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: 

Diploma in Accountancy 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
90506  Diploma in Accountancy 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Finance, Economics and Accounting 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The qualification should provide accountancy knowledge and skills to ensure competence in performing reporting functions, rendering taxation services and management advisory services on an accounting technician level and to convert this embedded knowledge practically into an accounting software programme.

The purpose of this qualification is to provide a well-rounded, technically focussed education that equips learners with the technical knowledge, proficiency and pervasive skills which will enable them to demonstrate initiative and responsibility and which will enable the development of practical and operational focussed qualities.

This Qualification is designed in consultation with the Association of Accounting Technicians (SA) and recognised by them as a requirement to practise as an Accounting Technician. Such a programme requires a thorough grounding in the knowledge, theory, principles and skills of the profession or career concerned and the ability to apply these to professional or career contexts.

Rationale:
The rationale for this qualification is to provide learners with the necessary knowledge, competence and skills to work in an accountancy environment and understand the world of work, be confident about their value and have a higher than average chance of being employed.

The qualification also seeks to equip learners with management accounting skills and knowledge thereby satisfying the national demand for public and private sector accounting technicians. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
The learner is assumed to be familiar with the accountancy environment either through his/her employment in such an environment or through the successful completion of an appropriate qualification at NQF Level 4.

Competence in mathematics, Accounting and English equivalent to NQF Level 4 is expected.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) which include formal, informal and non-formal learning and workplace experience can be used to:
  • Award learners with credits.
  • Grant admission to learners who do not meet criteria.

    Access to the Qualification:
    Access to the Diploma is granted to all applicants who meet the minimum entrance requirements or who follow the available alternative route of entry. Applicants who are in possession of one of the following:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC)
  • National Certificate Vocational (NCV) NQF Level 4.
  • A foreign qualification that is equivalent to the NSC as determined by SAQA.
  • Any Further Education and Training Certificate (FETC) NQF Level 4 deemed to be relevant may be granted access to the qualification.
  • Learners who successfully complete the Programme in Commercial Accounting may also apply for admission. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 6:
  • Cost and Financial Management 1A, 12 Credits.
  • Cost and Financial Management 1B, 12 Credits.
  • Economics 1A, 12 Credits.
  • Economics 1B, 12 Credits.
  • End-user Computing 1A, 12 Credits.
  • End-user Computing 1B, 12 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting 1A,12 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting 1B, 12 Credits.
  • Quantitative Techniques 1A, 12 Credits.
  • Quantitative Techniques 1B, 12 Credits.
  • Active Citizenship 1,12 Credits.
  • Auditing and Internal Control 2A,12 Credits.
  • Auditing and Internal Control 2B, 12 Credits.
  • Business Communication 1,12 Credits.
  • Business Law 1A, 12 Credits.
  • Business Law 1B, 12 Credits.
  • Cost and Financial Management 2A,12 Credits.
  • Cost and Financial Management 2B, 12 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting 2A, 12 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting 2B, 12 Credits.
  • Auditing and Internal Control 3A, 16 Credits.
  • Auditing and Internal Control 3B, 16 Credits.
  • Cost and Financial Management 3A, 16 Credits.
  • Cost and Financial Management 3B, 16 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting 3A, 16 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting 3B, 16 Credits.
  • Taxation 3A, 16 Credits.
  • Taxation 3B, 16 Credits.

