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 Management Sciences in Accountancy 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
104529  Bachelor of Management Sciences in Accountancy 
ORIGINATOR
Central University of Technology, Free State 
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(Min 480)  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Finance, Economics and Accounting 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  480  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  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   2034-06-30  

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 this qualification is to provide students with the skills, competence, knowledge and understanding required to become professional accountants, which will enable them to perform services ranging from the more traditional service, independent review, accounting and tax, to value-adding business advisory services on a professional accountancy level. Given the strong focus on skills in the qualification, students will have to practically convert embedded knowledge into different software programmes relevant to professional accountants.

This enables students to develop work-relevant competence, as an aid to employment and career progression. The qualification also allows students access to lifelong professional development and support, by providing them with the opportunity to become full members of the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA).

This qualification is aligned with the prerequisites of SAIPA. Although a letter of endorsement was received from SAIPA, indicating that the professional body supports the new qualification.

The qualification will provide students with the opportunity to study towards a prestigious, internationally recognised accounting qualification. The qualification is a planned combination of learning outcomes with a defined purpose that culminates in applied competence, and serves as the academic requirements for becoming a professional accountant practising in commerce, industry, academia and the public sector.

Rationale:
The Bachelor of Management Sciences in Accountancy will benefit the South African economy by ensuring that the people responsible for accountancy work are skilled and competent practitioners. This qualification is designed in a manner that encourages broad conceptual understanding of accounting applications, underpinned by sound knowledge and skills. Graduates will be able to flexibly apply these acquired skills across the accounting spheres.

According to the National Development Plan 2030 (2012: 122) leader and high paid services, for example finance and transport, cover 15.4% in the sector distribution of employment and can increase up to 17.6% by 2030. With poor global conditions and without any major improvements to the policy environment there will still be a growth in this sector from 2 025 000 to 3 009 000 by 2030, but within a diversified economy, employment in this sector can grow up to 4 188 000 by 2030. The aforementioned, therefore, clearly indicates the increasing national need for finance skills in the country. It has also been indicated by Simpson (2008), that there is a national shortage of over 22 000 accountants, which could impact on the sound functioning of the economy.

The accounting profession in South Africa is growing and its business is becoming increasingly complex. The Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (FASSET) Sector Skills Plan 2005 to 2010 indicated that shortages exist in four broad areas, including accounting skills. The shortages of accounting skills exist at all levels, from bookkeeping to registered auditor. Numerous studies have found that professional accountants are the top choice for business advice. Scarce skills in the financial services sector are mainly in the professional, technical and associated professional occupations. This poses a serious threat to the growth of the economy, especially as the demand for accounting staff extends to all sectors, and all sizes and types of organisations. Employers across the board are being urged to contribute to the development of these skills.

According to FASSET, financial professionals may belong to one or more professional bodies. Employers also often prefer to appoint people who are members of professional bodies. The advantage for the employer is that a professional designation is a good indication of the skills level that the individual has and thereby regulates the quality of the profession. In addition, members of professional bodies are bound by a code of ethics and conduct. For this reason, the intention of the relevant department is to apply for accreditation of the intended qualification with a professional body. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Provision is made for students to obtain the qualification, whole or in part, through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Selection of RPL students will be conducted on an individual basis in accordance with the institution's RPL policy.

RPL applications for the institution are received by the Assessment and Graduations Unit. If the application pertains to admission into the qualification, the candidate is required to complete an RPL application document. Certified copies of all previous qualifications, and a comprehensive portfolio of evidence, reflecting on extensive work and/or learning, must accompany the application. Once the institution's RPL Co-ordinator has deemed the RPL application complete, the portfolio will be sent to the Faculty of Management Sciences for assessment. The Faculty's RPL Committee then thoroughly assesses the candidate's portfolio against the relevant learning outcomes.

This qualification may be achieved in part through RPL and/or experience. Students are assessed against the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification, on an individual basis, and in accordance with the University's RPL policy. Such procedures and assessment of individual cases are subject to moderation by independent assessors. The RPL policy stipulates that the holder of a university qualification certificate must have:
  • Complied with the admission requirements for the qualification, including the admission requirements of the courses/modules prescribed for the qualification.
  • Been assessed, and found competent in all the competences and skills prescribed for the qualification.
  • Completed more than 50% of the credits of the prescribed courses/modules for the qualification at this institution.
  • Completed more than 60% of the credits of the exit or final academic year of the prescribed curriculum for the qualification at this institution.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirements to Bachelor's Studies are:
  • Senior Certificate (SC) with endorsement.
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Bachelor's Degree studies.
  • National Certificate (Vocational) (NC (V)) at NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's Degree studies.

