SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Higher Certificate in Accounting

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
93811	Higher Certificate in Accounting
ORIGINATOR
MANCOSA Pty (Ltd)
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate	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 05	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered		EXCO 0324/24	2024-07-01	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2031-06-30

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

Purpose:

The Higher Certificate in Accounting qualification is designed to equip learners with the essential knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to perform a variety of accounting and finance-related functions effectively. Through this qualification, learners will develop core competencies in areas such as Financial Accounting Practices, Basic Accounting, Financial Management, and Basic Economics and Finance. Learners will also gain an understanding of the legal framework within which businesses operate, covered in the module Introduction to Business Law. Furthermore, the qualification will provide learners with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to apply these concepts in real-world settings.

Through this qualification, learners will develop competencies in classifying, recording, and maintaining basic accounting systems, compiling financial information for decision-making, and applying accounting principles in professional contexts. Learners will also gain a strong foundation in business law, understanding the legal principles relevant to business and accounting operations. Additionally, the inclusion of financial management and economics modules ensures that learners acquire the necessary skills in budgeting, planning, and financial decision-making, which are critical in today's business environment. These competencies apply to various business environments, from small enterprises to larger organisations, and align with the growing demand. These skills are key to transitioning smoothly from academic settings into professional roles for entry-level accounting professionals.

In addition to the technical skills, the Higher Certificate in Accounting qualification ensures learners demonstrate pervasive skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, and collaboration skills which are crucial for workplace success. These skills further support learners in navigating the complexities of accounting environments and enhance the application of technical accounting knowledge in non-routine and complex scenarios, preparing graduates to adapt to real-world challenges. Pervasive skills also aid in the transition from academia to professional life, allowing learners to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Moreover, these skills positively influence workplace performance and are especially valued in specialised areas such as auditing, where emotional and social intelligence play a vital role. As graduates, learners will be able to foster lifelong learning, staying current with rapidly changing accounting standards.

This Higher Certificate in Accounting qualification targets recent high school graduates, professionals seeking to upskill, and individuals aspiring to transition into accounting. It provides a comprehensive foundation in accounting and finance, enhancing employability and offering pathways to further academic studies. Additionally, the expansion of the target audience for this qualification includes individuals aiming to develop a foundational understanding of accounting to either continue their academic journey or enter the workforce. The qualification benefits learners by offering both academic and practical skills that are directly applicable in a wide range of industries, ensuring they can contribute effectively to organisational financial management and operations; therefore, the qualification provides a strong foundation for both vocational and academic progression. With expertise in financial accounting, accounting and finance, financial management, and economics. The qualification also offers an academic pathway to further studies, including diplomas or degrees in accounting or finance.

Upon successful completion of the qualification, learners will be able to apply management principles in a work-based context, undertake basic accounting tasks, and compile financial information for decision-making. The subjects covered, such as Financial Accounting Practices and Introduction to Financial Management, ensure that learners acquire the skills necessary to support organisational financial planning, budgeting, and analysis.

With the current skills need in and the scarcity of the qualifications in the accounting sector, this qualification aims to produce graduates who are in possession of specific graduate attributes. The below qualification attributes align to the institution Graduate Attributes of critical thinking, artificial intelligence and data literacy, communication skills, and ethical awareness. The qualification's graduate attributes identified below demonstrate the competencies the learner will be able to:

Apply methods, procedures, and techniques to maintain and manage accounting systems effectively.

Access, process, and manage financial and business information efficiently.

Produce and communicate relevant financial information to support decision-making.

Make ethical and informed decisions in accounting and financial management.

Use technology to facilitate effective communication in various accounting and business scenarios.

The purpose of the qualification is encapsulated in the qualification's exit-level outcomes, which align to the South African Qualifications Authority National Qualifications Framework competencies for an NQF Level 5 qualification.
Upon completion of the qualification, graduates will be able to:

Classify, record, implement and maintain basic accounting systems.

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the accounting and finance environment of an organisation.

Apply, implement and maintain the basic principles in cost and management accounting systems.

Apply accounting principles in a work-based context.

Utilise technology to communicate effectively.

Operate as an informed junior accountants and managers.

Acquire skills in planning, budgeting, decision-making, and collaboration.

