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:

Advanced Diploma in Internal Auditing

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
109008	Advanced Diploma in Internal Auditing
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Advanced Diploma	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 07	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2019-02-13	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2031-06-30

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 a vocational learning programme, with minimum credits of 120, on Level 7 of the National Qualification Framework (NQF). The Diploma is offered over a period of one-year full time. It prepares individuals for careers in the field of Internal Auditing and trains them to be Internal Audit Technicians or Professional Internal Auditors.

The purpose of the qualification is to offer an intensive, focused and applied specialisation to individuals who wish to become corporate, independent or government internal auditors. Upon completion of the qualification, students will have a deep and systematic understanding of current thinking, practice, theory and methodology in Internal Auditing, demonstrating that their conduct and actions are guided by the professional code of conduct prescribed for internal auditors. As such, they will be able to engage in, inculcate and advise on internal audit-related matters.

The significance of this qualification is that it will enable progression across different career paths for graduates to focus on the development of the ability to formulate, undertake and resolve more complex theoretical and practice-related problems and tasks through the selection and use of appropriate methods and techniques. For example, they will be able to distinguish between different sampling techniques and apply techniques appropriate to the circumstances; apply advanced analytical and quantitative techniques; understand the responsibility of the internal auditor with regards to fraud and illegal acts as well as sustainability assurance. They will also be able to properly manage an internal audit engagement. They will also be able to conduct corporate governance compliance engagements, plan and perform internal audit engagements using the Enterprise Risk Management model, and assess the quality of internal audit engagements. Students will also be able to apply ACL-Analytics and other audit software packages.

Student will not only be competent from a technical skills perspective but will be competent in softer skills such as effective communication when compiling reports for the audits that were conducted and conflict management skills, based on group assignments to be completed. From an accounting perspective, students will be able to identify measure, recognise, disclose and report advanced transactions in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the Conceptual framework. They will be able to meaningfully analyse the published results and make sound recommendations based on the interpretation of the analyses.

Students of the programme will learn how to identify and address gaps in knowledge related to specific audits, e.g. legislation applicable when conducting audits in a specific sector like the mining sector. Graduates of this qualification will function under minimum supervision in consultation with senior personnel. The programme is intensive and focuses on applied specialisation which meets the appropriate needs of industry. This Advanced Diploma programme includes an appropriate work-integrated learning (WIL) component in the form of simulation.

The completed Advanced Diploma in Internal Auditing may be presented for entry into a Postgraduate Diploma, a Bachelor Honours Degree or a Bachelor's Degree. Accumulated credits may also be presented for entry into a cognate Bachelor's Degree.

The learning materials of this programme are developed by academic staff members who are subject experts in their respective fields. They develop these materials in collaboration with instructional designers and curriculum development practitioners to ensure that the learning material and activities included are conducive for learning and aligned to the outcomes of the programme. Academic staff members receive training for the development of learning materials through the Department: Higher Education Development Support at this institution. Other appropriate learning materials are also considered and prescribed where deemed necessary.

Rationale:
The lack of financial and governance skills in South Africa contribute to the high incidence of qualified and adverse audit reports issued on the annual financial statements of especially government departments, municipalities and public entities.

A host of corporate governance guidance or regulation documents, as well as legislation, e.g. Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), make it a legal requirement for all national, provincial and local government entities, including all public entities, to establish internal audit functions. In the private sector the consecutive King Codes on Governance issued by the Institute of Directors (the key corporate governance codes) require the establishment of an internal audit function as one of the pillars of corporate governance. Certain acts, such as the Banks Act and the Medical Schemes Act, also require the establishment of an internal audit function whereas the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) requires an internal audit function as a listing requirement.

The Codes and legislation added significantly to establishing sound governance principles, with Internal Auditing seen as one of the cornerstones of a sound governance framework. Although the guidelines and legislation have improved governance, it has also brought about stringent corporate governance responsibilities on organisations. Internal auditing can add much value to simplify the processes and also ensure that organisations adhere to the guidance and legislation. Internal audit assurance and advisory services are provided to senior management and boards of organisations. This added responsibility towards sound corporate governance and the compulsory or advisory establishment of an internal audit function has led to there being an acute shortage of competent internal auditors to satisfy the demand.

