SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Advanced Diploma in Accounting

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
111973	Advanced Diploma in Accounting
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
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	2019-09-03	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 Accounting will provide an opportunity for employed qualifying learners to gain more in-depth knowledge in the field of Accounting.

The business environment of today and more specifically the accounting environment require more than only technical skills but also other vocational skills. Therefore, offering a Diploma in Accounting alone would not be sufficient to cater for these needs as the Diploma's focus is on producing accounting technicians. The Advanced Diploma in Accounting is better positioned to address further industrial needs and is designed to provide learners with the knowledge and skills in the areas of accounting, law and taxation to perform accounting roles as well as comprehensive theoretical knowledge.

The minutes of the advisory board clearly stated that, the Advanced Diploma in Accounting aims at offering an intensive focused and applied specialised Financial Accounting, Financial Management, Law and Taxation with emphasis on research principles in Accounting that will assist the qualifying learner to be better positioned to perform, research and provide solutions to problems at a higher level of accounting professionals than just a mere technician.

The objectives of Advanced Diploma in Accounting enables learners to be trained in managing budgets and forecasts, preparing financial reports and tax returns and evaluating financial risk for companies.

The Advanced Diploma will be based on a theory and practical component to ensure the formative development of the foundational, practical and reflexive competencies of learners. The qualification will provide learners with theoretical as well as practical skills they need to work in finance and accountancy environment. The qualification will enable learners to exercise these competencies at a professional level.

Rationale:
At present, qualifying learners of the existing National Diploma: Accounting can articulate to a Bachelor of Technology qualification which will seize to exist. This Advanced Diploma in Accounting will provide them with such an opportunity. The business environment of today and more specifically, the accounting environment requires more than only technical skills. This increase is as a result of global competition, continued development in technology and broader access to information and knowledge. These changes have brought new challenges not only to the accounting environment but also to accounting education.

In consultation with the Institute of Accounting and Commerce (IAC), South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA), South African Institute of Tax (SAIT) and Association of Accounting Technicians of South Africa (AAT (SA)) through the advisory committee decided that the qualification will target the following potential learners. Learners with an appropriate National Diploma, Diploma or a Bachelor's Degree in the relevant field. The development of this qualification is in line with government policies to provide the necessary professional career paths for learners in the accounting profession. It is also in line with the institution's strategic goals in that it prepares diverse learners for rewarding careers and responsible citizens by providing a learner-centred learning experience.

Learners qualifying can work in all sectors of the economy in several positions, including as an accounting professional and tax consultant. Many learners may progress to become more senior in the accounting field and move on to areas such as financial controller and accounts manager. This qualification will alleviate the shortage of accounting professionals nationally. Research by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) estimates that South Africa's accounting and auditing sector needs over 22 000 qualified accountants. Therefore, providing accounting and finance learners with a body of knowledge will increase their employment opportunities and prepare them for careers as professional accountants, e.g. financial accountants, management accountants and taxation accountants.

On completion of the qualification, learners who wish to improve their skills can proceed to the Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Access to this qualification will also be through Recognition of Prior Learning. Learners who do not meet the entry requirements may gain admission through Recognition of prior learning. In all cases, recognition will be considered under the conditions of the institutions' policies and approval as per institutional policy, credits towards this qualification may be obtained by means of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). It is the policy of the institution to assess for Recognition of Prior Learning and Status (RES) in accordance with statuary requirements in order to promote access to higher education and in particular to accelerate the redress of past unfair discrimination.

Where the learner does not meet the stated requirements but wishes to be admitted to this qualification on the basis of RPL, the learner will be required to furnish evidence of exceptional experience, depth and scope before his/her application is considered.

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

National Diploma: Accounting, NQF Level 6.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

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

Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits:

Financial Reporting IV A, 12 Credits.

Financial Reporting IV B, 12 Credits.

Corporate Law III, 12 Credits.

Taxation III A, 12 Credits.

Taxation III B, 12 Credits.

WIL in Accounting IV (Simulation), 12 Credits.

Professional Standards and Ethics, 12 Credits.

Financial Management IIIA, 12 Credits.

Financial Management IIIB, 12 Credits.

Research Principles in Accounting IV, 12 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Identify, select, analyse and implement International Financial Reporting Standards [IFRS] to prepare individual or group financial statements.
2. Identify, analyse and interpret financial statements using different techniques to reflect and address complex problems critically.
3. Evaluate, identify, analyse and monitor accounting systems and information to make ethical, professional, justifiable suggestions for improving performance in financial reporting.
4. Prepare budgets and income and expenditure forecast and performance reports for management.
5. Identify, interpret, discuss, apply and communicate the tax law and its implications for incorporated/unincorporated businesses.
6. Implement and apply theories, research methodologies, methods and techniques to solve problems in the field of accounting and taxation.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Identify and analyse individual and group financial statements that comply with IFRS from a given business scenario.

Analyse individual and group financial statements for compliance with IFRS.

Select and analyse individual and group financial statements for decision-making.

Analyse and implement principles of financial reporting in an accounting field.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Identify different techniques for analysing the financial statement.

Calculate ratios for analysing financial statements.

Analyse and interpret the financial statement for indicators of liquidity, solvency, profitability and financial structure to make informed decisions.

Identify risks in the financial statements for decision making and suggestions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Explain and apply threads to compliance with fundamental principles in practical situations.

Identify fundamental principles regarding professional standards and code of conduct.

