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
122741	Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting
ORIGINATOR
Boston City Campus (Pty) Ltd formerly Boston City Campus and Business College (Pty) Ltd
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			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
Registered		EXCO 0526/24	2024-08-22	2027-08-22
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-08-22		2031-08-22

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 provide successful learners with advanced knowledge, explicit skills, and technical competence for continued personal, intellectual, and professional growth. The qualification is designed to nurture theoretical engagement, specialist knowledge, intellectual independence, and continuous development. It is also designed to be forward-thinking and ensures that problem-solving integrates through each of the modules. Learners will demonstrate advanced competence in a range of fields including strategy and governance, stewardship of capital (with a focus on business processes and risk management), decision-making around capital, reporting on value creation, tax governance and compliance as well as assurance and assurance related services. Learners who obtain the qualification will be ethical, well-rounded professionals with an attitude of life-long learning who contribute to the profession and wider society through good judgement, keen discernment, and sharp insight.

The qualification will build on the foundation established by the successful completion of a Bachelor of Accounting to equip learners with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attributes to pass the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants' (SAICA) Initial Assessment of Competence (IAC) as part of the formal Chartered Accountant (South Africa) qualification process. Professional competence is the integration and application of professional values and attitudes, enabling competencies and technical competencies in the value-creation process that goes beyond knowledge of principles, standards, concepts, facts, and procedures. These competencies are grounded in the qualification as essential parts of the well-rounded development of the accounting professional. This enables graduates to become ethically responsible leaders who fulfil social mandates by optimising integrated thinking to create sustained value. Development of all competencies is prioritised such as the development of decision-making skills, judgement, professional scepticism and the awareness of different cultures, economic, political, and social forces in the world.

On completion of the qualification, successful learners will be able to:

Conceptualise and solve complex accounting problems in an entity's individual financial statements and group financial statements in terms of International Financial Reporting Standards.

Develop and demonstrate the ability to provide divergent insights, rigorous interpretations, and robust solutions to practical problems through critically applying cost and financial decision-making management techniques.

Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the statutory environment that governs the audit profession including the formulation of audit procedures by critically evaluating an entity's internal control and risk environment.

Critically assess and apply tax legislation based on an advanced understanding of the tax consequences for individuals, companies, and distinctive tax matters in terms of the South African tax legislative framework.

Identify and appropriately address ethical issues and challenges by applying the advanced knowledge, values and principles embedded in and expected of a Chartered Accountant.

Integrate the complexities of accounting standards, audit procedures, tax legislation and cost and financial management techniques in relation to the professional Competency Framework.

Critically review, evaluate, present, and communicate information effectively to a range of audiences by developing appropriate responses through problem-solving and decision-making.

Rationale:
The accounting profession has been exposed to significant changes and will be faced with challenges in the upcoming decades. Research by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) indicates that these changes are rapid and driven largely by advances in smart and digital technology, globalisation of reporting/disclosure standards, new forms of regulation as well as ethical considerations. Due to greater public pressures and stakeholder expectations, future accountants will consequently require education in digital technologies such as cloud-based accounting, automation, artificial intelligence and big data, globalisation, evolving regulations such as tax regulation, new forms of corporate reporting, integrated reporting, and ethical considerations.

The ACCA report revealed that knowledge of digital technologies is an area of key competence where professional accountants have demonstrable skill gaps. At present, accountants lack knowledge and understanding of the transformation of new disclosure regulations, new forms of disclosures, and awareness of the interconnectedness of financial and non-financial reporting. Professional accountants will need the skills to provide more all-inclusive corporate reporting, which is typified by less quantitative information in favour of more narrative detailing the quality of the organisation.

The Government Notice published by the Department of Home Affairs in February 2021, recorded the Chartered Accountancy skill as a scarce skill as reflected in the Chartered Accountant (South Africa) designation, on the South African scarce skills list. This alludes to the demand for this unique skillset in the Republic of South Africa, with a low supply of qualified individuals. To meet this demand, the institution will offer a qualification in the distance mode of provision, thereby increasing the opportunities available to those who wish to follow this career path. The need for the qualification is further evidenced by the intentions set out for the Higher Education Sector. One of which is the pressing need for increased access to higher education in South Africa, and the unique contribution that distance education at the institution offers in this regard. Furthermore, the South African Government has observed the potential for preparing learners to become Chartered Accountants and, as a result, urges departments such as the Treasury and the Office of the Auditor General to provide financial assistance to learners who are interested in studying toward the Chartered Accountant designation.

The institution is uniquely positioned to offer the qualification given its history and proven ability to deliver similar qualifications as a provider of ACCA-accredited qualifications and as a provider of HEQSF-aligned accounting qualifications.

The qualification will facilitate the national and global recognition of the skills and experience required as identified above. It will add value to the accounting and finance sector by recognising the broad range of expertise needed to be successful in this field by ensuring that the required level of knowledge is achieved, and applied in relevant working scenarios and that the experience necessary to demonstrate sustained competence in a variety of situations is developed to allow the learner to progress academically and practically in accounting and related fields. The typical learner who will benefit from this qualification will be an individual who has completed an accredited Bachelor of Accounting Degree, intends to or is already working in the accounting sector, and wishes to become a qualified, registered Chartered Accountant (South Africa).

