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 Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
123065  Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting Science 
ORIGINATOR
University of Zululand 
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 0628/24  2024-11-21  2027-11-21 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-11-21   2031-11-21  

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 Science is to equip learners with sound subject knowledge, sound theoretical underpinnings to practice, the capacity to integrate theory and practice, and appropriate values and skills to deal with diversity in business.

The qualification is designed to provide learners with integrated knowledge and skills related to accounting to prepare them for the Initial Test of Competency (ITC) administered by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) the next step in becoming a charted accountant. This qualification will widen access to learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. The qualification will integrate Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Financial Management, Auditing, Taxation, Strategy, Risk and Governance.

On completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Develop an in-depth knowledge of a major discipline in more than one area.
  • Convert business records using formal and accepted accounting practices into management information and be skilled at interpreting such information.
  • Operate in both turbulent and stable economic environments and respond effectively to uncertainties.
  • Access, process and communicate information appropriately and effectively.
  • Work effectively as an individual, in multicultural teams.
  • Engage in life-long learning through the exercise of fundamental learning skills and understand the requirement to maintain continued competence and to keep abreast of the changing business, financial and policy environment which brings ever-new methods, techniques, and competitive challenges.
  • Demonstrate ethical awareness of the code of conduct of accounting practitioners prescribed by the relevant professional bodies and carry this code into the world of work.
  • Demonstrate specialised knowledge of Financial Accounting and other related fields (such as Tax, Auditing, Managerial Accounting and Financial Management) and,
  • Write the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants examination and apply for professional recognition.

    Rationale:
    South Africa currently experiences a shortage of qualified accountants. There is a need for this qualification as the current demand for Chartered Accountants exceeds the supply in the country. The qualification will address a critical need in South Africa for Chartered Accountants (CA) who are equipped to deal with the challenges facing business, who are knowledgeable, confident in their ability to learn and who are not afraid of change. The qualification will address the lack of black chartered accountants in South Africa and redress the demographics of professional accountants, to transform the profession.

    The South African economy requires Accounting and Finance professionals who can manage their organization's profitability and sustainability. This qualification will therefore provide South Africa with skilled human capital in the accounting discipline. This discipline is vitally important for an organization to gain and maintain a competitive advantage in its cost structure. The learners will be provided with a rigorous grounding for a career in commerce by equipping them with postgraduate-level knowledge, specific skills and applied professional competencies in accounting and other related fields.

    The institution recently gained SAICA accreditation for its undergraduate Accounting Science degree and has been preparing to offer the final academic qualification required to register for the professional entrance examinations. To transform the accounting profession and its membership base, SAICA through its nation-building division and the University of Cape Town, has mentored the department through its capacity-building project. Learners from the institution and those from disadvantaged rural backgrounds fit squarely into these transformation objectives and together with factors such as cost and departmental assistance toward obtaining funding, make the decision to offer the qualification logical.

    The qualification was developed in consultation with SAIC in the quest to develop black Chartered Accountants from previously disadvantaged societies. These learners may be employed as entry-level bookkeepers and various accounting and administration-related posts in commercial private and public sectors.

    This qualification will meet the needs of industry and business by providing learners with a broad understanding of accounting and related fields. Employers require qualified learners who can demonstrate that they have developed skills as reflective, independent learners, who can critically analyse complex problems. The needs of industry sectors are further met in that learners will also master a range of specialised competencies in the field of applied accounting which constitutes auditing, taxation, financial management, management accounting and a research project.

    The qualification will allow learners to fill vacancies in the public and private sectors and be allocated responsibilities in Technology, Financial Reporting, Governance, Taxation and Asset management. In the public sector, there are opportunities in SOE's, Treasury and the Auditor General. The qualification will contribute to the development of the country and the economy by developing learners who can apply critical and analytical thinking and innovation in business and industry.

    The qualification will prepare learners for entrance to the accounting profession's qualifying examination. The qualification will also allow learners to proceed to further academic study for the Master's degree. An important competence we try to inculcate is the idea of lifelong learning thus the learning process never ends.

    Apart from expressing opinions on financial statements accountants have the skills and knowledge to improve efficiency, and operational capacity and create awareness regarding what constitutes irregular and corrupt activities. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

    The institution's RPL Policy and Procedures set out the requirements and procedures for the recognition of prior learning for the purpose of admission to university study. Prior learning will be recognized in the form of properly certified university qualifications that are acceptable to the Senate for recognition for admission. Appropriate professional qualifications, as well as a body of practical experience, substantiated through a portfolio providing documentary evidence in support of the specific RPL application may also be considered.