This shortage of competent internal auditors is further highlighted by the need for internal auditors with information systems (IS) experience, especially as the world is becoming more and more technology-driven. This qualification is a vocational learning programme that provides access to the professional examinations and learnerships of the recognised professional body for internal auditors, the Institute of Internal Auditors. The rationale for this programme is to stem the dearth of knowledgeable and competent internal auditors in the country, especially internal auditors with sound knowledge and skills in IS auditing. Two professional bodies address this need:

Internal Auditing is a profession with a professional body overseeing all internal audit activities, including internal audit education. In South Africa, the professional practice of internal auditing is overseen by the Institute of Internal Auditors of South Africa (IIA-SA). The IIA-SA is affiliated with the IIA Global in the United States (US) and is the largest affiliate outside the US.
IIA Global has developed a curriculum, known as the Internal Auditing Education Partnership (IAEP) program, for tertiary institutions and constantly accredits individual institutions on various levels. The IIA-SA monitors the Internal Auditing education programmes of all tertiary institutions in South Africa.

The Department Auditing at this institution is an IIA Global accredited IAEP school, at comprehensive level. This places the department in the top 20 schools world-wide. Accreditation at "comprehensive" level means that the department "offers a curriculum that successfully meets the rigorous requirements established by the Institute of Internal Auditors". The professional examination structure of the IIA Global consists of three tests of competence. At the entry level is the IAT (Internal Audit Technician), at the intermediary level is the PIA (Professional Internal Auditor) and at the advanced level is the CIA (Certified Internal Auditor). The IIA-SA has developed learnerships for trainee internal auditors, based on the IAEP curriculum and professional tests of competence at all three professional levels. Application for and placement in the learnership programmes are administered and monitored by the IIA-SA.

The rationale for this programme is to prepare students for the professional test of competence of the IIA and secondly, to expand upon the concept of IS auditing. The development and offering of this qualification is in line with the government policies to provide necessary vocational and professional career and learning pathways for students to obtain access to higher education qualifications in internal auditing, i.e. the Postgraduate Diploma in Internal Auditing. (The Postgraduate Diploma prepares students for the CIA test of competence of the IIA.) As a second level qualification, this qualification will specifically target learners with a Diploma in Internal Auditing although another appropriate Diploma or Degree may also be presented for admission. Students seeking admission may or may not have any prior work experience.

The Diplomands of this qualification are allowed automatic entry to the professional test of competence at the second level, i.e. PIA. They will have developed deep and specialised knowledge and practical skills that will allow them to apply their learning in the workplace. These competences include inter alia:

Applying the foundations of internal auditing, the internal control framework and a framework to corporate governance in the workplace.

Applying the appropriate standards and quality assurance measures applicable to internal auditors, with a clear distinction between the different roles that internal auditors have with reference to risk management, internal controls and corporate governance.

Supplying core services and value-added opportunities in the workplace.

Effecting internal audit planning with reference to the prescribed professional standards.

Gathering and documenting objective audit evidence through observation, interviews and sampling.

Executing audit sampling with the help of appropriately selected computer assisted audit tools and techniques.

Writing and presenting factual reports.

Students will also have acquired the personal attributes and professional attitude required of an internal auditor.

Upon completion of this qualification, students will be able to seek employment or internship (IIA-SA Learnership at PIA level) opportunities in any internal audit function in either the public, private or professional sector; either focussing on internal auditing in general, or focussing on becoming an IS Auditor.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The RPL policy of Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) is aligned to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) RPL Policy. The Faculty Economics and Finance accepts RPL as an integral part of academic practice, and that all learning has value. To this end the Faculty and Department of Auditing will assess all applications for prior knowledge and award credits where they are due. In this way the department will achieve equity in its academic programmes.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum requirements for admission into Diploma studies are:

Diploma in Internal Auditing or an equivalent qualification at Level 6.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

Financial Reporting IV A, 12 Credits.

Financial Reporting IV B, 12 Credits.

Internal Audit IV A, 12 Credits.

Internal Audit IV B, 12 Credits.

Audit Software Systems IV A, 12 Credits.

Audit Software Systems IV B, 12 Credits.

