Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting

Purpose

The skills learners are expected to develop on the program are those that are expected of a practising professional Accountant. The preparation of company financial statements and the audit thereof, advising clients on the tax implications of their businesses, and preparing monthly management accounts for decision-making purposes. They are expected to demonstrate proficiency in relevant technologies.

Rationale

The qualification aims to develop learners capable of carrying out assignments in accordance with the ethical values of the profession, and that display a wide ranging professional and personnel skills. These include leadership, change management, problem-solving, decision making, communication and management skills. A Career in Accountancy by the study of foundational and core courses relevant to Accountancy. Entry to part one of the professional qualifying examinations of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants. Research in the discipline of Accountancy.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes-based, source-based and life-long learning, in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a significant role, and subscribes to the view that Recognition of Prior Learning, whether acquired by formal education curricula at this or another institution or informally (by experience) is an indispensable element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning qualification of the institution.

An applicant who falls outside of the formal qualifications system, but who can demonstrate (through the production of substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a combination), may be considered for admission and/or for the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full. An applicant who after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential, but is in need of further academic development, must be directed to other suitable learning qualifications prior to admission or to parallel qualifications after admission.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, Level 7.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 128 Credits

• Advanced Accounting. 32 Credits.
• Advanced Managerial Accounting and Finance, 32 Credits.
• Advanced Taxation, 32 Credits.
• Advanced Auditing, 32 Credits.

1. The learner should be able to evaluate and develop an entities ability to make decisions that result in maximising its performance including in respect of governance, strategies, policies and resources.
2. The learner should be able to record, recognise, measure and present both financial and non-financial information to external users in a manner that ensures compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) (or alternative standards and principles where necessary).
3. The learner should be able to ensure enhanced reliability of information through validation, testing and the provision of assurance services. These include statutory and regulatory audit/assurance requirements, documentation and evaluation of controls.
4. The leaner should be able to manage an entity's financial assets, perform the treasury function and asses an entity's value.
5. The learner should be able to identify an entity's information needs and develop and use decision making tools in achieving the entity's strategies.
6. The learner should be able to engage in taxation planning, and ensure taxation compliance and reporting for various forms of entities.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Critically evaluate the conceptual framework and the reporting requirements of the International Accounting Standards Board.

Integrated Assessment

The qualification uses a problem-based approach, integrating theory and practice. Learners are guided through a series of graded case study questions that simulate real world financial problems. Test and examination questions simulate real-world problems. The questions focus on a particular topic, but require application of knowledge from other related topics, in order to provide a recommended solution to the problem. South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) provides external quality control for ongoing accreditation through their periodic visits and the school self-assessment reports that have to be submitted annually. The Internal Review process also provides opportunities for feedback and quality improvement within the school.