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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Postgraduate Diploma: Financial Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
12081  Postgraduate Diploma: Financial Management 
ORIGINATOR
University of South Africa 
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
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 091/21  2021-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 
The primary purpose of the qualification is to provide qualifiers with post-graduate level knowledge, specific skills, applied competence and the necessary attitudes in the field associated with Financial Management and Managerial Accounting that prepare them to be lifelong learners, employable workers/ managers/entrepreneurs and contributors to society and the business community.

The second purpose of the qualification is the education and training of professional Financial Managers with the necessary knowledge, skills and professional values that enables them to continue to learn and adapt to change throughout their professional lives. To achieve the goal of providing a foundation for life-long learning it requires a grounding in the knowledge, skills and professional values essential to professional competency.

The third purpose of the qualification is to produce competent professional accountants and Financial Managers who make a positive contribution over their lifetimes to the profession and society in which they work. The maintenance of professional competence in the face of the increasing changes they encounter makes it imperative that students develop and maintain an attitude of learning to learn. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Learners who register for this qualification can:
  • Learn from predominantly written material
  • Communicate what they have learnt logically and coherently in the medium of instruction
  • Take responsibility for their own progress.
  • Apply basic accounting principles accurately.


    Recognition of prior learning:

    This qualification recognises:

    Formal prior learning
  • Students' prior accredited learning at tertiary level in relevant domains, which constitute credit-bearing units, is recognised;
  • Students' in possession of a Honours Bachelor of Accounting Science or any equivalent qualification; or
  • Another degree (including a BTech) and the Certificate in the Theory of Accounting.

    Non-formal and informal prior experiential learning
  • Unisa is investigating a recognition or prior learning (RPL) policy. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Critical Cross-field:

    All critical cross-field outcomes will be embedded appropriately in the courses, which constitute the programmes that lead to the qualification. They will be assessed within the context of the programmes. The distance education context has particular challenges, which we try to meet below:

    1. The Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Management student can identify, analyse, formulate and serve needs of individuals and society creatively and responsibly in relation to auditing and accounting.

    2. The Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Management student can: work effectively with others as a member or leader of a team, group, organisation, community and contribute to the group output with special reference to accounting and auditing.

    3. The Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Management student can manage and organise her or his activities and life responsibility effectively, including her or his post-graduate studies and career.

    4. The Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Management student can collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information, as required, in the pursuit of the Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Management.

    5. The Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Management student can communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of written presentation.

    6. The Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Management student can use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health and well being of others, in community, national and global context.

    7. The Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Management student can demonstrate and understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving context do not exist in isolation and by acknowledging their responsibilities to those in the local and broader community.


    Development:

    In order to contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large, it is the intention of the Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Management to make individuals aware of the importance of the following developmental outcomes:

    1. Reflect on and explore a variety of strategies to learn more effectively. (See Critical Outcomes 3 and 5 above).

    2. Participate as a responsible citizen in the life of local and national communities. (Also see Critical Outcome 2 above).

    3. Be culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts. (See Critical Outcomes 2 and 7 above).

    4. Explore education and career opportunities by drawing on the various knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired in the accomplishment of this qualification. (See all Critical Outcomes above).

    5. Develop entrepreneurial opportunities by drawing on the various knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired in the accomplishment of this qualification. (See all Critical Outcomes, plus 4 above).


    Specific:

    A Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Management student is actively engaged in preparing to be a specialist professional in the work environment. As such she or he develops and holds certain values and integrates knowledge and skills to achieve her or his purposes. The specific outcomes show how knowledge, skills and values are integrated in the qualification in the SAQA fields of Business, Commerce and Management Studies.

    1. Perform a social-critical role in society.

    2. Communicate his/her skills in rational and logical manner.

    3. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the responsibilities, functions and qualities of the chartered accountant and auditor.

    4. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of all aspects relating to the field of Financial Management and Management Accounting.

    5. Deal with complex problems in the discipline of managerial accounting.

    6. Deal with complex problems in the discipline of Financial Management.

    7. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the environment of the organisation itself and more remotely that of the industry and of the world at large.

    8. Develop the ability to make recommendations designed to responsibly manage the entity through effective use of financial resources in accordance with strategic objectives.

    9. Develop the ability to device appropriate organisational accountability, direction setting and control processes. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Critical Cross-field:

    Evidence in the form of tasks in study materials, written assignments, portfolio tasks, projects, case studies and examinations, will show that graduates:

    1.
  • Identify needs by means of exploring and critically evaluating abstract and personal situations.
  • Solve problems by generating and implementing alternative strategies for dealing with them
  • Critically evaluate various viewpoints and compare them to own views.
  • Offer evidence in a variety of ways (from theoretical knowledge base, from experiential base, etc) to support their stated views.
  • Identify and suggest accounting, finance and taxation needs and opportunities in business by use of case studies, primary research, projects, etc.
  • Identify, analyse and solve concrete and abstract problems in the field of specifically accounting, finance auditing and taxation by drawing upon he theoretical knowledge and the learner.
  • Identify and solve concrete and abstract problems by drawing upon their own experience base and academic background.
  • Use their knowledge and experience to formulate suggestions for solving problems at a community and national level, international and global level.
  • Analyse the global, national and local communities in terms of accounting, finance, taxation and auditing problems, needs and opportunities.

