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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Accounting 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
109600  Advanced Diploma in Accounting 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Western Cape 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   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  2019-05-29  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:
The purpose of the qualification is to provide a bridging program for Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Accounting learners to develop applied competence and deepen the learner's expertise in the analysis, interpretation and application of accounting principles. Learners are also prepared to complete the necessary modules to gain admittance into the Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA)/Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA) (i.e. the final postgraduate year of academic study). Learners will be able to reflect on their decisions and applications to assess the effect thereof in the holistic context of Accounting as a practice at an advanced level.

The purpose of this qualification is to:
  • Provide learners with intellectual enrichment in the field of accounting sciences.
  • Provide learners with an advanced understanding of current thinking, theory and methodology in the field of accounting sciences.
  • Give those learners with Bachelor's Degrees in Accounting, but not accredited by Professional Accounting Bodies, or those with Degree in Accounting, or equivalent, the opportunity to proceed to Postgraduate studies accredited by such Professional Bodies.

    Qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Prepare and present separate and consolidated financial statements for companies in terms of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
  • Relate to Managerial accounting and Finance.
  • Relate to Taxation laws and principles.
  • Relate to Auditing and Corporate Governance.

    Rationale:
    The Advanced Diploma in Accounting was designed to increase access to the Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting, in order to allow entry into the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) professional exams and chartered accounting qualification, by broadening the undergraduate Degree base from which learners can be drawn for the programme. The qualification will draw learners that have majored in accounting subjects on non-SAICA accredited programmes. An increase in the number of highly qualified accountants is desirable for stakeholders in the profession, as there is a scarcity of Chartered Accountant skills in the country in this area.

    This qualification is for learners whose Diploma or Bachelor's Degree is not accredited by the Professional Body of their choice, to gain access to recognised Postgraduate qualifications. Learners with either a Degree in Accounting or its equivalent, or a non-accredited Bachelor's Degree in Commerce or in Accounting, may use this qualification as a vehicle to obtain the required admission to Postgraduate qualifications. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Access to the qualification can also be provided in terms of the Institutional Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy and admission criteria. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and prior learning may be assessed to award credit where relevant. Learners can apply for RPL against a module, or part/full qualification for learning obtained through formal. Informal and non-formal learning. Learners need to submit a Portfolio of Evidence for assessment, and credits/exemption may be granted for some modules in the qualification, and/or admission may be granted into the qualification. Leaners have the opportunity to appeal against the assessment results where credits or admission were not awarded.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Accounting.
    Or
  • An appropriate Diploma or Bachelor Degree.
  • Learners should. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 7 totalling 150 Credits.
  • Auditing, 30 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting, 60 Credits.
  • Management Accounting and Financial Management, 30 Credits.
  • Taxation, 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Use disciplinary-and interdisciplinary-based information to take an informed stand with regard to accounting, business and trade policies.
    2. Practice the ethics pertinent to Accounting, Business, Commerce and Management and in particular, those pertinent to an Accountant and Independent Auditor.
    3. Demonstrate an understanding of the theories and practices pertaining to the field of Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Auditing and Taxation.
    4. Explain the ramifications of accounting and economic policy and business decisions in a language which is accessible to the general public and various stakeholders in the business community.
    5. Demonstrate proficiency in managing the applied accounting activity and an ability to conduct applied accounting engagements, both assurance and consulting, in diverse business environments. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria are applied in an integrated manner to the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Apply the knowledge and understanding of ethics implied by corporate governance principles.
  • Develop appropriate solutions to identified problems in the applied accounting context.
  • Apply judgement processes to identify and plan applied accounting assignments for the applied accounting activity.
  • Develop appropriate solutions to identified problems in the applied accounting.
  • Apply advance judgement processes to identify and plan applied accounting assignments for the applied accounting activity.
  • Regular testing, both formative and substantive, culminating in a final written exam consisting of two or more integrated, case study style questions, requiring the student to demonstrate competencies described above, relating to both numerical and discursive ability.
  • Customise and adapt international business, commerce and management practices and theories to South African requirements.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the need to act professionally and ethically for clients, employees and the world at large.
  • Analyse, evaluate and apply business, commerce and management theories and ethical principles to practical situations.
  • Regular testing, both formative and substantive, culminating in a final written examination consisting of two or more integrated, case study style questions, requiring the student to demonstrate competencies described above, relating to both numerical and discursive ability.
  • Regular testing, both formative and substantive, culminating in a final written exam consisting of two or more integrated, case study style questions, requiring the student to demonstrate competencies described above, relating to both numerical and discursive ability.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of information technology, risk based auditing, control frameworks and control systems to adequately perform audit assignments and to advise management and audit committees on appropriate practice.
  • Analyse and evaluate financial operations within organisations.
  • Analyse and test control and advising on control systems.
  • Apply the knowledge and understanding of ethics implied by corporate governance principles.
  • Apply the knowledge and understanding of ethics prescribed by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants.
  • Regular testing, both formative and substantive, culminating in a final written exam consisting of two or more integrated, case study style questions, requiring the student to demonstrate competencies described above.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Learners are assessed regularly throughout all four modules of the program from both a summative and formative perspective. The Summative Assessment takes the form of case study like questions written as a three-hour test and integrates material covered in the module. This is in preparation for the final exam which is a written exam for each discipline in which the content covered in each module is integrated across two or more case study like question. All assesment requires the application of knowledge to the context provided.

    The substantive assessment of assessment carried out during the program comprises 50% of the final mark for each module, with the exam comprising the remaining 50% for each module. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares favourably with the following qualifications:

    Malaysia: Tunku Abdul Rahman College (TAR): Advanced Diploma in Business Studies (Accounting):
  • This qualification provides a wide spectrum of knowledge and skills necessary for a career in accountancy and finance. It covers advanced level of accounting, audit, strategic financial management, tax planning, strategic management, management information systems and other related areas. It can lead to a career in professional accounting practices or in a specialist role in corporate and financial sectors. Graduates can serve as qualified personnel in these areas of accounting, finance and other related field to support and promote the nations growth.

    Entry requirement for international learners:
  • Learners should have obtained Diploma in Commerce (Financial Accounting/Management Accounting)/Diploma in Business Studies (Accounting) from TAR College or other equivalent qualifications.

    New Zealand: New South Wales: TAFE Advanced Diploma of Accounting:
  • This qualification aims to broaden accounting knowledge and enhance career prospects.
  • Both manual and computerised accounting processes are studied, as well as how to create summaries of financial transactions of a business, produce and analyse financial reports, prepare tax returns and develop business plans, process complex tax returns and lodgements, corporate financial reports and corporate governance.

    The syllabus includes:
  • Auditing.
  • Financial Management.
  • Management Accounting.
  • Taxation.
  • Commercial and Company Law.

    Conclusion:
    The above-mentioned qualifications compare favourably with the Advanced Diploma: Accounting in terms of the course content, viz., Financial Management, Management Accounting and Taxation. The entry requirements are similar. Thus, the Advanced Diploma: Accounting is at a level and context similar to that of the given international qualifications. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers the following horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Accounting, Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce degree majoring in Financial Accounting, Management Accounting and Financial Management, Taxation and Auditing or Internal Auditing, Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting, 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.
     
    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.