SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
112688  Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting 
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate 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 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-10-30  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 the Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting is to develop the intellectual skills of learners in the analysis, interpretation and application of financial accounting; management accounting and financial management; auditing, governance and control and taxation principles and their ability to apply these intellectual skills in the workplace.

The qualification will equip learners to solve real-world business-related problems in the workplace and reflect on:
  • The application of accounting,
  • Management accounting and financial management,
  • Auditing,
  • Governance and control,
  • Taxation principles.
    Furthermore, the inclusion of professional ethics in the curriculum contributes to the delivery of learners who will be ethical business professionals.

    Rationale:
    Previously learners who met the admission requirements for the Bachelor of Accounting Honours (BAccHons) qualification as it was deemed the preferred qualification for learners articulating from a Bachelor of Accounting. However, it has become clear that not all learners are interested in the research component of the BAccHons qualification. Thus, the development of the Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDip (Accounting)) complies with all the SAICA requirements and does not include the research component.

    The objectives of the PGDip (Accounting) qualification enables learners in specific Accountancy-related fields qualify as Chartered Accountants (CA). Successful completion of the qualification is an admission requirement to professional examinations of SAICA. This professional designation is ideally suited for a financial and leadership role in among other things, commerce, industry, mining and the financial sector. After further specialisation, a CA (SA) can also register as a Registered Auditor with the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors. Registered Auditors are the only persons who may act as external auditors of South African companies.

    South Africa currently experiences a shortage of qualified accountants. This qualification contributes to the alleviation of this shortage.

    The qualification lays the foundation for further studies in accounting; management accounting and financial management; auditing, governance and control; and taxation principles as a science. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    In tandem with the Regulation for the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) of the University the process for RPL in the faculty is as follows:
  • RPL considerations are mainly at the Postgraduate level.
  • A learner applies for admission as if under "normal" application procedures.
  • At the same time, the learner also applies for RPL in writing to the relevant departmental chair.
  • The departmental chair discusses the merits of the application with lecturers where applicable, or with the qualification coordinator, depending on the nature of the application. If no faculty decision is required, the departmental chair communicates with the learner in this respect.
  • If there seems to be potential for success and a faculty decision is required, the application is referred by the relevant department to the RPL faculty committee. The process followed is communicated to the learner. If the potential success of the application appears to be unacceptable, the faculty secretary communicates this in writing to the learner.
  • The RPL committee might request additional information from and/or a personal interview with the learner where applicable.
  • The RPL committee provides the learner with guidelines to compile an RPL portfolio, if applicable.
  • The RPL committee considers and assesses the evidence, consults with staff or other stakeholders if needed and makes a recommendation in writing to the faculty committee. The relevant departmental chair and qualification chair is informed about the recommendation.
  • The faculty committee considers the recommendation of the RPL committee and either refer it back for further consideration or recommends it to the Faculty Board for approval.
  • The faculty secretary informs the learner of the decision of the Faculty Board.
  • Both the learner and the department/qualification committee are entitled to appeal to the chair of the RPL committee should they consider the decision of the Faculty Board or the process unreasonable.

