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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Public Finance 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110079  Advanced Diploma in Public Finance 
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  2019-07-25  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 this qualification is to offer an intensive, focused and applied specialisation which meets the requirements of a senior financial official specific to the public sector, public entities and in any relevant institutions in the labour market. The learner will have knowledge of an in-depth and systematic understanding of current thinking, practice, theory and methodology in public finance law, auditing, public finance management, professional standards and ethics, research, and office practice and interpersonal relations. The modules in the programme form part of the theoretical knowledge and skills needed by a learner to meet the minimum requirements identified by Government.

Rationale:
The public-sector finance environment of today differs from the private accounting environment because it requires more than only technical skills. As a result, there is an increased need for skilled people in senior financial positions in the three different spheres of government. These changes have brought new challenges to higher education.

The development of this qualification is in line with the government policies to provide the necessary professional career paths for the learners in the Public-Sector Finance domain. Qualified and competent financial managers in the public sector have a direct influence on the effective and efficient delivery of public services to the citizens of a country, through the efficient management and accounting for public financial resources. The typical learner that will enrol for this qualification include learners interested in the academic fields of accounting, financial management and auditing that seeks to contribute to their communities through efficient and effective government services or employees that work in the Public Sector Finance sphere.

The qualifying learner will be able to function independently in a modern economy, and apply competencies acquired during their learning experience. The qualifying learners will be presented with the opportunity to proceed vertically towards a Postgraduate Diploma, Master's and Doctoral or apply for entrance to a professional Degree.

Learners holding the qualification can work in any of the financial areas in the three different spheres of government. (National, Provincial and Local Government). The financial areas include all functionalities available (junior as well as senior levels) in the financial directorates of government.

This qualification will be a competency based that will focus on theory and practical skills. The skills obtained in the different levels will correspond with the skills required by Government as indicated in National Treasury Competency framework and the Professional body: Charted Institute of Government Finance, Audit and Risk Officers (CIGFARO) previous know as Institute for Municipal Financial Officers (IMFO). 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Learners who do not meet the entry requirements (National Qualifications Framework (NQF) 6 or relevant qualification) may gain admission through recognition of prior learning. In addition, learners may apply for exemption from certain modules on grounds of prior qualifications and/or study completed. In all cases, recognition will be considered under the conditions of the institutions policies.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement is:
  • National Diploma: Government Finance or a 360 Credits Diploma in Public Finance or relevant equivalent qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7, totalling 120 Credits.
    Compulsory Modules:
  • Work Integrated Learning (WIL) in Public Finance (simulation) IV, 20 Credits.
  • Public Financial Law IV, 20 Credits.
  • Auditing IVA, 12 Credits.
  • Auditing IVB, 12 Credits.
  • Public Finance Management IV, 20 Credits.
  • Professional Standards and Ethics in Public Sector IV, 12 Credits.
  • Office practice and Interpersonal Relations IV, 12 Credits.
  • Research Principles in Public Finance IV, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate integrated knowledge of public finance laws, auditing and risk management, public finance management and research including an understanding of and the ability to apply and evaluate the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules, theories and detailed knowledge of the area of public finance and how that knowledge relates to the field of business studies.
    2. Investigate, identify, select, analyse and apply a range of methods of enquiry to resolve problems or introduce change in public finance management, public finance law, auditing, office practice, ethics and professional standards and research in public finance in the field of business studies.
    3. Identify, analyse, evaluate, critically reflect on and address complex problems, applying evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments in public finance management, auditing, research and public finance law appropriate to the field of business studies.
    4. Take decisions and act ethically and professionally and the ability to justify those decisions and actions drawing on appropriate professional standards and ethical guidelines within an area of accounting in the field of business studies.
    5. Develop appropriate processes of information gathering for the area of public finance and the ability to independently validate, evaluate and manage the information.
    6. Develop and communicate one's own ideas and opinions in well-informed arguments, using reporting procedures in the area of public finance domain appropriate to the field of business studies.
    7. Interpret financial and non-financial information within public finance, recognising ethics and risks and predict future risks and financial concerns.
    8. Identify, evaluate and address one's own learning needs in a self-directed manner, and to facilitate collaborative learning processes in relation to LGSETA, CIGFARO and NT.
    9. Take full responsibility for one's own work, decision-making and use of resources, and limited accountability for the decisions and actions of others in varied or ill-defined contexts. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
    Discuss concepts and principles applicable to office practice and risk management Apply basic office practice principles on a given scenario.
  • Apply basic office principles on a given scenario.
  • Apply basic research theory and practices in the public sector.
  • Apply detailed knowledge of complex audit principles in the area of public finance.
  • Apply comprehensive knowledge to identify risks, reporting line and rating thereof.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of Public Finance Law and Public Finance management to address complexed situations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Compile the Public Finance management reports by selecting and applying appropriate methods, procedures and techniques.
  • Execute appropriate methods and procedures when applying the audit processes.
  • Exercise professional standards when applying public finance law during the decision-making process.
  • Apply office practice knowledge, methods and procedures that contribute to motivated employees.
  • Demonstrate thorough level of legislation knowledge when complex problems should be addressed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Identify, analyse, interpret and critically reflect on Public Finance management aspects on complex problems and applying evidence based solutions.
  • Demonstrate Theory-driven arguments when critically reflecting on public finance laws to address complex problems.
  • Utilise research methodologies when complex problems are researched.
  • Use a range of specialised skills when doing a complete audit (forensic, computer, etc.) and identify risks.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Demonstrate decisions taken based on ethical and professional standards.
  • Justify decisions and action taken.
  • Apply suitable communication process when unethical behaviour.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Demonstrate appropriate use of processes of information gathering for a given context.
  • Independently validate the source of information, evaluation and management thereof.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Utilise well-informed arguments, using appropriate academic, and professional discourse in the area of public finance domain.
  • Develop personal ideas and opinions that lead to well-informed arguments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Demonstrate managing of processes in unfamiliar and variable contexts, recognising that problem solving is contextualised and system-bound and does not occur in isolation.
  • Take informed actions when future risks and financial performance are to be predicted.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Identify, evaluate and address personal learning needs in a self-directed manner.
  • Self-facilitate own personal collaborative learning processes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Demonstrate ability to take full responsibility for own work, decision-making and use of resources.
  • Demonstrate limited accountability for the decisions and actions of others in varied or ill-defined contexts.

