SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Advanced Diploma in Internal Auditing

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
111278	Advanced Diploma in Internal Auditing
ORIGINATOR
Vaal University of Technology
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	2019-08-23	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 Advanced Diploma in Internal Auditing offers learners the opportunity to gain scientific knowledge, insight, analytical skills and practical experience to ensure that they are competent to perform in an Internal Auditing function in an organisation. The purpose of the qualification is to provide the learner with a deep and systemic understanding of current thinking practice, theory and methodology followed in internal auditing through a curriculum that is based on the competencies required by the Institute of Internal Auditing. The qualification equips qualifying learners with advanced knowledge, skills and competencies in Internal auditing, Financial accounting, Cost and Management accounting, Information systems auditing, and Business communication. It also equips learners with research knowledge and skills to enable them to investigate internal auditing problems and prepare them for further studies. A further purpose of the qualification is the development of employable Internal Auditors and Financial Accountants to address the critical shortage in industry and to align with the national development plan of South Africa.

Rationale:
The qualification is offered as a vertical progression for the Diploma in Internal Auditing to learners who wish to further their studies. The qualification is aligned with the IIA Inc. Competency Framework to ensure that it meets the requirements of industry and that it contributes to the employability of qualifying learners. This framework is globally acknowledged in more than 120 countries. Qualifying learners will be able to register with the Institute of Internal Auditors for the Internal Audit Technician Professional Training Program.

The teaching, learning, assessment, and research approach in this qualification addresses industry, social, economic and community needs of South Africa through applied approaches where the learner is actively and inter-actively involved in the learning process. The qualification is designed to give specialised knowledge in a disciplined field of study which needs specific skills and applied competences that provide opportunities for continued intellectual growth.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The qualification may be granted, according to policies governing higher education, to learners who have acquired the skills and knowledge without attending formal courses provided they can demonstrate competence in the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification as required by the fundamental, core and elective areas stipulated in the Qualification and Exit Level Outcomes.

An RPL process may also be used to credit learners with credits in which they have developed the necessary competency because of workplace and work-integrated learning.

Learners applying for RPL will be thoroughly briefed prior to assessment and may be required to submit a portfolio or evidence in the prescribed format to be accessed for formal recognition.

The details of the Faculty RPL policy are as follows, presuming prior accredited learning has taken place:
> Learner applies for RPL against module, or part/full qualification at the relevant department (Head of Department-HOD).
> An exemption form is completed for the RPL of modules or part/full qualification.
> Credits are awarded for relevant, approved prior learning (RPL).
> Only then may the prospective learner may continue with full registration.

The institution will use the principles of RPL to assess two broad kinds of prior learning for credit:

Recognition of prior accredited learning. (Formal RPL) The current qualification can be successfully completed through recognition of unit standards, modules or qualifications obtained at accredited institutions.

Recognition of prior experiential learning. (Work experience, Informal, Non-formal) Recognition of prior experiential learning (work experience) is based on the principle of matching previous learning with the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification and by this means," translating' the prior learning into the "levels and credits' of the qualification framework in the formal system. This refers to learning acquired in an 'uncredentialled' context, such as through work experience or through life experience.

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

Diploma in Internal Auditing, NQF Level 6 with Financial Accounting and Internal Auditing, 360 Credits.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at Level 7 totalling 130 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 130 Credits:

Advanced Internal Auditing Module 1, 15 Credits.

Advanced Financial Accounting Module 1, 15 Credits.

Advanced Management Accounting Module 1, 15 Credits.

Research Methodology in Internal Auditing, 15 Credits.

Advanced Internal Auditing Module 2, 15 Credits.

Advanced Financial Accounting Module 2, 15 Credits.

Advanced Management Accounting Module 2, 15 Credits.

Advanced Business Communication for Internal Auditors, 10 Credits.

Advanced Information Systems Auditing, 15 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate understanding of the business environment and the role of internal auditors in risk management, governance and control processes.
2. Apply internal audit methodology to perform internal audit and associated roles.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in in effective communication skills for interviewing, facilitating processes, and doing presentations.
4. Demonstrate research knowledge and skills to define and investigate broadly defined internal auditing problems.
5. Apply interdisciplinary based information to solve internal auditing, financial accounting and management accounting problems.
6. Practice the ethics pertinent to an independent auditor.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Analyse, evaluate and recommend improvements to risk management, control and governance processes.

Demonstrate understanding of the business environment and the role of the internal auditor in enterprise risk management.

Demonstrate the ability to facilitate control self-assessment of a business unit or process.

Demonstrate understanding of the business legislative environment and its influence on the role of the internal auditor.

Illustrate an in-depth understanding of how Information System risk controls, Information System Networks, Telecommunications, and E-business affect organisations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Apply the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) in managing the internal auditing activity.

Apply internal auditing methodology in performing operational audits and public sector auditing.

Apply the International Internal Auditing Standards in reporting audit findings.

Apply internal auditing methodology and effective communication skills in reporting audit findings.

Assess and select appropriate theories, practices and methodologies that are critical to produce an IS audit report.

Determine and recommend appropriate Computer Assisted Audit Techniques (CAATs) for various scenarios.

