Advanced Diploma in Taxation

Purpose

The purpose of the Advanced Diploma in Taxation is to provide learners with intellectual enrichment in the field of Taxation by providing them with an advanced understanding of current thinking, theory and international trends in the discipline.

Rationale

Research undertaken by the Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (FASSET) in the financial and accounting sector concluded that there was a need for the development of qualifying learners within the field of Taxation in South Africa and ultimately led to the creation of a scarce skills code for the Tax Practitioner (241103). Further justification for the development of Taxation as a career was supported by research conducted by South Africa Revenue Service (SARS), which indicated that only 17000 Tax Practitioners in South Africa have formal qualifications or training. At this stage Taxation specialists are mainly sourced from the accounting and legal profession. Moreover, the Department of Labour's report for the 2014/15 period, indicates that there is an "increasing need and importance of high-level skills within the South African economy. The demand for highly skilled workers is an indication of the importance of having education coupled with tertiary qualifications to be employed in top occupational categories."

Furthermore, there is a shortage of specialised tax consultants who are required to serve the South African economy in various ways such as:

• Tax specialists in private practice.
• Tax advisors in commerce and Industry.
• Tax auditors or investigators within the Revenue Service.

Based on the economic, societal, regional and national needs outlined above, the qualification will seek to address such skills shortages by providing a qualification that is both relevant and practical. Qualifying learners could seek employment in the private and public sector as employees of various taxation or payroll related departments. Moreover, Learners should be able to provide much needed skills to financial sectors such as, but not limited to:

• Registering tax payers.
• Determining tax liabilities.
• Compiling opinions with regard to tax disputes.
• Organising and handling tax returns.
• Reviewing tax returns.
• Evaluate business models and investment bids.
• Providing input on estate planning.

The qualification will provide articulation for learners who possess Taxation Diploma's or equivalent qualifications with the opportunity to proceed to Postgraduate studies. The qualification will provide learners with intensive, focused and applied specialisation in the competency of Taxation.

Learners will be provided with an opportunity to select a stream of electives in the second semester that will allow them to focus their discipline towards the field of study that they are interested in. Stream A comprises of Financial Reporting modules which will allow the learner to focus on Accounting as a discipline and to specialise in an area relating to Taxation Compliance. Stream B comprises of Advanced Computer Audit modules which will allow the learner to focus on Enterprise Systems and to specialise in an area related to business tax process compliance.

The core modules coupled with the electives equips learners with the knowledge and skills required to focus the scope of their function in the Taxation environment, and further attempts to provide a holistic integrated approach to the learner's range of competencies by integrating Accounting, Financial Management and Internal Audit into the curriculum.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has a RPL policy in place that allows learners access to higher education by recognising their prior learning (short courses and work experience). The learners are required to complete a RPL application document. Accompanying the RPL application must be certified copies of all previous qualifications and a comprehensive portfolio reflecting on extensive work learning. Learner's portfolio is thoroughly assessed against the relevant learning outcomes. The learner will have to demonstrate competence at the applicable Exit Level Outcomes. Successful learners will then be accepted into the qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Diploma in Taxation, NQF Level 6, 360 Credits.
• National Diploma in Taxation, NQF Level 6, 360 Credits.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules NQF level 7, 96 Credits

• Financial Reporting 4A, 12 Credits.
• Managerial Accounting and Finance 4A, 12 Credits.
• Taxation of Business Activities 4, 12 Credits.
• Tax Administration 4, 12 Credits.
• Internal Audit Process 4, 12 Credits.
• Tax Opinion Writing 4, 12 Credits.
• International Taxation 4, 12 Credits.
• Estates Taxation 4, 12 Credits.

Elective Modules NQF level 7, 24 Credits (Choose one stream)

Stream A

• Financial Reporting 4B, 12 Credits.
• Managerial Accounting and Finance 4B, 12 Credits.

Stream B

• Advanced Computer Audit 4A, 12 Credits.
• Advanced Computer Audit 4B, 12 Credits.

1. Apply disciplinary and interdisciplinary based knowledge to take an informed stand with regard to the impact of Taxation legislation (both Local and International) on an Individual and Juristic persons Taxation position.
2. Practice ethics that are pertinent to ensuring Taxation Compliance.
3. Utilise an advanced understanding of the theories and practices pertaining to the field of Taxation to draft effective strategies to minimise Taxation Liabilities and assist with Taxation Planning.
4. Evaluate and outline the ramifications of economic policy on Taxation and Operating policies in a language which is accessible to the general public and various stakeholders in the business community.
5. Manage and coordinate the applied accounting sciences' activity with an ability to conduct Taxation engagements in diverse business environments.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Individual and Juristic person's Taxation liabilities are calculated in accordance with relevant Taxation legislation.
• Taxation legislation and its impact on the SA economy is interpreted and evaluated.
• Disciplinary and interdisciplinary based knowledge is evaluated and applied to the contextualised situation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Deadlines in accordance with the prevailing Taxation legislation adhered to.
• Taxation legislation is complied with in all respects.
• Taxation Avoidance schemes are not utilised.
• Ethical practice relating to Taxation Compliance is undertaken.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Taxation legislation is interrogated and its impact in terms of Taxation planning is quantified.
• Taxation legislation, associated theories and industry practices practise is understood at an advanced level.
• Taxation strategies are developed to minimise or maximise Taxation liabilities to suit the situation being assessed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Economic policy; Accounting policies and practises; Information Technology policies; Business operations are evaluated and outlined within the contextual situation.
• Ramifications of Taxation Legislation is related to the potential impact on the business community.
• A holistic approach to Taxation is communicated effectively.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Taxation engagements are coordinated and managed effectively.
• Relevant industry standards are complied with.
• Taxation legislation is contextualised to the appropriate business environment.

Integrated Assessments

Integrated Assessments will be used to combine the assessment of a variety of different skills at the same time; assessing a number of outcomes together; assessing a number of assessment criteria together; using a combination of assessment methods and instruments. Assessment practices, both in the theoretical and practical aspects of taxation, will be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever. An integrated approach to assessment will therefore be incorporated into the qualification. Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the Taxation qualification will be integrated. Assessment of advanced knowledge of fundamentals of taxation will be integrated as far as possible with other aspects and will use practical contexts wherever possible.

The institution's Assessment Policy states that the assessments will be systematic, regular and formative in nature. Formative Assessments will be used to support the learner developmentally and to feed back into the teaching and learning process. This links the relationship between assessment, learning and teaching and ensures that assessment informs and strengthens both the teaching and learning process. Integrated Assessments will be used to combine the assessment of a variety of different skills at the same time; assessing a number of outcomes together; assessing a number of assessment criteria together; using a combination of assessment methods and instruments. Summative Assessments will be used to make a judgement about achievement and to provide "snapshot" information about a learner's level of competence at a given time. This includes assessment marks that contribute to the final mark.