    Integrated Assessment:
    For the assessment strategy in its entirety, evidence must be demonstrated through a variety of options which can include formative assessment such as class tests, case studies, problem solving assignments, projects and practical exercises. Learners will be required to compile a portfolio of evidence.

    Summative Assessment will be continuous assessments that are competency based.
    Integrated assessment will measure applied competence. It will assess whether learners are able to recognise, identify and assess internal and external factors that influence the public finance environment (practical competence), understand the theoretical and practical public finance and managerial principles (foundational competence) and apply these principles in order to make economic and managerial decisions (reflective competence). 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Similar qualifications are available internationally.
    The professional body CIPFA (The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accounting) in the United Kingdom offers the Advanced Diploma in Public Finance with the following modules:
  • Governance.
  • Public Policy and Ethics.
  • Strategy and policy development.
  • Company Financial Reporting.
  • Strategic Public Finance and case study.
    Most of the Financial Accounting standards focus on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) while the Public Finance and accounting subjects are bases on the International Public-Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). The Generally Recognised Accounting Standards (GRAP) used by the South African public sector are based on IPSAS. Articulation to these qualifications will not be easy due to the differences in policies, legislations, financial reporting applied by the different countries.

    The University of London offers as part of their International Qualifications a Public Financial Management Master of Science (MSc). The MSc in Public Financial Management is a preparation for making financial decisions and designing and operating financial systems for collecting, spending and accounting for public expenditure. The MSc qualification will focus on decisions about investment projects and provide skills and knowledge in budgeting, revenue policy, financial reporting and audit, compliance, or where financial matters take a central position in policy, such as in public - private partnership or fiscal decentralisation. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification offers the following horizontal and vertical articulation opportunities.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Finance, Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Public Finance Management, 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) 


    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.