Displace and monitor accountability teamwork and commitment relevant to the workplace.

Analyse and interpret ethical policies relevant to the workplace.

Identify and explain professional bodies for accountants globally in locally, as well as their purposes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Prepare and present budgets and management reports.

Calculate, record and report on information necessary for effective cost management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Develop and use financial reports and the financial records independently.

Identify and apply Sections of the Income Tax Act to complete tax income and VAT returns.

Demonstrate the Income Tax Act and other statutes that are relevant to the application and interpretation of the business environment of the individual and corporate taxpayer.

Discuss and apply South African Tax cases and Interpretation Notes.

Develop and use appropriate processes of information gathering for given taxation and validate the financial records independently and evaluate and manage the information.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Identify, analyse and address the complex and abstract problems drawing from a systematical range of specialised skills in accounting and taxation environment.

Formulate and apply the research methodologies for concrete and abstract problems encountered by accounting and tax practitioners in the field of accounting.

Gather, synthesise, evaluate, manage and process creative responses to problems and issues in specialised financial accounting and taxation areas.

Identify, present and communicate creative insights, rigorous interpretations and solutions to problems and issues to appropriate accounting and taxation audience.

Integrated Assessment:
The assessment strategy as a whole, evidence must be demonstrated through a variety of options which can include formative assessment such as tests, case studies, problem solving assignments, projects and practical exercises. Learners will be required to compile a portfolio of learning materials.

Summative assessment will consist of written examinations.

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 accounting environment (practical competence), understand the theoretical and fundamental basis of accounting principles (foundational competence) and apply accounting principles in order to make economic decisions (reflective competence).

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

This qualification is comparable as far as outcomes, notional hours and level of difficulty to the following qualifications:
TAFE, Sydney, Western Australia.
The Advanced Diploma of Accounting develops the learners' practical skills and knowledge in accounting. It is part of the financial Services Training Package. Modules covered include those in the Diploma of Accounting, and learners will learn skills in complex tax returns and lodgements, complex financial reports and corporate governance activities. Learners will also learn to develop and use complex spreadsheets and conduct internal audits. Learners may also learn skills to develop an operational business plan or implement tax plans and evaluate tax compliance.

Learners in Advanced Diploma in Accounting will take the following modules:

Monitor corporate governance activities;

Apply economic principles to work in the financial services industry;

Interpret and use financial statistics and tools;

Electives: Prepare complex tax returns, audit and report on financial systems and records;

Comply with financial services legislation and industry codes of practice, Evaluate Financial risk.

Melbourne Australia:
The Advanced Diploma of Accounting helps learners gain the necessary skills to launch a career as an accounting professional. Specialisations may include taxation, financial or management accounting, financial management and auditing. The qualification consists of classroom-based teaching and simulated workplace learning. The major areas of study are in the field of taxation, auditing, banking and finance, budgeting, management accounting, business law, corporate accountability, corporate accounting, business statistics, economics, financial management and business mathematics. After completion of this qualification, students can work as financial consultant, cost/management accountant, tax agent and auditor.

Pacific College of Technology, Australia:
The Advanced Diploma of Accounting aims to provide learners with the knowledge, skills and attitude in Accounting accompanied by a broad range of relevant generic business and financial skills. This qualification is designed to reflect the role of employees who perform duties such as introducing and maintaining accounting systems, maintaining internal control systems, preparing financial statements for reporting entity, preparing tax returns, reporting business performance, managing small teams, developing business plans, and preparing management accounting reports.

The qualification also teaches learners, communication and people skills necessary to present reports, to be aware of the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees and to manage a team effectively. Learners will learn to assist senior accountants and undertake duties in a wide range of manual and computer-based accounting functions, including tax planning, financial modelling, internal and external auditing, financial planning management, personal financial planning and management of a team or department.

DIMENSIONS International College, Singapore.
The Advanced Diploma in Finance and Accounting is designed to enable learners to explore and demonstrate understanding in respect to the accounting and financial management underpinning the sophisticated business operation of enterprises. It aims to provide learners with an understanding of the complexity of the business world and equip them with skills and abilities in the finance and accounting division to successfully assist in the management of an organisation. It develops the knowledge necessary for positions within a business environment and creates awareness in the growing trends of the business industries targeting areas of finance, accounts, economics and strategic management.

The following modules includes: Financial Systems and Auditing, Corporate Finance, Human Resource Management, Legal Aspects in Business, Enterprise Operations, Intermediate Management Accounting, International Economics and Globalisation and Strategic Management.

Ngee Ann Polytechnic Singapore:
The Advanced Diploma in Accountancy as a qualification deepen the learner's professional knowledge and skills through structured on-the-job training in accounting, auditing and taxation. Learners benefit from career guidance and support given by a company assigned a mentor. They will attain industry-recognised certification through facilitated training.

Conclusion:
There is a great deal of similarity between the modules and learning content of these qualifications and those of the Advanced Diploma in Accounting. This implies that the Advanced Diploma in Accounting is internationally comparable.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Advanced Diploma in Accounting Sciences, NQF Level 7.

Advanced Diploma in Accountancy, NQF Level 7.

Advanced Diploma in Internal Auditing, NQF Level 7.

Advanced Diploma Cost and Management Accounting, NQF Level 7.

Vertical Articulation:

Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting, NQF Level 8.

Bachelor of Commerce Honours in 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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