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
122803  Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting 
ORIGINATOR
EDUVOS (Pty) Ltd (Previously Pearson Institute of Higher 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  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 strengthen and deepen the learner's knowledge of the accounting profession. The qualification will thus develop graduates with advanced knowledge, critical thinking, and professional competencies in accounting and related sub-fields to enhance graduates' employability and start a career as a professional in these areas. This qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence, as well as the ability to relate knowledge to a range of contexts to undertake professional and highly skilled work.

Furthermore, the qualification aims to prepare accounting graduates, working individuals and entrepreneurs for rapid changes within the accounting environment and enable learners to deal with constant changes within the industry, globalisation, economic volatility, and rapid technological advancements. Learners will be given the necessary tools to unlock their full potential and be productive citizens.

Finally, the qualification is a professionally oriented postgraduate diploma designed to prepare graduates to ultimately qualify as Chartered Accountants. The qualification is aligned with the competency framework and curriculum requirements of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) and on achievement of the qualification will be prepared for entry to SAICA's Initial Test of Competency Exam in partial fulfilment of qualifying as a Chartered Accountant.

Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Develop advanced theoretical knowledge and skills to speed up their progress into management.
  • Promote social development competency that is necessary in South Africa and the rest of Africa.
  • Create opportunities and succeed in the commercial and accounting environment of today. Small new business ventures established businesses and the public sector await such learners.
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply abstract and analytical frameworks to analyse problems within both public and private accounting.

    Rationale:
    South Africa's employment rate averaged 42.35 percent from 2000 to 2022, with a high of 46.17 percent in the fourth quarter of 2008 and a low of 35.93 percent in the third quarter of 2021 (Stats South Africa, 2022). To ensure alignment with its mission, the institution is working to change this picture by offering qualifications that will benefit the economy and address high unemployment rates.

    Graduates with a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting will be able to enrol for the Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting which is geared towards the employability and employment of young and previously disadvantaged individuals in accordance with the Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority's (FASSET) guiding policy framework.

    The framework aims to change the composition of the South African labour market to reflect national demographics more accurately. This includes increasing access to education and training in priority occupations and scarce skills for Black Africans, women, and people with disabilities in the Finance and Accounting Services (FAS) Sector (FASSET Report, 2022).

    The intention of FASSET, its role in identifying skills shortages in the economy, and the rationale of the institution in providing quality education leading to graduate employability appeared to be neatly aligned and relevant to the South African economy.

    With the significant need in the South African economy for skilled accounting professionals, graduates of the PGDip (Accounting), who are equipped with the relevant advanced knowledge and competencies will be highly sought after in private industry, government, and non-profit sectors (FASSET Report, 2022).

    Given this need, the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) is, as documented, supportive of new qualifications that widen access and increase the number of graduates in the accounting field.

    The Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting is aligned with the SAICA competency framework, which would potentially allow learners entry into SAICA's Initial Test of Competence as a first step to ultimately qualifying as a Chartered Accountant.

    The institution recognised the need to provide a postgraduate diploma that includes, in addition to advanced accounting technical skills, innovation, solution-driven thinking, entrepreneurial thinking, critical thinking, adaptive thinking, negotiation skills, and embedded virtual communication skills to ensure graduates have advanced accounting competencies while increasing their employability.

    The institution seeks to expand its offering and learners will benefit through pathway articulations.

    The qualification will serve the following purposes:
  • Provide an upward articulation opportunity for graduates of the Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting offered by the institution, as well as other graduates of SAICA-approved bachelor's degrees in accounting obtained elsewhere.
  • Allow employees from various disciplines to acquire accounting and finance skills.
  • Equip learners with the relevant competency and work skills to meet the demands of the private and public sectors with accounting discipline.

    The qualification will train learners who are prepared for life-long learning (in the workplace or at tertiary institutions), and learners who will be able to understand the principles of and are capable of critical citizenship. Learners will be given an opportunity to apply their knowledge in the discipline, which will allow them to gain hands-on practical experience in key areas of their studies. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for access:
    Since all modules constituting the Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting curriculum are on the exit level of the qualification (Level 8), no exemption of modules based on prior informal or non-formal learning will be granted. RPL will only apply for the purposes of access to the PGDip (Accounting).

