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
115390  Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting 
ORIGINATOR
University of Fort Hare 
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  Level 7  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-07-01  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 qualification is to enable learners to write SAICA's Initial Test of Competence exam which is the first of two examinations required by SAICA to qualify as a chartered accountant. The learning outcomes and associated assessment criteria are based on the SAICA Competency Framework as required by the professional body.

This forms part of the roadmap to prepare a learner for entry into SAICA's Initial Test of Competence (ITC) and ultimately qualify as a Chartered Accountant in South Africa.

Rationale:
There is an urgent need in South Africa for improved skills in Accounting, Auditing, Financial Management and Taxation. This qualification endeavours to address these needs in such a manner to prepare the learner to be a confident participant in these and related disciplines in both the local and international arena. This qualification prepares learners for entry in the market place in financial and related disciplines. The qualification prepares a learner to qualify as a Chartered Accountant in South Africa. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
The qualification adheres to the institution's Policy on Recognition of Prior Learning.

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

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework NQF Level 8 totalling 128 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8, 128 Credits:
  • Accounting 4, 32 Credits.
  • Auditing 4, 32 Credits.
  • Taxation 4, 32 Credits.
  • Financial Management 4, 32 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply sound accounting theory and practice relevant to the accounting function in business.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to communicate skills in a rational and logical manner.
    3. Practise the ethics pertinent to Accounting, Business, Commerce and Management and in particular those pertinent to an Accountant and Independent Auditor.
    4. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the theories and practices pertaining to the field of Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Auditing and Taxation specifically and also in the related fields of business, commerce and management studies.
    5. Identify and solve problems, specifically pertaining to the field of Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Auditing and Taxation, but also in the related fields of business, commerce and management studies.
    6. Demonstrate proficiency in managing the applied accounting sciences' activity and the ability to conduct applied accounting engagements, both assurance and consulting, in diverse business environments. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Use disciplinary and interdisciplinary-based information to take an informed stand to accounting, business and trade policies.
  • Assume a personal role in the accounting and business environments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Write business reports in an acceptable format.
  • Use language effectively to convey ideas and insights intelligibly.
  • Evaluate, interpret and generate information from a variety of sources.
  • Explain the ramifications of accounting and economic policy and business decisions in a language which is accessible to the general public and various stakeholders in the business community.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply knowledge and understanding of the ethics implied by corporate governance principles.
  • Apply knowledge and understanding of the ethics prescribed by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the need to act professionally and ethically to clients, employees and the world at large.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Analyse, evaluate and apply advanced business, commerce and management theories and principles to practical situations.
  • Contribute to the improvement and development (in a limited manner) of principles and procedures in practical situations.
  • Customise and adapt international business, commerce and management practices and theories to South African requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Recognise problems in the Accounting, Auditing and Taxation fields and related disciplines.
  • Develop appropriate solutions in the applied accounting sciences' context.
  • Formulate appropriate responses to resolve both concrete and abstract problems that accountants and auditors are normally confronted with.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Show integrated knowledge of the nature and theory of specific audit engagements and the applied accounting process.
  • Apply advanced judgemental processes to identify and plan applied accounting assignments for the applied accounting activity.
  • Express knowledge of information technology, risk based auditing, control frameworks and control systems so as to adequately perform audit assignments and to advise management and audit committees on appropriate practice.
  • Analyse and evaluate operations within organisations.
  • Analyse, test controls and advice on control systems.
  • Report findings and follow up on the implementation of applied accounting activities.
  • Establish and manage activities in the areas of financial accounting, management accounting, auditing and taxation.
  • Monitor the quality of work performed within the activities in the areas of financial accounting, management accounting, auditing and taxation.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative assessment:
    Each subject has four tests held during the year, three in the first semester and one in the second semester.

    Summative Assessment:
    A mid-year assessment will be written in June and a final assessment in October for each subject.

    For award of this qualification, learners must achieve each of the compulsory modules. Integrated assessment implies that all assessments will integrate knowledge, skills and attitudes and applied competencies on the level required for this qualification. Assessment methods measure the extent to which the learner has achieved competence in the different areas of study delivered through course modules. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The purpose of the qualification is to prepare a learner for entry into SAICA'S Initial Test of Competence (ITC) professional exam. The subject content is based on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) which are issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and the International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) which are issued by the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC).

    This qualification compares favourably with other international qualifications of similar focus, modules and qualification outcomes. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Taxation, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Commerce in Accounting, 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. University of Fort Hare 


    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.