Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting Science

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with integrated knowledge and equip them with accounting related skills. A qualified learner will be able to:

• Identify weaknesses in computer and manual business cycles, and to perform the audit functions thereon.
• Develop and apply technology strategically for a competitive advantage.
• Prepare financial information within a business entity to aid management decision and to assist the entity in achieving its goals and objectives.
• Assist in managing and creating value for the entity.

Rationale

The Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting Science is designed to provide learners with integrated knowledge and skills related to accounting that will enable them to further their studies and be registered as Charted Accountants in order to address the lack of black chartered accountants in South Africa. It is reported that the University of Zululand, amongst other universities, has been approached by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) to develop this qualification with the quest of developing black Chartered Accountants from the previously disadvantaged society. These learners may be employed from entry level bookkeeper and various accounting and administration related posts in commercial private and public sectors.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This qualification is designed to widen access to learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. Applicants who fall outside of the normal admissions process and who can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the university that they have a qualification or experiential work based learning which has taken them to a level equivalent to the above, under formally accredited learning, may be considered for admission for the recognition of prior accredited and or prior experiential learning. Applicants who after such assessment, are deemed to have sufficient potential but are in need of further academic development, may be required to broaden their curriculum to include preliminary programmes prior to admission or parallel programmes after admission.

Entry Requirements

Learners are required to have the following in place in order to be considered for admission

• A Senior Certificate with endorsement.

Or

• National Senior Certificate granting admission to Bachelors' Degree studies; or equivalent.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 5, 6, and 7 totalling 480 Credits.

At NQF Level 5, 120 Credits

• Financial Reporting 1A, 15 Credits.
• Principles of Microeconomics, 15 Credits.
• Elementary Statistics for Commerce Students, 15 Credits.
• Management of Information Systems, 15 Credits.
• Financial Reporting 1B, 15 Credits.
• Principles of Macroeconomics, 15 Credits.
• Management of Information Systems 1B, 15 Credits.
• Mathematics and Statistics for Commerce Students, 15 Credits.

At NQF Level 6, 180 Credits

• Financial Reporting 2A, 15 Credits.
• Commercial Law A, 15 Credits.
• Company Law for Accountants, 15 Credits.
• Understanding Business, 15 Credits.
• Financial Reporting 2B, 15 Credits.
• Auditing 2A, 15 Credits.
• Commercial Law B, 15 Credits.
• Business Ethics, 15 Credits.
• Taxation 3A, 15 Credits.
• Taxation 3B, 15 Credits.
• Auditing 3A, 15 Credits.
• Auditing 3B, 15 Credits.

At NQF Level 7, 180 Credits

• Financial Reporting 3A, 15 Credits.
• Management Accounting 1, 15 Credits.
• Financial Reporting 3B, 15 Credits.
• Financial Management and Costing 3B, 15 Credits.
• Tax 4A, 15 Credits.
• Business and Governance A, 15 Credits.
• Corporate Financial Management 2, 15 Credits.
• Management Accounting 2, 15 Credits.
• Tax 4B, 15 Credits.
• Business and Governance B, 15 Credits.
• Financial Reporting 4B, 15 Credits.
• Financial Reporting 4A, 15 Credits.

• Identify weaknesses in computer and manual business cycles, and to perform the audit functions thereon.
• Develop and apply technology strategically for a competitive advantage.
• Prepare financial information within a business entity to aid management decision and to assist the entity in achieving its goals and objectives.
• Assist in managing and creating value for the entity.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Nature of auditing, the auditing profession, the regulatory environment, the audit process, business cycles, reporting, computer environments and related topics are understood.
• Business cycles are designed and evaluated and their weaknesses are identified.
• Audit procedures are designed for cycles and components of the financial statements.
• Manual and computer environments are evaluated for weaknesses in controls and appropriate systems are designed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Learners are exposed to the latest information technologies, practices and trends.
• Word processing, typing and enhancing business letters, power point slide presentations, MS Access as a database management tool and an introduction to project management are taught to provide skills and knowledge that are easily transferable to the business world.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Financial information is collected, organised, interpreted, analysed and critically evaluated.
• Financial statements and tax returns are prepared accordingly.
• Measurement and recognition requirements of elements of the financial statements are applied.
• Items, transactions and events in the financial statements are presented.
• Management of financial assets, treasury are analysed and evaluated, and the value of an entity is assessed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Internal controls of accounting information systems are evaluated, and recommendations are made where needed.
• Principles of the Companies Act, and Corporate Governance Act (King 3) are applied.
• Different corporate governance structures are described and contrasted.
• Factors influencing corporate governance are explained.
• Corporate governance issues are analysed.

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. This qualification is monitored by the accounting profession. Formative assessment, whilst an important component of the final mark never constitutes more than 60% of the final assessment with the vast majority of modules included in this professional qualification having final marks constituted of a final summative written assessment.

All modules are internally moderated with selected modules (including all final year courses, being externally moderated). Senate approves all internal and external officials appointed to carry assessment responsibilities. No international external moderators or examiners are appointed to this undergraduate qualification.