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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Financial Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
90507  Advanced Diploma in Financial Management 
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
Advanced 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 07  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   2031-06-30  

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 purpose of this qualification is to prepare Diploma learners for further study in Financial Management and Management Accounting. The qualification will prepare the learners for the labour market by enabling them to apply integrated knowledge and advanced conceptual thinking skills to solve complex problems in Financial Management.

To achieve this purpose the qualification is structured around two major themes, namely Financial Management and Cost Accounting. Financial Management contains the relevant financial management theory and is structured to enable learners to apply integrated knowledge, to evaluate and select long-term investment options and to make decisions regarding the financing of an enterprise and its long-term assets.

This would also provide the learner with the skills to value business operations using different valuation methods and financial analysis techniques. The Cost Accounting modules aim firstly to enable learners to apply different cost accounting tools and techniques to generate information needed to evaluate and control present and projected performance. Secondly, they aim to develop the learner's cognitive skills and practical competency in the application of information when making decisions and controlling performance to ensure optimum efficiency within business enterprises.

Rationale:
With the formation of the University of Johannesburg through the merger process, separate and parallel qualification structures for Universities and Technikons have complicated the articulation of qualifications and the transfer of learners between qualifications in higher education institutions. The qualification is developed to specifically address the lack of articulation opportunities between qualifications of the merged institutions, by providing learners with an opportunity for further learning in Financial Management and related fields.

The qualification will provide learners with a Diploma: Accountancy or Financial Information Systems with an opportunity for further learning in Financial Management. In 2011 the Registrar of the University gave the Faculty of Finance and Economic Sciences special permission to allow Diploma learners to enter the Financial Management bridging option for a Bachelor Degree. This was an attempt to add to the learning pathway possibilities for the Diploma achiever. Twenty learners with a Diploma are currently enrolled for this bridging option.

There are a further 385 Diploma learners enrolled for the Mathematics for Diploma learners module. This is a reflection of the demand for the qualification, because only learners who are interested in an Advanced Diploma subsequent to their Diploma studies enrol for this module. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that learners accessing this qualification are able to read, analyse and reflect on study material at NQF Level 7. It is assumed that they are able to communicate effectively using English in written and oral form, and have acquired applied competence in the Financial Accounting and Management Accounting context. It is further assumed that the learner is competent in Mathematics at the required level.

Recognition of Prior Learning:
The learners who do not meet the minimum requirements can gain access to the qualification through the Recognition of Prior Learning and credits will be granted where competency in a specific module is established by an assessor.

Access to the Qualification:
Access to the Advanced Diploma is granted to learners who meet the minimum entrance requirements or the alternative routes of entry. Applicants should be in possession of:
  • A Diploma with Financial Accounting and Management Accounting at NQF Level 7.
  • Mathematics at NQF Level 4 with an achievement rating of 4.
    Or
  • The Mathematics for Diploma learners module.

