SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Bachelor of Commerce in Accountancy

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
110823	Bachelor of Commerce in Accountancy
ORIGINATOR
University of Limpopo
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	2019-08-08	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 replaces:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
81891	Bachelor of Commerce in Accountancy	Level 6	NQF Level 07	360	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The Bachelor of Commerce in Accountancy aims to equip learners with strong mastery of financial accounting, management accounting and finance, auditing and taxation in a manner that prepares them to be responsible social citizens to contribute toward managerial, accounting and finance positions in the Republic. Furthermore, this qualification prepares the learners for national and international professional qualification in accounting and to Postgraduate research qualifications.

Rationale:
The rationale for this qualification is to produce learners with competence in theoretical and practical knowledge of accountancy-with critical and analytical thinking to prepare and interpret financial records relevant to the competency framework of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), the South African Institute of Public Accountants (SAIPA), the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and the Association of Certified Chartered Accountant (ACCA) and the need of national and international labour market.

The National Development Plan 2030 seeks to provide an economy that provides more jobs, as well as providing initiatives to prevent and fight corruption. In order to advance the economy and accelerate development, South Africa requires knowledgeable, ethical and skilled accountants, financiers, auditors and taxation professionals to lead the country. The cadre of skilled professionals in accountancy and business practices are required to adequately equip the public sector such as municipalities, to ensure financial wellness in service delivery. Competent accountants and auditors will also be required in the private sector the small, micro and medium enterprise sector as well as in the corporate and global environment. Qualifying learners of the qualification will find employment in a variety of sectors such as those mentioned above, in managerial positions, as well as being able to contribute to society by setting up their own businesses and through entrepreneurial initiatives. The qualification will produce qualifying learners with competence in theoretical and practical knowledge of accountancy - with critical and analytical thinking to prepare and interpret financial records relevant to the competency framework of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), the South African Institute of Public Accountants (SAIPA), the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and the Association of Certified Chartered Accountant (ACCA) and the need of national and international labour market.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
In order to advance the objectives of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), the institution uses RPL to facilitate access to, and mobility and progression within education and training career paths, and accelerate the redress of past unfair discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities. In alignment with the institution's RPL policy, learners can be admitted into the qualification via RPL.

The Institution also uses a credit accumulation and transfer system in order to allow a learner advanced standing within the qualification in alignment with the institution's rules.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

National Senior Certificate, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4, granting access to bachelor studies.
Or

National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4, granting access to bachelor studies.
Or

Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5, 6, and 7 totalling 368 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5:120 Credits:

Accounting IA, 12 Credits.

Business English IA, 12 Credits.

General Microeconomics and South African Economics Issues IA, 12 Credits.

Business Calculation and Statistics IA, 12 Credits.

Business Information Systems IA, 12 Credits.

Accounting IB, 12 Credits.

Business English IB, 12 Credits.

Microeconomic Principles and Macroeconomics IB, 12 Credits.

Business Calculation and Statistics IB, 12 Credits.

Business Information System 1B, 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 120 Credits:

Accounting IIA, 12 Credits.

Management Accounting and Finance IIA, 12 Credits.

Business Ethics IIA, 12 Credits.

Commercial and Company Law IIA, 12 Credits.

Taxation IIA, 12 Credits.

Accounting IIB, 12 Credits.

Management Accounting and Finance IIB, 12 Credits.

Auditing IIB, 12 Credits.

Commercial and Company Law IIB, 12 Credits.

Business Management and Strategy IIB, 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 128 Credits:

Accounting IIIA, 16 Credits.

Management Accounting and Finance IIIA, 16 Credits.

Auditing IIIA, 16 Credits.

Taxation IIIA, 16 Credits.

Accounting IIIB, 16 Credits.

Management Accounting and Finance IIIB, 16 Credits.

Auditing IIIB, 16 Credits.

Taxation IIIB, 16 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Integrated knowledge of accounting principles is used in a commerce environment, to function competently in management, operational or finance positions in the government, public or private sector.
2. Appropriate accounting methodologies and techniques are used to prepare reports and offer an opinion on practice.
3. New developments in accounting are kept abreast of and integrated into their accounting practice.
4. Analytical skills are applied in solving existing business problems.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Describe the core principles and theories of the commerce field using correct terminologies.

Discuss the functioning of various management, financial and operational entities.

