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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Diploma: Accounting and Finance 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
36031  National Diploma: Accounting and Finance 
ORIGINATOR
Durban College Of Management And Economics 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National 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  240  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Registered" 		 SAQA 0249/03  2003-08-13  2006-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2007-06-30   2011-06-30  

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 
The purpose of the Diploma in Accounting and Finance (DAF) is to provide an upgrading qualification at NQF level 5 for accounting graduates and professionals with a prior qualification at lower level (level 5: certificate). Similar to the certificate in Accounting and Finance, it provides a way for managers with pre-NQF qualification (senior certificate) to access the NQF track.

Rationale

Accounting provides a framework for the evaluation of alternative methods of financial practice, based on the assumption that the primary purpose of accounting is to provide information, which is useful for decision making. People interested in the financial or accounting profession must be in possession of a qualification at least NQF level 5 to practice as accountants or financiers and advance successfully in furthering their studies in this field. The diploma in Accounting and Finance provides a qualification for managers to prepare the necessary accounting reports and financial information for management decisions.

The Diploma: Accounting and Finance is to be registered as an interim qualification in the framework of qualifications that prepare its holders for the Bachelor of Technology in Accounting. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
This qualification assumes that the learner is competent in the language of instruction of the provider, and in the general theoretical aspects of accounting, understanding and commitments accomplished at grade 12 level.

Recognition of prior learning

This qualification may be achieved in part through the recognition of relevant prior learning acquired at NQF level 5. Candidates to this diploma with a previous qualification in the field of management and business studies (for example certificate in financial management) may qualify for exemption in a number of courses. They are assessed by means of written or oral examination on courses covered by the previous qualification and for which they seek exemption. For example: a candidate with a prior certificate in financial management would apply for exemption on courses such accounting for manager, management principles, statistics I, business law principles, etc. Prior to the granting of the exemption, by means of a written or oral examination, the candidate must demonstrate a sufficient level of knowledge in those courses through the marks obtained.

Here it is imperative to develop structured means for the assessment of individual learners against the exit level outcomes of the qualification on a case - by - case basis. Such procedures and the assessment of individual cases are subject to moderation by independent assessor. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
N/A 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
1. Must prepare and compile accounting records professionally.

2. Must provide sound accounting advice to small and medium-sized organisations and be able to participate actively in business intercourse as an entrepreneur.

3. Must be able to manager and control financial activities adequately.

4. Participate in financial researches and produce quality academic work for publication. 

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
1.> Mastering the theory of accounts, the double entry system, books of first entry and ledgers, trial balances, financial statements.
  • Stock valuation and inventory systems, Bank reconciliation statements, cash reconciliation, records in purchases, sales, salaries and wages journals.
  • Clerical work associated with bookkeeping activities in an organisation.

    2.> Preparation of financial statements and reports in accordance with the GAAP.
  • Critical evaluation of accounting activities and strategies in various industries.
  • Ability to analyse financial statements and evaluate financial reports from the view points of its various users.
  • Generation of sound administrative advice to various organisations in different circumstances.
  • Provision of necessary financial information for management decisions.
  • Provision of adequate financial advice to various organisations in different circumstances.
  • Ability to innovate, to create and develop new business, etc.

    3. > Establishment of budgets, control of costs, financial processes.
  • Ability to manage effectively a department of finance and assure effective control over the flow of funds.
  • Analysis of variance in profitability and use of social funds.
  • Use information for purposes such as formulation of financial policies, planning and control of financial activities, etc.

    4.> Reading, writing and speaking abilities.
  • Read academic and professional text critically.
  • Use of numerical and statistical tools; etc.

    Integrated assessment

    In the assessment strategy as a whole, evidence must be demonstrated through a variety of options:
  • Case studies.
  • Assignments.
  • Written and oral examinations.
  • In - service training (Experiential learning).
  • Projects.

    The final integrated assessment needs to have the following characteristics:
  • It should assess the extent to which learners can work as professional bookkeepers, accounts manager, finances administrator and/or entrepreneurs.
  • It should measure the extent to which learners have integrated the roles and knowledge and skills delivered through the different courses that make up the accountants and financiers development programme.
  • It should also measure the applied competence. Here it should assess whether learners are able to integrate the ability to perform important accounting and financial actions competently. (A practical competence), understanding the theoretical basis for these actions (foundational competence). 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    We have consulted the Guidelines for the first undergraduate qualification in the field of Management and Economics (sub-field: Accounting) in the Kingdom of Belgium from the Belgium Ministry of Education and the Curriculum for the undergraduate Diploma in Economics, Management and financial sciences for professional Accountants (KINSHASA, DRC 1999). 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal

    The diploma in Accounting and Finance is directly related to many other diplomas in Business, Commerce and Management Studies in a number of courses at NQF level 5. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    For applicant to register as assessor, the applicant needs:
  • A minimum of 3 (three) years practical, relevant occupational experience.
  • A detailed documentary proof of educational practical training undergone and any other experience gained by the applicant must be provided. 
    		•

    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.
     
    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.