[Registered Qual & Unit Std Home page] [Search Qualifications] [Search Unit Standards]

All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.

SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Certificate: Accounting

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
80189	Certificate: Accounting
ORIGINATOR
Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) (previously AETA)
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
FASSET - Financial and Accounting Services SETA			OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
National Certificate	Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies		Finance, Economics and Accounting
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	Not Applicable	NQF Level 05	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 06120/18	2018-07-01	2023-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30		2027-06-30

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose: The purpose of this qualification is to provide the learner with the skills, competence, knowledge and understanding to become an accounting technician. This enables learners to develop work relevant competence, as an aid to employment and career progression. It also enables learners to progress further, using the excellent progression routes on to the ACCA or CIMA qualifications. The qualification also allows learners access to lifelong professional development and support, through the opportunity to take up full membership of the AAT, the largest professional body for accounting technicians. The qualification benefits employers as they can have confidence in the ability of trained staff and can recruit or promote accounting technicians, knowing that they have proved ability to do the required work. The qualification makes a positive contribution to South Africa's transformation agenda, by developing skills at technician level and providing recognition for those who have developed workplace skills but have not had the opportunity to gain formal qualifications. It is an open access qualification, requiring a good standard of literacy and numeracy, but not requiring the learner to hold formal qualifications. However, it also provides direct progression from the Further Education and Training Certificate: Accounting Technician at NQF Level 4. It benefits the South African economy by ensuring that the people responsible for accounting technicians' work are skilled, competent people. This is essential for organisational success in every sector of the economy, from the public sector to accountancy practice, to industry and commerce. Rationale: Qualified accounting technicians, with an internationally recognised qualification, make a valuable and critical contribution to organisational and national economic success. This Accounting Qualification gives learners access to develop within the accounting field. This covers all sectors of the South African economy, from the public sector, to accountancy practice, to industry and commerce, including manufacturing, tourism and retail. Every senior accountant needs the support of skilled, competent accounting technicians to undertake the more routine and operational work. In many small businesses, accounting technicians will be the sole provider of accountancy support to the organisation. Self-employed accounting technicians are highly suitable and cost effective for providing accountancy services to small businesses. The importance of technician level training has been recognised by the Eastern, Central and Southern African Federation of Accountants (ECSAFA), by its adoption of occupational standards for accounting technicians. ECSAFA includes South African representation, and this endorsement demonstrates the relevance of the qualification to the South African economy and employment market. Those holding the qualification can work in all sectors of the economy in a number of positions, including accounts clerk, wages clerk, accounts assistant, sales ledger clerk, tax assistant, bookkeeper. Many progress to become more senior in the accounts field and move on to hold positions such as Financial Controller and Accounts Manager. In addition areas of specialisation built into this qualification allow successful learners to enter into employment and perform optimally within the private sector; and local, national and provincial departments within the public sector. The achievement of this qualification can lead to the awarding of the Professional Designation Member by the Association of Accounting Technicians by the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT). Those awarded the Professional Designation will then be entitled to use the post-nominal title MAAT (SA).

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

It is assumed that the learners accessing this qualification are competent in language, literacy, communication and mathematical literacy at NQF Level 4. Recognition of Prior Learning: The AAT suite of qualifications comprises 3 levels i.e. Level 3, 4 and 5. The course provider undertakes an initial assessment to determine at which stage of the qualification the learner should start. This involves examining their previous learning and current skills in accounting. Those with some accounting experience may start at the level 4 qualification. Rarely, someone very experienced in accounting might start at the final level: 5. The AAT provides an online tool to help providers assess the right starting point for each learner. Access to the qualification: The qualification is open to any learner in possession of a National Senior certificate, giving access to certificate study at higher education level.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

Y

QUALIFICATION RULES

In order to attain this qualification, learners must: Prove competence in all Core Exit Level Outcomes (Exit Level Outcomes 1-5). Choose one of the following areas of specialisation and prove competence in all the Exit Level Outcomes listed for that specialisation: > Private Sector PVT (Exit Level Outcome(s) 6). > Public Sector PS (Exit Level Outcome(s) 7). > Local Government (LG) (Exit Level Outcome(s) 8). Choose at least two (2) elective units from a single area of specialisation and prove competence in all Exit Level Outcomes for those units. In order to successfully complete the Accounting Technician: Private Sector qualification, learners must prove competence in all core competencies, additional competencies deemed necessary for Private Sector Specialisation plus two elective units. In order to successfully complete the Accounting Technician: Public Sector qualification, learners must prove competence in all core competencies, additional competencies deemed necessary for Public Sector Specialisation plus two elective units. In order to successfully complete the Accounting Technician: Local Government qualification, learners must prove competence in all core competencies, additional competencies deemed necessary for Local Government Specialisation plus two elective units.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