Undertake basic accounting tasks in an organisation.

Compile financial information for businesses decision making process.

Upon completion of the Higher Certificate in Accounting qualification, graduates can aspire to the following positions:

Bookkeepers.

Accounts Clerk.

Financial Administrators.

Debtors clerk.

Payroll administrators.

Financial assistants.

Support staff in finance departments.

Rationale:
The qualification has been developed to meet specific needs in the accounting sector, particularly the need for qualified entry-level professionals capable of performing essential accounting functions. Both public and private sector organisations require individuals with a basic understanding of financial statements, budgeting, and regulatory compliance. These skills enable businesses to remain financially compliant and to adapt to the ever-changing economic environment (Atrill and McLaney, 2020).

According to the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) (2021), there is a notable shortage of skilled accounting support staff within small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as well as in large organisations. Many companies struggle to fill these roles with individuals possessing adequate practical accounting knowledge, especially in SMEs, where accounting knowledge is critical for financial sustainability (SAIPA, 2021). Therefore, the Higher Certificate in Accounting qualification aims to bridge this skills gap by equipping learners with the necessary skills to support accounting functions and enhance the operational efficiency of organisations.

Furthermore, the qualification aligns with South Africa's National Development Plan (NDP) (2030), which highlights the need for a more skilled workforce to support the country's economic growth and development (National Planning Commission, 2019). Addressing the accounting skills shortage directly supports the NDP's goal of fostering sustainable development through education and capacity building. The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) (2021) also recognises the importance of entry-level qualifications in providing foundational skills that support further education and career growth within the accounting profession.

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) (2020) highlights that SMEs rely heavily on efficient financial management to remain competitive in today's interconnected global economy. Accounting professionals trained in these foundational skills can support SMEs in managing cash flows, taxation, and financial planning, which are critical for business sustainability (ACCA, 2020). Taking the above into consideration, the Higher Certificate in Accounting qualification benefits learners by providing them with employable skills in an industry that is in high demand. The qualification increases the employability of graduates and provides them with a steppingstone to higher education and more advanced career opportunities. The qualification addresses the need for financial literacy and capacity building, which are essential for socioeconomic growth. According to IFAC (2020), financial literacy among small business owners and employees enhances decision-making, risk management, and business sustainability. By equipping learners with basic accounting skills, the qualification supports the broader goals of financial inclusion and economic empowerment, particularly within underserved communities. Economically, the Higher Certificate in Accounting plays a crucial role in closing the accounting skills gap, which is essential for improving business performance across sectors. The National Planning Commission (2019) emphasises that enhancing skills within the workforce is critical for achieving the objectives of the NDP 2030, which include job creation, poverty reduction, and sustainable development.

Therefore, this qualification has been designed to meet the immediate needs of the accounting sector, while providing learners with opportunities for personal growth, career advancement, and further education. By addressing the critical shortage of accounting skills in South Africa, this qualification contributes to the country's economic development and supports the achievement of long-term national objectives. This qualification provides a structured pathway to address these sector-specific needs, preparing graduates to enter the accounting workforce and contribute meaningfully from day one.

The qualification is designed with the intention of attracting a wide range of learners who are keen on obtaining a quality qualification in the field of accounting. The anticipated student cohort comprises of individuals who have recently completed secondary school education, current employees in accounting-related fields who lack formal qualifications, and individuals seeking to gain new skills for career advancement. Typical learners include those aspiring to work in junior accounting roles, such as bookkeepers, accounting clerks, and financial assistants.

The qualification will be beneficial to individuals in the fields below and those who want to find employment as listed below:

Bookkeepers.

Accounts Clerk.

Financial Administrators.

Debtors clerk.

Payroll administrators.

Financial assistants.

Support staff in finance departments.