    2.
  • Apply "people skills" (tolerance, empathy, listening skills, leadership, etc.) in liasing with other professionals and clients.
  • Demonstrate respect for the opinion of others through written reporting without bias.
  • Undertake projects and provide evidence of successful interaction with others.
  • Use effective communication skills within a group situation.
  • Organise themselves and others into effective working groups.
  • Communicate the evidence of this group interaction through written reporting.
  • Lead people effectively because of their business expertise.

    3.
  • Demonstrate the requisite study skills and learning strategies.
  • Organise their study plans.
  • Cope with the self-discipline necessary for distance learning.
  • Think independently, and offer evidence to support their decisions.
  • Assess their own strengths and weaknesses and develop coping strategies.
  • Manage people in the business environment.
  • Identify needs and opportunities for tax planning, accounting and finance in their own lives

    Note: These outcomes and assessment criteria may be entry competences for many distance learners who are already working in the job market and have definite goals.

    4.
  • Demonstrate increasingly competent research skills.
  • Use library and other resources effectively to suit their individual needs and those of the particular areas of research.
  • Integrate information from a variety of sources.
  • Act responsibly as a researcher and scholar (e.g. appropriate referencing, avoiding plagiarism, etc).
  • Apply the conventions of scholarship in the various disciplines under study.
  • Apply relevant conventions and guidelines to their academic and career purposes.
  • Critically analyse theories, examples, experiences, etc.
  • Argue appropriate within the business community.

    5.
  • Communicate their ideas and provide supporting evidence in a sustained manner.
  • Evaluate conclusion and premises in academic arguments.
  • Follow the literacy and numeric conventions of written use in the accounting and finance and auditing disciplines.
  • Use appropriate models of organisation and presentation as required in the abovementioned disciplines.
  • Use statistics appropriately and responsibly in support of their ideas.
  • Create and use visuals appropriately to support their ideas.
  • Recognise own communication limitations and problems and seek help appropriately.
  • Assist other to speak for themselves (e.g. appear on behalf of a client).
  • Use language to critically analyse, evaluate and critique others' ideas.

    6.
  • Use scientific methods of investigation, testing and evaluation.
  • Select appropriate technology to suit the needs of the business community, client or employer.
  • Use other technology (computers, calculators, Internet, etc) where appropriate and feasible.
  • Show respect for and a responsible attitude towards science and technology.

    7.
  • Draw upon their prior knowledge (personal and abstract) and personal experience as appropriate when investigating and analysing the world around them.
  • Apply systems thinking to solving economic and management related problems.


    Developmental:

    1.
  • Use help-seeking strategies including research to further their own learning.
  • Apply what they study in different contexts, personal and public, real and simulated.
  • Display self-awareness of learning preferences and strategies to suit their needs.
  • Show evidence of effectively study skills (e.g. note-taking, summarising, analysing and synthesis).

    2.
  • Demonstrate an ability to help others meet their fiscal obligations.
  • Monitor and provide input into fiscal policy and legislation.

    3.
  • Manage diversity within limits of own competence in the business environment.

    4.
  • Illustrate the relationship between the knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired in studying towards the Hons. BCompt and those of the community at large (in routine and some non-routine contexts).
  • Make connection from theoretical knowledge to practical application in the real world.
  • Use the Postgraduate Diploma in Auditing skills, which are highly valued in the workplace, across the discipline and sectors of society.
  • Use the skills required for effective communication skills, thoughtful accuracy and interpersonal sensitivity and business acumen.
  • Deal effectively with unknown problems within a variety of routine and non-routine context (but not in complex, variable, unpredictable and highly specialised context) and tasks set to them on the job, in the real world, by drawing upon the skills from the Postgraduate Diploma (critically thinking, problem-solving, conflict resolution, system thinking, entrepreneurial qualities, strategies planning etc).
  • Demonstrate a sense of corporate governance principles and work ethic.
  • Adapt to different organisational cultures.

    5.
  • Create job opportunities in whatever situation they find themselves.
  • Have a realistic view of their own worth and value to contribute to their local community and global society.
  • Communicate that value to others in the real world (writing business reports, CV writing skills, communication skills).
  • Demonstrate a healthy self-esteem and confidence in their knowledge, skills and attitudes as required to complete the Honours BCompt qualification.
  • Evaluate various unknown situation with flexibility and adaptability.
  • Formulate and evaluate entrepreneurial opportunities within a variety of routine and non-routine contexts.