    Prerequisite subjects:
    English proficiency (written and spoken).
  • Accounting.
  • Mathematical Literacy.
    Or
  • Mathematics. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Levels 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling 517 Credits.

    Compulsory modules, Level 5, 122 Credits:
  • Academic Literacy and Communication Studies, 12 Credits.
  • Numeracy, 6 Credits.
  • Digital Literacy, 6 Credits.
  • Advanced Computer Literacy, 6 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting I, 32 Credits.
  • Professional Skills Development I, 8 Credits.
  • Economics I, 16 Credits.
  • Business Management I, 8 Credits.
  • Taxation I, 12 Credits.
  • Business Law I, 16 Credits.

    Compulsory modules, Level 6, 131 Credits:
  • Professional Skills Development II, 8 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting II, 32 Credits.
  • Cost and Financial Management I, 25 Credits.
  • Taxation II, 25 Credits.
  • Auditing and Internal Control II, 25 Credits.
  • Business Law II, 16 Credits.

    Compulsory modules, Level 7, 123 Credits:
  • Financial Accounting III, 32 Credits.
  • Cost and Financial Management II, 25 Credits.
  • Taxation III, 25 Credits.
  • Auditing and Internal Control III, 25 Credits.
  • Research Methodology I, 16 Credits.

    Compulsory modules, Level 8, 141 Credits:
  • Research Methodology II, 16 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting IV, 16 Credits.
  • Taxation IV, 13 Credits.
  • Cost and Financial Management III, 13 Credits.
  • Auditing and Internal Control IV, 13 Credits.
  • Work-Integrated Learning (simulation), 30 Credits.
  • Work-Integrated Learning (placement), 40 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Acquire knowledge of and demonstrate reflective competence in recording, summarising and reporting on financial information, in compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for small-and medium-sized entities (SMEs), using the latest technology.
    2. Acquire knowledge of and demonstrate practical competence in calculating, advising and the filing of direct and indirect tax, in accordance with the relevant tax legislation and regulations, using the latest technology.
    3. Acquire knowledge of and demonstrates practical competence in the application, analysis and reporting of cost and management accounting, in accordance with current practice.
    4. Apply theoretical and practical knowledge of risk management, internal control and independent review engagements, incorporating the latest technology.
    5. Demonstrate professional skills, values and ethics, and the ability to integrate these in a practical manner.
    6. Demonstrate sound understanding of commercial law, and an appreciation of the role of law within which an accountant operates.
    7. Demonstrate sound knowledge of economics, business and financial management.
    8. Meet the academic requirements set by South African Institute of Professional Accountants(SAIPA). 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate fundamental theory, and practical knowledge and understanding with regard to recording, summarising and reporting on financial information.
  • Produce financial statements according to set accounting standards.
  • Analyse, interpret and communicate (oral and written) financial information effectively with peers and the broader community.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Demonstrate primary knowledge of direct and indirect tax through practical calculations.
  • Demonstrate the skills to use technology to process taxation related issues.
  • Display competency to advice individuals and businesses on taxation issues and problems that are identified, interpreted and explained within different contexts using legislation and regulations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate principal and core knowledge and understanding of management accounting through material application.
  • Demonstrate the skills to calculate, record and report information necessary for effective cost management.
  • Demonstrate the competency to prepare a report to management, outlining issues and principles of cost centres.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Demonstrate fundamental theory and practical knowledge and application regarding risk management, internal control and independent review with incorporated technology.
  • Prepare an audit programme for any given business operation relating the selected procedures to an appropriate risk for a given audit objective.
  • Present assurance reports or opinions supported by defendable arguments through the application of professional judgement.
  • Act, lead, work and communicate in a manner that resembles a professional accountant.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Recognise and act upon cultural and ethical considerations.
  • Understand and apply the importance of ethical and professional behaviour.
  • Demonstrate adequate written, verbal and non-verbal communication skills and apply in the form of proposals and projects.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Demonstrate fundamental and core knowledge of commercial law through measureable application.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Meet concepts, principles and theories applicable to the needs of the subjects, specialist areas and industry.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Meet academic requirements in accordance with South African Institute of Professional Accountants SAIPA criteria. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The content of the fundamental subjects: Financial Accounting, Auditing and Internal Control, is based on international standards. In Financial Accounting, the emphasis is on the International Framework for Reporting Standards (IFRS). In Auditing and Internal Control, the emphasis is on the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Global.