    Total Credits at NQF Level 6: 368. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Upon completion of the Diploma: Economics, the qualifying Learners will be able to:
    1. Demonstrate a solid knowledge base across the core disciplines of accountancy, namely, financial accounting, management accounting, taxation and auditing.
    2. Acquire knowledge of and demonstrate competence in all areas of Financial Accounting.
    3. Demonstrate knowledge and competence in all areas of Cost and Management Accounting.
    4. Acquire an understanding of Information Systems in business.
    5. Demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature of law and an appreciation of the role of law within which an accountant operates.
    6. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Management Accounting Control systems.
    7. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of corporate strategy.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
  • Demonstrate problem-solving skills as well as elementary knowledge of business management principles and applications.
  • Serve the commercial and economic needs of a person providing services in the arenas of accounting, taxation, management accounting or auditing.
  • Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation, community and contribute to the group output in tasks growing out of business, commerce and management fields.
  • Manage and organise activities and life responsibilities effectively.
  • Collect, analyse and organise information.
  • Communicate effectively using visual and/or language skills in the modes of writing.
  • Show responsibility towards and in the environment and health and well being of others, in community and in a national context.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation and by acknowledging their responsibilities to those in the local and broader community.
  • Perform effectively in the workplace.
  • Manage people within the accounting environment. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Understands and demonstrates the accounting concepts and techniques operating within business organisations, including the internal management of a business within a changing environment.
  • Applies the concepts and techniques in the generation of Cost and Management Accounting reports.
  • Is able to interpret Cost and Management reports for analysis and control.
  • Identifies and critically appreciates appropriate Management Accounting techniques for decision-making, planning and control; and applies these techniques in the generation of Management Accounting reports.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Illustrates competence in the principles, concepts and conventions underlying and Accounting.
  • Demonstrates the enhanced competence and skills required for a successful career in Bookkeeping and Accounting in Commerce, Industry and Practice.
  • Demonstrates competence in fundamental and more advanced financial accounting practices over a range of topic areas.
  • Shows competence in the analysis and interpretation of financial statements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Understands and demonstrates the Cost and Management Accounting concepts and techniques operating within business organisations, including the internal management of a business within a changing environment.
  • Applies the concepts and techniques in the generation of Cost and Management Accounting reports.
  • Interprets Cost and Management reports for analysis and control.
  • Identifies and critically appreciates appropriate Management Accounting techniques for decision-making, planning and control; and applies these techniques in the generation of Management Accounting reports.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Shows an understanding of Information Systems in business and how they assist management decision by helping accountants to achieve organisational objectives and thus improve performance.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Explains the operation of the Legal System with regard to Common Law, Equity and Judicial Precedent, Civil Law, Criminal Law, Statute Law, Case Law and EC Law.
  • Explains the role of courts and other methods of Dispute Resolution as they apply to business.
  • Identifies, describes and distinguishes between relevant legislation affecting the Accountant.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Displays a knowledge and understanding of the application of Management Accounting control and decision-making techniques, which enables him/her to communicate more effectively as an Accountant.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Understands the principal concepts and models used in the Strategic Management process and understands their contribution to improving business performance.
  • Evaluates and applies the concepts and models used in the Strategic Management process to diagnose, analyse and understand organisational problems.

    Integrated Assessment:

    The Integrated Assessment is to ensure that the learners are exposed to the principles, concepts and techniques which would aid in Financial and Economic Sciences processes within the greater context of accountancy and the attainment of the quality objectives of the organisation.

    All formative assessment tasks are internally moderated and all summative, exit level assessment tasks are externally moderated by suitably qualified experienced subject specialists. All assessment decisions and moderation judgments must be clearly motivated and recorded. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The University of London in the United Kingdom offers a Diploma in Accounting. This qualification is aimed at individuals who wish to secure a stand-alone qualification in accounting.

    Modules:
  • Principles of Accounting.
  • Financial Management or Corporate Finance.
  • Financial Reporting.
  • Management Accounting.
  • Auditing and Assurance.

    The Swinburn University of Technology in Australia offers Diploma of Accounting that aims at developing basic practical skills in financial accounting, budgeting, auditing, management accounting and taxation. This Diploma consists of 17 Modules, which are:
  • Four industry core modules (communication, use of technology, health and safety practices and principles of professional practice).
  • Five prerequisite modules common to Certificate III in Financial Services (bank receipts, journal entries, computerised accounting system, preparing financial reports and financial records).
  • Five Sectoral core modules, (income tax return, budget and forecasts, financial journal reports, internal control procedures and management accounting information).
  • At least three authorised elective modules (prepare Financial Reports to meet statutory requirements, prepare financial forecasts and projections and develop complex spread sheets).

    The Kaplan Higher Education Institute in Singapore offers a professional Diploma in Accounting and Business Finance. The aim of the qualification is to extend the core knowledge and enhance professional skills in accounting and Business Finance. The Diploma consists of the following modules:
  • Financial Accounting Intensive.
  • Management Accounting and Statistics.
  • Financial Reporting and Analysis Intensive.
  • Introduction of Psychology and Ethical Decision Making.
  • PC Productivity Tools and Data Management.
  • Dynamics of Business Intensive.
  • Strategic Cost Analysis1

    Conclusion:
    There is a great deal of similarity between the modules and learning content of these qualifications and those of this Diploma in Accountancy. This implies that the Diploma in Accountancy is internationally comparable. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This Qualification articulates vertically with:
  • Bachelor of Accounting NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce: Accounting, NQF Level 7.

    This Qualification articulates horizontally with:
  • Diploma (Accounting with specialisation in Internal Auditing) NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma (Accounting with specialisation in Taxations) NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma (Financial Management) NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    All final assessment instruments are presented to the external moderator for approval and verification. A percentage of all assessment evidences is presented for moderation and feedback and adjustments as required, supervised by the respective qualification coordinator. Feedback from internal and external moderators informs teaching and learning interactions. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors and moderators must hold a qualification at least one level above the qualification being assessed or moderated. Moderators are also required to have more than two years teaching experience. Assessors with less than two years experiences have their assessment work moderated by peer. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2015. 

    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 Johannesburg 


    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.