    Applications are admitted in terms of the rules governing selection for postgraduate studies which state that: "An applicant who has graduated from another tertiary institution or who has in any other manner attained a level of competence which, in the opinion of the Senate, is adequate for the purpose of postgraduate studies or research, may be admitted as a learner of the institution. Learners will have to use the university's procedure, which is approved at various university levels". Assessment of all applicants must be endorsed by the relevant body for approval prior to student registration. The performance of learners admitted by RPL will be closely monitored, and the implementation and effectiveness of RPL evaluated annually.

    The 10% of the cohort of learners will be determined through the enrolment target provided in the University Plan and these will be admitted following the institution's policy. The institution's RPL Policy is in the process of being revised to include the 10% rule as stated in the National Policies for Recognition and Prior Learning: Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and Assessment in Higher Education, 2016.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Advanced Diploma in Accounting Sciences, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Accounting, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Accounting, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Accounting Sciences in Management Accounting, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting Science, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Cost and Management Accounting, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    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 Reporting, 30 Credits.
  • Advanced Managerial and Financial Management (MAF), 30 Credits.
  • Business Controls, Governance and Assurance, 30 Credits.
  • Advanced Taxation, 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Exit Level Outcomes:
    1. Integrate Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Financial Management, Auditing, Taxation and the attributes and create practical solutions to real and hypothetical circumstances.
    2. Analyse and evaluate the pertinent information from a given scenario against established knowledge and propose an appropriate response to the given.
    3. Attain a level of knowledge, understanding of technical skills and professional expertise to work in an entry-level managerial post in a professional accounting environment.
    4. Apply the essential ethical principles in personal, business and professional accounting environments.
    5. Design, analyse and evaluate financial and related information systems for business monitoring and control purposes.
    6. Demonstrate the values of intellectual honesty and ethical behaviour.
    7. Demonstrate evidence of self-directed learning and an appreciation of the concepts of continuous professional development and life-long learning.
    8. Independently apply economic knowledge and practices to an understanding of conceptual and practical problems. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Integrate the complexities of accounting standards, audit procedures, cost and financial management techniques and tax legislation.
  • Critically evaluate and interpret individual financial statements, group financial statements and the elements thereof.
  • Communicate a range of options available to a diverse group of stakeholders through a discussion of the merits (or negative consequences) of choices available.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the circumstances in the documents.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Critically evaluate the circumstances presented.
  • Produce an original and complete integrated set of annual financial statements (or part thereof) through analysis and investigation of case study scenarios learners.
  • Produce an assurance report.
  • Give Tax consequence advice.
  • Produce a strategic report on financial and other effects in accordance with the conceptual Framework and International Financial Reporting Standards, the Companies Act or other statutes, International Auditing standards, the various components of the tax regime including legislation and case law and established financial and management practices.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Conduct investigations using written and technological resources.
  • Analyse and interpret financial and other information to promote constructive change within a professional accounting context.
  • Develop a train of logic to a conclusion supported by qualitative and quantitative arguments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Participate in activities such as group work, individual projects and assessment activities and show an appreciation of related ethical principles.
  • Apply ethical principles accordingly as required by the professional body.
  • Critically discuss and evaluate ethical dilemmas and provide appropriate recommendations to address unethical behaviour.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Prepare operational programs, either individually or in groups which require independent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Communicate the financial plan in a written or oral presentation.
  • Explain, discuss recognize and improve the financial plan demonstrating problem-solving skills.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Analyse the accounting profession structure, different roles and responsibilities available to accounting professionals.
  • Discuss the responsibilities of internal and external role players and perform the functions of each category.
  • Integrate responsibilities of internal and external role players with governance protocols.
  • Compare internally and externally the United Nation's Sustainability Development Goals with other good governance protocols.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Articulate strategies in a self-critical manner, which effectively address professional ongoing learning needs.
  • Promote continuous professional development and lifelong learning as individuals and as groups.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Reflect with self and others during lectures and group work.
  • Critically analyse own and other people's thoughts and actions during presentations.
  • Organise self and work in groups in the face of continual challenges and changes from the academic environment demonstrated.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT:
    The qualification utilises an integrated continuous assessment model incorporating formative and summative assessment. A range of assessment instruments, including but not limited to, objective tests, essays, reports, presentations, group work, projects, term tests and examinations will contribute to each discipline's final mark. This qualification is monitored by the accounting profession.