Integrate accounting principles, theories and methodologies to indicate understanding of this specialised field, specifically in financial reporting, auditing, taxation and strategic business management.

Offer advice and assist in relevant decision making using appropriate methodology and reflection.

Work independently to critically and confidently give an opinion on accounting principles used in various business contexts.

Understand the nature of team work to ensure the success of a business enterprise.

Apply ethics and sound business practices to business practice contexts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Use appropriate and ethical methods to gather data and information in accounting practices.

Select appropriate methodologies and techniques to process, analyse and evaluate data and information.

Discuss various computer technologies and programmes that are used in accounting practices to provide business solutions.

Prepare reports in adherence to generally accepted accounting principles and the international reporting standards.

Analyse reports and information to provide an informed decision of accounting practices.

Apply evidence-based solutions and theories, to provide argument in problem-solving contexts.

Communicate confidently using appropriate discourse in accounting practices.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Understanding that business and accounting practices and theories constantly change and require a need for life-long learning is demonstrated.

Source new information from a variety of resources such as newspapers, journals, e-resources.

Critique new developments in context of different accounting situations and provide advice on how the developments should be applied to accounting practices.

Apply new developments into accounting practices.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Use basic and elementary modes of inquiry in Accountancy to assess contextual problems in accounting practices.

Assess problems in an integrated manner by clearly showing that problems do not exist in isolation, but as a complex set of systems.

Using appropriate argument, and suggest practical solutions to problems.

Propose a strategy to solve a problem in accounting practice.

Suggest appropriate monitoring actions to ensure that the actions to a solution are achieved.

Outline a management strategy to avoid future risks and threats to a problem.

Integrated Assessment:
Learning and assessment are integrated throughout this qualification. Continuous formative assessment is required to ensure that learners get feedback on their progress towards the achievement of specific learning outcomes. Assignments designed to meet the requirements of integrated assessment are such as to achieve: An integration of the achievement of Exit-Level Outcomes in a way that demonstrates that the purpose of the qualification as a whole has been achieved, either in to or in the component parts of the programme of study; Evaluation of learner performance to demonstrate applied competence and Criterion-referenced assessment, which is clearly explained to and understood by the learners and that can be applied in the Recognition of Prior Learning.

Summative assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning in relation to the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. Such judgement includes integrated assessment which assesses the learner's ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, competencies and attitudes that are represented by the Exit-Level Outcomes, either as a whole or as components of the qualification.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Curtin University in Australia, offers a three-year Bachelor of Commerce qualification with a major in Accountancy. The accounting major is designed to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of, and competencies in, accounting and associated fields of auditing, taxation, business law and financial management. It equips learners for a professional accounting career in commerce, industry, government or public practice. The qualification starts with general commercial subjects such as Economics and Business. Learners then progress in their studies and may select a single or double major. By selecting a double major in Accounting and Accounting Technologies the qualifications have a similar focus and outcome. Learners in both qualifications articulate to a Bachelor Honours qualification.

The University of Auckland in New Zealand offers a three-year Bachelor of Commerce qualification with one of the major subjects being accountancy. The qualification is taken as a double major whereby learners choose an elective to complement their accountancy major. The first year core subjects will provide a strong base from which to launch the chosen major or majors. The Degree equips students with strong communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills. Qualifying learners of the qualification may articulate to a Bachelor of Commerce Honours qualification within the accountancy discipline.

At the University of Malta, Malta, learners with a matric school leaving certificate with a required point score may be granted admission to a three-year Bachelor of Commerce (Accountancy) qualification. The outcomes of the qualification provide qualifying learners with a deep and broad understanding of the two areas of study, as well as conceptual skills and the analytical approach to solve problems. The qualification is structured with the first year including Economics, Statistics, Law and Accounting theory, amongst others. The second year includes more depth in business practice, Quantitative analysis and Operations research and provides learners with electives such as Economics or Policy development, whilst the third year provides focus in accounting topics and those related to these such as taxation.

Learners may articulate to a Bachelor of Commerce Honours qualification. The outcomes, structure and focus of this qualification compares well with that of the Institution's qualification.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management, NQF Level 7.

Bachelor of Commerce in Economics, NQF Level 7.

Vertical Articulation:

Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Accountancy, Level 8.

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.

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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.

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