    Learners with a Mathematics admissions point score below 4 or Mathematics Literacy will only be considered after completion of the Mathematics for Diploma learners module offered at the University. All learners will be subjected to a selection process including a review of performance in previous studies and a motivation letter. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of a total of 120 Credits and all seven modules, at NQF Level 7, are compulsory:
  • Financial Mathematics, 15 Credits.
  • Performance Operations, 15 Credits.
  • Financial Operations, 15 Credits.
  • Intermediate Finance A, 15 Credits.
  • Performance Management, 20 Credits.
  • Financial Management, 20 Credits.
  • Intermediate Finance B, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    The successful learner will be able to:
    1. Apply different cost accounting tools and techniques to generate information needed to evaluate and control present and projected performance.
    2. Examine the role of tax in financial analysis and decision-making.
    3. Prepare the full financial statements for a single company and the principal consolidated financial statements for a simple group.
    4. Apply the time value of money to value different financial instruments and make long-term financial decisions.
    5. Apply decision-making and control techniques to ensure maximum performance.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    All the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed in this qualification. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Costing methods and their results are evaluated and applied.
  • The role of Material Requirements Planning and Enterprise Resource Planning systems is explained and interpreted.
  • The principles of environmental costing and the purposes of forecasts, plans and budgets are understood and applied.
  • Information to support project appraisal, forecasts of financial results and budgets based on those forecasts is prepared.
  • Project proposals are evaluated and the information to assess the impact on decisions of variables with uncertain values is analysed.
  • The working capital position of an enterprise, short-term funding and investment opportunities and areas for improvement are identified.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The types of tax, principles and potential administrative requirements that can apply to incorporated businesses are explained.
  • The fundamental concepts in international taxation of incorporated businesses are understood and applied.
  • Corporate income tax calculations are prepared and evaluated.
  • The accounting rules for current and deferred taxation and the principles that underlie the use of budgets in control are explained.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Full consolidated statements of a single company and the financial position and comprehensive income for a simple group are prepared.
  • The principles of accounting for capital schemes and foreign exchange rate changes are researched and applied.
  • Accounting principles and their relevance to accounting issues of contemporary interest are understood and discussed.
  • Ratio analysis from financial statements and supporting information is researched and applied.
  • Performance and position are evaluated.
  • Contemporary developments in financial and non-financial reporting are understood and discussed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Long-term capital investment decisions and capital budgeting techniques are evaluated and applied.
  • The leasing decision and alternative sources of finance are evaluated.
  • The appropriate sources of long-term corporate capital are identified and applied.
  • The dividend policy of a company and recommendations regarding the optimum payout and retention ratios are evaluated and understood.
  • A company or a division's performance is calculated and interpreted using ratio analysis.
  • The value of the business operations is calculated using different valuation methods.
  • The role of the treasury function to manage financial risk together with the different techniques is researched and evaluated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Concepts of cost and revenue relevant to pricing and product decisions are discussed and applied.
  • Short-term pricing, pricing strategies and product decisions are analysed.
  • The techniques for analysing and managing costs for a competitive advantage are evaluated and applied.
  • The principles that underlie the use of budgets in control are understood and applied.
  • Performance is evaluated using budgets, alternative approaches and sensitivity to variable factors.
  • The broader managerial issues arising from the use of budgets in control are discussed.
  • The use of responsibility centres in devising organisational structure and management control is evaluated and understood.
  • The information for managing decision-making in responsibility centres is analysed and understood.
  • The broader managerial issues, arising from the division of the organisation into responsibility centres, are discussed and interpreted.

    Integrated Assessment:
    An Integrated Assessment method encompassing both formative and summative assessment will be used. The outcomes for each module will be assessed as follows:
  • Formative assessment consisting of two formal written assessment opportunities during the semester, with additional assessment opportunities in the form of assignments and class assessments.
  • Summative assessment consisting of a three hour written examination paper. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is comparable with the following international qualifications in module content and not in its entirety.

    The Johns Hopkins University offers a Graduate Certificate in Financial Management which offers the following:
  • Accounting and Financial Reporting.
  • Finance and Capital Markets.
  • Investments.
  • Mergers and Acquisitions.
  • Corporate Governance.

    The Swinburne University of Technology in Australia has an Advanced Diploma in Financial Management which comprises:
  • Credit Risk Management.
  • Derivatives.
  • Finance.
  • Financial Risk Management.

    Conclusion:
    Notably the Advanced Diploma in Financial Management at Swinburne University of Technology gives the learner a pathway towards a Bachelor Degree at the institution. The University of Johannesburg also has a pathway for Advanced Diploma learners to access a Bachelor's Degree at the institution. This qualification thus compares favourably with international counterparts especially with regard to the learning pathway (Degree) available for the qualifying learner. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This Qualification articulates horizontally with the following qualifications at NQF Level 7:
  • Advanced Diploma: Business Management.
  • Advanced Diploma: Accounting.
  • Advanced Diploma: International Business.

    The Qualification articulates vertically with the following qualifications at NQF Level 8:
  • Bachelor of Commerce: Financial Management.
  • Postgraduate Diploma: Financial Management. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Moderation processes and procedures ensure that all learners are assessed in a consistent, accurate and well-designed manner. Moderation verifies that assessments are fair, reliable, valid, practicable and transparent and also evaluates assessor performance. The moderation will be done internally and externally by academics in the field with qualifications at NQF Level 8 and above. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    The assessor must have:
  • A qualification in the related field which is at NQF Level 8 or above.
  • At least 5 years' lecturing experience in the field. 
    		•

    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.