Information Systems Auditing IV A, 12 Credits.

Research Principles in Auditing, 12 Credits.

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) in Auditing (simulation) IV A, 12 Credits.

WIL in Auditing (simulation) IV B, 12 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate an understanding of advanced internal audit processes and information systems concepts needed to perform different types of internal audit engagements and the planning, management and communicating thereof within various sectors.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of advanced financial reporting and interpretation of financial statements for various sectors.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of a range of suitable methods of enquiry in performing internal audit engagements, information systems audit engagement, financial reporting and interpretation of financial statements as well as the ability to select and apply these methods to resolve problems within various sectors.
4. Demonstrate the ability to identify, analyse, evaluate and mitigate key risks areas that are addressed by various types of internal audit engagements and information systems, by recommending appropriate mitigating activities and information security for various sectors.
5. Demonstrate the ability to take decisions, act ethically and professionally, and justify the decisions and actions as prescribed for the internal audit profession.
6. Demonstrate the ability to manage internal audit engagement processes within various types of internal audit engagements, information systems and financial reporting and interpretation, and how these impact on internal audit engagements within various sectors.
7. Demonstrate the ability to identify, evaluate and address learning needs in a self-directed manner, and to facilitate collaborative learning processes relevant to internal auditing.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Explain information systems concepts within various sectors.

Apply different types of internal audit engagements within various sectors.

Apply the planning, management and communicating of internal audit engagements within various sectors.

Advanced internal audit processes are explained within various sectors.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Financial reporting in compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the Companies Act is recognised, evaluated and discussed for various sectors.

Interpretation methods of financial statements are identified, evaluated and selected for various sectors.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Interpret, select and apply suitable methods in performing internal audit engagements for various sectors.

Interpret, select and apply suitable methods in performing information systems audit engagements for various sectors.

Apply suitable methods in preparing financial reports for various sectors.

Apply suitable methods in interpreting financial statements for various sectors.

Interpret, select and apply suitable methods in performing costing, budgeting, inventory and performance management for various sectors.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Comprehensively identify, analyse and evaluate the key risks addressed by various types of internal audit engagements for various sectors.

Comprehensively identify, analyse and evaluate the key risks in information systems for various sectors.

Categorise, compare and recommend suitable risk mitigating strategies and information security for various sectors.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Explain the ethical and professional implications of decisions and actions, prescribed for internal auditors, within the internal audit profession.

Apply the ethical and professional implications of decisions and actions, prescribed for the internal audit profession, within an organisation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Manage Internal audit engagement processes within various types of internal audit engagements, information systems, financial management concepts, and financial reporting and the interpretation within various sectors.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Identify, evaluate and address learning and work performance, specific learning needs, team work, responsibility for own actions and actions of others using collaborative learning in work integrated learning against given criteria relevant to Internal Auditing.

Integrated Assessment:
In order to achieve the stated exit outcomes, Integrated Assessment will take the form of various Formative and Summative Assessments. The criteria stated in the table below will assess the extent to which learners can practice their competency in the field of internal auditing. It will measure the extent to which all learners have integrated the knowledge, skills and attitudes delivered to them as reflected in the exit outcomes. The assessments will avail opportunities for reflection on action in order to develop reflexive competencies. These integrated assessments will be conducted throughout the duration of the programme. In addition to these assessments, work integrated learning will be part of formative development in a simulated form.

Formative:

Interim presentations.

Continuous feedback and critique on work in the programme.

Class tests.

Written exercises.

Summative:

Presentations.

Group assignment.

Individual written assignments.

Essays.

Examination.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The role and responsibility of internal auditors, as part of a sound governance framework in both private and public sector organisations, have expanded significantly over the past few decades. Internal Auditing is an internationally recognised profession. Unlike professions such as engineering, medical and auditing (statutory, external audits), all of whose quality, educational and professional standards are guided and overseen by national bodies (e.g. Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors (IRBA), etc.) the professional practice of internal auditing is governed by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA-Global) in the United States (US). The IIA-Global has accredited chapters and affiliates around the world, including South Africa.