    The principles of RPL are accepted and will be implemented, with no more than 10% of a cohort of learners in a qualification admitted through the RPL process. The principle of flexible and direct access, will, however, be offset against the provision so that this is not to the detriment of the potential learner and that his/her chances to succeed are reasonable.

    A specifically constituted RPL committee will guide potential RPL for admission candidates in compiling a portfolio providing evidence of the achievement of the admission requirements of the PGDip (Accounting). Learners' competencies will be assessed to determine whether they are eligible for access. Said portfolios of evidence may contain evidence from four sources, including:
  • Formal learning (e.g., certificates, academic transcripts, etc.),
  • Informal learning (e.g., job descriptions, employment contracts, etc.),
  • Work products (e.g., statements from employers, evidence of work performed by the applicant, etc.) and
  • Formal interview.

    Applications via the RPL mechanism are reviewed by the RPL committee, which allows for uniform and consistent application of the RPL policy.

    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.

    Applicants with a relevant bachelor's degree in accounting not accredited by SAICA may be required to complete a bridging course to meet minimum requirements.

    Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements for admission to the Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting, but have applicable academic and work experience, may apply for the Recognition of Prior Learning process to be admitted to the PGDip (Accounting). 
    		•

    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, NQF Level 8, totalling 120 Credits.
  • Financial Reporting, 30 credits.
  • Taxation, 30 credits.
  • Management Accounting and Finance, 30 credits.
  • Governance, Ethics and Auditing, 30 credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply critical thinking and make principle-based judgements in preparing, evaluating, and interpreting complex general-purpose financial statements, both at an individual financial statement level and at a group financial statement level, using advanced knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
    2. Apply advanced management accounting and financial management theories, and techniques to assist economic decision-makers in preparing calculations, analysing, and solving complex and unfamiliar business problems and making suitably informed decisions regarding strategy, investment, and financing decisions.
    3. Apply advanced knowledge of the Income Tax Act, the Value Added Tax Act, the relevant South African Revenue Service practice notes and other taxation regulations to calculate taxable income; and to provide detailed explanations when advising individuals, companies, and organisations on tax principles.
    4. Apply advanced knowledge of the relevant laws, regulations, standards, and professional methods in assurance practice to critically evaluate plan, perform, and present an assurance report opinion.
    5. Apply critical thinking, and an advanced knowledge of business risk management, corporate governance and control, ethics, and strategy in an integrated manner to solve a variety of real-world business problems in an ethical manner and consistent with professional standards. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1.
  • Prepare, critically evaluate and/or interpret complex individual and group financial statements that comply with IFRS, performing advanced consolidation procedures where required.
  • Integrate financial reporting and relevant business, economic, and regulatory (including taxation) knowledge on an advanced level to correctly account for, critically evaluate and/or interpret the implications of various transactions or other events in a set of complex financial statements.
  • Evaluate, analyse and/or interpret information to devise technically correct and ethical recognition, measurement and disclosure for various transactions or other events in a complex set of financial statements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2.
  • Critically evaluate investment opportunities and finance decisions and recommend an appropriate course of action.
  • Analyse and evaluate performance indicators and evaluate corporate strategy and risk management within the organisation.
  • Perform budget forecasting, costing and valuation-related calculations and analysis and provide advice to support informed decision-making.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3.
  • Prepare a taxable income calculation for a company, trust or individual with supporting reasoning and references to the relevant legislation.
  • Critically evaluate the scenario to provide useful tax advice with clearly reasoned explanations and supporting evidence and analysis.
  • Critically analyse transactions to determine the tax implications, and effect optimum taxation levels.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4.
  • Design and critically evaluate an audit plan considering the nature of the entity, its systems and controls, operating environment, and legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Effectively perform audit procedures and/or critically evaluate an audit process to ensure that sufficient appropriate audit evidence is gathered.
  • Prepare and present and/or critically evaluate assurance reports and substantiate professional opinions.
  • Critically evaluate and recommend improvements in governance structures and manual and automated internal control systems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5.
  • Analyse ethical considerations within a corporate setting and recommend appropriate action by those charged with governance.
  • Design, analyse and critically evaluate control systems related to all aspects of an entity's financial, operational and information systems to minimise risk.
  • Evaluate corporate strategy and risk management within an organisation and recommend an appropriate course of action. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The PGDip (Accounting) is designed within the South African business context and is aligned with standards as per the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). It is therefore necessarily geared towards a South African legislative environment but is nonetheless comparable to similar programmes offered by accredited international institutions.

