Higher Certificate in Business Accounts Administration

Purpose

This qualification has been developed for the business sector - both small, medium and large enterprises. This qualification caters for the demands and challenges facing potential and actual managers in the modern office arena, by providing special business and communication competencies. This qualification is in line with the registration of qualifications specified in the NSB Regulations. The primary purpose of the qualification is to build a foundational entry into the field of Computer Sciences and Information Technology, with specific focus on Business Account Management operations. It is a qualification in its own right and equip learners with a sound theoretical and practical knowledge of development, implementation and management of an accounting data processing system in the business environment. A qualifying learner at this level will have adequate fundamental knowledge coupled with interpersonal and business skills preparing for later specialization in Computer Sciences and Informational Technology fields.

Rationale

This programme addresses human resource development needs of the country. There is a growing need for Business Accounts Administrators in a rapidly changing business environment - there are more vacancies than the number of new job-seekers. There is also a need for wider access to business accounts administrator studies by students who do not meet entry qualifications into Technikon or University programmes. Strong emphasis on the development of information technology and computer skills will add value for students enrolled for this programme. Increased equity is achieved by giving students from historically disadvantaged communities wider access to such learning opportunities, and thus addressing ethnic imbalances in the student profile of the past.

The learner entering this programme should have achieved a FET Certificate or equivalent. Knowledge of and experience in Computer Science is not a prerequisite. No other knowledge in a specific field is required.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The programme recognizes and applies the principle of prior learning in various ways. It is structured according to programme modules, starting with the students' current level of knowledge, and adding new knowledge (both in depth and width), learning experiences, understanding and skills. Students are exposed to relevant learning experiences in both formal and non-formal training within the classroom, as well as the real work environment. A specified number of credits are awarded for each module towards fulfilling the requirements of this qualification.

Students can get access to this programme through recognition of relevant knowledge and skills acquired by

• Occupational-related experience in this particular field.
• Gaining credits for a certain part/component of this qualification (in another programme within this Institution, or externally in the same/a similar qualification at an accredited education/training institution.
• An entire qualification.

after being assessed against the stated learning outcomes applicable to this particular qualification to determine the student's competency.

The specific form of assessment to determine the level of recognition of prior learning will depend on evidence produced by each individual applicant. In case of the applicant not being able to produce a certificate of credits gained, the assessment will at least involve the presentation of a portfolio of practical work as demonstration of applied knowledge and skills.

Access to the Qualification

Open access. The only applicable entry qualification is a Senior Certificate. Since the language of tuition is English, students should be able to communicate in English.

Learning components

Theory, practical application of theory, and experiential learning systems (subject and competence-related practical experience in the business environment). Due to the nature of this programme, all components are compulsory and is regarded as core learning.

In terms of credits the different programme components are made up as follows

Component: credits.

Fundamental: 30.

Core: 90.

Elective: 0.

Total: 120.

The above indicated credits are divided between the different programme modules related to the guiding Unit Standards and specified learning outcomes applicable to this qualification (see Section D: Curriculum Framework).

Content details (curriculum)

Note. All modules are compulsory (core knowledge). There are thus no elective modules.

Windows (2 Credits).

Internet/E-Mail (4 Credits).

MS Word (9).

MS Excel (9).

Pastel Accounting (15).

Entrepreneurship (18).

Communication (16).

Business Accounts (47).

At completion of this qualification, the learner will be able to

1. Understand, use and apply a variety of computer software skills in the world of work/enterprise.
2. Perform word processing skills from the basic to the most advanced level.
3. Develop a set of values and ethics related to professional conduct.
4. Communicate effectively within the world of work, using a variety of visual, and written communication skills.
5. Format data, create graphs, manipulate data using database functions, write macros, and solve problems using a spreadsheet.
6. Perform financial skills from the basic to the advanced level, including a variety of business accounting functions such as debtors, creditors and bank reconciliation.
7. Recognize, select, organize, and present facts as well as written information using a combination of communication skills.
8. Provide an essential administrative and supportive service within a business company.
9. Meet the challenges of entrepreneurship and business management through a successful business plan.
10. Understand how to buy and value a business on its own merits.
11. Create a typical business income statement.
12. Understand how to calculate the value of a business.
13. Understand and apply all functions to a cash register.
14. Understand and apply the concepts of budgeting.
15. Understand the strategies and techniques for efficient and cost-effective debt collection.

In this programme there is an explicit effort to integrate specific and critical cross-field learning outcomes. A learner will be competent in the following exit level outcomes:

1. Communicate effectively with fellow IT staff and users of information technology systems.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of problem-solving techniques, and how to apply them in a business account workplace environment.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of a variety of computer software and its application in the world of work/business enterprise.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of computer operating principles and procedures.
5. Organise himself/herself and responsibly and effectively.
6. Collect, analyse, organize, and critically evaluate information concerning computer operating.
7. Work effectively as a team member within a project development and workplace environment.

The assessment process will be based on the following framework principles

1. Using appropriate methods and tools to measure performance in both specific and critical outcomes in an integrated manner.
2. Using both formative and summative assessment to determine learning progress and the learner's ability to attain exit requirements at given pathway points.
3. Applying criterion-referenced assessment and using a combination of tools to gather evidence of learning performance.
4. Measuring both the quality of demonstrated practical skills, observed performance and the underpinning theory (facts, principles, concepts, etc).
5. Maintaining a balance between practical skills and performance on the one hand, and theoretical knowledge on the other, to ensure that each is measured in accordance with the exit level and outcomes of the qualification.

Associated Assessment Criteria

In the assessment the following criteria will apply

• Demonstrate mastery of core knowledge, attitudes, and skills in accordance with the level and outcomes of this qualification.
• Maintain a balance between theoretical assessment and practical application of knowledge within the world of work.
• The weight applicable to theory in comparison to practical knowledge and skills will vary according to the type and level of qualification.
• A repertoire of assessment methods will be used relevant to stated learning outcomes, both in specific and cross-field terms. These must include assessment of attitudes, as well as thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Learners must comply with all requirements and standards related to computer operating practices in the world of work, including accuracy, presentation, and correct data input.

Integrated Assessment

Comprehensive learning assessment is conducted throughout the programme (formative assessment), to ensure that theory and the practice are integrated (e.g. in the application of knowledge and skills) in achieving the stated exit level outcomes, and the purpose of the programme as a whole. This increases the relevancy of training offered by this Institution, and assessment at different learning levels (summative assessment). Generally, the following assessment methods will be used in combination when necessary:

• Written examinations.
• Coursework (portfolio) evaluations.
• Evaluation of experiential learning assignments.
• Evaluation of practical tasks.