Higher Certificate: Accountancy

Purpose

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with a foundational insight into the world of accounting, adding value to their school education and giving them an opportunity to become more employable. The qualification also aims to address the critical shortage of bookkeepers and other qualified support staff within accounting departments in business and other organisations in South Africa.

In addition the aim of this Qualification is to introduce learners to fundamental knowledge in the field of Accountancy and to equip learners with specific skills in order to be competent in performing accounting related services (manual and computerised) and act as bookkeepers.

Rationale

This Higher Certificate: Accountancy places a strong focus on the world of accounting. It is designed to equip learners with a range of knowledge and practical skills, which will form the basis for commencing a career in an accounting-related context in business. It also provides a basis for progressing to higher level academic qualifications.

Learners who register for this programme are assumed to have

• Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4.
• Capacity to do self study and complete written assignments.
• Ability to communicate in English (read, write and speak).
• Ability to manage their time.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL can be used to

• Grant admission to the qualification to learners who do not meet the entry requirements.
• Grant credits towards the qualification.

In all cases, RPL will be considered in accordance with South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) and institutional policies.

Access to the qualification

The access requirement for the qualification is one of the following

• National Senior Certificate (NSC).
• National Certificate Vocational (NCV), Level 4.
• A foreign qualification that is equivalent to the NSC as determined by SAQA.
• Any Further Education and Training Certificate (FETC).

The qualification consists of the following NQF Level 5 modules

Essentials of Accounting - Basic Bookkeeping, 15 Credits.

Essentials of Accounting - Financial Statements, 15 Credits.

Fundamentals of Management Accounting - Cost Classification, 12 Credits.

Fundamentals of Management Accounting - Cost Determination, 12 Credits.

Business Communication, 12 Credits.

Business Writing, 12 Credits.

Computerized Accounting Applications - Accounting, 9 Credits.

Computerized Accounting Applications - Payroll, 9 Credits.

Computing Concepts 1, 12 Credits.

Computing Concepts 2, 12 Credits.

Total Number of credits = 120.

Upon completion of a Higher Certificate in Accountancy, the qualifying learners will be able to

1. Classify, record, implement and maintain basic accounting systems.
2. Apply, implement and maintain the basic principles in cost and management accounting systems.
3. Use basic computer software.
4. Determine and calculate Value Added Tax (VAT) payable.
5. Determine and calculate Pay as You Earn, Unemployed Fund and Skills Development Levy payable.
6. Use appropriate communication skills.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

All the Critical Cross-Field outcomes are addressed in the qualification.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Source documents are correctly prepared for data capturing.
• Sorted documents are correctly recorded in the relevant books of prime-entry.
• Financial statements are prepared for the small business entities according to professional requirements.
• Data is captured correctly on a computerised accounting software package.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Inventory systems are correctly administered.
• Costs of manufactured products are correctly determined.
• Basic costing systems are correctly operated.
• A cash budget is correctly drawn up.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Data printouts are correctly prepared.
• Basic spreadsheets are correctly produced.
• Data is captured correctly on a computerised accounting software package.
• Data is captured correctly on a computerised payroll software package.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Value Added Tax is calculated correctly.
• A VAT return is accurately prepared.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• PAYE, UIF and SDL payable by employees is calculated.
• The relevant official form is accurately prepared.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Communication is maintained fluently and accurately, demonstrating knowledge and understanding of basic communication theory with sensitivity to traditional communication barriers and culture.
• Office documentation is prepared in a variety of modes and genres taking cognizance of audience, purpose, register and style.
• Oral and written presentations are prepared, demonstrating competence in the use of relevant software programme/s and in a range of communication skills relating to non-verbal communication, reading, and writing, listening and speaking.

Integrated Assessment

Regular assessments of the holistic skills of learners will be performed. The essence of the assessment approach will be developmental, and for this reason formative assessment, which will incorporate written tutorials, short assignments, presentations and regular class tests, will play a major role. All of these are directly linked to the theory and skills related to the exit level outcomes.

All formative assessment tasks are internally moderated and all summative, exit level assessment tasks are externally moderated by suitably qualified experienced subject specialists. All assessment decisions and moderation judgments must be clearly motivated and recorded.