|
|
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: |
| Advanced Occupational Diploma: Management Accountant |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 125109 | Advanced Occupational Diploma: Management Accountant | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| Development Quality Partner - FASSET | ||||
| PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
| QCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations | OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
| QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
| Advanced Occupational Dip | Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies | Finance, Economics and Accounting | ||
| ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
| Undefined | 191 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 07 | Regular-ELOAC |
| REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
| Registered | EXCO 0936/25 | 2025-11-13 | 2029-11-13 | |
| LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
| 2030-11-13 | 2033-11-13 | |||
| 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 replaces: |
| Qual ID | Qualification Title | Pre-2009 NQF Level | NQF Level | Min Credits | Replacement Status |
| 112809 | Occupational Certificate: Management Accountant | Not Applicable | NQF Level 08 | 180 | Complete |
| 20400 | Professional Qualification: Chartered Management Accountant | Level 7 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7 | 930 | Complete |
| PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION |
| Purpose:
The purpose of the Advanced Occupational Diploma: Management Accountant is to prepare a learner to function as a Management Accountant. A Management Accountant concentrates on internal financial management, providing analysis, budgeting and strategic advice to support decision-making within an organisation. They prioritise compliance, promote transparency and efficient use of public funds, while focusing on profitability, market competitiveness, and strategic growth on private entities. The qualification equips learners with specialised skills essential for strategic financial management. This qualification provides in-depth knowledge of cost management, budgeting, financial analysis and performance evaluation techniques. Such skills enable learners to contribute effectively to organisational decision-making processes, ensuring economic sustainability and growth. The qualification enhances career prospects by preparing learners for roles such as financial analyst, management accountant, budget manager, and strategic planner. Certification under this qualification also aligns with international standards, enhancing the learner's credibility and marketability both locally and globally. The qualification empowers individuals to make valuable contributions to the financial success and strategic direction of organisations in South Africa. Learners who have completed the qualification shall demonstrate, among others, the following attributes: analytical, critical, outcome-oriented, innovative, adaptable, planning and risk countering, business and strategic acumen. Rationale: There is a clear and growing need for Management Accountants in the public and private sectors. Organisations require professionals who can provide cost analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and performance measurement to support the strategic decision-making process. This qualification prepares learners to focus on applied competence, workplace integration, and regulatory alignment. It equips learners with the practical skills, professional ethics, and financial insight required to enhance operational efficiency, cost control, and contribute to long-term sustainability vital in a developing economy. The qualification formalises pathways for finance professionals and supports national efforts to improve financial governance and accountability. Availability of Management Accountants professionals promotes South Africa's international competitive edge in the financial management sector. This alignment will assist in promoting South Africa's international competitiveness and will enhance its standing in the global economy. The qualification benefits the financial services sector by addressing the shortage of skilled professionals capable of delivering advanced financial planning, cost management, and strategic decision-support services. Management accountants play a critical role in driving business efficiency and sustainability by analysing financial data, managing budgets, and supporting executive decision-making. This qualification will ensure a consistent pipeline of technically competent, work-ready management accountants to support compliance, profitability, and financial stability across banking, insurance, corporate finance, and public finance environments. The qualification offers society accessible, structured pathways for individualsincluding youth, previously disadvantaged groups, and employed persons to acquire highly employable skills. It opens opportunities for career advancement, social mobility, and lifelong learning. This, in turn, supports transformation objectives by promoting diversity and inclusion within the financial sector workforce. The qualification will equip professionals with management accounting skills, strengthening the financial health and governance of both private enterprises and public institutions. Improved cost management, financial risk analysis, and strategic financial planning contribute to the efficiency and competitiveness of businesses, encouraging investment and economic growth. ensuring financial decisions are data-driven and strategically sound, this qualification supports long-term fiscal stability and economic resilience. Typical learners for the qualification are those employed in the financial sector and new entrants to Management Accountant, holding an NQF Level 6 qualification in Accounting/Financial Management. The qualification was developed in collaboration with the following relevant stakeholders: List typical professions in which the qualifying learner will operate (if relevant) |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL for Access to Training: Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a qualification if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a qualification. Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated, and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider that offers that specific qualification. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors. For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a qualification through any means of formal, informal, or non-formal learning and/or work experience may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA): Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a qualification through any means of formal, informal, or non-formal learning and/or work experience may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA, which confirms achievement of all internal assessment criteria for all modules outlined in the related curriculum document. Upon successful completion of the EISA, RPL learners will be issued the QCTO certificate for the qualification. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring that the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications and part-qualifications are approved by the QCTO. Entry Requirements: |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill, and Work Experience Modules:
Knowledge Modules: Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 105 Practical Skill Modules: Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 30 Work Experience Modules: Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 56 |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Compile financial performance reports.