These are just a few examples of the career paths that graduates of the Higher Certificate in Accounting can pursue. These positions exist in both the private and public sectors, with demand for skilled accountants in SMEs, large enterprises, and government entities. The qualification is pitched at NQF Exit Level 5 with a total of 120 credits. The qualification articulates horizontally, vertically, and diagonally with a range of accounting and finance qualifications offered by institutions both nationally and internationally. Upon completion of the qualification, learners can progress to a Bachelor's Degree qualification and to an Honours qualification. Thereafter, learners can articulate to a Master's qualification, and ultimately to a doctorate level qualification within the cognate field.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution recognises the important role that the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) plays in ensuring equitable access and participation in Higher Education. In this process, non-formal and/or informal learning are measured, evaluated, and checked for equivalence or parity with the formal qualification entry requirements. The RPL assessment process will focus on ways of evaluating a person's knowledge and skills acquired through lifelong learning experiences (formal, non-formal and informal) against a set of pre-determined criteria.

RPL for access:

Assesses whether a candidate's prior experience and learning meet the entry requirements for a qualification, enabling them to be accepted into the qualification. In contrast, RPL for credits and/or exemptions evaluates if this prior learning can be counted towards specific modules within the qualification, potentially shortening the duration or reducing the coursework required. Essentially, RPL for admission determines eligibility for entry, while RPL for credits and exemptions grants academic credit or module exemptions based on previous learning.

All RPL applications are subject to evaluation by the RPL committee. No more than 10% of a cohort will be admitted into the qualification based on RPL. It is assumed that the learning derived from work or life experience will be a major element in the profiles of non-standard entrants primarily by means of a portfolio of evidence. Where appropriate, interviews will also be conducted to assess applicants for selection purposes.

Entry Requirements:

National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
Or

National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
Or

Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits.

Management Principles, 20 Credits.

Financial Accounting Practices, 20 Credits.

Introduction to Financial Management, 20 Credits.

Introduction to Business Law, 20 Credits.

Basic Accounting, 20 Credits.

Basic Economics and Finance, 20 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Classify, record, implement and maintain basic accounting systems.
2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the accounting and finance environment of an organisation.
3. Apply, implement and maintain the basic principles in cost and management accounting systems.
4. Use accounting principles in a work-based context.
5. Utilise technology to communicate effectively.
6. Operate as an informed junior accountants and managers.
7. Acquire skills in planning, budgeting, decision-making, and collaboration.
8. Perform basic accounting tasks in an organisation.
9. Compile financial information for businesses decision making process.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Classify, implement and maintain basic accounting systems to enable the accurate. presentation of an entity's financial data.

Record accounting transactions to produce accurate and complete financial information for reporting purposes.

Evaluate accounting controls to ensure data integrity and compliance with professional standards.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Understand the accounting and finance environment of an organisation to enable the functional operation of an entity in terms of its financial standing.

Analyse economic and legal factors to determine their influence on organisational financial activities.

Interpret financial information to support effective and ethical decision-making in a business environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Implement and maintain basic principles of cost and management accounting systems to assist an entity in future planning and in the regulation and management of future and current. costs in their production processes.

Compile cost data to control expenditure and optimise resource allocation.

Interpret management accounting reports to guide operational and strategic decision-making.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Apply theory and principles in a work-based context to demonstrate knowledge and an understanding of how accounting and finance operate in industry.

Analyse workplace accounting problems to apply relevant principles and propose practical. solutions.

Apply ethical standards to ensure accuracy, fairness, and accountability in financial reporting.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Apply appropriate technology in various communication modes to enhance efficiency.

Use digital tools to present and share accounting information clearly and professionally.

Apply accounting software to generate and manage data efficiently for communication and reporting.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Interpret financial data and reports using appropriate digital platforms to ensure transparency, accuracy, and accessibility for relevant stakeholders.

Apply managerial concepts to coordinate accounting functions effectively within an organisation.

Apply professional conduct and ethics to maintain credibility, integrity, and responsibility in the workplace.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Acquire skills in budgeting, planning, decision-making, and collaboration to enhance the future decision-making process of an entity.

Develop financial plans to align resources with organisational goals.

Team-based strategies are implemented to support collaborative decision-making and performance improvement.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Understand basic accounting tasks of an organisation to generate the financial information that is required by an entity.

Executed bookkeeping procedures to ensure the completeness and accuracy of accounting records.

Apply internal control measures to safeguard assets and maintain financial accountability.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

Compile financial information to assist an entity to make sound and accurate decisions.

Analyse financial data to assess business performance and inform management decisions.

Evaluate financial reports to recommend improvements that enhance organisational sustainability.

