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 UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Record, analyse and prepare cost information 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
12996  Record, analyse and prepare cost information 
ORIGINATOR
SGB HET Accountancy and Financial Management 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
FASSET - Financial and Accounting Services SETA 
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies Finance, Economics and Accounting 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
People credited with this unit standard are generally found within the accounting technician intermediate stage. On successful completion of the unit standard, people will be able to record and analyse information relating to direct costs, allocation, apportionment and absorption of overhead costs, and prepare and present standard cost reports. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Unit standards for basic accounting at NQF level 4. 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
A person may exhibit this competence in the private and/ or the public sector.

Direct costs: Standard and actual material (raw materials, part finished goods, materials issued from stores within the organisation, deliveries) and labour (employees on organisation's payroll, sub-contractors, agency staff) costs, and expenses (direct revenue expenditure) 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Record and analyse information relating to direct costs. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Standard and actual material (raw materials, part finished goods, materials issued from stores within the organisation, deliveries) and labour (employees on organisation's payroll, sub-contractors, agency staff) costs, and expenses (direct revenue expenditure) 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Direct costs are identified in accordance with the organisation's costing procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Information relating to direct costs is clearly and correctly coded, analysed and recorded. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Direct costs are calculated in accordance with the organisation's policies and procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Standard costs are compared against actual costs and any variances are analysed. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Materials variances; usage, price Labour variances; rate, efficiency
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Information is systematically checked against the overall usage and stock control practices. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Queries are either resolved or referred to the appropriate person. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
Record & analyse information relating to allocation, apportionment and absorption of overhead costs. 
OUTCOME NOTES 
Record and analyse information relating to the allocation, apportionment and absorption of overhead costs. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Data are correctly coded, analysed and recorded. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Overhead costs are established in accordance with the organisation's procedures. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Standard and actual indirect material and labour costs, Indirect expenses, Depreciation charges
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Information relating to overhead costs is accurately and clearly recorded. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Overhead costs are correctly attributed to producing and service cost centres in accordance with agreed methods of allocation, apportionment and absorption. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Direct, Reciprocal allocation, Step down method
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Adjustments for under or over recovered overhead costs are made in accordance with established procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Standard costs are compared against actual costs and any variances are analysed. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Overhead variances; expenditure, efficiency, volume, capacity Fixed overhead variances; expenditure, volume, capacity, efficiency
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. Methods of allocation, apportionment and absorption are reviewed at regular intervals in discussions with senior staff, and agreed changes to methods are implemented. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
8. Staff working in operational departments are consulted to resolve any queries in data. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
Prepare and present standard cost reports. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Standard costs reports with clearly identified variances are presented in an agreed upon, meaningful format. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Written report containing analysis and explanation of specific variances, Further explanations to management
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Unusual or unexpected results are identified and reported to management. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Any reasons for significant variances from standard are identified and the explanations are presented to management. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Overhead variances; expenditure, efficiency, volume, capacity Materials variances; usage, price Labour variances; rate, efficiency
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. The results of the analysis and explanations of specific variances are produced for management. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Staff working in operational departments are consulted to resolve any queries in. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
Demonstrate an understanding of the business and accounting environment. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. The business environment is defined in relation to generally accepted accounting practice. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Main types of materials, Methods of payment for labour, Main types of expenses
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Various accounting techniques are described and utilised in the process of recording, analyzing and preparing cost information. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Basic analysis of variances, Standard material cost establishment, Materials usage analysis, Standard labour cost establishment, Labour rate and efficiency analysis, Stock control, Standards setting for expenses, Expense allocation to cost centres, Effect of changing activity levels on unit costs analysis, Standard absorption rate establishment, Indirect cost allocation and apportionment, Activity based systems for allocating costs, Bases of absorption, Information presentation, Control ratios
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. The principles and theory underpinning accounting are explained in relation to costing systems within the framework of GAAP/ GRAP. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Relationships between technical systems and costing systems, materials costing system and stock control system, labour costing system and payroll accounting system, expenses accounting system and the accounting system, Principles of standard costing systems, Objectives of depreciation account, Distinction between fixed, semi-fixed and variable costs, Changes in capacity levels, Overhead appointments, Variances
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Organisational policies and procedures related to accounting and administrative systems are explained in GAAP/ GRAP terms. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Business transactions, Reporting cycle
 


UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
Accreditation for this unit standard shall be obtained from the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance Body, through summative assessment by a registered assessor.

