Advanced Diploma in Accounting

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to enable learners to advance to the Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting. This qualification is designed for learners with a Bachelor's Degree of Commerce in Accounting from non-accredited institutions or learners who did not meet the entry requirements for the PGDip (Accounting). This forms part of the roadmap to prepare a learner for entry into SAICA's Initial Test of Competence (ITC) and ultimately qualify as a Chartered Accountant in South Africa.

Rationale

There is an urgent need in South Africa for improved skills in Accounting, Auditing, Financial Management and Taxation. This qualification endeavours to address these needs in such a manner so as to prepare the learner to be a confident participant in these and related disciplines in both the local and international arena.

This qualification is specifically designed for learners who did not meet the entry requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting qualification. The learning outcomes and associated assessment criteria are based on the SAICA Competency Framework as required by the professional body.

This qualification prepares learners for entry in the market place in financial and related disciplines. This forms part of the roadmap to prepare a learner for entry into the Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting qualification and ultimately qualify as a Chartered Accountant in South Africa.

Many learners obtain an undergraduate Degree and are then not accepted for the postgraduate qualifications in accounting. This qualification gives learners the opportunity to continue pursuing the Chartered Accountancy route.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The qualification adheres to the institution's policy on Recognition of Prior Learning.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Diploma in Accounting, Level 6.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 7, totalling 128 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 128 Credits

• Accounting 3, 32 Credits.
• Auditing 3, 32 Credits.
• Taxation 3, 32 Credits.
• Financial Management 3, 32 Credits.

1. Use disciplinary- and interdisciplinary-based information to take an informed stand with regard to accounting, business and trade policies.
2. Practice the ethics pertinent to Accounting, Business, Commerce and Management and in particular, those pertinent to an Accountant and Independent Auditor.
3. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the theories and practices pertaining to the field of Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Auditing and Taxation.
4. Explain the ramifications of accounting and economic policy and business decisions in a language which is accessible to the general public and various stakeholders in the business community.
5. Demonstrate proficiency in managing the applied accounting sciences' activity and an ability to conduct applied accounting engagements, both assurance and consulting, in diverse business environments.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria applies across all the Exit Level Outcomes

• Evaluate, interpret and generate information pertinent to Financial Accounting in and from a variety of sources.
• Apply the knowledge and understanding of ethics implied by corporate governance principles.
• Apply the knowledge and understanding of ethics prescribed by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the need to act professionally and ethically for clients, employees and the world at large.
• Analyse, evaluate and apply advanced business, commerce and management theories and principles to practical situations.
• Customise and adapt international business, commerce and management practices and theories to South African requirements.
• Identify problems in the Accounting, Auditing, Financial Management and Taxation fields and related disciplines.
• Develop appropriate solutions to the identified problems in the applied accounting sciences' context.
• Formulate appropriate responses to resolve both concrete and abstract problems that accountants and auditors are normally confronted with.
• Demonstrate integrated knowledge of the nature and theory of specific audit engagements and the applied accounting processes.
• Demonstrate knowledge of information technology, risk based auditing, control frameworks and control systems to adequately perform audit assignments and to advise management and audit committees on appropriate practice.
• Analyse and evaluate financial operations within organisations.
• Analyse and test controls and advising on control systems.
• Conduct advanced and specialised engagement procedures, report findings and follow up on the implementation of applied accounting activities.
• Establish, manage and monitor activities in the areas of financial accounting, management accounting, auditing and taxation.

Integrated Assessment

Each subject has four DP tests held during the year, two tests per semester. In addition, a mid-year assessment will be written in June and a final assessment in November for each subject. These are all summative assessments.

All assessment will integrate knowledge, skills and attitudes and applied competence.