    Specific:

    1.
  • Judge disciplinary- and interdisciplinary-based information to take an informed stand especially in regard to fiscal policy and legislation with courage, self-confidence and responsibility.
  • Demonstrates a personal role in the accounting and finance environment (writing or articles, etc.) of South Africa.

    2.
  • Answer questions in writing and in an acceptable format e.g. reports.
  • Use language effectively to convey ideas and insights intelligibly and achieve their own purposes.
  • Evaluate, criticise and generate information in and from a variety of media sources.
  • Explain the ramifications of taxation, accounting, financial management and management accounting in language, which is accessible to the general public and the business community.

    3.
  • Communicate information pertaining to the accounting profession concisely and accurately.
  • Analyse and assess the responsibilities and rights of a chartered accountant as well as the nature of the legal liability of the chartered accountant.
  • Articulate the nature and rationale of professional ethics.
  • Apply such principles to practical situations.

    4.
  • Analyse and apply advanced management accounting and financial management theory to practical situations.
  • Contribute to organisational accountability by instituting mechanisms for accountability for responsibility, performance measurement and quality assurance against defined benchmarks.

    5.
  • Identify appropriate best practice for an organisation within its particular context and in relation to the dynamics of technological and societal changes.
  • Develop appropriate solutions.
  • Advice on appropriate responses to resolve complex concrete and abstract problems.
  • Measure, analyse, prepare, interpret and communicate both financial and operating information.

    6.
  • Analyse, interpret and advice on the investment decision for all types of assets, both operating and financial.
  • Analyse, interpret and advice on the financing decision for all sources of funding.
  • Apply and integrate knowledge of financial accounting, management accounting, taxation and auditing as well as information systems management to develop appropriate solutions.
  • Define the financial management problem, evaluate alternative causes of action and make clear and substantiated recommendations in appropriate report form.
  • Value financial assets and business entities.

    7.
  • Exercise of judgement relating to business risk and expected return.
  • Apply financial modelling techniques.
  • Apply the technical methodologies for investment and financing computations.
  • Advice on effective management of working capital and investments.

    8.
  • Identify and interpret appropriate measures of performance, risk and uncertainty.
  • Advise on the investment and financing for operations, acquisitions and divestitures.
  • Apply the principles of finance to the valuation of a business entity and to the valuation of financial assets using appropriate techniques
  • Advise on management of working capital, foreign exchange and investment.
  • Advise on change in ownership transactions.
  • Evaluate and select appropriate financing instruments for effective risk minimisation.
  • Advice on the management of foreign investments and foreign financing.

    9.
  • Implement strategic thrusts through plans, projects and programmes.
  • Monitor, evaluate and modify the management processes in a changing environment so as to maintain effectiveness.
  • Establish systems for achieving accountability, in relation to distributed responsibilities.
  • Create performance measurement formulas whereby results are analysed, interpreted and reported in relation to expected or planned outcomes of demonstrated best practices.


    Integrated assessment:

    1. Formative assessment: Learning and assessment are integrated. The study guides contain self-assessment tasks. The scheme of work includes assignments based on the learning material and students are given feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and limited numbers of outcomes.

    2. Summative assessment: Examination, or equivalent assessment such as a portfolio of evidence assess a representative selection of the outcomes practices and assessed in the formative stage. Summative assessment also tests the student's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a course. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Unisa forms part of an internationally recognised accreditation system whereby university qualifications are evaluated against international comparators an accredited accordingly, for example Unisa's qualifications are accredited in the international handbook of universities and in the Commonwealth Universities' Yearbook. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    1. The qualification will articulate with those of other universities and with other qualifications. For example, recognition will be given to modules completed at other tertiary institutions and the relationship will be reciprocal.

    2. Upon completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Management, students have options for further study. Students may proceed to postgraduate study at Masters level. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Within Unisa, first examiners set and assess assignments and examinations. In the case of assignments, the quality is checked by course co-ordinators or team leaders and by the head of department. In the case of examinations, a system of external second examiners is used to moderate question papers, the marketing process and marked scripts 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    1. Our own staff will be used as assessors in a manner that fits into the quality management system of Unisa and accords with the university's tuition and assessment policies. This will also apply to the appointment of outside persons.

    2. The quality management system:
  • Qualifications: the minimum requirement for appointment as a lecturer or external marker at Unisa is an Honours degree and appropriate experience. It is recommended that lecturers for the Postgraduate diploma should hold the Chartered Accountancy qualification. In case of workplace assessment, appropriate professional criteria will be drawn up for each discipline.
  • Mentorship: All junior and new members of staff are mentored by senior members as they work together in teams. All assessment done by external markers is quality-controlled by internal staff.
  • Training: All new members of staff have access to the Bureau of University Teaching's website on assessment and may apply for special training in aspects of assessment at any time. External markers attend markers' meetings prior to assessing assignments or examinations and are given clear guidelines on how to assess particular pieces of word. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    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 South Africa 


    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.