Core Exit Level Outcomes: 1. Prepare forecasts and budgets (C). 2. Collect, analyse and disseminate information about costs (C). 3. Monitor performance and make recommendations to enhance value (C). 4. Understand the principles of internal control and evaluate accounting systems (C). 5. Apply general principles and behaviours of ethical working in accountancy (C). Specialist Exit Level Outcomes: 6. Draft and interpret limited company financial statements (PVT). 7. Draft and interpret departmental revenue and expenditure reports (PS). 8. Draft and interpret local government financial statements (LG). Elective Exit Level Outcomes: Elective unit options for Private Sector Specialisation (PVT): 9. Monitor and control the collection of debts and the principles of credit management. 10. Contribute to the planning and conduct of an audit assignment and prepare related draft reports. 11. Prepare Business Taxation (and optionally personal taxation), capital allowance computations, assessable business income, capital gains and Corporation Tax computations, income from employment and property and investment income and Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax computations. Elective unit options for Public Sector Specialisation (PS): 12. Contribute to the planning and conduct of an audit assignment and prepare related draft reports (optional). 13. Understand Public Sector Supply Chain management and how it is governed by the Supply Chain Management (SCM) Framework and the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). 14. Ensure all payroll transactions are correctly and completely accounted for both within and outside of the accounting system (optional). 15. Understand the asset base of the department and follow sound asset management practices (optional). Elective unit options for Local Government Specialisation (LG): 16. Understand Public Sector Supply Chain management and how it is governed by the Supply Chain Management (SCM) Framework and the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA). 17. Perform financial reporting in line with the requirements of GRAP. 18. Contribute to the planning and conduct of an audit assignment and prepare related draft reports (optional). 19. Initiate, implement and manage projects in line with universal best practices and the unique challenges of the public sector. Critical Cross-Field Outcomes: All the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed by this qualification. The following are examples of how this could be done: Manage people within the accounting environment. Plan work activities to make the optimum use of resources and to ensure that work is completed within agreed time scales. Review the competence of individuals undertaking work activities and arrange the necessary training. Prepare, in collaboration with management, contingency plans to meet possible emergencies. Communicate work methods and schedules to colleagues in ways that help them to understand what is expected of them. Monitor work activities sufficiently closely to ensure that quality standards are being met. Co-ordinate work activities effectively and in accordance with work plans and contingency plans. Encourage colleagues to report to you promptly any problems and queries that are beyond their authority or expertise to resolve, and resolve these where they are within your authority and expertise. Refer problems and queries to the appropriate person where resolution is beyond your authority or expertise. Identify opportunities for improving the effectiveness of an accounting system. Identify weaknesses and potential for improvements to the accounting system and consider their impact on the operation of the organisation. Identify potential areas of fraud arising from control avoidance within the accounting system and grade the risk. Review methods of operating regularly in respect of their cost-effectiveness, reliability and speed. Make recommendations to the appropriate person in a clear, easily understood format. Ensure recommendations are supported by a clear rationale which includes an explanation. Update the system in accordance with changes that affect the way the system should operate and check that your update is producing the required results.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Learners will have to demonstrate the follow knowledge and understanding: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1: Identify relevant data for preparing forecasts and budgets from internal and external sources. Communicate with budget holders and agree draft budgets with them. Prepare forecasts and budgets in a clear format with explanations of assumptions and projections. Identify when to use indexing, sampling, moving averages, linear regression and seasonal trends. Review and revise the validity of forecasts and budgets in the light of any significant anticipated changes. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: Identify valid, relevant information from internal and external sources. Prepare accurate forecasts and budgets and agree these with all parties involved. Analyse critical factors affecting costs and revenues and draw clear conclusions. Compare standard costs with actual costs and analyse any variances. Set clear targets and performance indicators to enable the budgets to be monitored. Analyse the effect of organisational accounting policies on reported costs. Consult relevant staff in the organisation about the analysis of variances. Present reports to management in an appropriate format that highlight significant variances. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: Collate and reconcile information from various sources and prepare routine cost reports. Monitor and analyse current and forecast trends in prices and market conditions to calculate performance indicators. Identify ways to reduce costs and enhance values consulting with relevant specialists as necessary. Prepare estimates of capital investment projects using discounted cash flow techniques. Prepare performance reports for management including recommendations to management in a clear and appropriate format. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: Understand the importance and use of internal control systems. Evaluate the accounting system and identify areas for improvements. Make recommendations for improvements to the accounting system including a clear rationale and details of the implications of the recommendations. