Bachelor of Accounting

Purpose

This qualification provides learners with a thorough theoretical grounding and knowledge base in the key principles of Accounting, covering a range of areas such as Auditing, Management Accounting, Financial Management and Taxation. Thus, the Bachelor of Accounting is for learners who intend to pursue a career in Accounting.

Learners will be well-prepared with the insight and skills that are relevant to further specialised study in support of the principles of life-long learning. The specific skill sets incorporated in the design present a combination that is highly attractive to prospective employers and adds value to the organisation that employs them.

The scope of the qualification is aligned to the syllabus requirements of professional accounting organisations and related accounting professional bodies to ensure that learners cover a range of areas such as Auditing, Management Accounting, Financial Management and Taxation.

The broad objectives of the qualification are to

• Cover the core content of the educational component of the competency frameworks of the above-mentioned professional bodies so that the theoretical component of the criteria for the awarding of their respective professional designations is in place.
• Develop independent and constructive critical thinking skills in learners through interactive study material that encourages active participation, as well as establishing the principles for lifelong learning.
• Provide a well-rounded technically focused education that equips learners with the technical knowledge, proficiency and pervasive skills to enable them to demonstrate initiative and responsibility leading to the development of leadership qualities.

Rationale

The design for this qualification has been informed by a demand for qualifications in Accounting as there is a need for good Accountants to assist with the effective financial management of public entities, municipalities, government departments and other state entities. Private entities and large corporations need sound financial government for sustainability and there is a shortage of qualification persons for these positions. This qualification will help fill that need.

Once learners have completed the required workplace experience they will be able, with this qualification, to apply for Financial Management professional designations awarded by a number of professional bodies in South Africa including the South African Institute of Professional Accountants.

Learners will learn to analyse financial information, apply global audit techniques, maintain records and provide technical advice and assistance, which will allow them to pursue practical and rewarding careers in local, national, regional and global businesses and in the public sector in Auditing, Management Accounting, Financial Management and Taxation.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL processes are programme specific in that the criteria against which evidence of prior learning must be provided are determined by the learning in the qualifications at the level concerned in the field concerned.

If an applicant applies for an RPL admission, the prior learning is assessed against the exit level outcomes of the formal learning required for admission. This would include an evaluation of the content as well as the applicant's cognitive and technical competence. Applicants prepare a portfolio against these stated requirements which is then assessed by a team of experts/academics in line with the policy.

Recognition is awarded for

• Learning, and not for experience per s�.
• Learning that is on the level of the specific level descriptors of the qualification/Part qualification.
• Learning that is in line with applied competence and that has a balance between theory and practical application appropriate to the subject or part qualification.

RPL may be used to grant exemption for modules in a qualification and/or to grant admission to the qualification to learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirement for this qualification is one of the following

• Senior Certificate (SC) with endorsement.
• National Senior Certificate (NSC) passed with Bachelors' Degree admission.
• National Certificate Vocational (NCV) Level 4 passed with Bachelors' Degree admission.
• An Advanced Diploma in Accounting, Level 7.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7, totalling 422 Credits.

NQF Level 5, 103 Credits

• Applied Communication Techniques 1, 9 Credits.
• Business Management 1A, 12 Credits.
• Business Management 1B, 12 Credits.
• Digital Citizenship, 8 Credits.
• Financial Accounting 1A, 18 Credits.
• Financial Accounting 1B, 18 Credits.
• Introduction to Personal Computing, 5 Credits.
• Law of Enterprise Structures, 12 Credits.
• Quantitative Techniques A, 9 Credits.

NQF Level 6, 171 Credits

• Auditing 2A, 12 Credits.
• Accounting Systems in Business, 12 Credits.
• Business Ethics, 12 Credits.
• Business Law, 18 Credits.
• Economics 1A, 12 Credits.
• Economics 1B, 12 Credits.
• Financial Accounting 2A, Credits.
• Financial Accounting 2B, 18 Credits.
• Management Accounting and Finance 2A, 18 Credits.
• Management Accounting and Finance 2B, 18 Credits.
• Quantitative Techniques B, 9 Credits.
• Taxation 2A, 12 Credits.

NQF Level 7, 148 Credits

• Auditing 3A, 18 Credits.
• Auditing 3B, 18 Credits.
• Financial Accounting 3A, 22 Credits.
• Financial Accounting 3B, 18 Credits.
• Management Accounting and Finance 3A, 18 Credits.
• Management Accounting and Finance 3B, 18 Credits.
• Taxation 3A, 18 Credits.
• Taxation 3B, 18 Credits.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the broad South African business and legal environment and the national economy in which businesses operate.
2. Demonstrate the ability to provide accurate financial information from the processing of initial transactions to the preparation of financial statements for a complex range of business enterprises and groups in accordance with relevant legislation and the International Standards of Financial Reporting.
3. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate and resolve a range of business problems for both long and short-term decision making purposes.
4. Complete audits in a range of business environments using International Audit Standards.
5. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with all interested stakeholders in business in a professional and responsible manner on a range of business related topics.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Knowledge in a range of disciplines, including the global business environment, the national economy, general principles of Law and Information Technology is demonstrated.
• Appropriate business types and their registration requirements are understood.
• The financial management legislation applicable to a range of business enterprises is applied.
• The relationships between the broad disciplines and core subject areas are analysed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Financial statements for a complex range of business enterprises and groups are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards.
• International Financial Reporting Standards are applied in financial reporting activities.
• Accounting principles are applied to a variety of business enterprises are applied.
• Individual and business income tax returns are prepared.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Organisational performance is evaluated to enable management to make informed decisions regarding the setting of and achievement of business objectives.
• Financial information is used to make organisational decisions.
• Appropriate alternative courses of action are proposed.
• Technical expertise and advice are provided.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• An audit file for a client is compiled.
• International Audit Standards are applied to the audit of a variety of business enterprises.
• Audit reports for different types of audit engagements are prepared.
• Technical advice is provided to an audit client.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Ideas are communicated and supporting evidence is provided.
• Communication limitations and problems are recognised and help is sought where appropriate.
• Reports to management to communicate financial information professionally and effectively, which include recommendations to improve performance and/or efficiency and effectiveness are prepared.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessment

Learning and assessment are integrated. Continual formative assessment is required so that learners are given feedback on their progress in the achievement of learning outcomes. The scheme of work includes assignments, real-world briefs, tests and an integrated portfolio based on the learning material and learners are given feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and limited numbers of outcomes.

Summative Assessment

Summative assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning in relation to the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. Such judgement must include integrated assessments which test the learner's ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, skills and attitudes that are represented by the Exit Level Outcomes as a whole. Examinations, projects, reports or equivalent assessments, such as a portfolio of evidence, assess a representative selection of the outcomes practised and assessed. Summative assessment also tests the learner's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module.