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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Accounting 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
101909  Diploma in Accounting 
ORIGINATOR
Durban University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Finance, Economics and Accounting 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
72209  National Diploma: Accounting  Level 6  Level N/A: Pre-2009 was L6  360  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The Diploma in Accounting is designed to develop learners who can:
  • Understand and apply relevant rules and procedures of auditing.
  • Apply advanced Financial Accounting principles to companies and other business entities.
  • Examine the implications of the provisions of the Income Tax Act on companies, individuals and partnerships.
  • Independently integrate and apply advanced scientific technical/vocational principles and techniques.

    Rationale:
    Students currently graduating with the National Diploma in Accounting have two available options: to study further or to seek employment. Many of the students who come from an impoverished background use their qualification as a stepping stone to get a job, whether it is in the accounting field or not. Very few students have the option of coming back to study further on a full-time basis. These students have worked hard to obtain a Diploma encompassing knowledge in a skilled, scarce field, yet they opt for jobs as cashiers and call centre operators. The rationale behind offering a programme that is accredited by a professional body gives students a third option - being accepted as a trainee in a firm of professional accountants, thus giving them, the practical skills needed by the corporate environment and the means to study further to enable them to write the professional qualifying examination.

    This qualification will replace an existing qualification the National Diploma in Accounting. The Diploma has been designed according to the new Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQSF).The department has identified the need to be recognised as offering a flagship qualification that is accredited by a professional body, in addition to the requirements of the Council on Higher Education (CHE). The South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) is the leading accounting institute representing suitably qualified Professional Accountant (SA) practicing in commerce, industry, academia and the public sector. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The structure of this qualification makes the recognition of prior learning possible. This qualification may therefore be achieved in part or completely through the Recognition of Prior Learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. The learner will be thoroughly briefed on the mechanism to be used and support and guidance will be provided. Care will be taken that the mechanism used provides the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence and is not so onerous as to prevent learners from taking up the RPL option towards gaining a qualification.

    If the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification the appropriate credits should be assigned to the learner. Recognition of Prior Learning will be done by means of Integrated Assessment as mentioned above. This Recognition of Prior Learning may allow:
  • Accelerated access to further learning at this or higher levels on the NQF.
  • Gaining of credits.
  • Obtaining of this qualification in part or in whole.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum requirements for admission into the Diploma studies are:
  • A senior Certificate (SC).
    Or
  • A national Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Diploma studies.
    Or
  • A national Certificate Vocational (NCV) at Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies and with appropriate levels of achievement in the following subjects: three fundamental subjects including English and in three compulsory vocational subjects. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises elective and compulsory modules at Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 380 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Introduction to Micro-Economics, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Macro-Economics, 12 Credits.
  • Business Calculations, 12 Credits.
  • Business Fundamentals I (GE), 12 Credits.
  • Commercial Law for Accountants I, 12 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting I Module 1, 12 Credits
  • Financial Accounting I Module 2, 12 Credits
  • Cost Accounting I, 12 Credits
  • Business Information Systems I, 12 Credits
  • Cornerstone 101, 12 Credits

    Elective Modules Level 5:
  • GE Module, 8 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules Level 6, 152 Credits:
  • Commercial Law for Accountants II Module 1, 12 Credits.
  • Commercial Law for Accountants II Module 2, 12 Credits.
  • Business Fundamentals II (GE), 12 Credits.
  • Advanced Law III, 12 Credits.
  • Business Information Systems II Module 1, 12 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting II Module 1, 12 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting II Module 2, 12 Credits.
  • Cost Accounting II Module 1, 12 Credits.
  • Cost Accounting II Module 2, 12 Credits.
  • Auditing II Module 1, 12 Credits.
  • Auditing II Module 2, 12 Credits.
  • Taxation 1, 12 Credits.
  • ICT (GE), 8 Credits.

