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 Finance and Accounting 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
120561  Postgraduate Diploma in Finance and Accounting 
ORIGINATOR
The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd 
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  Generic Management 
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 0638/26  2026-02-02  2029-02-02 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-02-02   2033-02-02  

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 
The purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Finance and Accounting is to provide graduates with skills valuable to the finance profession. Those skills will include management accountancy, financial strategy, and risk management skills, as well as case study methodology. Graduates will also be skilled in Business Performance Management, Financial Reporting and Business Strategy.

The qualification serves to strengthen and deepen the learners' knowledge of the finance profession, specifically the discipline of management accounting. It enables working professionals to undertake advanced reflection and development by means of a systematic survey of current thinking, practice, and research methods in the area of management accounting. This is achieved mainly by the systematic study of applicable case studies. Learners are expected to achieve a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence, as well as the ability to relate knowledge to a range of contexts within the finance and accounting field, for graduates to undertake professional or highly skilled work.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Render professional management accounting services.
  • Compile a meaningful report in response to an accounting or business problem.
  • Solve complex problems through effective teamwork.
  • Identify and address ethical issues within a given scenario.
  • Debate the need for ongoing education.

    Rationale:
    Each organisation needs competent finance professionals to assist with internal decision-making and control, as well as external financial reporting. This skill shortage in the national and international finance profession is widely publicised (DHET, 2018). Therefore, this qualification will equip learners to render professional financial and accounting services to various role players, including private and public companies, governmental and non-governmental organisations, and consulting firms.

    The qualification is designed as a value-add for young graduates at the beginning of their careers in finance, as well as for finance professionals already working in the industry or in government departments. Rapid changes in technology are creating challenges in the business environment. It is therefore vital that finance professionals possess relevant technical skills, an understanding of the organisation and the ability to influence and lead people.

    On completion of the qualification, learners will be eligible for exemptions from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) for certain modules, and thus go on to obtain a professional qualification. The relevant module outcomes of the qualification are aligned with CIMA to facilitate articulation into the CIMA professional qualification and prepare learners for writing the final examinations.

    The involvement of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) adds an international focus to the qualification that might result in stronger relationships being built between South Africa and other countries. CIMA is currently expanding into Africa, and this should contribute to raising the profile of the profession in Africa and, by extension, the employability of our graduates locally and internationally. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable with equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.
    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable with equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Management, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, NQF Level 7
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Financial Management, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • A relevant qualification in the related field, 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:
  • Management Accounting, 15 Credits.
  • Financial Strategy, 15 Credits.
  • Risk Management, 15 Credits.
  • Case Study Methodology, 15 Credits.
  • Business Performance Management, 15 Credits.
  • Financial Reporting, 15 Credits.
  • Business Strategy, 15 Credits.
  • Internal Planning and Control, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to render professional management accounting services.
    2. Compile a meaningful report in response to an accounting or business problem.
    3. Solve complex problems through effective teamwork.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to address ethical issues within a given scenario.
    5. Apply changes which have occurred in the professional environment and how those changes have influenced the solution. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Appraise specified technical aspects in a case study.
  • Advise management on the appropriate course of action in specific business scenarios.
  • Motivate the advice in terms of financial and organisational management, financial accounting, and business strategy principles.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Identify the critical information required to solve a business/management problem.
  • Research an accounting or business problem.
  • Integrate the information found from various sources.
  • Advise different role players on the way forward.
  • Compile your finding and conclusions in a meaningful report