After wide consultation with educators and practitioners world-wide, IIA-Global has developed a curriculum for educational programmes in Internal Auditing. From South Africa, University of South Africa (Unisa) and Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) were participants in this project. The programme is known as the Internal Auditing Education Partnership (IAEP) program for tertiary institutions. IIA-Global accredits individual institutions to offer its curriculum on various levels of the IAEP. A sub-committee, namely the Academic Relations Committee (ARC) has the responsibility to firstly ensure that all registered academic programmes are of a high standard and secondly, that a benchmark is set for all tertiary institutions to adhere to a minimum requirement or international best practice. For the governance and auditing of an the information systems (IS) environment, ISACA, also an international body, is responsible for guiding professionals.

The process followed at TUT for the development of the course syllabi for the Advanced Diploma in Internal Auditing was as follows:

We studied the model curricula developed by the two authoritative global professional bodies (IIA-Global and ISACA).

We engaged with Institutes of Internal Auditors in other countries to identify universities in their countries that are affiliated with and accredited by IIA-Global, and that offer internal audit qualifications.

We then analysed and compared the Internal Audit course syllabi of those International Universities (Louisiana State University (USA), University of Texas (US) and Erasmus University (Netherlands) and Nanjing Audit University (NAU)) to the model curricula of the international professional bodies.

Finally, we analysed and compared the Internal Audit course syllabi of the University of Pretoria (UP) and the University of South Africa (UNISA), two leading South African universities. These two universities were specifically included because of their prestige accreditation by the IIA-Global.

The reasoning behind the process outlined above follows:

Professional Bodies:
The IIA-Global IAEP curriculum presents a range of subjects to be included in a course's syllabus in order to ensure that a candidate possesses the required knowledge and competency upon completion of an internal audit educational programme, for professional registration at the relevant level (technician, professional or certified internal auditor). We identified those areas and subjects of the IAEP that are appropriate for inclusion in the Advanced Diploma in Internal Audit qualification. We are confident that the successful completion of the Advanced Diploma in Internal Audit will lead to well-rounded candidates entering the market place.

From our discussions and consultation with members of our appointed advisory board committee (a group of practitioners that provide insight with regard to the skills and competencies that are required in practice), we identified IS auditing as an area that requires more emphasis in our course offerings. The emphasis on IS auditing in the curriculum is also supported by the IAEP of the IIA-Global. To ensure the appropriateness of the curriculum for IS Auditing in our Advanced Diploma, we obtained the model curriculum of ISACA and used it as a benchmark in developing the syllabus for IS Auditing in the Advanced Diploma Internal Audit.

International Universities:

With assistance from the IIA-Global and other professional bodies in several countries, we identified international universities offering IIA-Global accredited Internal Audit programmes. We selected universities identified and classified as prestigious by the IIA-Global. These universities typically have Centres of Excellence status with regard to their Internal Audit course offerings. Enjoying the status as a Centre of Excellence from the IIA-Global certifies the quality and comprehensiveness of the qualifications in internal audit that are offered by these institutions. These institutions were Louisiana State University (USA), University of Texas (US) and Erasmus University (Netherlands). Recognition as a Centre of Excellence is the highest level of recognition bestowed by the IIA-Global.

The Louisiana State University has both undergraduate and graduate courses but not comprehensive programmes. Both the University of Texas and Erasmus University have comprehensive auditing courses and programmes, but only on a master's level. Furthermore, as far as could be identified, no universities in developing countries or the SADC region are listed as a Centre of Excellence.

Just below the Centre of Excellence recognition, is recognition at the Comprehensive Level. The Nanjing Audit University (NAU) in China was identified and is regarded as a university in a developing country, which, like South Africa, is a member of BRICS. NAU has both a comprehensive undergraduate programme and a graduate internal audit programme. We visited the websites of all the afore-mentioned institutions and inspected their programme prospectus for the course/s that they offer within the discipline of internal audit.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows for vertical and horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation:

Advanced Diploma in Accounting, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7.

Bachelor of Internal Auditing, NQF Level 7.

Bachelor degree in Accounting, NQF Level 7.

Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting, NQF Level 7.

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) Accounting Degree, NQA Level 7.

Vertical Articulation:

Postgraduate Diploma in Internal Auditing, NQF 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.	Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)