    Elective Modules Level 6:
  • GE Module, 8 Credits.
  • GE Module, 8 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules Level 7, 84 Credits:
  • Financial Accounting III Module 1, 12 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting III Module 2, 12 Credits.
  • Management Accounting III Module 1, 12 Credits.
  • Management Accounting III Module 2, 12 Credits.
  • Auditing III, 12 Credits.
  • Taxation II Module 1, 12 Credits.
  • Taxation II Module 2, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Examine the implications of the provisions of the Income Tax Act on companies, individuals and partnerships.
    2. Apply advanced Financial Accounting principles to companies and other business entities.
    3. Understand and apply relevant rules and procedures of corporate law.
    4. Understand and apply relevant rules and procedures of auditing. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate knowledge and skills to calculate taxable income or assess loss for normal taxation as well as for the undistributed profit tax liability.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of special allowances, exemptions from tax and deductions.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and skills to calculate taxable income or assessed loss for normal calculation.
  • Demonstrate detailed knowledge of allowances, exemptions from tax, deductions and rebates.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and skills of Value Added Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Non-residence tax on dividends, royalties, interest, using "tax formula" for lump sums received, provisions of the Act relating to tax avoidance and objection procedures and Payment of tax, PAYE and provisional tax.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Demonstrate knowledge and skills in the application of advanced financial accounting principles: advanced accounting principles, group statements, valuation of business and other securities, liquidation, amalgamation and reconstructions, Management Information, International Financial Reporting Standards at an introductory level.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate application of the following knowledge and skills; general principles of law and the procedure of meetings such as the distinction between public and private meetings; the various types of company meetings including board and board committee meetings; the meetings of a close corporation; the rights and restrictions with regard to the holding of meetings; maintenance of order at meetings, essentials of a valid meeting; the appointment, duties and powers of the chairman; procedural rules governing adjournment, postponement, agenda, notice, minutes and reports; rules of debates, motions, resolutions, points of order, amendments, voting, proxies, formal motions and resolutions in writing; the law of defamation relating to meetings.
  • Demonstrate application of the following knowledge and skills:
    > Loans, payments to members and liability of members.
    > Membership of a close corporation, name, association agreement, conversion and deregistration.
    > Internal and external relationships and report to members.
    > Responsibilities, duties and powers of the accounting officer.
    > Accounting and disclosure requirements.
    > Documents and records.
    > Changes to matters referred to in a founding statement.
    > Use and changes of a corporation`s name.
    > Legal proceedings.
    > Annual duty and other duties.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Demonstrate knowledge and skills in the application of auditing principles:
    > Audit process including types of engagements.
    > Risk assessment including internal control.
    > Gathering audit evidence.
    > Audit reporting including 'other engagement reports'.
    > Ethics.

    Integrated Assessment:
    This is to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved. The following will be applied:
  • Assessment practices will be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever, so that an integrated approach to assessment is incorporated into the qualification.
  • Learning, teaching and assessment are inextricably interwoven. Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the qualification should be integrated.
  • Assessment of fundamental should be integrated as far as possible with other aspects and should use practical contexts wherever possible. A variety of methods must be used in assessment and tools and activities must be appropriate to the context in which the learner is working or will work. Where it is not possible to assess the learner in the workplace or on-the-job, simulations, case studies, role-plays and other similar techniques should be used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment.

    The term `Integrated Assessment` implies that theoretical and practical components should be assessed together. During integrated assessments, the assessor will make use of a range of formative and summative assessment tools methods and assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies. Continuous assessment should be provided through:
  • Portfolios.
  • Simulations.
  • Workplace assessments and practical workbooks.
  • Written assignments.
  • Written tests.
  • Case studies and case presentations.
  • Peer group evaluation.
  • Competency evaluations of clinical skills.
  • Face to face contact with learners.

    Assessors will assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Diploma in Accounting is Accounting is comparable to similar international qualifications at tertiary institutions. The majority of these qualifications are aimed at the preparation of a student to work as a specialist in the field of accounting (including related fields through a combination of theoretical and practical knowledge) e.g. internal auditor, financial planner, management consultant, financial and investment advisor, etc. This qualification is offered at NQF level 6, according to the HEQSF framework and there are many local offerings comparable.

    Internationally, however, the diploma is usually offered as a post graduate offering, so this curriculum has been compared to the degree programmes offered below:
    In Canada, at the North American College of Information Technology, the Diploma in Accounting and Finance is offered. The modules that are similar are the following: Financial Accounting business applications, Systems Analysis and design, Canadian Business Law and Taxation, Financial Management.

    In Ireland, the Queens University offers the Degree BSc: Accounting. The modules that are similar are the following: Financial Accounting 2, Auditing & Accountability 3, Taxation 3, and Management Accounting 2.

    In Kenya, the University of Kenyatta offers a Degree B Com: Accounting and Finance. The modules that are similar are the following: Advanced Financial Accounting 1 and II, Principles of Auditing and Financial Ethics, Fundamentals of Taxation, Management Accounting I + Bankruptcy and reorganization.

    Further, International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) or an equivalent represent the standard in most parts of the world. Delivery of this programme to the levels of these standards benchmarks this qualification to international best practices.

    This qualification will have international comparability to qualifications in other countries which also use the IFRS for curriculum design.

    Accreditation with a professional body ensures that standards are comparable both nationally and internationally. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for articulation opportunities.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Qualification type/s: title/s and NQF Level/s.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Qualification type/s: title/s and NQF Level/s. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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.