Master of Commerce in Auditing

Purpose and Rationale of the qualification

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with applied specialised competencies in the mastering, interpretation, understanding, analysis and application of auditing principles in the auditing field. A qualifying learner would 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 learners should also be able to reflect on managerial decisions and applications and to analyse and assess the effect thereof in the holistic context of auditing, corporate governance 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 per the policy of guidelines of the University concerning the recognition of other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. Recognition takes place only where prior learning corresponds to 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, o recognition of status, on condition that they continue their studies at this University.

Entry Requirements:The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

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

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma in Auditing, NQF Level 8.

The learner should be able to

1. Analyse, assess and apply auditing concepts and principles in highly specialised and unpredictable contexts, identifying and analysing complex issues and problems relating to Generally Accepted Accounting Practice and Corporate Governance policies, and proposing, implementing, monitoring and assessing alternative course 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 auditing profession, as well as people on the grassroots level in the profession.
3. Act responsibly concerning, and accept responsibility for, activities undertaken in the course of his/her specialised evaluation and application of Generally Accepted Accounting Practice and Corporate Governance principles.
4. Plan and undertake, through independent study and teamwork, research in the auditing field, including gathering, analysing, integrating and interpreting related and complex and highly advanced information.
5. Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with different role players in the auditing profession, applying principles of communication and reflecting on the communication skills applied.
6. Optimally utilise the appropriate technology appropriate to the professional auditing environment.
7. Analyse the importance and role of the auditing profession and the regulation thereof on a macro-and micro-level.
8. Explore and analyse different learning strategies to acquire and improve the various skills and capabilities required of a professional auditor.
9. Make a contribution to the level of professionalism and expertise in, and effectiveness and efficiency of the auditing 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 concerning the auditing discipline within these communities.
11. Seek employment and entry into the auditing profession effectively, as a highly specialised and advanced, technical or research expert and thus establish for himself/herself a specialised and advanced career in the auditing field.
12. Organise and co-ordinate effectively and responsibly, resources and opportunities, including own activities and taking into consideration the financial implications thereof.

Can the learner

1. Demonstrate an ability to identify, analyse and solve complex issues and problems, to demonstrate critical and creative thinking about auditing concepts and principles, in highly specialised and unpredictable contexts? Evaluate and correctly apply complex and advanced concepts and approaches to Generally Accepted Accounting Practice and Corporate Governance 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 add specialised value to a team? Demonstrate an acceptable level of social sensitivity in his/her relationships with others and work effectively in a management team by implementing the relevant theory and reflect on the implementations made? Display a thorough, specialised knowledge and understanding of the various role-players involved in, or affected by, the auditing profession?
3. Display ability to act responsibly and honestly in interactions with other role players in the auditing field? Display an ability to accept responsibility for any activities required of him/her in his/her specialised evaluation and application of Generally Accepted Accounting Practice and Corporate Governance principles, particularly in highly specialised and unpredictable contexts?
4. Demonstrate the ability to plan and execute research in the field of auditing, including the correct gathering, analysing, integrating and interpreting related integrating and interpretation of information on auditing issues, by utilising relevant theoretical and highly specialised and advanced research principles and reflect on the research undertaken? Plan and undertake complex research through independent study and teamwork, both across the auditing 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 auditing fields by applying the theoretical principles of communication and reflecting on the application made?
6. Demonstrate insight into and operate necessary appropriate technology, in particular, specified computer hardware and software including Internet and databases? Show that he/she is in command of the management technology and is competent to support advanced research in complex and unpredictable contexts?
7. Analyse and explain the importance and role of the auditing profession, and the regulation thereof, internationally, regionally, nationally, provincially and locally? Discern between, analyse and explain the roles of auditing 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 auditor?
9. Analyse and explain the link between the number of auditing professionals and level of professionalism in the auditing field, and the effectiveness and efficiency of the auditing profession and therefore of the economy? Evaluate the role which a more effective and efficient auditing profession will have in 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 economic communities and sensitivity for the social, economic and cultural differences within these communities? Analyse the particular auditing disciplinary needs of different communities, taking into consideration their various social, economic and cultural differences and therefore their differing needs and requirements concerning the auditing sector? Apply Corporate Governance Principles, 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 auditing profession by applying theoretical principles of employment seeking and career-pathing and reflecting on the application thereof? Undertake academic leadership, advanced research, research-based, professional practice, and senior managerial occupations? Demonstrate that he/she has acquired specialised and advanced competencies in his/her chosen professional auditing career?
12. Plan, resource, organise, coordinate and optimise the resources, opportunities and processes engaged in the field of auditing by applying relevant theoretical aspects effectively and responsibly and reflect on the applications made? Demonstrate an advanced level of responsibility with respect for his/her activities? Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the financial implications of all activities undertaken?

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 employing 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.