    Formative Assessment:
    Whilst an important component of the final mark constitutes 50% of the final assessment with most modules included in this professional qualification having final marks constituted of a final summative written assessment (examination).

    Summative Assessments:
    Summative assessment will be in the form of:
  • Assignments.
  • Presentations.
  • Controlled assessments.
  • Exams.
  • Final project.
    These assessments will test the learners' level of competence and ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to ensure that all Exit Level Outcomes are achieved. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Internationally the training of professional accountants is similar as most national bodies are members of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and subscribe to The International Accounting Education Standards Board (IAESB) which is an independent standard-setting body and details the principles of professional accountancy organizations should follow to build a national accountancy profession. South Africa is a member of IFAC, and the South African qualification is thus similar to 180 organizations in 130 countries.

    Country: New Zealand.
    Institution: Auckland University of Technology.
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Accounting.
    Duration: 1-year Full time.
    NQF Level: NZQF Level:8.
    Credits:120 Credit Points.

    Entry requirements:
  • Must have completed a bachelor's degree.

    Purpose:
    The Graduate Diploma in Business (Professional Accounting) is a stepping stone to the world of professional accounting. It is designed for those who already have a base of significant relevant professional experience or have a Bachelor's degree. The qualification is academically rigorous, developing a strong foundation in conceptual knowledge of accounting procedures and practices. This foundation is complemented by current skills development, focusing on critical thinking, problem solving and creativity.

    A graduate of the Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Accounting will be able to:
  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of accounting practices.
  • Identify and frame accounting issues and generate appropriate solutions.
  • Use reflection to deepen knowledge of self, others and relevant professional practice.
  • Consider relevant social, ethical and sustainability dimensions of decisions in accounting contexts.
  • Use conceptual and critical thinking, analysis, reasoning, integration and judgement.
  • Produce high-quality business documents and business presentations.

    Modules:
  • Financial Accounting,15 points.
  • Management Accounting for Business, 15 points comparable to Advanced Managerial and Financial Management (MAF).
  • Taxation in New Zealand,15 points comparable to Advanced Taxation.
  • Accounting Information Systems, 15 points.
  • Advanced Financial Accounting, 15 points comparable to Advanced Financial Reporting.
  • Strategic Management Accounting, 15 points.
  • Finance for Accountants,15 points.
  • Accounting Regulations and Business Law,15 points comparable to Business Controls, Governance and Assurance.
  • Economics and Quantitative Methods,15 points.
  • Auditing,15 points.

    Similarities:
  • The Auckland University of Technology (AUT) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over one year of full-time study with 120 credits.
  • Both qualifications are registered at level 8 on the NZQF/SA NQF.
  • The AUT and SA qualifications require applicants who completed a bachelor's degree in the field.
  • Both qualifications share a similar purpose and exit-level outcomes.
  • The AUT and SA qualifications consist of compulsory modules.
  • Both qualifications enable learners to progress to a Master's degree.
  • Both qualifications are designed in consultation with professional bodies and include similar IFRS, Finance and IAS components.

    Difference:
  • Research is limited to business-related activities in the AUT qualification while the focus of research in the SA qualification is traditional academic research activities.

    Country: Canada.
    Institution: Selkirk College.
    Accounting - Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting.
    Duration: 2 years Full-time.

    Entry requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree (with a minimum 60% CGPA) from a recognized post-secondary institution in Canada or an English-speaking institution from another country, or equivalent training and experience.
  • English Studies 12 with a minimum of 67% or higher.

    Purpose:
    The qualification will provide learners with a solid financial accounting and management background to advance their careers in this high-paying field. Competent accounting and finance professionals with a professional accounting designation are in high demand.

    This qualification is designed for two types of learners:
  • Learners who have completed a bachelor's degree in a discipline other than business, and who want a condensed accounting and finance program as preparation for a career in business.
  • International learners who have a business degree from their home country but want a Canadian credential and would like to learn accounting from a Canadian perspective.

    Business and finance specialists like human resource managers, marketing professionals, accountants and entrepreneurs are among Canada's top five highest-paid personnel. This qualification will prepare learners for entry-level positions in these and other business fields.

    Upon successful completion of this qualification, learners will be able to:
  • Explain terms, concepts and theories relevant to Canadian business.
  • Demonstrate developing critical and creative thinking skills.
  • Apply problem-solving skills.
  • Communicate effectively in various formats to a variety of stakeholders.
  • Demonstrate developing collaborative skills.
  • Outline the importance of ethical and professional behaviour.
  • Demonstrate developing business skills.
  • Apply numerical analysis and calculation to business-related operations.
  • Demonstrate literacy skills required in the Canadian business environment.

