the job market upon graduation. In the first two years, students will take general courses in Accounting and Finance before choosing their academic specialisation. In years 3 and 4, accounting students will thoroughly be educated in accounting, auditing, finance, taxation and other essential business disciplines in preparation for them obtaining CPA designation to become professional accountants. This programme is accredited by the Chartered Professional Accountantthe professional body which brings together the three Canadian accounting designations: Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified General Accountant (CGA), and Certified Management Accountant (CMA).

    Conclusion: There is significant overlap between this qualification and the Bachelor of Accounting. The overlap is evident in terms of content (subject matter covered) and the intended outcome for the programme, namely, to produce professional accountants. As noted above, the qualification is accredited with the relevant professional body. Boston's Bachelor of Accounting is also a professional qualification and is SAICA aligned. Two differences are to be noted between the two qualifications, namely, the duration of this qualification, which is one year longer than Boston's Bachelor of Accounting, and the nomenclature of the Canadian qualification, Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting. This latter difference possibly explains the duration of the programme which ostensibly seeks to provide students with a slightly broader commercial base for the accounting practice.

    Country: United Kingdom.
    University: Queen's University Belfast.
    School/Department: Queen's Management School.
    Qualification: BSc Accounting (Hons).
    Duration: 3 years full-time.
    Credits: Not indicated.

    Purpose/Description: Programme is designed to develop skills, attributes and perspectives that will equip students for life and work in a global society. Students will be able to make use of innovative technologies and a world-class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. Potential career opportunities include Financial accountant; Management accountant; Analyst; Auditor; Advisor; Forensic accountant; Researcher; Financial controller; Partner; Banker. The Degree is accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI), and the Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales (ICAEW). Students will gain automatic exemptions from some professional Chartered examinations on completion of the course.

    Conclusion: With a strong industry link, this qualification offered by Queen's University Belfast reflects a significant degree of overlap with Boston's Bachelor of Accounting. Both qualifications are recognised as professional qualifications designed to produce graduates fit for the accounting profession.

    As noted above, the programmes against which the comparison has been made reflects a significant overlap on two fronts; namely, the intended professional outcome of the programmes and the nature of the subject material covered. Where there are differences, these are minor and reflect the contextual idiosyncrasies of each institution. Overall, we may note the following broad similarities:
  • Offered by registered, accredited and credible institutions.
  • Course duration of three years or four years for an honours.
  • Purpose, Exit Level Outcomes and careers opportunities.
  • Meets best practices or standards offered in other parts of the world in the Accounting profession.
  • Students will gain automatic exemptions from some professional Chartered examinations on completion of the course.

    Comparability properties are evident in that the outlined qualifications were configured to fulfil the occupational and professional intent of the programme which adheres to uniform principles from one company to another. Qualified students may undertake further studies at Master's and Doctoral level. Therefore, the institution is confident that the Bachelor of Accounting (SAICA aligned) compares favourably with similar qualifications and stands to open doors for graduates beyond the scope of what South African higher education has on offer. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers horizontal and vertical articulation possibilities.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Accounting Science, Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Cost and Management Accounting, Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Business Management, Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Business Administration, Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Accounting, Level 7.
  • Advanced Certificate in Financial Accounting, Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Credit Management, Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Management and Financial Planning, Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Accounting Science Honours, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Cost and Management Accounting, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Financial Accounting, Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma: Management Accounting, Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma: Professional Accounting, Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting Sciences, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Business Administration Honours, 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. Boston City Campus (Pty) Ltd formerly Boston City Campus and Business College (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.