Integrated Assessment:

The institution's Assessment Strategy aligns with the Council on Higher Education Accreditation Criteria (2012), the National Policy and Criteria for Designing and Implementing Assessment for NQF Qualifications and Part-Qualifications and Professional Designations in South Africa (SAQA, 2014).

Integrated assessment requires careful consideration in implementing formative and summative assessment methods, which offer an inclusive and holistic view of learners' learning. Assessments are aligned with the pre-defined learning outcomes per module, culminating with the qualification exit level outcomes.

Formative and summative assessments are diverse in nature, and these encompass knowledge check questions, case studies, and scenario-based questions.

Formative assessments allow for regular feedback to learners, highlighting areas of success and improvement.

Summative assessments evaluate student learning after a student's learning journey. Imperative to integrated assessments is the provisioning of feedback to not only learners but also internally, whereby the results of assessments play a critical role in informing the development of future assessments, assessment practices and the continuous improvement of the qualification.

Assessments at different NQF Levels:
The institution has recognised a change in its student profile and more significantly in the learning needs of learners, nationally and internationally. Correspondingly, there have been several advancements in education technology that better support learner success. In pursuit of global relevance and enhanced learner success, the institution has taken the decision to participate in this global trend and will initiate the natural progression from distance to online for its qualifications to this end, the institution has undertaken a review of its Assessment Strategy. The Assessment Strategy is outlined within the institution's Assessment Policy.

As such, the following is provided as rationale for the assessments at NQF level 5:
Qualifications pitched at NQF level 5 are usually one year in duration, and one would assume better throughput rates in qualifications of shorter duration. Internal research undertaken has evidenced, however, that the higher certificate qualifications have similar and, in some cases, lower throughput rates than those of the degree qualifications. This can be attributed to the entry profile of learners on the NQF level 5 qualifications, the majority of whom are school leavers who did not qualify for degree endorsement. This suggests that these learners require additional support to ensure a reasonable opportunity at success. The institution has therefore introduced a range of knowledge checks and reflective exercises into the NQF level 5 assessments. The core purpose is for the student to develop and demonstrate an understanding of key concepts, terms, and theories. These knowledge checks grant learners additional opportunities to be assessed and get feedback for continuous improvement and therefore carry a 40% weighting each - ultimately enhancing the learning experience and supporting a philosophy of life-long learning. Exams are stressful and often regurgitation exercises that do not contribute to the philosophy of lifelong learning. As such, the institution has elected to introduce a project component as the summative assessment for the Higher Certificate Qualifications, which contributes 60% of the final assessment weighting and will allow learners to synthesise their experiences and knowledge and apply these to practical scenarios.

Assessment Type, Method, and Description:
The assessment method for each module on this qualification is by:
Formative Assessments - These are online assessments. These assessments are in the form of multiple choice, true/false or a combination of both.
Summative Assessment - This assessment is in the form of a project and requires calculations and/or application to relevant theory.

Formative Assessment:
Assessment type Weighting:

Formative Assessment 1 (KCQ 1) 10%.

Formative Assessment 2 (KCQ 2) 10%.

Formative Assessment 3 (KCQ 3) 10%.

Formative Assessment 4 (KCQ 4) 10%.

Summative Assessment:
Summative Assessment (Project) 60%.

The final mark is calculated as follows:
Formative Assessment 1 (KCQ 1) 10%.
Formative Assessment 2 (KCQ 2) 10%.
Formative Assessment 3 (KCQ 3) 10%.
Formative Assessment 4 (KCQ 4) 10%.
Summative Assessment (Project) 60%.

Subminimum Requirements:
Formative Assessment 1 - 4 - Compulsory completion and an average of 50% (20/40) across all formative assessments.
Summative Assessment - 50%.

To pass a module the following requirements must be met.

The compulsory completion of ALL assessment activities.

The sub-minimum requirements as outlined above.

A final combined mark of 50%.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Country: United States.
Name of Institution: Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Name of Qualification: MITx: Financial Accounting.