    Joint agreements with international organisations provide the opportunity for South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) members to benefit from admission to, and association with, these organisations which allow members to practice as accountants in specified countries, and to gain world-wide experience.

    SAIPA is a full member of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), and has beneficial mutual agreements with national and international bodies, including the Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA); the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland (CPA Ireland); the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) in Australia; and the Institute of Commercial and Financial Accountants (CFA) in Namibia. SAIPA continues to negotiate with other relevant bodies, including the Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA) in the United Kingdom (UK); the National Institute of Professional Accountants (NIPA) in Russia; and the Institute of Business Advisors (IBA).

    This qualification relates to similar qualifications in Zimbabwe and the United States of America in terms of the years of study, entry requirements, fundamental, core and elective modules as well as the Work-Integrated Learning component.

    The qualification compares with the following qualifications:
    Zimbabwe: Great Zimbabwe University.
    Qualification: Bachelor of Commerce Honours Degree in Accounting.

    Similarities:
    This is a four-year Degree. The major subjects are: Accounting; Cost and Management Accounting and Auditing. Other modules that the qualifications have in common are: Risk Management; Law; Economics; Entrepreneurship (Business Management); Research (Project). In an endeavour to produce a highly-skilled and practically competent graduate, Great Zimbabwe University offers a Work Related Learning (WRL) component in all its undergraduate qualifications (Work-Related Learning Reports and Continuous Work- Related Assessment).

    Differences:
    English language, commercial subjects and Mathematics are entry requirements. The following modules are treated as topics within Accounting (level I to IV):
  • Introduction to Financial Reporting.
  • Financial Reporting for Companies.
  • Specific Financial Reporting.
  • Group Financial Reporting.

    United States of America: DePaul University.
    Qualification: Major in Accountancy Honours.

    Similarities:
    The major modules: Accounting; Taxation, and Cost and Managerial Accounting. Other modules that the qualifications have in common are:
  • Law (commercial/business).
  • Economics.
  • Professional Skills Development (Career Management for Accountants).

    Canada (Ontario): University of Waterloo:
    Qualification: Bachelor of Accounting and Financial Management (BAFM).

    Similarities:
    The universities have the following major modules in common:
  • Financial Accounting.
  • Management Accounting/Cost and Financial Management.
  • Taxation.
  • Internal Auditing.

    Other modules that the qualifications have in common are:
  • Economics.
  • Numeracy/Mathematics.
  • Communication Studies.
  • Business Management.
  • Professional Skills Development.
  • Business/Commercial Law.
  • Business Information Technology/Systems.
  • Work-Integrated Learning.

    Differences:
    Module presented at UW and not presented at this university:
  • Introduction to Global Financial Markets.

    Module presented at this university and not presented at UW:
  • Research methodology.

    UW:
    Statistics, Organisational Behaviour, Risk Management, Performance Measurement and Organisation Control are presented as separate modules. There are 16 elective modules from their second to fourth year of study, which students can select from any course at UW into which students may enrol, i.e. where the student satisfies the prerequisites.

    To obtain the degree, an overall cumulative average of 60% in all modules (including electives) AND a cumulative average of 70% in all core modules has to be achieved. Four Work-Integrated Learning work terms (known as "co-op work terms") of four months each, thus +/- 16 months in total, have to be completed.

    This qualification:
    Statistics is integrated into the Numeracy and Internal Auditing modules. Organisational Behaviour is presented as part of the Business Management module. Performance Measurement and Organisation Control is presented as part of the Internal Auditing modules. There are no elective modules.

    To obtain the Degree, a minimum of 50% must be obtained for each module. One semester of Work-Integrated Learning has to be completed (+/- 5 months). 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers horizontal and vertical articulation opportunities.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Management Sciences in Internal Auditing, Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • A Master's Degree in Commerce, Level 9. 
    		•

    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.