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: Identify and apply the fundamental principles of honesty, integrity, objectivity, professional and technical competence, due care, confidentiality and professional behaviour. Recognise the principles of effective Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to maintain professional and technical competence (to include sources of advice and information outside formal learning). Recognise and explain why certain types of information should be regarded as confidential. Identify circumstances when it would be appropriate to disclose confidential information. Identify the key issues which ensure professional services are performed within the scope of professional ethics guidance. Make critical decisions to identify appropriate ethical behaviour when interacting with others in a variety of circumstances. Refer and seek advice from relevant sources for issues beyond own professional competence. Describe the types of contractual obligations you would have in providing services to clients to include due care and carrying out assignments within a reasonable time scale. Discuss agree and resolve any ethical conflict. Describe the type of culture within organisations which supports and promotes high ethical values and helps resolve any conflict of loyalties. Resolve conflicting loyalties where an employer may ask you to perform tasks which are illegal, unethical or against the rules or standards of the accounting profession. Follow appropriate procedures where you believe an employer has or will commit an act which you believe to be illegal or unethical. Respond appropriately to requests to work outside the confines of your own professional experience and expertise. Prepare appropriate letters of engagement and develop and implement a fair fees policy for your professional services. Identify and explain how specific situations can undermine professional independence. Prepare a policy to be followed for handling clients monies. Maintain independence and objectivity and impartiality in a range of circumstances. Make recommendations for a policy statement in relation to a client wishing to change accountant. Identify scope of professional liability. Prepare clear guidelines which should be followed to advertise your accounting services in a professional and ethical manner. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6: Identify the general purpose of financial statements and draft limited company financial statements from the appropriate information. Correctly identify and implement subsequent adjustments and ensure that discrepancies, unusual features or queries are identified and either resolved or referred to the appropriate person. Ensure that limited company financial statements comply with relevant accounting standards and domestic legislation and with the organisation's policies, regulations and procedures. Prepare and interpret a limited company Statement of cash flows (cash flow statement). Ensure that confidentiality procedures are followed at all times. Understand and apply the principles of consolidated financial statements to the process of drafting consolidated statements for a parent and subsidiary. Interpret and analyses financial statements using ratio analysis. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7: Identify the general purpose of financial statements and draft departmental revenue and expenditure reports from the appropriate information. Correctly identify and implement subsequent adjustments and ensure that discrepancies, unusual features or queries are identified and either resolved or referred to the appropriate person. Ensure that departmental revenue and expenditure reports comply with relevant accounting standards and domestic legislation and with the organisation's policies, regulations and procedures. Prepare and interpret statements of cash flows (cash flow statement). Ensure that confidentiality procedures are followed at all times. Understand and apply the principles of consolidated financial statements to the process of drafting consolidated statements. Understand ratio analysis. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8: Identify the general purpose of financial statements and draft local government financial statements from the appropriate information. Correctly identify and implement subsequent adjustments and ensure that discrepancies, unusual features or queries are identified and either resolved or referred to the appropriate person. Ensure that local government financial statements comply with relevant accounting standards and domestic legislation and with the organisation's policies, regulations and procedures. Prepare and interpret a Municipality's Statement of cash flow (cash flow statement). Ensure that confidentiality procedures are followed at all times. Understand and apply the principles of consolidated financial statements to the process of drafting consolidated statements. Interpret and analyse financial statements using ratio analysis. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9: Understand the impact of legislation on credit control. Agree credit terms with customers in accordance with the organisation's policies. Identify and use internal and external sources of information to evaluate the current credit status of customers and potential customers. Open new accounts for those customers with an established credit status. Ensure the reasons for refusing credit are discussed with customers in a tactful manner. Monitor information relating to the current state of debtors` accounts regularly and take appropriate action. Send information regarding significant outstanding accounts and potential bad debts promptly to relevant individuals within the organisation. Ensure discussions and negotiations with debtors are conducted courteously and achieve the desired outcome. Use debt recovery methods appropriate to the circumstances of individual cases and in accordance with the organisation's procedures. Base recommendations to write off bad and doubtful debts on a realistic analysis of all known factors. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10: Ascertain accounting systems under review and record them clearly on appropriate working papers. Identify control objectives correctly and assess risks accurately. Record significant weaknesses in control correctly. Identify account balances to be verified and the associated risks and select an appropriate sample. Select or devise appropriate tests in accordance with the organisation's procedures and follow confidentiality and security procedures. Formulate the proposed audit plan clearly and in consultation with appropriate personnel. Submit the proposed audit plan to the appropriate person for approval. Conduct tests correctly and as specified in the audit plan, record test results properly and draw valid conclusions from them. Establish the existence, completeness, ownership, valuation and description of assets and liabilities and gather appropriate evidence to support these findings. Identify all matters of an unusual nature and refer them promptly to the audit supervisor. Identify and record material and significant errors, deficiencies or other variations from standard and report them to the audit supervisor. Examine the IT environment and assess it for security. Conduct discussions with staff operating the system to be audited in a manner which promotes professional relationships between auditing and operational staff. Follow confidentiality and security procedures. Prepare clear and concise draft reports relating to the audit assignment and submit them for review and approval in line with organisational procedures. Draw valid conclusions, providing evidence to support them and then make constructive and practicable recommendations. Discuss and agree your preliminary conclusions and recommendations with the audit supervisor. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11: Classify expenditure for different computations, ensuring that all entries are correct. Make any relevant, necessary adjustments. Ensure that computations and submissions are made in accordance with current tax law and take account of current Inland Revenue practice. Give timely and constructive advice to clients on the maintenance of accounts and the recording of information relevant to tax returns. Maintain client confidentiality at all times. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12: Ascertain accounting systems under review and record them clearly on appropriate working papers. Identify control objectives correctly and assess risks accurately. Record significant weaknesses in control correctly. Identify account balances to be verified and the associated risks and select an appropriate sample. Select or devise appropriate tests in accordance with the organisation's procedures and follow confidentiality and security procedures. Formulate the proposed audit plan clearly and in consultation with appropriate personnel. Submit the proposed audit plan to the appropriate person for approval. Conduct tests correctly and as specified in the audit plan, record test results properly and draw valid conclusions from them. Establish the existence, completeness, ownership, valuation and description of assets and liabilities and gather appropriate evidence to support these findings. Identify all matters of an unusual nature and refer them promptly to the audit supervisor. Identify and record material and significant errors, deficiencies or other variations from standard and report them to the audit supervisor. Examine the IT environment and assess it for security. Conduct discussions with staff operating the system to be audited in a manner which promotes professional relationships between auditing and operational staff. Follow confidentiality and security procedures. Prepare clear and concise draft reports relating to the audit assignment and submit them for review and approval in line with organisational procedures. Draw valid conclusions, providing evidence to support them and then make constructive and practicable recommendations. Discuss and agree your preliminary conclusions and recommendations with the audit supervisor. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 13: Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the public sector supply chain and the governing laws as contained in the SCM Framework and Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). Explain the concept of demand management with specific reference to planning, analysis and research. Demonstrate an understanding of acquisition management with specific reference to management compliance, bid documents and evaluation criteria. Assess the logistics cycle with specific reference to stock/inventory management, warehousing, transport, supplier payments and vendors. Understand and explain what disposal is which specific reference to obsolescence planning. Contribute to the design of and implement a disposal strategy. Collate and check cost information to ensure accuracy as well as relevance to supply chain. Develop and maintain quality costing methods. Manage and validate purchasing and accounts payable data. Maintain purchasing and accounts payable data separately. Validate that purchasing and accounts payable data are separately maintained. Manage controls related to supply chain which covers vendor bids selection, contracting and purchasing. Control purchasing, requisitions and validate integrity of replenishment cycle. Control inventory and stores. Pay accounts according to schedule. Recommend improvements for control in vendor bidding selection. Assess feasibility of stockless purchasing capabilities. Evaluates requisition process for efficiency, accuracy and thoroughness. Assesses the adequacy of measures in place to safe guard all inventory systems. Evaluates the standardisation of product, services and supply utilisation. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 14: Prepare monthly payroll returns to the Receiver of Revenue and other third parties. Determine monthly amounts payable for employee personal income tax (PAYE) and unemployment insurance (UIF) and make payments to the Receiver of Revenue. Perform the bi-annual and annual personal tax (PAYE) reconciliations. Complete documentation as required by the Receiver of Revenue. Resolve tax exceptions. Account for all payroll transactions in the accounting system. Reconcile and finalise the payroll. Validate, authorise and record all payroll transactions outside the payroll system. Report on compensation of employee expenditure not originating in the payroll system. Verify compliance with employee personal tax (PAYE) legislation. Process valid, authorised and correctly recorded variable payroll transactions on the payroll system. Verify compliance with prescripts governing variable employee cost claims and take action as and when necessary. Ensure certification of payroll by relevant authorities. Oversee the payroll certification process. Co-ordinate the processing of amendments to payroll on the system. Reconcile SARS penalties. Verify compliance with personal tax (PAYE) legislation. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 15: Demonstrate an understanding of the concept Public Sector asset management. Understand and contribute to the strategy and vision development of the department/organisation. Explain the purpose and role of asset strategies within a department/organisation. Provide input into the asset management plan. Demonstrate an understanding of the plan and explain the process of implementation. Conduct asset reviews in line with the relevant policy and participate in financial planning for assets. Create an action plan against the outcome of the asset review. Explain the process of asset acquisition. Demonstrate an understanding of the relevant governance requirements and explain the impact of non-compliance. Conduct asset management reviews and implement the performance management initiatives. Identify resources and capacity requirements to enable fulfilment of the assessment management plan. Collate and record data accurately. Generate and interpret reports on asset management performance. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 16: Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the public sector supply chain and the governing laws as contained in the SCM Framework and Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA). Explain the concept of demand management with specific reference to planning, analysis and research. Demonstrate an understanding of acquisition management with specific reference to management compliance, bid documents and evaluation criteria. Assess the logistics cycle with specific reference to stock/inventory management, warehousing, transport, supplier payments and vendors. Understand and explain what disposal is which specific reference to obsolescence planning. Contribute to the design of and implement a disposal strategy. Collate and check cost information to ensure accuracy as well as relevance to supply chain. Develop and maintain quality costing methods. Manage and validate purchasing and accounts payable data. Maintain purchasing and accounts payable data separately. Validate that purchasing and accounts payable data are separately maintained. Manage controls related to supply chain which covers vendor bids selection, contracting and purchasing. Control purchasing, requisitions and validate integrity of replenishment cycle. Control inventory and stores. Pay accounts according to schedule. Recommend improvements for control in vendor bidding selection. Assess feasibility of stockless purchasing capabilities. Evaluates requisition process for efficiency, accuracy and thoroughness. Assesses the adequacy of measures in place to safe guard all inventory systems. Evaluates the standardisation of product, services and supply utilisation. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 17: Explain the statutory requirements for the accounting of asset, liability, revenue and expense transactions. Identify and explain the GRAP requirement for recognising and measuring the following: Property, plant and equipment including impairment; Inventory; Investment property; Intangible assets; Investments; Trade and other Receivables; Operating and Finance Leases; Provisions for Leave Pay and Environmental Rehabilitation; Long term borrowings; Trade and other Payables; Exchange revenue from sale of goods, delivery of services and interest; Non-exchange revenue transactions; Short term employee costs. Prepare accounts of asset, liability, revenue and expense transactions in line with statutory requirements. Account for property, plant and equipment including impairment. Identify, recognise and measure the following: Inventory in the accounts; investment property in the accounts; intangible assets; investments. Account for trade and other receivables. Identify, recognise and measure operating finance leases. Identify, recognise and measure long term borrowings. Account for trade and other payables. Account for employee liabilities. Identify, recognise and measure the following: > Exchange revenue from sales of goods, delivery of services and interest; Non-exchange revenue transactions; Short term employee costs. Understand the requirements to perform the financial reporting of basic asset, liability, revenue and expense transactions in line with the requirements of GRAP in order to report these transactions in the financial statements. Explain the GRAP requirement to identify, recognise and measure the following: Property, plant and equipment including impairment; Inventory; Investment property; Intangible assets; Investments; Trade and other Receivables; Operating and Finance Leases; Provisions for Leave Pay and Environmental Rehabilitation; Long term borrowings; Trade and other Payables; Exchange revenue from sale of goods, delivery of services and interest; Non-exchange revenue transactions; Short term employee costs. Perform the financial reporting of basic asset, liability, revenue and expense transactions in line with the requirements of GRAP in order to report these transactions in financial statements. Identify, recognise and measure the following: Property, plant and equipment including impairment; Inventory, Investment Property; Intangible assets; Investments; Trade and other receivables; Operating and Finance Leases; Leave Pay and Environmental Rehabilitation; Long term borrowings; Trade and other payables; Exchange Revenue from the sale of goods, delivery of services and interest; Non-exchange revenue transactions; Short term employee costs. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 18: Ascertain accounting systems under review and record them clearly on appropriate working papers. Identify control objectives correctly and assess risks accurately. Record significant weaknesses in control correctly. Identify account balances to be verified and the associated risks and select an appropriate sample. Select or devise appropriate tests in accordance with the entity's procedures and follow confidentiality and security procedures. Formulate the proposed audit plan clearly and in consultation with appropriate personnel. Submit the proposed audit plan to the appropriate person for approval. Conduct tests correctly and as specified in the audit plan, record test results properly and draw valid conclusions from them. Establish the existence, completeness, ownership, valuation and description of assets and liabilities and gather appropriate evidence to support these findings. Identify all matters of an unusual nature and refer them promptly to the audit supervisor. Identify and record material and significant errors, deficiencies or other variations from the standard and report them to the audit supervisor. Examine the IT environment and assess it for security. Conduct discussions with staff operating the system to be audited in a manner which promotes professional relationships between auditing and operational staff. Follow confidentiality and security procedures. Prepare clear and concise draft reports relating to the audit assignment and submit them for review and approval in line with organisational procedures. Draw valid conclusions, providing evidence to support them and then make constructive and practicable recommendations. Discuss and agree your preliminary conclusions and recommendations with the audit supervisor. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 19: Identify the distinguishing characteristics of the public sector environment and explain how these impact service delivery mechanisms. Understand and utilize the public sector framework for project management. Develop project plans. Perform and manage project work. Establish and manage project scope. Control and adapt project timelines. Integrated Assessment: Assessment of competence, knowledge and understanding is undertaken through a combination of competence based and work based simulations. Some learners may undertake a work place project for one unit. Others will complete the unit through a work based simulated case study exercise.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The Qualification is the same as the AAT Accounting Qualification, which is delivered in 16 countries and recognised internationally. The Qualification allows learners entrance into the accountancy profession, so learners can use it to work outside South Africa. Particularly relevant is the recognition of the qualification in Botswana, Swaziland and Zambia.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