Purpose of Qualification:
The qualification provides a rigorous introduction to the principles of financial accounting. It focuses on the preparation and analysis of financial statements, and on why financial statements take the form the statements do. The qualification covers the basic structure of financial reports and the process of recording transactions. Learners will also learn how investors, creditors, and other users analyse financial statements to assess corporate performance. The qualification focuses on using the financial statements to gather inputs to valuation models and for corporate finance decisions.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the qualification, learners will be able to:

Understand accounting terms.

Understand how financial statements are constructed.

Ability to read financial statements.

Gather inputs to valuation models and for corporate finance decisions.

Content:
Modules within the qualification include:

Foundations of Modern Finance I.

Foundations of Modern Finance II.

Financial Accounting.

Mathematical Methods for Quantitative Finance.

Derivatives Markets: Advanced Modelling and Strategies.

Similarities:
The United States (USA) qualification compares favourably with the South African qualification, as both modes of delivery are distance. Both have curricula focused on accounting. Both qualifications allow the liberty of self-paced learning to learners.

Differences:
The United States has prerequisites, whereas South Africa's qualification does not have prerequisites; the qualification has core modules only.

The USA qualification is offered over a period of 1 year 4 months, whereas the South African qualification is a 1-year qualification. The USA qualification excludes countries including Iran, Cuba, and the Crimea region of Ukraine, whereas the South African qualification does not list or exclude countries.

Country: United Kingdom.
Name of Institution: Severn Business College.
Name of Qualification: Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Business (Accounting and Finance).

Purpose of the Qualification:
The Pearson BTEC Higher National in Business aims to develop learners as independent-thinking professionals who can meet the demands of business employers and adapt to a constantly changing world. The BTEC Higher National Diploma is an internationally recognised higher education qualification at level 4 and 5 that is equivalent to the 1st and 2nd years of a university degree, providing progression to both university and employment. The Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND in Business provides a specialist work-related qualification of study that covers the key knowledge, understanding and practical skills required in the business sector and also offers particular specialist emphasis through specialist units.

Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of the qualification, the graduate will be able to:

Explain the different types, size and scope of organisations.

Explain the role of marketing and how it interrelates with other business units of an organisation.

Explain the impact of the role of HRM in creating sustainable organisational performance and contributing to business success.

Examine leadership and management theories and principles, and their impact on the effectiveness of an organisation.

Examine the context and purpose of accounting.

Explain the key stages of the project lifecycle that should be considered when project managing.

Explain the nature of the legal system.

Investigate how innovation is sourced and supported within different types of organisations.

Examine appropriate research methodologies and methods to identify those appropriate to the research process.

Reflect on own personality and perceptions to understand how individual difference informs and influence management approaches.

Analyse the impact and influence that the macro environment has on an organisation and its business strategies.

Demonstrate the key principles of sales management for both public and private organisations.

Analyse the context and purpose of financial reporting for high-performing organisations.

Explore the nature, source, and purpose of management accounting information.

Evaluate the role and purpose of the financial management function.

Content:
The qualification consists of a structured curriculum that includes modules focusing on accounting, business environment, human resource management, financial reporting, management accounting, and financial management.

Similarities:

The United Kingdom compares favourably with the South African Higher Certificate in Accounting qualification, as both serve as an entry level for a degree qualification. The South African Higher Certificate in Accounting and the Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Business (Accounting and Finance) offered at the Severn Business College, United Kingdom both offer the qualification via a distance mode of delivery. The South African Higher Certificate in Accounting qualification aligns with the Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Business (Accounting and Finance) offered at the Severn Business College, United Kingdom in terms of admission requirements, as both institutions embrace Recognition of Prior Learning.

Differences:

The United Kingdom includes a research component, whereas the South African higher qualification does not include a research component.

The United Kingdom is offered over 18 to 24 months (two years), whereas the South African qualification is offered for one year.

The United Kingdom comprises 240 credits, whereas South Africa comprises 120 credits.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Horizontal Articulation:

Higher Certificate in Tax Administration, NQF Level 5.

Higher Certificate in Business Management, NQF Level 5.

Higher Occupational Certificate: Accounting Technician, NQF Level 5.

Vertical Articulation:

Diploma in Accounting, NQF Level 6.

Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, NQF Level 7.

Diagonal Articulation:

Possible diagonal articulation options between Sub-Frameworks for this qualification reached the registration end date in December 2025.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

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.	MANCOSA Pty (Ltd)