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Scrutinise the business/management problem.
  • Analyse the tasks involved in solving the problem.
  • Assign roles to the members of the team.
  • State the findings on the aspect assigned.
  • Evaluate the information pertinent to the problem.
  • Debate the relevance of the individual findings.
  • Present the findings and recommendations of the combined report to fictitious role players.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Identify an ethical dilemma in a case study.
  • Deliberate the business integrity considerations involved.
  • Discuss the cultural and diversity aspects to be considered.
  • Debate the ethical merit and integrity of suggested solutions or measures.
  • Professionally judge the situation and suggest resolutions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Compare and contrast the solution to a business problem to that of a fellow student.
  • Argue the merit of the solution.
  • Deliberate the importance of time management.
  • Appraise the management of deliverables against a predetermined set of criteria. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Postgraduate Diploma in Finance and Accounting was developed to align with the requirements and guidelines of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). CIMA is a professional body based in London that cyclically updates its guidelines following consultation with key role players in the industry and other professional bodies. CIMA is considered the leading professional body for management accountants, has a presence in 176 countries and is a partner with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

    Country: Malaysia
    Institution: The Advanced Learning College (ALC)
    Qualification Title: Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Finance
    This is a one-year qualification that provides learners who wish to pursue a career in management accounting with fundamental knowledge and skills in business economics, management accounting, financial accounting, ethics, corporate governance, and business law.

    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications are offered in one year.
  • Both qualifications have the following similar modules:
  • Management accounting
  • Financial accounting (comparable to the financial strategy in the SA qualification)

    Country: India
    Institution: Amity University Online
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Finance and Accounting
    Duration: Two years
    Amity University Online, a distance learning institution based in India, offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Finance and Accounting that is conceptually aligned with the SA qualifications aim to produce graduates who can render management accounting services and solve complex real-world business problems. The curricula of both qualifications are similar.

    Modules: (All the modules are similar to the SA qualification)
  • Management accounting
  • Financial strategy
  • Risk, case study methodology
  • Business performance management,
  • Financial reporting
  • Business strategy
  • Planning and control.

    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications have similar modules

    Differences:
  • Amity University's qualification spans two years while the SA qualification is one year.

    Country: New Zealand:
    Institution: University of Otago
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce in Accounting:
    The Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce in Accounting offered by the University of Otago is a 1-year qualification and it holds 120 Credits:

    This qualification provides a wide spectrum of knowledge and skills necessary for a career in accountancy and finance. It covers the advanced level of accounting, audit, strategic financial management, tax planning, strategic management, management information systems and other related areas. It can lead to a career in professional accounting practices or a specialist role in the corporate and financial sectors.

    This qualification aims to broaden accounting knowledge and enhance career prospects. Both manual and computerised accounting processes are studied, as well as how to create summaries of financial transactions of a business, produce and analyse financial reports, prepare tax returns, develop business plans, process complex tax returns and lodgements, corporate financial reports, and corporate governance.

    Modules:
  • Auditing.
  • Financial Management.
  • Management Accounting.
  • Financial Reporting.
  • Taxation.


    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications have a weighting of 120 Credits and are offered in one year.
  • Both qualifications compare favourably in terms of the modules such as Financial Management, Management Accounting, and Financial Reporting.

    Country: Hong Kong.
    Institution: University of Hong Kong.
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Accounting.
    Admission Requirements: Honours Bachelor's degree or Advanced Diploma.
    Articulation: MSc in Professional Accountancy.
    Duration: 1 to 5 years part-time.
    The qualification is designed to prepare learners to become professional accountants by satisfying the educational requirements for admission to the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA).

    Modules:
  • Financial Reporting.
  • Cost and Management Accounting.
  • Financial Management.
  • Business and Company Law.
  • Auditing and Professional Practice.
  • Taxation and Tax Planning.

    Similarities
  • Both qualifications vertically articulate to the same qualification.
  • Both qualifications have the module Financial Reporting.

    Differences:
  • The Hong Kong qualification is offered part-time for 1 to 5 years while the South African is a one-year full-time qualification.
  • The Hong Kong qualification has an entry requirement of an Honours qualification while the South African qualification has an entry requirement of a bachelor's qualification. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Financial Management Sciences, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Management Accounting, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Management Accountancy, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Management Accounting, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Financial Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Management Accounting, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Commerce, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Commerce in Financial Management Sciences, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Commerce in Financial Management, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Commerce in Management Accounting, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Commerce in Accountancy, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Commerce in Finance, 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. The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd 


    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.