    The qualification is geared towards the education of future CAs(SA). Therefore the qualification has to meet SAICA's qualification requirements. In its Accreditation and monitoring framework for academic and professional programmes which satisfy the requirements for the qualification of chartered accountants, SAICA states that formal competency based academic education, acquired through SAICA accredited academic programmes delivered by public universities and private providers (specifically a three-year undergraduate degree followed by a one-year postgraduate programme) is required as part of the qualification process of a CA(SA).
    Consequently RPL for informal and non-formal learning is not allowed by SAICA for admission to the qualification.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Accounting, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • BAccLLB, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits:
  • Financial Accounting, 40 Credits.
  • Management Accounting and Finance, 32 Credits.
  • Auditing, Governance and Information Systems, 24 Credits.
  • Taxation, 24 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate a solid knowledge base in the core disciplines of accountancy, namely, financial accounting, management accounting, taxation and auditing.
    2. Identify and solve problems, specifically in the field of Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Auditing and Taxation, but also in the related fields of business, commerce and management studies.
    3. Correctly interpret the fundamental principles of Governance and control and to apply these principles and requirements to make ethical judgments concerning practical situations.
    4. Demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of the Income Tax Act, the Value Added Tax Act, the relevant SARS practice notes and all other taxation regulations. Calculate taxable income and provide detailed explanations of the principles when advising individuals, companies and organisations on their tax liabilities. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Evaluate an entity's governance structures and its governance roles, identify contraventions of governance principles and make recommendations for improvement.
  • Explain the principles of an external audit and apply relevant legislation to evaluate compliance.
  • Perform the different steps in the planning phase of the audit, including materiality calculation, assessing risks of material misstatement and determining the nature, timing and extent of the audit procedures required in response to assessed risks of material misstatement.
  • Formulate appropriate audit procedures, including risk assessment procedures, tests of controls, substantive procedures and computer-assisted audit techniques following prevailing auditing standards.
  • Assess the sufficiency and appropriateness of audit evidence, evaluate audit differences and draft appropriate audit reports.
  • Determine the appropriate Financial Reporting Framework (full IFRS, IFRS for SMEs or Generally Recognised Accounting Practice (GRAP)) used by an entity based on regulatory requirements as well as the needs of identified stakeholders.
  • Discuss (while showing calculations) the appropriate accounting treatment (classification, recognition, measurement and disclosure) of both routine and non-routine transactions following IFRS.
  • Journalise routine and non-routine transactions per IFRS.
  • Prepare annual financial statements using IFRS.
  • Prepare and evaluate annual financial statements' note disclosure following IFRS.
  • Evaluate an entity's strategies and risk management policies and make recommendations for improvement.
  • Evaluate the overall financial goals of an entity by interpreting its financial objectives, legal form and structure and identify ways in which ownership can change.
  • Analyse and determine the value of a business by considering its current financial situation and factors that may impact its future outlook.
  • Plan and monitor an entity's financing, cash flow, working capital, sources of funds, distribution of profits, cost of capital and capital structures and identify or advise a financially troubled business.
  • Develop and evaluate risk management policies related to financial risk and evaluate the use of derivatives.
  • Evaluate and analyse an entity's budgeting process, control system, internal cost allocation and transfer pricing options.
  • Analyse financial and other data to provide information for decision-making.
  • Develop and improve appropriate costing systems in order to meet the information requirements of an entity's control and decision-making processes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Design appropriate systems of internal control (in both manual and computerised environments) and evaluate existing systems of internal control to identify weaknesses and make recommendations for improvement.
  • Assess and explain significant threats to compliance with ethical requirements, professional standards and legislation resulting from undertaking an engagement and describe the necessary actions and safeguards to be implemented to mitigate threats.
  • Formulate appropriate audit procedures, including risk assessment procedures, tests of controls, substantive procedures and computer-assisted audit techniques per prevailing auditing standards.
  • Assess the sufficiency and appropriateness of audit evidence. Evaluate audit differences and draft appropriate audit reports.
  • Determine the appropriate financial reporting framework (full IFRS, IFRS for SMEs or generally recognised accounting practice (GRAP)) used by an entity based on regulatory requirements as well as the needs of identified stakeholders.
  • Discuss (while showing calculations) the appropriate accounting treatment (classification, recognition, measurement and disclosure) of both routine and non-routine transactions per IFRS.
  • Evaluate an entity's strategies and risk management policies and make recommendations for improvement.
  • Evaluate the overall financial goals of an entity by interpreting its financial objectives, legal form and structure and identify ways in which ownership can change.
  • Analyse and determine the value of a business by considering its current financial situation and factors that may impact its future outlook.
  • Appraise capital investment opportunities by evaluating investment decisions, asset-specific financing and considering relevant structural and governance issues.
  • Analyse factors influencing the financial performance of an entity.
  • Evaluate and analyse an entity's budgeting process, control system, internal cost allocation and transfer pricing options.
  • Analyse financial and other data to provide information for decision-making.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply relevant sections of the Companies Act to identify applicable requirements and non-compliance.
  • Apply the procedures required by legislation and professional pronouncements to decide whether to accept engagements and draft appropriate engagement letters.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Analyse the taxpayer's tax profile and identify general tax issues.
  • Calculate normal tax, Value-Added Tax (VAT), wealth taxes and other taxes in terms of the Income Tax Act.
  • Discuss specific tax planning opportunities for taxpayers.
  • Discuss the tax consequences associated with certain corporate transactions.
  • Apply anti-avoidance legislation.
  • Apply and interpret tax legislation by applying relevant decisions of the courts.
  • Describe standard administrative and filing requirements.

    Integrated Assessment:
    All modules will be assessed through a combination of:
  • 3 class tests (46.5% of final mark).
  • Online assessments (2.5% of mark).
  • A written examination (50% of final mark).

    All outcomes are assessed in assessments, although different accounting pronouncements form the underlying subject matter for the various assessments.

    All assessments are case study based. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The PGDip (Accounting) qualification is by its nature a qualification for the education of South African CAs. There are similar qualifications, such as the PGDip (PA), offered by the Victoria University of Wellington, as described below.

    Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Accounting, Victoria University of Wellington
    Postgraduate Diploma, Level 8.
    Duration: 1 year.
    Minimum requirements: A Bachelor's qualification in any discipline and the Postgraduate English language requirements of the University.

    Learners acquire a solid foundation in professional accounting and may apply their knowledge to jobs in the commercial, government or not-for-profit sectors. They may continue to the Master of Professional Accounting. The PGDip (PA) also acts as a stand-alone qualification for learners who choose to exit the MPA qualification.

    Includes eight modules:
  • Financial Accounting (MMPA 501).
  • Management Accounting (MMPA 502).

    Two modules from:
  • Advanced Financial Accounting (MMPA 506).
  • Statistics (MMPA 507).
  • Economics (MMPA 508).
  • Taxation (MMPA 509).
  • Auditing (MMPA 510).

    The outcomes and assessment criteria, the degree of complexity and the notional learning time of this qualification have been compared with similar qualifications as set out below:
  • The Graduate Diploma in Accounting offered at the Southern Cross University (Australia).
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting offered at the AUT Business School (New Zealand).
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Accountancy offered by Massey University (New Zealand).
  • Post-Degree Diploma in Accounting offered by Douglas College (Canada).

    The qualifications are similar in that they train chartered accountants on an internationally recognised level. The differences arise from knowledge of relevant legislation, particularly related to taxation and corporate law.

    The training of chartered accountants is influenced by accounting bodies affiliated to the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). IFAC contributes to the development, adoption, and implementation of high-quality international auditing and assurance standards, primarily through its support of the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board.

    The similarities between the qualifications also extend to the admission requirements in that learners are required to complete an appropriate undergraduate qualification before registering for a Postgraduate Diploma.

    The similarities between the international qualifications and this qualification are that considerable time is devoted to the following areas:
  • The application of financial reporting standards.
  • The application of auditing standards and the IESBA Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants.
  • Management accounting and finance - the principles of which largely global.
  • Taxation regimes. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Accounting, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Accounting, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Commerce in Management Accounting, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Accounting in Financial Accounting, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Accounting in Taxation, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    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. Stellenbosch University 


    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.