Apply forensic auditing techniques to evaluate potential fraud areas.

Evaluate planning methodologies and procedures for conducting comprehensive and thorough Information System audits.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Apply the International Internal Auditing Standards in reporting audit findings.

Apply internal auditing methodology and effective communication skills in reporting audit findings.

Compose effective business letters and memos.

Explain the role of interpersonal and group communication in the business environment.

Plan, propose and write reports.

Make public presentations.

Write job resumes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Identify and analyse a research problem.

Identify and recommend one of the several types of literature reviews available to a researcher.

Discuss the literature review process.

Formulate a research question and/or hypothesis.

Choose and justify a specific research process.

Discuss and recommend the various sampling methods available to a researcher.

Discuss the various data collection methods and recommend an appropriate collection method to a researcher.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Critically analyse and provide recommendations to improve the operations of organisations through the application of management accounting techniques in decision making.

Demonstrate mastery of costing systems, cost management systems, budgeting systems and performance measurement systems in decision making.

Demonstrate the need for a balance between financial and non-financial information in decision making, control and performance evaluation applications of management accounting.

Evaluate the costs and benefits of different conventional and contemporary costing systems in decision making.

Prepare operational and strategic budgets.

Apply strategic performance measurement systems.

Analyse and apply advanced Management Accounting control systems.

Explain and calculate material mix and yield and sales mix and quantity variances.

Explain and calculate planning and operating variances.

Explain the factors that influence the decision to investigate a variance and describe the different; methods that can be used to determine whether an investigation is warranted.

Explain the role of standard costing within an ABC system.

Discuss the various strategic cost management techniques.

Discuss strategies to achieve sustainable competitive advantage.

Describe the four perspectives of the balanced scorecard.

Demonstrate understanding of the requirements of the Conceptual Framework and Companies Act in terms of preparation and presentation of financial statements.

Understand and apply advanced knowledge in terms of recognition, measurement and disclosure of revenue from contracts from customers.

Understand and apply the principles and disclosure of deferred taxes.

Understand and apply the principles related to PPE, impairment of assets, intangible assets and non-current assets held for sale.

Apply the principles and requirements related to accounting policy changes, errors and accounting estimates.

Apply the principles related to provisions, contingencies and events after reporting date.

Prepare and present complex consolidated financial statements.

Account and report for all types of joint ventures and associates.

Apply the knowledge gained in terms of financial instruments.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Apply the IPPF in managing the internal auditing activity.

Apply the International Internal Auditing Standards in reporting audit findings.

Discuss the various sampling methods available to a researcher and recommend a suitable method.

Discuss the various data collection methods and recommend an appropriate collection method to a researcher.

Integrated Assessment:
Learning outcomes are assessed on a continuous basis by means of assignments, class tests, semester tests and presentations (formative assessment), culminating in Summative Assessments (written examinations).

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Although this qualification is unique as it specialises in internal auditing at undergraduate level, its alignment with the IIA Inc. Competency Framework ensures that this qualification is internationally comparable to most qualifications on the same level. In other countries there are general commerce undergraduate qualifications that include both financial accounting and auditing modules, and qualifying learners can then specialise in internal auditing at Postgraduate level.

Box Hill Institute in Australia offers the 3-year Bachelor of Commerce (Applied) qualification that is accredited at Level 7 of the Australian Qualification Framework. The Australian Qualification Framework is comparable to the South African National Qualifications Framework. Successful learners of the Bachelor of Commerce (Applied) can articulate to an Honours Degree at Level 8, while successful learners of the Advanced Diploma in Internal Auditing can articulate to a Postgraduate Diploma or Honours Degree, also at Level 8.

Modules included: Management Accounting, Accounting theory, Financial Accounting, Company law, Corporate Accounting, Taxation law, Auditing, Business Finance, Business information systems, Microeconomics, Marketing law, Business ethics, Accounting for decision making, Business communication, Business statistics, Fundamentals of marketing, Macroeconomics, Introduction to management, Organisational behaviour, Introduction to business law, Entrepreneurship and innovation and Leadership.

Workplace internship project, International business economics, International business management, International banking and finance, International marketing, Issues in International law, International business Strategy, Perspectives on Asia and Pacific culture and business.

MAPS College in the Maldives offers and Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Business, together with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

Compulsory modules:
Professional Ethics, Corporate and Business Law, Performance Management, Taxation, Financial Reporting Audit and Assurance, and Financial Management.

The purpose of the qualification is to develop accounting knowledge and skills as well as professional values to enable learners to builds a successful career as a finance professional in any sector.

Hong Kong University School of Professional and Continuing Education offers and Advanced Diploma in accounting.

Compulsory modules:
Basic Accounting, Legal Framework of Business, Business communication, Business Economics, Management Information systems, Financial Accounting, Business Management, Management Accounting, Auditing, Financial Management and Hong Kong taxation.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Bachelor of Internal Auditing, Level 7.

Advanced Diploma in Internal Auditing, Level 7.

Bachelor of Accounting Sciences in Internal Auditing, Level 7.

Vertical Articulation:

Postgraduate Diploma in Internal Auditing, Level 8.

Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Internal Auditing, 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.

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