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: 

Higher Certificate in Accounting 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
121159  Higher Certificate in Accounting 
ORIGINATOR
Berea College of Technology (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
Higher Certificate  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 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0920/23  2023-11-14  2026-11-14 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-11-14   2030-11-14  

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 Higher Certificate in Accounting qualification is to provide entry into the field of Accounting. This qualification will equip learners with accounting skills to work at entry level in a business, particularly to develop a conceptual and procedural knowledge base of the context and strategies relevant to basic financial and cost accounting processes. The learner will also learn to understand the importance of the correct and accurate application of appropriate accounting principles and theories.

Learners will acquire the requisite knowledge and skills to operate in any commercial, governmental, or nonprofit organization. The qualification provides learners with the knowledge, principles, concepts, and techniques that underline the disciplines necessary for effective financial management. The qualification will improve the learners' efficiency and effectiveness, which are key components in a business environment and are necessary in ensuring that the organisation runs smoothly.

The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this qualification are essential for social and economic transformation and contribute to the upliftment and economic growth within the business sector. Learners will be able to obtain employment in a range of entry-level accounting and administrative positions including office administration, financial administration, and related positions such as financial clerks, tax consultants, basic auditing, and book-keeping and to support managers and supervisors in accounting tasks and activities.

Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Communicate effectively, using various modes of accessing and communicating information to achieve business goals and objectives.
  • Demonstrate the use of information systems and technical knowledge to support the completion of business accounting and financial tasks and to understand the role of software, hardware, and equipment.
  • Demonstrate understanding of and engage in discussions of management theories, models approaches and key business functions that inform decision-making and planning within a business.
  • Demonstrate understanding of how business law concepts, theories and procedures are applied to accounting, auditing, and taxation.

    Rationale:
    In all spheres of business and industry, Accounting and Finance are an integral and important part of any business and incorporate key skills for business managers, administrators, supervisors, and staff in general. Accounting is used across business functions of organisations from manufacturing and the service industry and applies to all types and entities of businesses, governmental, and other organizations.

    Statistics available from the National List of Occupations in High Demand (2018) lists Financial Managers, Accountants, Audit Managers and Credit Managers at the highest level of scarcity of occupations.

    The current skills deficit across all sectors means that there is a great need for staff who are qualified and able to perform across the key areas of accounting, auditing, taxation, and economics. Employees must be equipped with skills and knowledge that are key to the transformation of the South African economy and that they can contribute to the positive performance of their employers.

    This qualification has been designed and developed to make a positive contribution to the South African economy by providing an opportunity for the education and training of accounting and financial practitioners as well as for managers and administrators across all sectors of business and commerce. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5 totalling 128 Credits.
  • End User Computing, 12 Credits.
  • Business Communication, 12 Credits.
  • Business Management Fundamentals,12 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting, 16 Credits.
  • Cost and Management Accounting, 16 Credits.
  • Auditing, 12 Credits.
  • Taxation, 12 Credits.
  • Economics, 10 Credits.
  • Business Law, 10 Credits.
  • Accounting Practice, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Communicate effectively, using various modes of accessing and communicating information to achieve business goals and objectives.
    2. Utilise information systems and technical knowledge to support the completion of business accounting and financial tasks and to understand the role of software, hardware, and equipment.
    3. Apply knowledge and engage in discussions to show an understanding of management theories, models, approaches, and key business functions that inform decision-making and planning within a business.
    4. Apply Accounting, Auditing and Taxation theories, concepts, approaches, procedures, processes, techniques, and tools in the business environment to inform decision-making in compliance with professional, legal, and ethical requirements.
    5. Engage in discussions and ensure that theories, concepts, approaches, and techniques related to economics are applied to accounting, auditing taxation and general management.
    6. Apply procedure and discuss how business law concepts, theories and procedures are applied to accounting, auditing, and taxation. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Utilise effective communication skills to explain processes and procedures to achieve business goals and objectives.
  • Explain effective verbal and written communication skills required in a business environment.
  • Apply a variety of communication technologies to communicate effectively with stakeholders.
  • Use appropriate style and language to communicate coherently and concisely with stakeholders in the work environment.
  • Utilise the necessary interpersonal skills required to work effectively as part of a team to achieve a common outcome.
  • Apply knowledge and appropriate communication skills to interact with culturally diverse colleagues and customers.
  • Apply knowledge and proper application of social media tools.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply knowledge of and discuss and describe information systems.
  • Apply knowledge and discuss the purpose and use of business computing equipment and devices.
  • Apply knowledge and use of computer hardware and software applications.
  • Utilise the office software to complete business tasks.
  • Use basic knowledge of the Internet to complete business tasks.
  • Apply knowledge of management and accounting software in business contexts.
  • Describe and demonstrate knowledge of social media applications.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Describe and explain the elements, models, and components of various organizational types.
  • Apply understanding and engage in discussion of organisational cultures.
  • Apply knowledge in discussing planning, leadership, organising, motivating, and controlling business activities and functions of managers.
  • Explain basic human resource management models and approaches.
  • Apply understanding of basic marketing terms.
  • Describe marketing approaches as well as marketing legal requirements.
  • Apply knowledge discussing personal selling and advertising principles.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply knowledge and explain the fundamental accounting, auditing, and taxation concepts, terms, and principles.
  • Apply knowledge and discuss the ethical and professional duties of professional accountants and auditors.
  • Describe and explain accounting, auditing and tax systems, approaches, processes, procedures, and theories.
  • Describe and compare different approaches to recording trading.
  • Apply basic procedures in the preparation, analysis, and interpretation of financial statements.
  • Identify and discuss different types of fraud that can occur in the accounting and auditing cycle.
  • Describe, explain, and discuss risk management and risk prevention measures in the auditing context.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Apply insight to show an understanding of the basic principles of economics and how they impact the economy.
  • Apply knowledge to show an understanding of the micro-economic environment of the individual company.
  • Discuss and show an understanding of the impact supply and demand changes have on the economy.
  • Show an understanding of the dynamics of macro-economics and describe their implication of business cycles.
  • Identify and describe the key economic challenges in South Africa.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Explain the basic framework of the South African Legal system.
  • Explain and discuss the theories, approaches, concepts, and general principles of business law.
  • Discuss and apply the legal principles governing unwarranted enrichment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Namibia
    Institution: The International University of Management
    Qualification Title: Certificate in Finance Management
    Credits: 100
    NQF Level: 5
    Duration: One year

