SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Advanced Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
111441	Advanced Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting
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 Cost and Management Accounting will offer learners an opportunity to gain scientific knowledge, insight, analytical skills and practical experience to ensure that they are competent to perform in a Management Accounting function in an organisation to contribute to the success of the organisation and ensure its survival in a competitive business environment. The qualification will assist learners in the planning function to ensure the effective utilisation of resources.

This qualification also prepares learners to gain in-depth knowledge into the role of the management accountant in ensuring the organisation survives in a competitive business environment. The qualification will assist candidates in the planning function to ensure the effective utilisation of resources.

Rationale:
The Advanced Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting was aligned with qualifications from other institutions and the curriculum is aligned with the standards advocated by the professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) and the South African Institute of Business Accountants (SAIBA).

With the phasing out of the Bachelor of Technology (B Tech) qualifications at Universities of Technology, it was necessary to open articulation possibilities into the Master's Degree to enable learners to continue their education and to promote life-long learning. The first step towards this was the development of the Advanced Diploma.

It focuses on the development of employable Cost and Management Accountants and Financial Accountants to address the critical shortage in industry and to address the socio-economic needs of South Africa. This qualification will target learners from all provinces in South Africa as well as international learners who will register with the institution to further their education.

Consideration was also given to the development of employable Cost and Management Accountants and Financial Accountants to address the critical shortage in industry and to address the socio-economic needs of South Africa. Individual modules have been coherently planned with this in mind.

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 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:
> A 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 learning outcomes of a target 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:

A 360-Credit Diploma in Cost and Management, NQF Level 6.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits:

Advanced Management Accounting Module 1, 15 Credits.

Advanced Financial Accounting Module 1, 15 Credits.

Financial Management, 15 Credits.

Systems and Project Management Module 1, 15 Credits.

Advanced Management Accounting Module 2, 15 Credits.

Advanced Financial Accounting Module 2, 15 Credits.

Systems and Project Management Module 2, 15 Credits.

Research Methodology, 15 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the dynamics of cost and management accounting methodologies within the field.
2. Contribute towards the growth and strategic development of an organisation through effective planning and control of resources.
3. Perform individually, and within a team in a management accounting function.
4. Work independently (project and research) and demonstrate a high level of personal autonomy and accountability.
5. Assume leadership (supervisory) role within an organisation.
6. Demonstrate competencies in business research methods.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

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

Distinguish between financial and non-financial information in decision making, control and performance evaluation applications in budgeting and standard setting.

Evaluate the costs and benefits of different conventional and contemporary budgeting systems.

Deal with the proper acquisition, allocation and control of financial resources in the business organisation.

Ensure adequate returns to shareholders and optimum utilisation of funds.

Provide effective and efficient financial management services and guidance to business organisations.

Compile financial management reports and perform a supportive role in financial issues within the organisation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Evaluate, plan and develop strategic cost and management accounting approaches.

Demonstrate mastery of budgeting systems and 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 Activity-Based Costing (ABC) system.

Discuss the various strategic cost management techniques.

Discuss strategies to achieve sustainable competitive advantage.

Describe the four perspectives of the balanced scorecard.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

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

Apply the principles related to provisions, contingencies and events.

Prepare and present complex consolidated financial statements.

Compile accounts and reports for all types of joint ventures.

Apply the knowledge gained in terms of financial instruments.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Discuss and apply the concepts involved in managing projects.

Apply tools and techniques for project managers.

Discuss management and leadership issues associated with projects, including the roles of key players in projects.

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

Understand and apply 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 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), impairment of assets, intangible assets and non-current assets held for sale.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Perform a supportive role in financial issues within the organisation.

Manage technology and information.

Demonstrate the purpose of the technology and information function and its relationship with other parts of the organisation.

Explain how information systems support the organisation's strategies and operations.

Discuss the role of information systems in organisational strategy.

Evaluate the information systems requirements for successful strategic implementation.

Evaluate the opportunities for the use of Information Technology (IT) and Information Systems (IS) for the organisation, including Big Data.

Evaluate the impact of IT/IS on an organisation and its strategy.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

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.

Formulating a research question and/or hypothesis.

Choose and justify a specific research process.

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

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

Integrated Assessment:
Exit Level 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

The following international qualifications were identified for the comparability study:
In the United Kingdom, the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) offers an Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting. On completion:

Learners should be able to use data and relevant technology to: manage organisational and individual performance.

Translate long-term decisions into medium-term plans; allocate resources to implement decisions.

Monitor and report implementation of decisions; provide feedback up and down the organisation.

Prepare and interpret financial statements to show the performance, position and prospects of their organisations.

In Canada, Centennial College offers a Strategic Management - Accounting qualification. Upon qualifying learners will be:

Develop mastery of the body of knowledge required to be successful in pursuing a range of certifications in accounting (i.e. CGA level 4). Demonstrate the ability to share ideas, perform research, and to conduct business transactions using the internet professionally and effectively. Integrate ethical standards and professional conduct with decision-making and professional practice.

Plan and participate in e-commerce applications and solutions.

Process and analyse the full range of business transactions and generate appropriate management information by combining financial and management accounting, auditing, and tax skills with current software platforms.

Articulate the business model of the firm to subordinates, team members, and other stakeholders in the area of operations.

Contribute to the formulation of the firm's emergent business strategies relative to the implementation experiences in area of operations, of competitors' actions, and of nascent market opportunities.

Utilise the firm's management information system in the execution of daily tasks and to participate effectively in business process mapping initiatives for the purposes of improving and reconfiguring the system.

Support the functions of business management through the competent performance of a variety of related tasks.

Synthesise insights gained across all business disciplines in order to re-examine mental models and conventional ways of managing people and processes, through the utilisation of sound judgement under conditions of risk and uncertainty.

Conduct independent research in the field of strategic management and related disciplinary areas.

Show precisely how the business model is being implemented to support the goals and objectives of the firm.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Bachelor of Commerce in Cost and Management Accounting, NQF Level 7.

Vertical Articulation:

Postgraduate Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting, 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.

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