Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Financial Accountancy

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification to provide students with a broad range of knowledge that together with skills, attitudes and behaviour account for the ability to deliver a specified professional service as expected from a graduate entering the accountancy profession; an understanding of the theories, research methodologies, methods and techniques relevant to the accountancy field; and an understanding of how to apply such knowledge in a particular context, including specific competencies in the field of Financial Accounting, Taxation, Financial Management and Decision Making as well as Risk Management and Governance.

Rationale

This qualification aims to provide South Africa with graduates who are competent in the field of accountancy with the capacity to understand and function in the economic and business.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The North-West University subscribes to the principles underlying outcomes based, source-based and lifelong learning. In this context, considerations of articulation and mobility play an important role. The North West University (NWU) endorses the view that Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) constitutes an essential element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning programme at honours level. RPL does not only imply assessment to determine the level of skills and knowledge comparable to Level 7 the candidate already possesses, but also the skills and knowledge the candidate has to master additionally prior to being accepted for the honours qualification. The assessment processes involved with RPL are the same as those followed for awarding credits in the formal graduate setting. An RPL candidate seeking credits for previously acquired skills and knowledge, must still comply with all the requirements as stated for modules, programmes and qualifications. The difference lies in the route of the assessment, since RPL assessment may be holistic in nature taking the context of the programme as well as the prior knowledge and experience of the person who is being assessed into account.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirements for admission into the Honours Degree studies are

• Bachelor of Commerce Degree, Level 7.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 160 Credits.

Compulsory Modules Level 8, 160 Credits

• Advanced Taxation and Trusts, 32 Credits.
• Advanced IFRS and Group Statements, 32 Credits.
• Audit and Corporate Governance, 32 Credits.
• Financial Management and Strategy, 32 Credits.
• Applied Research in Financial Accountancy, 32 Credits.

1. Demonstrate a broad range of knowledge that, together with skills, attitudes and behaviour, accounts for the ability to deliver a specified professional service as expected from a graduate entering the accountancy profession; an understanding of the theories, research methodologies, methods and techniques relevant to the accountancy field.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of how to apply such knowledge in a particular context, including Financial Accounting, Taxation, Financial Management and Decision Making as well as Risk Management and Governance.
3. Demonstrate the ability to interrogate multiple sources of knowledge in the accountancy field and to evaluate knowledge and processes of knowledge production, including the use of information technology.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the complexities and uncertainties of selecting, applying or transferring appropriate standard procedures, processes or techniques to unfamiliar problems in accountancy.
5. Demonstrate the ability to use a range of specialised skills to identify, analyse and address complex or abstract problems drawing systematically on the body of knowledge and methods appropriate to accountancy.
6. Demonstrate the ability to identify and address ethical issues based on critical reflection of the suitability of different ethical value systems to specific contexts and act in a professional manner.
7. Demonstrate the ability to critically review information gathering, synthesis of data, evaluation and management processes in accountancy in order to develop creative responses to problems and issues.
8. Demonstrate the ability to present and communicate professional ideas and texts effectively to a range of audiences, offering creative insights, rigorous interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to the context.
9. Demonstrate the ability to operate effectively within a team, or manage a team based on an understanding of the roles and relationships between elements within the team.
10. Demonstrate the ability to apply, in a self-critical manner, learning strategies which effectively address his or her professional and life-long learning needs; of an ability to take full responsibility for his or her work, decision-making and use of resources, and full accountability for the decisions and actions of others where appropriate.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Demonstrate a systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of, and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories.
• Apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.
• Demonstrate critical reflection on, and understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice.
• Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
• Effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology.
• Demonstrate effective functioning as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress.

Integrated Assessment

As stipulated in the Assessment and Moderation Policy of the North West University (NWU), qualification, programme and module outcomes and assessment criteria are clearly formulated according to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) Level Descriptors and correctly communicated to students as guiding principle for assessment practices at the NWU. At least one opportunity for integrated assessment, where the main purpose and key outcomes of the qualification are assessed, is included in the assessment activities for this qualification. The following formative assessment modes are used, namely class tests and integrated assignments, which form a maximum of 50% of the pass mark. Summative assessment consists of a 2 to 3 hour written examination per module with a weight of 50%. Part of the integrated assessment is the research report or mini-dissertation with a credit value of 32 which the student must submit under the guidance of a supervisor.