Postgraduate Diploma in Taxation

Purpose

The qualification is intended for learners who wish to make taxation their career. These learners will acquire the knowledge and skills required to become a tax expert ensuring organisational and individual compliance with the requirements of the South African Revenue Services and the National Treasury. The successful learner will be able to analyse contemporary developments in the various fields of taxation in relation to the knowledge relating to:

• Taxation in the South African environment.
• Basic principles of international tax concepts.
• An in-depth understanding and practical application of the South African Tax System.
• Detailed calculations based on practical case studies as well as to provide advice to clients.
• Tax implications of investments.
• Enunciating the specific purpose of this subject.
• Presenting a research proposal to address an absence in the tax realm.

This qualification also aims at enhancing quality leadership in taxation. In order to promote a philosophy of lifelong learning, the qualification aims to provide learners with improved articulation options, thus enhancing learners' chances of accessing higher level qualifications at other institutions.

Rationale

The modern business world needs participants with knowledge and understanding of taxation practice to contribute to the continuing success of the economy. The qualification in Taxation is designed to provide learners with knowledge of taxation. Learners will be equipped with knowledge and skills that enable them to critically engage in solving problems and complexities faced in taxation globally and specifically in South Africa. This qualification presents an opportunity for balancing pure theory with practice and adopting an epistemological approach that employs various 'world views' across the spectrum towards tax education. This qualification provides learners with advanced knowledge, competency and analytical skills in the field of Taxation and its allied disciplines of Financial Accounting and Economics.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This qualification is requiring appropriate work experience as part of the entry requirements to the qualification. Learning that has been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal means is recognised for the fulfilment of the entry requirements of this qualification or part of the qualification. It is required that through assessment practices, the learner should demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is performed by means of an Integrated Assessment and evaluation process. This Recognition of Prior Learning may allow for accelerated access or granted credits for further learning. RPL will be in accordance with the institutional RPL policy and will be dealt with on an individual basis subject to the guidelines provided by the CHE. The institution's RPL policy is an institutional policy accommodating access to all the qualifications offered by the institution. In order to maintain consistency, the institutional RPL policy is applied equally and fairly to all prospective candidates in the category.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Commerce, NQF Level 7.

This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 140 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 140 Credits

• South African Tax, Credit 20.
• Principles of International Tax, Credit 20.
• Advanced Taxation, Credit 20.
• Calculating Income Tax, Credit 20.
• Investments and their tax implications, Credit 20.
• Interpretation of Tax statutes, Credit 20.
• Research Methodology, Credit 20.

1. Analyse advanced financial accounting theories, principles and practices.
2. Apply advanced corporate financial reporting theories, principles and practices.
3. Analyse financial strategy, theories, principles and practices.

4 Analyse complex taxation principles and practices.

1. Demonstrate insight in the complexities and uncertainties of selecting, applying or transferring appropriate theory, standards, standard procedures, processes or techniques to unfamiliar problems in management accountancy.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of multiple sources of knowledge in the accountancy field and the associated knowledge and processes of knowledge production.

7 Demonstrate an understanding of change and the tools and methods for implementing and managing change.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1

• The nature of integrated financial accounting is analysed within both a private and public finance environment.
• Advanced financial accounting theories and practices are analysed in order to determine their applicability within a specific context.
• Ethical financial accounting theories and practices are analysed within a corporate governance environment.
• Appropriate solutions to advanced accounting financial problems are developed for a specific field.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2

• The relevant and appropriate sources of financial information are collated for reporting purposes.
• Financial records and statements are analysed using the relevant corporate financial reporting theories, principles and practices.
• Appropriate responses to resolve inconsistencies, irregularities and/or non-adherence are determined for inclusion in a report.
• The appropriate medium and language is used to effectively convey the findings in a financial report.
• An understanding of the need to act professionally and ethically during reporting procedures and processes is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3

• International and national trends are analysed in order to determine their impact on the organisation.
• Business and commerce strategies are analysed to see if they meet organisational objectives.
• Advanced management theories and principles are analysed within both a private and public management environment.
• Strategic accounting activities are planned and implemented using advanced judgemental processes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4

• International and national tax provisions are analysed against national, social and demographic needs.
• Laws and procedures relating to tax levies are analysed to determine their effectiveness.
• Tax practices are analysed to determine adherence to compliance requirements.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5

• Select and apply appropriate theory to complex and unfamiliar management accountancy problems.
• Critically analyse and explain the appropriateness of the application of standard procedures processes or techniques to unfamiliar problems related to management accounting.
• Substantiate the use of selected procedures, processes or techniques.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 6

• Interrogate multiple sources of knowledge in the accountancy field.
• Evaluate knowledge and processes of knowledge production.
• Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information of a Management Accounting nature.
• Use information technology to identify, analyse and address complex or abstract problems drawing systematically on the body of knowledge and methods appropriate to management accountancy.
• Develop creative responses to problems and issues.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 7

• Advise on important elements of the change process, evaluate tools and methods for effectively implementing and managing change and recommend change management processes in support of strategy implementation.
• An understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice are critically reflected.
• Apply effectively, innovatively and responsibly the pervasive qualities and skills required as management accountant, including ethics and professionalism, personal attributes (e.g. self-management, life-long learning, leadership and teamwork) and professional skills (e.g. effective communication and utilisation of information technology).