The qualification is designed to prepare learners for the SAICA Initial Assessment of Competence (IAC) in partial fulfilment of the requirements for qualification as a Chartered Accountant and is aligned with the competency framework and curriculum requirements of SAICA. Learners who successfully complete the qualification will be eligible for careers in public, private, governmental, and non-profit organisations as Chartered Accountants, Auditors, Financial Managers, Financial Advisors and Specialists, Financial, Management Consultants, Tax Specialists, Business Managers, Business Owners, or Entrepreneurs as well as Banking and Financial Analysts, locally and globally.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution's existing RPL policy and practices will be applied in the qualification. The principles of recognising learning that has already taken place will be applied at a modular level. The institution follows the Council on Higher Education's (CHE's) Policies on the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and Assessment (CHE, 2016) and in accordance with the National RPL Policy (SAQA, Amended 2019). Learners need to be able to demonstrate their prior learning either through evaluation/verification and/or assessment.

RPL for access:

Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification 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.

Although learners are rigorously assessed, as per the principles of RPL, there is no guarantee that a learner will gain admission into a qualification.

Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis and learners will enter discussion with the RPL advisor to determine the requirements for the RPL assessment/portfolio of evidence.

Only 10 % of a cohort will be allowed admission to a qualification on an RPL basis.

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.

Learners applying for admission to the qualification via RPL can only be exempted from a maximum of 50 % of the modules.

Although learners are rigorously assessed, as per the principles of RPL, there is no guarantee that a learner will receive exemptions from modules.

Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis and learners will enter discussion with the RPL advisor to determine the requirements for the RPL assessment/portfolio of evidence.

All RPL applications will be adjudicated by the Academic Committee and Registrar: Administration. The outcome of the applications will be communicated to learners in writing (via email).

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

Advanced Diploma in Accounting, NQF Level 7.
Or

Bachelor of Accounting, NQF Level 7.
Or

Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, NQF Level 7.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits:

Advanced Financial Accounting including International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Group Statements, 40 Credits.

Advanced Cost and Financial Management Accounting, 30 Credits.

Advanced Auditing, 25 Credits.

Advanced Tax, 25 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Conceptualise and solve complex accounting problems in an entity's individual financial statements and group financial statements in terms of International Financial Reporting Standards.
2. Develop and demonstrate the ability to provide divergent insights, rigorous interpretations, and robust solutions to practical problems through critically applying cost and financial decision-making management techniques.
3. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the statutory environment that governs the audit profession including the formulation of audit procedures by critically evaluating an entity's internal control - and risk environment.
4. Critically assess and apply tax legislation based on an advanced understanding of the tax consequences for individuals, companies, and distinctive tax matters in terms of the South African tax legislative framework.
5. Demonstrate the ability to identify and appropriately address ethical issues and challenges by applying the advanced knowledge, values and principles embedded in and expected of a Chartered Accountant
6. Demonstrate the ability to integrate the complexities of accounting standards, audit procedures, tax legislation and cost and financial management techniques in relation to the professional Competency Framework.
7. Critically review, evaluate, present, and communicate information effectively to a range of audiences by developing appropriate responses through problem-solving and decision-making.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Meticulously prepare individual financial statements and group financial statements in terms of International Financial Reporting Standards.

Critically evaluate and interpret individual financial statements, group financial statements and the elements thereof in terms of International Financial Reporting Standards.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Critically evaluate different costing systems and cost behaviours and provide innovative recommendations to effectively manage costs.

Perform holistic analysis to aid performance evaluations.

Accurately prepare budgets and valuations and perform detailed analyses to provide advice, solve problems and enable informed decision-making.

Develop plans and critical analysis with appropriate contextual consideration given to business risks, business planning and business strategy development and implementation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Critically evaluate the external audit process and develop detailed audit plans and audit strategies based on these evaluations within the context of the statutory environment that governs the audit profession.

For complex business systems, processes, and technological environments, appropriately evaluate and critically analyse the risks, controls, financial and information systems and develop extensive tests of controls and substantive procedures.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Perform accurate calculations and critically assess the tax liabilities of individuals, businesses, and distinctive tax matters.

Depending on the needs of taxpayers, provide useful tax advice supported by logical analysis.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Critically discuss and evaluate ethical dilemmas and provide appropriate recommendations to address unethical behaviour.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Integrate the complexities of accounting standards, audit procedures, cost and financial management techniques and tax legislation.

Apply the South African Income Tax Act and other statutes relevant to the business environment of the individual and corporate taxpayer locally and globally.

Provide accurate and useful tax advice supported by valid and well-reasoned analysis according to the taxpayer's needs.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Critically review, evaluate, present, and communicate information effectively to a range of audiences by developing appropriate responses through problem-solving and decision-making.

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.

Use language effectively to convey ideas and insights intelligibly.

