Bachelor of Accounting Science Honours

Purpose

The Bachelor of Accounting Science Honours qualification aims to introduce learners to more advanced concepts relating to Accounting, Taxation, Auditing, and Management Accounting and Finance, in addition to introducing the conventions and processes related to academic research.

The qualification emphasises principles of corporate governance and ethical conduct at an advanced level. Professionals with this background are better equipped to promote transparency, accountability, and ethical practices in financial decision-making, contributing to the overall integrity of the sector.

Trained accountants play a pivotal role in maintaining financial stability within organisations. By ensuring accurate financial reporting and effective financial management, they contribute to the economic stability of businesses, which, in turn, has positive implications for the broader economy.

Upon completion of the qualification, a qualifying learner will be able to

• Display an in-depth knowledge of a major discipline in more than one area.
• Convert business records using formal and accepted accounting practices into management information.
• Operate in both turbulent and stable economic environments and respond effectively to uncertainties.
• Access, process and communicate information appropriately and effectively.

Rationale

One of the requirements to qualify as a Chartered Accountant in South Africa is a postgraduate qualification accredited by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants. This qualification meets this requirement for the professional accreditation. The qualification is also aligned with the professional accounting examinations. It prepares candidates to write the exams required to qualify as a chartered accountant.

The honours part of the qualification allows learners to gain a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the chosen subject. Learners can improve their research skills and it provides a solid foundation for further postgraduate studies. It will improve their employability and personal development.

Chartered Accountants require specialised knowledge in areas such as accounting principles, financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and business law. A dedicated qualification ensures that candidates acquire in-depth knowledge and develop the specific skills needed to excel in the accounting profession.

Graduates can contribute to improving financial literacy within society. By guiding financial matters, they empower individuals and businesses to make informed financial decisions, leading to better financial outcomes at both the personal and organisational levels.

The qualification instils a sense of social responsibility in professionals. Accountants are often involved in corporate social responsibility initiatives, contributing to societal well-being through charitable activities, community development projects, and sustainable business practices.

As some graduates may choose to become entrepreneurs or work with small businesses, their financial expertise can support the growth and sustainability of smaller enterprises. This, in turn, contributes to economic development and job creation.

The qualification will enhance the employability of the learner in the accounting profession and to allow learners entry to the accounting profession's qualifying examinations. Typical learners for the qualification are those who want to become Chartered Accountants (SA).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable with regards to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

RPL for access

• Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
• To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

RPL for exemption of modules

• Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted for modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

RPL for credit

• Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
• Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Commerce, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Advanced Postgraduate Diploma: Commerce, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 150 credits.

Compulsory modules, level 8, 120 Credits

• Financial Accounting IV, 30 credits.
• Taxation IV, 30 credits.
• Auditing IV, 30 credits.
• Management Accounting and Finance IV, 30 credits.

Elective modules, level 8, 30 Credits (Select one module)

• Accounting Honours, 30 credits.
• Taxation Honours, 30 credits.
• Managerial Accounting Honours, 30 credits.

1. Display an in-depth knowledge of a major discipline in more than one area.
2. Convert business records using formal and accepted accounting practices into management information.
3. Operate in both turbulent and stable economic environments and respond effectively to uncertainties.
4. Access, process and communicate information appropriately and effectively.
5. Work effectively as an individual, in multicultural teams and in multidisciplinary environments.
6. Engage in life-long learning through the exercise of fundamental learning skills and understands the requirement to maintain continued competence.
7. Demonstrate an accepted ethical behaviour and show awareness of the code of conduct adopted by the Institution and of the necessity to carry this code into the world of work.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1

• Demonstrate in-depth specialist knowledge of a major discipline in more than one area.
• Analyse and apply advanced accounting, management accounting, auditing and taxation theory to practical situations.
• Identify problems in the field of study (e.g. accounting, auditing and taxation) and related disciplines

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2

• Prepare auditable financial statements to South African standards at an advanced level.
• Prepare and analyse segmental reports, interim reports, value-added statements and prospectuses.
• Apply generally accepted accounting practise to recognise, measure and disclose items in other financial reports.
• Apply statutory disclose requirements, including fair presentation, for other financial reports.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3

• Analyse the nature and functioning of diverse forms of enterprise and economic systems and perform tasks necessary to the effective functioning of enterprises in varying circumstances.
• Formulate and propose potential solutions to various economic, organisational, business and social problems.
• Use multi-disciplinary approaches to conceptual thinking and problem-solving.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4

• Access information using a spectrum of technologies, ranging from hand-written to auto-generated business records and electronic data bases.
• Process and communicate information using technologies ranging from written reports to visual presentations.
• Access, use and organise information and knowledge in an ever-changing context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5

• Use skills to manage him/herself and exercise self-discipline.
• Plan and initiate the successful completion of management support, management and administrative tasks individually or in collaboration.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 6

• Formulate, solve and propose potential solutions to convergent and divergent economic, organisational, business and social problems.
• Keep abreast of the changing business, financial and policy environment which brings ever-new methods, techniques, and competitive challenges.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 7

• Communicate the need to act professionally and ethically to both clients, employees and the world at large.
• Apply the knowledge and understanding of the professional ethics of the accounting profession

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

Assignments, examinations, and research reports serve as the integrated formative and summative assessments. Formative assessment is undertaken on a continuous basis, incorporating seminar presentations and papers, coursework assignments and tasks, as well as reports on research plans. Such methods assess students' progress towards the professional and academic competencies set out in the exit level outcomes listed above.

The summative assessment instruments are designed to integrate practical, theoretical, and reflexive competence in research or in the academic discipline being assessed. Furthermore, to pass a course, and, finally, to qualify, the learner must demonstrate the specialised knowledge acquired. These assessment practices, aligned with intended learning outcomes, will take diverse forms, including inter alia, diagnostic, formative, summative, and continuous assessment.

No single assessment will account for more than 40% of the final mark, while the assessment strategy will comprise at least three assessments.