SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Accountancy

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
99382	Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Accountancy
ORIGINATOR
North West University
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Honours Degree	Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies		Finance, Economics and Accounting
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	152	Not Applicable	NQF Level 08	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 equip learners with specialised knowledge, skills, attitudes and competencies needed for the professional behaviour and practices in the accountancy field. Upon the completion of this qualification, a learner will possess a thorough understanding of research methodologies, including methods and techniques relevant in the accountancy field. The qualification will provide graduates with an understanding of how to apply such knowledge in a particular context, including specific competencies in one of the following fields: Strategy, Risk Management and Governance, Accounting and External Reporting, Auditing and Assurance, Financial Management, Management Decision Making and Control, or Taxation.

The Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Accountancy is designed to enable learners to demonstrate knowledge of accounting and to be able to demonstrate the ability to use a wide range of skills to solve problems. This qualification also enables learners to conduct academic research in the accountancy field. This qualification also equips learners with the necessary competencies and skills to be able to perform leadership roles in the business world.

Rationale:
The country requires accountants as there is a shortage of accounting skills in South Africa and in the rest of Africa. This qualification can potentially contribute towards a transformation of the profession in South Africa, with particular reference to equity. In addition, it is expected that this qualification will also attract a number of learners from the rest of Southern Africa as well, which will enhance skills development in this broader region. Ultimately, the qualification will equip Accountants with specialised knowledge, competencies and skills within a scholarly environment. Learners who complete this qualification will possess a knowledge, competence and skill to be able to practise in this profession and to be able to lead in the business world and contribute to the economic stability of the country. Upon qualifying learners will be able to register with the relevant Professional Body, such as the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants in order to enhance their professional skills and to prepare them to function effectively in the workplace.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The recognition of prior learning concerns the provable knowledge and learning an applicant has acquired. RPL will be conducted by assessing the applied skills and competencies demonstrated by the applicant in his or her application, taking into consideration the Exit-Level Outcomes that have to be obtained by means of the qualification. Therefore, learners with proven knowledge and expertise will be allowed to apply for exemption from certain modules on grounds of prior learning experience and/or qualifications obtained. In all cases, recognition will be considered based on the Institution's policies and approved by faculty structures.

RPL may also be used to grant access to the qualification.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry to this qualification a relevant Bachelor's Degree, Level 7.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of a compulsory module and electives at NQF Level 8 totalling 152 Credits.

Compulsory Module, 32 Credits:

Research Project for Accountancy Students.

Elective Modules, 120 Credits (select three):

Advanced External Financial Reporting, 40 Credits.

Advanced Auditing, 40 Credits.

Advanced Taxation, 40 Credits.

Advanced Management Accounting and Financial Management, 40 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate an understanding of theories, research methodologies, methods and techniques relevant to the accountancy field and apply this knowledge in a particular context.
2. Compile and critique external financial reports, including consolidated financial reports, based on knowledge of the standards, methods and techniques relevant to external financial reporting practice.
3. Perform assurance engagements and evaluate and critique manual and computerised internal control and governance systems, based on knowledge of the relevant authority, standards, methods and techniques relevant to assurance practice.
4. Perform and criticise advanced tax calculations based on an extensive and deep knowledge of the relevant authority, methods and techniques relevant to tax practice.
5. Integrate knowledge and understanding of the underlying theories, methods and techniques available in the field of Financial Management and Management Accounting.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Identify and/or describe a practical problem in existing accountancy practice.

Formulate an appropriate research question or questions to address the identified problem.

Describe and execute a process and utilise an appropriate research method or methods that is/are suitable to answer the research question(s).

Present a synthesised and organised review of recent and relevant literature, information, standards and other resources available in the accountancy field.

Critically evaluate the knowledge in the context of the research problem.

Offer solutions to the identified research problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Integrate and apply the accounting pronouncements and techniques relevant to external financial reporting practice.

Identify, analyse and solve complex, abstract and/or integrated technical external financial reporting problems or uncertainties, by drawing systematically from the relevant accounting pronouncements.

Present contextualised external financial reporting opinions supported by defendable arguments on unfamiliar and complex problems by selecting and applying the relevant accounting pronouncements.

Argue any ethical concerns brought about by dubious accounting practices.

Act, lead, work and communicate in a manner that resembles a professional accountant and use information technology to enhance financial reporting or demonstrate an understanding of its use.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Describe the appropriate steps or procedures in performing any phase of an assurance engagement or evaluate and criticise manual or computerised internal control and governance systems, through the retrieval and critical analysis of information and the evaluation, integration and application of the auditing pronouncements, appropriate legislation and techniques relevant to assurance practice.

Identify, analyse and solve complex, abstract and/or integrated assurance problems or uncertainties, by drawing systematically from the relevant auditing pronouncements and legislation.

Present contextualised assurance reports or opinions supported by defendable arguments and through the application of professional judgement.