Formulate appropriate responses to resolve both concrete and abstract problems that accountants and auditors are normally confronted with.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

There are several accounting-related qualifications, namely, financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, and tax-related qualifications available at higher education institutions internationally, offered across a range of levels in the form of Postgraduate qualifications. Many of the qualifications focus on financial accounting, financial reporting, and management accounting including main topics such as valuations and financial strategy, auditing and information systems technology and controls. Some focus on the broader field of financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, and tax while some qualifications also include supporting modules.

The qualification was compared with similar qualifications offered in the following countries.

Country: United States of America
Institution: Florida International University
Qualification Title: Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Credits: 120
Duration: 4 years full time
Entry Requirements:

High school diploma

Purpose:
The Bachelor of Science in Accounting provides an excellent foundation in accounting and business. Its conceptual focus is designed to prepare learners for success in a constantly evolving business environment and to prepare learners for graduate studies in accounting, business, and related professions such as the law.

Learning Outcomes:

Describe individual business disciplines and their relationship to the global business environment.

Prepare financial statements based on generally accepted accounting principles.

Identify basic US tax laws applicable to businesses and individuals.

Explain the attestation function and describe generally accepted auditing standards.

Describe the basic concepts of cost and managerial accounting and explain its role in business.

Apply mathematical concepts and technology to interpret, understand, and communicate quantitative data.

Apply the conceptual framework, economic reasoning, and generally accepted accounting principles to solving accounting problems.

Analyze and interpret economic and financial events for internal decision-making purposes.

Attest to the fairness of financial representations and the adequacy of internal controls.

Prepare basic individual and business tax returns and apply US tax laws for tax planning purposes.

Effectively produce, interpret, and analyze written text, oral messages, and multimedia presentations used in business.

Assessment Types

Course assignments.

Tax cases.

Simulations.

Projects.

Exams.

Speeches.

The Educational Testing Service's Business Field Test.

Qualification structure:
The qualification consists of the following modules.

Modules:

Value Added Accounting Practices comparable to Advanced Tax

Accounting Information Systems Technology, Control and Audit

Global Accounting, Auditing, Financial Strategy comparable to Advanced Auditing

Business Analysis and Valuation

Advanced Managerial Accounting comparable to Advanced Financial Accounting including IFRS and Group Statements

Governmental Accounting

Dissertation in Accounting for Honours (60 points, 12 months)

Thesis for MCom (60 points, 12 months)

Similarities:

The Florida International University (FIU) and the South African (SA) qualifications share a similar purpose of equipping learners with the necessary knowledge, skills, and accounting attributes to pass the examination for a professional designation.

The SA and FIU qualifications have 120 credit points.

Both qualifications consist of similar exit-level outcomes and assessment types.

Both qualifications progress to a master's degree in accounting or related field.

Differences:

The SA qualification requires applicants who completed the undergraduate qualification specialising in accounting whereas the FIU qualification requires applicants who completed the High school diploma.

The FIU takes four years of full-time study while the SA qualification takes one year of full-time study.

Country: New Zealand
Institution: University of Auckland
Qualification title: Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Accounting
Credits: 120 credit points
Duration: 1-year full-time
Entry Requirements:

Must have completed a Bachelor of Commerce with a GPA of at least 5.0 in the Stage III courses required for the major.

Purpose/Rationale:
Accounting is the practice of maintaining and auditing financial statements and preparing reports on the assets, liabilities, and operations of a business. Behind every successful business is a good accountant. Postgraduate study will prepare learners for senior or specialised career roles in the areas of financial accounting, auditing, management accounting and business analysis. An academic career specialising in accounting is also an option. Professional bodies that recognise accounting qualifications include CAANZ, CPA Australia, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the CFA Institute.

Qualification structure:
The honours degree comprises 120 points, i.e., 90 points of coursework plus a 30-point dissertation.

Modules taught at the postgraduate level include:

Research Methods in Accounting.

Governance Issues in Accounting.

Financial Accounting Research comparable to Advanced Financial Accounting including IFRS and Group Statements.

Contemporary Auditing Research - Research in Management Control.

Research in Revenue and Cost Management comparable to Advanced Cost and Financial Management.

Accounting Information and Capital Markets.

Various special topics, e.g., Forensic Accounting.

Similarities:

The University of Auckland (AU) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over one year of full-time study.

Both qualifications consist of 120 credits.

The AU and SA qualifications require applicants who completed the Bachelor of Commerce specialising in accounting.

Both qualifications prepare learners for senior or specialised career roles in the areas of financial accounting, auditing, management accounting and business analysis.

Both qualifications progress to a Master's degree in accounting and related fields.

Difference:
The AU qualification consists of coursework and a dissertation whereas the SA qualification consists of only coursework and no dissertation.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Bachelor of Accounting Honours, NQF Level 8.

Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Financial Accounting, NQF Level 8.

Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Management Accounting, NQF Level 8.

Postgraduate Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting, NQF Level 8.

Postgraduate Diploma in Finance and Accounting, NQF Level 8.

Postgraduate Diploma in Management Accounting, NQF Level 8.

Vertical Articulation:

Master of Accountancy in Financial Accounting, NQF Level 9.

Master of Accounting, NQF Level 9.

Master of Management Accounting, NQF Level 9.

Diagonal Articulation
There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification.

MODERATION OPTIONS

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.

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