Moderation activity comments by SGB's, organisations and individuals may be forwarded to NSB03. 

UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
A demonstrated understanding of:
  • The Business Environment
  • Accounting techniques
  • Accounting principles and theory
  • The organisation
  • Costing systems
  • Materials, labour and expenses
  • Variance analysis

    Terminology
  • GAAP - Generally accepted accounting practice
  • GRAP - Generally recognised accounting practice 
    		•


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation and community. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, organise and critically evaluate information. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and language skills in the modes of oral and written presentations. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  49745   National Certificate: Value Engineering  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  QCTO 
    Core  49794   National Diploma: Productivity  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SABPP 
    Core  36213   National Diploma: Technical Financial Accounting  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  FASSET 
    Elective  58376   Further Education and Training Certificate: Bookkeeping  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  FASSET 
    Elective  58394   National Certificate: Film and Television Production  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MICTS 
    Elective  59201   National Certificate: Generic Management  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  61594   National Certificate: Management  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2009-05-02  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  50017   National Diploma: Club Professional Golfing  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2008-11-30  Was CATHSSETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  50333   National Diploma: Occupationally Directed Education, Training and Development Practices  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  ETDP SETA 
    Elective  48700   Bachelor of Construction Management: Built Environment  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2012-06-30  CHE 
    Elective  50330   Bachelor: Occupationally Directed Education Training and Development Practices  Level 6  NQF Level 07  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    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. AFRICA COMPETENCY DEVELOPMENT (PTY) LTD 
    2. Amaqamu Project Management and Consulting 
    3. ASSESSMENT COLLEGE OF SOUTH AFRICA PTY LTD 
    4. Audit Campus 
    5. Ayoba Training Institute (Pty)Ltd 
    6. BLC Entertainment 
    7. Bohlali Provider Support 
    8. BORDERGATE EVENTS MANAGEMENT AND PROJECTS 
    9. Chartall Business College 
    10. Dabulamanzi & Njabulo Ndaba Consulting cc 
    11. Divine Inspiration Trading 704 PTY Ltd 
    12. EDUTEL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT PTY LTD 
    13. Emergence Learning Academy (Pty) Ltd 
    14. Epitome Villa (Pty)Ltd 
    15. EYETHU NATIONAL COMPUTER COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    16. FILM Mentorship & Training SA 
    17. Frayintermedia Cc 
    18. Future Discovery Training Academy CC 
    19. Igugu Training and Investments 
    20. Isamon Vocational College of Excellence Pty Ltd 
    21. Khaas Training Academy 
    22. Learnership Support Systems (Pty) Ltd 
    23. MACCAUVLEI LEARNING ACADEMY (PTY) LTD 
    24. MBOWA COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    25. Media Village Training 
    26. MENTORNET (PTY) LTD 
    27. NTI College 
    28. OL Afrika Media 
    29. OMNI HR CONSULTING PTY LTD 
    30. OPELONG BUSINESS INSTITUTE (PT 
    31. Peo Entle HIV Wellness Management and Youth Skills Development NPO 
    32. PRX SCHOOL TEST 
    33. Regenesys Management (Pty) Ltd 
    34. Resonance Institute of Learning 
    35. Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology Pty Ltd 
    36. Saint Colonel Graduate Institute (PTY) Ltd 
    37. Sebenzisanane Human Capital 
    38. SOUTH AFRICAN CORPORATE TRAINING ASSOCIATION (PTY) LTD 
    39. Southern African Institute of Learning (SAIL) 
    40. The Brokers Learning Centre 
    41. The Institute of People Development 
    42. Thuto Adult Centre 
    43. TMG Quality Services 
    44. Training Consultant and SD College 
    45. Ulwazi Training & Development 
    46. University of Johannesburg 
    47. VERYCOOLIDEAS 
    48. VUTHLARI MARKETING CONSULTING 
    49. ZA WIT (PTY) LTD 


    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.