2. Guide strategic financial planning processes. 3. Optimise cost planning and control processes. 4. Communicate financial insights that support strategic decisions. 5. Implement internal controls and compliance-focused policies. 6. Optimise tax strategies and taxation liabilities. 7. Compile financial and compliance reports. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
ELO 1: Compile financial performance reports Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: ELO 2: Guide strategic financial planning processes. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: ELO 3: Optimise cost planning and control processes Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: ELO 4: Communicate financial insights that support strategic decisions. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: ELO 5: Implement internal controls and compliance-focused policies Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6: ELO 6: Optimise tax strategies and taxation liabilities Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7: ELO 7: Compile financial and compliance reports Integrated Assessment: Formative Assessments conducted internally Formative assessments are conducted throughout the training of learners. A range of formal, non-formal, and informal ongoing assessment activities is used to focus on teaching and learning outcomes to improve learner attainment. Formative assessments are conducted continuously by the facilitator to feed into further learning, to identify strengths and weaknesses, and to ensure the learner's ability to apply knowledge, skills, and workplace experience gained. Formative Assessments are conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP), and a variety of ongoing assessment methods may be used, for example, quizzes, assignments, tests, scenarios, role play, and interviews. Continuous feedback must be provided. Integrated Summative Assessments conducted internally Integrated Assessment involves all the different types of assessment tasks required for a particular qualification, such as written assessment of theory and practical demonstration of competence. To achieve this, the Internal Assessment Criteria (IAC) for all modules as found in the QCTO curriculum document must be followed. An accredited SDP should implement a well-designed, formal, relevant, final internal Summative Assessment strategy for all modules to prepare learners for the EISA. These assessments evaluate learning achievements relating to the achievement of each module of the relevant components of the qualification. Internal Summative Assessments are developed, moderated, and conducted by the SDP at the end of each module or after integration of relevant modules, e.g., applied knowledge tests, workplace tasks, practical demonstrations, simulated tasks/demonstrations, projects, case studies, etc. External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) The Quality Partner is responsible for the management, conduct, and implementation of the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA), in accordance with the QCTO set standards. Competence in the EISA is a requirement for certificating a learner. For entrance into the EISA, the learner requires a valid Statement of Results issued by the accredited institution indicating: Or |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| The qualification was compared to similar qualifications in Australia and the United Kingdom.
Country: Australia Institution: University of New South Wales Qualification Title: Graduate Diploma of Professional Accounting NQF Level: Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 07 Duration: One-to-two-year Entry Requirements: Purpose: The qualification is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in accounting principles, financial reporting, and performance management. It prepares graduates for professional roles in accounting and finance, equipping them to assess financial positions and advise on critical business decisions. The qualification is aimed at individuals seeking to enter the accounting profession, as well as professionals aiming to enhance their accounting expertise for career advancement. Qualification structure: The qualification covers the following key modules/subjects: Similarities: Both qualifications are pitched at advanced post-secondary/tertiary levels and require prior qualifications in Accounting, Finance, or a related field for entry into the qualification; they incorporate ethical and governance principles within their curricula and include modules addressing Corporate Finance, Business Strategy, and Risk Management, with one year of full-time study. Differences: The SA qualification has a specific occupational focus, integrating structured workplace modules component, aligned with actual financial processes, while the Australian qualification is more academic and does not have a structured work placement requirement. The SA qualification includes specialist modules like Forensic Accounting, Business Rescue, Human Management, and Organisation and Practice Management, not present in the Australian equivalent The SA qualification explicitly caters to both public and private sector contexts, while the Australian qualification is more focused on general professional accounting roles. Country: United Kingdom Institution: The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) Qualification Title: Diploma in Management Accounting NQF Level: Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 6 Duration: One year Entry requirements: Purpose: The Diploma in Management Accounting focuses on equipping students with the foundational knowledge and skills required for a career in management accounting. It emphasizes short-term decision-making, operational performance, and the application of appropriate data and technology to translate medium-term decisions into actionable plans. This qualification is intended for individuals aiming to pursue a career in management accounting, including those transitioning from other fields or seeking to formalize their experience with a recognized credential. Typical roles that learners studying the CIMA Diploma go on to achieve include Junior Financial Accountants and Junior Management Accountants. Qualification structure: The qualification covers the following key modules/subjects: Similarities: Differences: Level 7. Conclusion: The SA qualification compares favourably with international examples in relation to its comprehensive coverage of key management accounting competencies, alignment with global standards, and practical applicability in both public and private sectors. It integrates advanced topics such as financial reporting, budgeting, cost management, strategic planning, and governance, consistent with the Australian Graduate Diploma of Professional Accounting and the United Kingdom CIMA Diploma in Management Accounting. Additionally, the South African qualification's structured workplace modules component, inclusion of specialist areas like forensic accounting, business rescue, and public sector compliance, positions it as a robust and well-rounded qualification designed to meet national needs while maintaining international relevance. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification provides opportunities for horizontal, vertical, and diagonal articulation options.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: Note: This qualification will reach its registration end date on 31 December 2025. The last date of enrolment is 31 December 2026. Diagonal Articulation: |
| MODERATION OPTIONS |
| N/A |
| CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS |
| N/A |
| NOTES |
| Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
None Criteria for the accreditation of providers Accreditation requirements, against which Skills Development Providers (SDP) and Assessment Centres, will be accredited as found in the QCTO Curriculum Document. Curriculum Code: 241102-000-00-00 Encompassed Trade: Assessment Quality Partner (AQP) FASSET |
| LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: |
| When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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. |
| NONE |
| 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. |