    Entry requirements:
    Senior Secondary Certificate
    Or
    Ordinary Level or equivalent qualification
    Or
    A recognised qualification at NQF Level 4
    Or
    Mature Age Entry

    Purpose:
    The purpose of the Certificate in Finance Management qualification is to provide learners with academic and professional experience in general administration and finance to enhance competency and skills. This qualification also provides entry to career opportunities in accounting and finance. This qualification will greatly contribute to the finance and general sectors of the economy.

    Qualification structure:
    Compulsory Modules:
  • Applied English Language Skills.
  • Mathematics.
  • Microeconomics compares with economics.
  • Principles of Marketing
  • Basic IT Skills compares with end-user computing.
  • Quantitative Method
  • Cost Accounting compares with cost and management accounting.
  • Financial Accounting compares with financial accounting.
  • Human Capital Management.
  • Introduction to Entrepreneurship.
  • Quantitative Methods.

    Assessment:
    Both Formative and Summative assessment techniques are used.

    Formative assessment techniques are used to monitor the learning process.
    The major components of this technique are:
  • Exams. This includes final exams and quizzes at the end of course units.
  • Papers, projects, and presentations.
  • Portfolios.

    Summative assessment:
    The final examination counts for 60% of the overall final mark. The final examination
    comes at the end of the course.

    Similarities:
    The International University of Management (IUM) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over one year.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: New College Durham
    Qualification title: Foundation Certificate in Accounting
    Duration: One year part-time

    Entry requirements:
    GCSE Grade 4 or above in English and maths
    Or
    Functional Skills Level 2

    Purpose:
    This course is designed to provide learners with a range of skills and knowledge of basic accounting principles and techniques, from costing and double-entry bookkeeping to computerised accounting.
    It is ideal for those who are new to finance or for those wanting a career change.

    Qualification Structure:
    Modules:
  • Introduction to Bookkeeping
  • Principles of Bookkeeping Controls
  • Principles of Costing compares with Cost and Management Accounting.
  • The Business Environment compares with Business Management Fundamentals

    Assessment.
    Learners will have five computer-based examinations to take which are spread throughout the academic year.

    Articulation:
    Progresses to AAT Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Accounting.

    Similarities:
    Both the Foundation Certificate in Accounting (FCA) and South African Qualification (SA) are offered over one year.
    Both FCA and SA aim to equip learners with basic skills and accounting knowledge and principles.
    Both FCA and SA share similar modules such as Cost and Management Accounting and Business Management Fundamentals.

    Differences:
    The FCA qualification articulates to an Advance Diploma in Accounting, whereas the SA qualification articulates to a Diploma in Accounting.
    The FCA qualification's assessment is conducted by computer-based examinations which are spread throughout the academic year, whereas the SA qualification's assessment procedure combines both formative and summative assessment. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Accounting Practice, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Business Management, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Business Management in Credit Banking, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Business Management in Operational Management, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Economic and Management Sciences, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Human Resource Management, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in Accounting, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Financial Accounting, NQF Level 6.
  • Bachelor of Accounting, NQF Level 7

    Diagonal Articulation
  • Occupational Certificate: Management Accounting Specialist, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    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. Berea College of Technology (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.