Identify, argue and respond to any ethical concerns arising from chartered accountancy practice, including assurance practice, as well as from corporate governance practices.

Act, lead, work and communicate in a manner that resembles a professional Auditor.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Perform and/or criticise advanced tax calculations or extracts thereof, through the retrieval and critical analysis of information and the evaluation, integration and application of the taxation pronouncements, legislation, case law and techniques relevant to tax practice.

Identify, analyse and solve complex, abstract and/or integrated technical tax problems, by drawing systematically from the taxation pronouncements, legislation and case law relevant to tax practice.

Present contextualised taxation opinions supported by defendable arguments based on the relevant authority.

Argue any ethical concerns brought about by dubious tax practices.

Act, lead, work and communicate in a manner that resembles a professional Tax Specialist.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Explain the theories available in the management accounting and finance field, as well as their relevance to the financial problem or decision at hand.

Review, analyse and appropriately interpret financial and non-financial information of the business, industry and general economic environment, including the manner in which such information is produced.

Present contextualised management accounting and finance opinions supported by defendable arguments.

Recommend appropriate solutions or actions in response to unfamiliar, complex or uncertain management accounting and finance problems or decisions within the context of the company as well as the context of the environment.

Recommend creative responses with regards to the responsible financial management of a company and its assets within its strategic aims.

Act, lead, work and communicate in a manner that resembles a professional Management Accountant or Financial Manager.

Integrated Assessment:
Opportunities for both formative and summative assessments are planned and are embedded in the aligned teaching and learning design of the curriculum of this qualification. Assessments will include written and practical assignments, as well as written tests and examinations. Most assessments will be based on real or hypothetical case studies simulating real-life accountancy and business practice. Learners will be assessed on the application of learnt skills in order to assure that theory, concepts, principles and techniques evolve into effective practice. Marks will also be allocated for professional and effective written communication skills. In addition to the above, integrated assessment is further enhanced by the inclusion of an assessment opportunity that integrates all three chosen subject disciplines (represented by the three chosen module electives) into one integrated set of exams. Moreover, the research methodology and research report will further assess the learners' skills at a Honours Level whilst drawing on knowledge obtained in the elective modules.

An integrated set of assessment activities will ensure that the Exit Level Outcomes and key purpose of the qualification are realised. Throughout teaching and learning activities, learner's knowledge, practical skills, problem-solving skills, attitudes and professional ethical behaviour will be monitored and assessed in an integrated way.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

International Federation of Accountants:
The International Federation of Accountants is an organisation of national accounting associations and other groups interested in accounting matters. It has established the International Accounting Education Standards Board (IAESB) which is an independent standard-setting body that serves the public interest by strengthening the worldwide accountancy profession through the development and enhancement of education. Through its activities, the IAESB enhances education by developing and implementing International Education Standards, which increases the competence of the global accountancy profession contributing to strengthening the public trust.

The vision of the IAESB is to work in the public interest to develop quality accounting education standards and guidance that are adopted and applied internationally. The IAESB is focused on developing the professional knowledge, skills, values, ethics, and attitudes of the accountancy profession. It develops and issues publications on pre-qualification education and training of professional accountants, and on continuing professional education and development for members of the accountancy profession. The standards are as follows:

Entry Requirements to a Programme of Professional Accounting Education.

Content of Professional Accounting Education Programmes.

Professional Skills and General Education.

Professional Values, Ethics and Attitudes.

Practical Experience Requirements.

Assessment of Professional Capabilities and Competences.

Continuing Professional Development: A Program of Lifelong Learning and Continuing Development of Professional Competence.

Competence Requirements for Audit Professionals.

The IAESB also acts as a catalyst in bringing together the developed and developing nations, as well as nations in transition, and to assist in the advancement of accountancy education programmes worldwide, particularly where this will assist economic development.

Conclusion:
This qualification compares favourably with the standards of the International Federation of Accountants. In line with these standards, this qualification is designed in consideration of the interest of society. Ethics forms an integral part of this qualification as it is a prerequisite for professional practice in this field. It should be noted that is based on the principles of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) which is a member body of the International Federation of Accountants.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification offers specific articulation opportunities with qualifications offered by the North-West University. They are:

Horizontal Articulation:

Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Accountancy and Investigation, Level 8 (ID 90648).

Postgraduate Diploma in International Business, Level 8 (ID 88869).

Vertical Articulation:

Master of Business Administration, Level 9 (ID 94938).

The qualification also offers systemic articulation with the following qualifications offered by other institutions, provided the learner meets the minimum entry requirements:

Horizontal Articulation:

Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Cost and Management Accounting, Level 8.

Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Financial Accounting, Level 8.

Vertical Articulation:

Master of Accounting, Level 9.

Master of Accounting Science, Level 9.

Master of Business Science in Accounting, Level 9.

Master of Business Science in Accounting: Research, Level 9.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

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.	North West University