The qualification is recognised as being not only a qualification in its own right, but also a well used and highly respected stepping stone to senior or chartered accountancy qualifications and higher education. Holders of the qualification are eligible to apply to become full members of the AAT. Holders of the qualification are entitled to substantial exemptions from relevant degrees offered by 29 UK universities. They also gain direct entry onto the second stage of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants` (CIMA) Professional Qualification. They are exempted from the Certificate in Business Accounting. Holders of the qualification gain direct entry onto the second stage of the Association of Chartered Certified Accounts` (ACCA) Professional Scheme. They are exempted from Part 1. Similar exemptions apply within the UK for the Institute of Chartered Accountants` (ICAEW) ACA qualification, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland`s (ICAS) CA qualification and the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy's (CIPFA) Professional Accountancy Qualification.

MODERATION OPTIONS

Moderation of the exams is undertaken by subject matter experts engaged directly by the AAT. Moderators must hold the moderator qualification and be registered with FASSET. Each assessment centre must undertake internal quality assurance moderation of the assessors' decisions. In addition, the AAT undertakes centralised scrutiny of the assessment decisions through a sampling process. However, the majority of the award is assessed centrally by the awarding body. Approved assessment centres that offer tuition and assessment for this qualification must undergo a rigorous AAT quality assurance check and must meet the ongoing accreditation conditions through annual monitoring, which is undertaken jointly by the AAT and FASSET.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Assessors responsible for assessing the qualification must be registered with FASSET as assessors and be in possession of a relevant qualification at NQF Level 6 or above.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015.

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

NONE

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

NONE

---

All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.