Postgraduate Diploma in Chartered Accountancy

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with accounting knowledge and skills and train them as Chartered Accountants. A qualified learner will be able to:

• Apply an advanced and integrated level of knowledge of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs), strategic financial and costing data in the management of decision-making process and the Income Tax Act (include both personal and corporate taxes), the Value Added Tax and the Estate Duty Act.
• Enhance the reliability of information, integrate knowledge and communicate effectively within a business environment.

Rationale

The Postgraduate Diploma in Chartered Accountancy is designed to provide learners with accounting knowledge and skills. This qualification provides training accredited by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). This qualification prepares learners to participate meaningfully in a digital world as Chartered Accountants involved in electronic commerce, performance measurement and risk assessment. In line with the National Development Plan, the New Growth Path and other national priorities, this qualification prepares a learner for better opportunities of decent employment.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The structure of this qualification makes RPL possible. The qualification may therefore be achieved in part or completely through the RPL, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.

Each learner will be considered according to the institution's RPL policy and guidelines. The learner will be thoroughly briefed on the mechanism to be used and the appropriate support/guidance will be provided. The process will provide the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence in the relevant learning areas/outcomes and will not prevent him/her from taking up the RPL option towards attempting to gain a qualification.

If the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification the appropriate credits will be assigned to him/her. RPL will be achieved by means of an appropriate integrated assessment method as mentioned above.

This RPL may allow a successful learner

• To be to access further learning at this or higher levels on the NQF.
• Obtaining of this qualification in part or in whole.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• An appropriate Bachelor's Degree at NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 128 Credits.

Compulsory Modules

• Advanced Financial Accounting, 32 Credits.
• Advanced Auditing, 32 Credits.
• Advanced Management Accounting, 32 Credits.
• Advanced Taxation, 32 Credits.

1. Apply an advanced and integrated level of knowledge of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs), strategic financial and costing data in the management of decision-making process and the Income Tax Act (include both personal and corporate taxes), the Value Added Tax and the Estate Duty Act.
2. Enhance the reliability of information, integrate knowledge and communicate effectively within a business environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Prepare financial statements using IFRSs (separate, consolidated and equity accounted).
• Apply measurement and recognition requirements of elements of the financial statements.
• Present items, transactions and events in the financial statements.
• Analyse and evaluate management of financial assets, treasury, and assess the value of an entity.
• Identify and develop information needs.
• Use decision-making tools in achieving the entity's strategies.
• Apply tax legislation in different contexts.
• Calculate personal and corporate income tax, Value-Added Tax and Estate and other duties are calculated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Apply and reflect on different types of engagements in an audit firm.
• Design and discuss the necessary audit work under different scenarios by applying the International Accounting Standards (IAS).
• Evaluate internal controls of accounting information systems, and make recommendations where needed.
• Apply principles of the Companies Act, Close Corporations Act, Audit Profession Act and Corporate Governance Act (King 3).
• Apply principles of verbal and/or non-verbal communication skills in different contexts relevant to the accountancy and/or business environment.
• Integrate knowledge within the field of Chartered Accountancy through the successful completion of integrated case studies.

Integrated Assessment

The assessment strategy provides for both formative and summative assessment in each of the four modules with a strong emphasis on formative feedback to encourage active engagement and retention.

Summative Assessment

Summative assessment takes place in the format of an examination at the end of the academic year for each module.

Formative Assessment

Formative assessment opportunities afford learners the opportunity to monitor their progress on a regular basis and address problems as they occur, and to inform teaching practices. This allows for applied competence to be assessed. Formative assessment opportunities include different types of assessment, such as tests, online quizzes, presentations, assignments and/or projects.

Assessment would usually consist of six tests for each core module, supplemented with a varying number of additional activities relevant per module.