    Country: New Zealand:
    Institution name: Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
    Qualification title: Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Accounting
    NQF: Level 8
    Credits: 120
    Duration: One year

    Entry requirements:
    Must have completed a bachelor's degree (in any discipline)

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Accounting provides an entry point for learners who don't want to enrol in a full Master of Professional Accounting or who need added flexibility. All graduates from this postgraduate diploma are encouraged to continue into the Master of Professional Accounting. The programme is available as an exit qualification if required.

    Course structure
    Modules:
  • Financial Accounting, comparable to Financial Reporting.
  • Management Accounting for Business, comparable to Management Accounting and Finance.
    Taxation in New Zealand, comparable to Taxation
  • Accounting Information Systems
  • Strategic Management Accounting

    Exit Outcome:
  • Demonstrate capability to identify and frame accounting issues and generate appropriate solutions.
  • Demonstrate advanced capability to use reflection to deepen knowledge of self, others and relevant professional practice. (Personal/Intellectual Autonomy; Ethical/Professional Dispositions).
  • Demonstrate an advanced capability to consider relevant social, ethical and sustainability dimensions of decisions in accounting contexts. (Ethical/Professional Dispositions).
  • Demonstrate an advanced capability to use conceptual and critical thinking, analysis, reasoning, integration, and judgment. (Inquiry/Research/Creativity).

    Similarities:
  • Auckland University of Technology (AUT) and the South African (SA) qualification are both offered over one year, at NQF Level 8 with 120 Credits.
  • Both qualifications accept learners who have completed a bachelor's degree in the relevant or cognate field.
  • Both qualifications articulate vertically into a Master's degree in the relevant field.
  • While the AUT qualification splits the content of their qualification into multiple smaller courses, the proposed SA qualification covers similar content integrated into the four core modules, the comparable modules are Advanced Financial Accounting, Strategic Management Accounting, Auditing and Taxation in New Zealand.
  • Both qualifications share similar exit outcomes such as the ability to use reflection to deepen knowledge of self, and others, conceptual and critical thinking, analysis, reasoning, integration and judgement in the relevant field, management of information and communication skills.

    Country: Canada
    Institution name: Douglas College
    Qualification title: Post Degree Diploma in Accounting
    Duration: One year
    Credits: 30

    Entry requirement:
  • Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in the field of Commerce and Business Administration
    Or
    An equivalent credential from an approved institution of a different country.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The qualification is designed for post-degree learners, the Career Boost program prepares learners for part-time paid or volunteer positions that complement their studies. Learners will participate in career-building workshops, one-on-one coaching sessions, career fairs, networking with employers, peer-led leadership meetings and more.

    Course structure:
    Modules:
  • Intermediate Accounting
  • Intermediate Managerial Accounting
  • Income Tax, comparable to Taxation
  • Data Analytics for Managers
  • Advanced Financial Accounting
  • Auditing
  • Advanced Management Accounting, comparable to Management Accounting and Finance.

    Similarities:
  • The Douglas College (DC) and the South African (SA) qualifications are both offered over one year.
  • Both qualifications accept learners who have completed a bachelor's degree in the cognate field.
  • The SA qualification aims to enhance graduates' employability and start a career as a professional in accounting and related fields.
  • Similarly, the DC qualification is designed for post-degree learners, as a Career Boost program that prepares learners for part-time paid or volunteer positions that complement their studies.
  • The DC qualification splits its content into a larger number of smaller compulsory courses than the four modules of the SA qualification, however, the content covered is very similar, with the four larger modules covering modules such as
    Financial accounting-related courses:
  • Intermediate Accounting
  • Advanced Financial Accounting
    Managerial accounting-related courses:
  • Intermediate Managerial Accounting
  • Advanced Management Accounting
  • Business Strategy and Competitive Analysis

    Difference:
    The SA qualification consists of 120 Credits and the DC qualification consists of 30 credits. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Finance and Accounting, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Accounting Honours, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Accounting Sciences Honours in Management, 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.
     
    1. EDUVOS (Pty) Ltd (Previously Pearson Institute of Higher 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.