Master of Commerce in Accounting

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with applied specialised competencies in the mastering, interpretation, understanding, analysis and application of accounting principles in the financial accounting field. A qualifying learner should show evidence of independent and original scientific work.

The learner should be able to take strategic decisions in the context of the financial sector, and to analyse and assess policy, and other decisions impacting this sector. The learner should also be able to reflect on managerial decisions and applications and to analyse and assess the effect thereof in the holistic context of financial accounting, corporate governance, financial management and regulation.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning in the case of learners not complying with the formal entry requirements will be conducted in accordance with the policy of guidelines of the University concerning the recognition of other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning experience. Recognition takes place only where prior learning corresponds with the required NQF-Level, and in terms of applied competencies relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification. Through Recognition of Prior Learning learners may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that they continue their studies at this institution.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Accounting, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting, NQF Level 8.

The learners should be able to

1. Analyse, evaluate and apply accounting concepts and principles in highly specialised and unpredictable contexts; identifying and analysing complex issues and problems relating to Generally Accepted Accounting Practise and policies, and proposing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating alternative courses of action and solutions.
2. Work in a team with, and adding value to, a variety of role players, including political role players, professional and administrative members of the accounting profession, as well as people on the grassroots level in the profession.
3. Act responsibly with respect to, and accept responsibility for, activities undertaken in course of his/her specialised evaluation and application of Generally Accepted Accounting Practice and accounting concepts and principles.
4. Plan and undertake, through independent study and teamwork, research in the accounting field, including gathering, analysing, integrating and interpreting related complex and highly advanced information.
5. Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with different role players in the accounting profession, applying principles of communication and reflecting on the communication skills applied.
6. Optimally utilise the appropriate technology to the professional accounting environment.
7. Analyse the importance and role of the accounting profession, and the regulation thereof on a macro-and a micro-level.
8. Explore and analyse different learning strategies to acquire and improve the various skills and capabilities required of a professional accountant.
9. Make a contribution to the level of professionalism and expertise in, and effectiveness and efficiency of, the accounting profession; thus positively impacting on the economy and contributing to the redress of poverty and improvement of living standards in the country.
10. Demonstrate a positive approach to different communities and a sensitivity for the social, economic and cultural differences and needs, particularly with respect to the accounting discipline within these communities.
11. Seek employment and entry into the accounting profession, effectively, as highly specialised and advanced, technical or research, expert, and thus establish for himself/herself a specialised and advanced career in the accounting field.
12. Organise and co-ordinate, effectively and responsibly, resources and opportunities, including own activities, and taking into consideration the financial implications thereof.

1. Identify, analyse and solve complex issues and problems, demonstrating critical and creative thinking about financial accounting concepts and principles, in highly specialized and unpredictable contexts? Evaluate and, where relevant, correctly apply complex and advanced concepts and approaches to Generally Accepted Management Accounting Practice and policies; thus proposing and implementing, monitoring and evaluating alternative courses of action and solutions? Reflect on the application made and assess the success, or otherwise, thereof?
2. Display team ship and show his/her ability to specialised value to a team? Demonstrate an acceptable level of social sensitivity in his/her relationships with others and work effectively in a management tea m by implementing the relevant theory and reflecting on the implementation made? Display a thorough, specialized knowledge and understanding of the various role players involved in, or affected by, the accounting profession?
3. Act responsibly and honestly in interactions with other role players in the accounting field? Accept responsibility for any activities required of him/her in his/her specialised evaluation and application of Generally Accepted Accounting Practice and principles, particularly in highly specialised and unpredictable contexts?
4. Plan and execute research in the field of accounting, including the correct gathering, analysing, integrating and interpretation of information on financial accounting issues, by utilizing relevant theoretical and highly specialised and advanced research principles and reflecting on the research undertaken? Plan and undertake complex research through independent study and teamwork, both across the financial accounting discipline and on an interdisciplinary basis?
5. Communicate effectively and professionally, in an academic and practical -oral and/or written manner (including the usage of visual/graphic aids)-with the different role players in the accounting field by applying the theoretical principles of communication and reflecting on the application made?
6. Operate necessary appropriate technology, in particular specified computer hardware and software including Internet and databases? Use a computer skilfully and optimally as well as manage accounting related databases? Show that his/her command of the management technology is competent to support advanced research in complex and unpredictable contexts?
7. Analyse and explain the importance and role of the accounting profession, and the regulation thereof, internationally, regionally, nationally, provincially and locally? Analyse and explain the roles of financial accounting at these various macro-and micro levels?
8. Identify, analyse and continue to develop the different and specialised skills and competencies necessary in the execution of the activities and responsibilities of a professional accountant?
9. Analyse and explain the link between the number of accounting professionals and level of professionalism in the accounting field, and the effectiveness and efficiency of the accounting profession and therefore of the economy. Evaluate the role which a more effective and efficient accounting profession will have in the economy and the impact this will in turn have on the economy and the impact which this will in turn have on the living standards of the population of the country (e. g. the redress of poverty, improved mobility and improvement of living standards)?
10. Demonstrate a positive and specialised approach towards various different economic communities and a sensitivity for the social, economic and cultural differences within these communities? Analyse the particular accounting disciplinary needs of different communities, taking into consideration their various social, economic and cultural differences and therefore their differing needs and requirements with respect to the accounting sector? Apply Generally Accepted Accounting Practice, to make proposals, within complex and unpredictable contexts, that will improve the circumstances of these communities?
11. Demonstrate acceptable employment seeking skills for entry into the accounting profession by applying theoretical principles of employment seeking and career-pathing and reflecting on the application thereof? Demonstrate an ability to undertake academic leadership, advanced research, research-based, professional practice, and/or senior managerial occupations? Demonstrate that he/she has acquired specialised and advanced competencies in his/her chosen professional accounting career?
12. Plan, resource, organise, coordinate and optimise the resources, opportunities and progress engaged in, particularly in the field of accounting, by applying relevant theoretical aspects and reflect on the application made?

Demonstrate an advanced level of responsibility and organisational ability with respect of his/her own activities? Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the financial implications of all activities undertaken?

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment practices that will be implemented;

The learner must attend compulsory discussions with his/her promoter according to a prescribed qualification. If the learner is not making satisfactory progress and not meeting the requirements of the Department of Accounting, his/her registration shall be cancelled by the Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences on recommendation by the Departmental Chairperson.

Summative assessment practices that will be implemented

Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the exit-level outcomes, will be done by means of the submission of a dissertation and an article ready for publication to the promoter. The dissertation must furnish proof that the learner is capable of scientific research and the application thereof. Under normal circumstances, 100 pages for a dissertation in one and a half spacing on an A4 will suffice. The department may institute other requirements for dissertations.