Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting

Purpose

The purpose of the Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting is to provide learners with the knowledge and equip them with accounting-related skills. A qualified learner will be able to:

• Identify weaknesses in a business control environment, and to perform the audit functions thereon.
• Prepare financial information within a business entity to aid management decision and to assist the companies in achieving its goals and objectives.
• Prepare financial statements and tax in compliance with the relevant regulatory frameworks.

Rationale

The objective of the qualification is to equip graduates with the skills necessary to engage and participate in the field of accounting. While focusing on the challenges, and the solutions and opportunities facing private and public sector accounting in South Africa. The development of the qualification is in line with the Vision, Mission and Strategic Goals of the institution.

The institution s' mission is to provide globally competitive qualifying learners, relevant for the human capital needs of our country. By providing quality education which upholds high standards of research and academic excellence as international standards concerning Financial Reporting and Auditing will form an integral part of the curriculum. The qualification is career-focused, providing scarce skills relevant to national imperatives. In general learners from poor and disadvantaged backgrounds will be nurtured into graduates that will meet the needs of society.

There is a severe skills shortage both in South Africa and in other African countries. To adequately cater for the growing demand by the public and private sectors for accounting (Auditing, Financial Reporting, Management Accounting, Financial Management and Taxation) experts and practitioners, resulting in skills often being outsourced internationally. The qualification has been designed to equip learners with the competencies and skills needed in a variety of fields of accounting, and different sectors of the economy such as private and public sector.

The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) and the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAIPA) have indicated that there is a need for Accountants in South Africa.

The Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting aims to provide learners with knowledge and skills in accounting that will enable them to further their studies, and be registered as Chartered Accountants or Professional Accountants. To address the lack of black Chartered Accountants and Professional Accountants in South Africa or the learners can become a member of any professional accounting body. These learners get employment as an entry-level bookkeeper and various accounting and administration posts in commercial private and public sectors.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution will facilitate the Recognition of Prior Learning per the Policy and Procedures for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). RPL is one of the critical mechanisms for achieving redress and equity and accelerating access in the university.

This policy and set of procedures will be used in the admission of a student to a learning programme where the minimum requirements have not been met, but the learner has evidence that the requirements can be met through RPL.

Learners with relevant prior learning will be able to access the qualification and need to apply to the Head of the Department of Accounting and Auditing for Recognition of Prior Learning.

Learners who want to be credited for prior learning and/or experience for a particular module or modules, need to apply in writing to the Head of the Department of Accounting and Auditing clearly stating the title(s) of the module or modules they want to be credited for, as well as the basis on which they believe the accreditation should be granted.

The principles of RPL are subscribed to and will be implemented in a flexible manner. The principle of flexible and open access will, however, be offset against the provision that this should not be to the detriment of the potential student and that his/her chances of success are reasonable.

The RPL Committee will assess the competencies of these learners.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's studies.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 384 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 128 Credits

• Accounting 1A, 16 Credits.
• Principles of Microeconomics, 16 Credits.
• Business Management 1A, 16 Credits.
• Business Information Systems 1A, 16 Credits.
• Accounting 1B, 16 Credits.
• Principles of Macroeconomics, 16 Credits.
• Business Management 1B, 16 Credits.
• Business Information Systems 1B, 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 128 Credits

• Mathematics and Statistics for Commerce Students, 16 Credits.
• Commercial Law A, 16 Credits.
• Accounting 2A, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Managerial Accounting and Finance 2A, 16 Credits.
• Elementary Statistics for Commerce Students, 16 Credits.
• Commercial Law B, 16 Credits.
• Accounting 2B, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Auditing and Professional Ethics, 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7 128 Credits

• Accounting 3A, 16 Credits.
• Auditing 3A, 16 Credits.
• Income Tax 3A, 16 Credits.
• Financial Management and Costing 3A, 16 Credits.
• Accounting 3B, 16 Credits.
• Auditing 3B, 16 Credits.
• Income Tax 3B, 16 Credits.
• Financial Management and Costing 3B, 16 Credits.

1. Prepare computations of the income tax liability for individuals, companies and other entities.
2. Display the values of intellectual honesty and ethical behaviour, perform assignments or activities with the highest standards of integrity, as per the profession's ethical standards.
3. Prepare and present financial information according to the required accounting frameworks or regulations, Johannesburg Stock Exchange regulation, Companies Act and any applicable structure or regulation.
4. Prepare financial reports using financial management and management accounting tools and techniques so that management can be able to make informed and sound business decisions.
5. Assess the control environment of an entity and participate in the assurance activities that are performed by different auditors such as external auditors, internal auditors and forensic auditors.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Compute the income Tax/VAT liability or asset for an individual or company with simple business operations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Display ethical values and professional practice in the acquisition, dissemination and application of knowledge in Accounting.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the impact and consequences of decisions from a moral standpoint.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Prepare annual financial statement in terms of the applicable accounting standards and relevant regulatory frameworks.
• Prepare an integrated annual report.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Prepare management reports that will be useful to Management when making business decisions.
• Apply management accounting and financial management tools and techniques that are relevant in a business case.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Identify control system weaknesses.
• Develop control procedures that will enhance the performance of the entity and ensure that the body complies with all applicable legal frameworks or legislation.
• Perform Assurance activities are performed, applying the relevant assurance standards, e.g. International Auditing Standards.

Integrated Assessment

The Department utilises an integrated continuous assessment model incorporating, formative and summative assessment. A range of assessment instruments, including but not limited to, objective tests, essays, reports, presentations, group work, projects, term tests and examinations, will contribute to each disciplines final mark.