    Modules:
    First Year:
  • Financial Accounting I.
  • Financial Accounting II.
  • Management Accounting.
  • Intermediate Accounting I.
  • Accounting Information Systems.
  • Introduction to Business.
  • Commercial Law.
  • Principles of Macroeconomics.
  • Principles of Microeconomics.
  • Introduction to Statistics.

    Second Year:
  • Financial Management comparable to Advanced Managerial and Financial Management (MAF).
  • Principles of Income Tax I comparable to Advanced Taxation.
  • Intermediate Accounting II.
  • Corporate Finance.
  • Income Tax II comparable to Advanced Taxation.
  • Auditing and Assurance comparable to Business Controls, Governance and Assurance.
  • Intermediate Management Accounting.
  • Advanced Financial Accounting.
  • Advanced Management Accounting.
  • Performance Management.

    Elective Modules:
  • Directed Studies Business.
  • Business Co-op Work-term I.

    Similarities:
  • The Selkirk College (SC) and the South African (SA) qualifications admit learners who completed a bachelor's degree in accounting or equivalent.
  • Both qualifications are designed to enable learners to gain essential professional skills, strengthen accounting knowledge and help them stand out from the crowd in the job market.
  • Both qualifications share similar modules such as Auditing and Assurance, Business Controls, Governance and Assurance, Principles of Income Tax and Advanced Taxation.

    Differences:
  • The SC qualification is offered over two years of full-time study whereas the SA qualification takes one year of full-time study.
  • The SC qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules whereas the SA qualification consists of compulsory modules and no electives.

    Country: Australia.
    Institution: Monash University.
    Qualification Title: Graduate Diploma in Accounting.
    Credits: 48 credit points.
    Duration :1 year FT, 2 years PT.

    Purpose:
    This qualification is designed for learners with a degree in a field other than accounting who wish to meet the academic requirements for admission as an associate member of both CPA Australia and the National Institute of Accountants or entry to the Chartered Accountants Program of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia.

    The Graduate Diploma in Accounting aims to produce graduates who will be critical and creative scholars who:
  • Produce innovative solutions to problems.
  • Apply research skills to business challenges.
  • Communicate effectively and perceptively.
  • Be responsible and effective global citizens who:
  • Engage in an internationalised world.
  • Exhibit cross-cultural competence.
  • Demonstrate ethical values.
  • Have a comprehensive understanding of their discipline and be able to provide discipline-based solutions relevant to the business, professional and public policy communities we serve.

    This qualification is recognised by the following professional bodies for admission to:
  • Associate membership of CPA Australia.
  • Chartered Financial Analysts Institute.
  • The Chartered Accountants Program of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia.

    Learners who successfully complete the Graduate Diploma in Accounting may be eligible for admission to Master of Professional Accounting or Master of Professional Accounting (Advanced). Learners wishing to exit the Graduate Diploma in Accounting early may apply to graduate with the Graduate Certificate in Business after successful completion of 24 points of study.

    Structure:
    This qualification comprises eight units from the following list:
  • Introductory Accounting.
  • Financial Accounting comparable to Advanced Financial Reporting.
  • Business Finance.
  • Management Accounting comparable to Advanced Managerial and Financial Management (MAF).
  • Advanced Financial Accounting comparable to Advanced Managerial and Financial Management (MAF).
  • Auditing and Assurance comparable to Business Controls, Governance and Assurance.
  • Accounting Information and Systems Modelling.
  • Business and Corporations Law.
  • Taxation Law comparable to Advanced Taxation.
  • Economics.
  • Personal Development - Critical thinking and communication.

    Similarities:
  • The Monash University (MU) and the SA qualifications both take one year of full-time study.
  • Both qualifications require applicants who completed a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field.
  • Both qualifications prepare learners for the professional designation examinations.
  • The MU and SA qualifications consist of compulsory modules.
  • Graduates from both qualifications are eligible for admission into the master's degree in accounting or related fields.

    Difference:
  • The MU qualification consists of 48 credit points while the SA qualification consists of 120 credits. 
    		•

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

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

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Accounting, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Accountancy in Financial Accounting, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Accounting Sciences, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Commerce in Accounting, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Management Accounting, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Management in Management Accounting, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Philosophy in Accounting Sciences, NQF Level 9.

    Diagonal Articulation:
    There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification. 
    		•

    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. University of Zululand 


    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.