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SAQA 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: 

Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
120280  Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting 
ORIGINATOR
Cape Peninsula 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 0638/26  2026-02-02  2029-02-02 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-02-02   2035-02-02  

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 the Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting is to prepare learners for a role as junior management accountants in the workplace. The qualification will equip learners with the knowledge and skills in the world of management accounting, with an emphasis on improving decision-making in a competitive environment. Qualifying learners will utilise the content learned to solve managerial problems and support decision-making.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Apply management accounting knowledge and techniques to solve problems in case studies and exercise a few choices regarding the appropriate management accounting techniques for a given situation.
  • Analyse theories and acquire a level of mastery to deal with unfamiliar concrete and abstract problems.
  • Justify the recommendations in business decision-making situations.

    Qualifying learners should be able to demonstrate the following competencies:
  • Classify, record, implement and maintain basic accounting systems in compliance with the basic principles and understand cost and management accounting principles.
  • Apply, implement, and maintain the basic principles in cost and management accounting systems.
  • Acquire and apply basic legal principles within the accountancy and/or corporate environment.
  • Use basic computer software.
  • Analyse, design, implement and apply cost and management accounting techniques for decision-making purposes.
  • Analyse and manage accounting systems and preparation and interpretation of financial statements in compliance with statutory requirements to facilitate decision-making.
  • Discuss the law applicable to the various forms of enterprise.

    Rationale:
    A study conducted on the needs analysis by Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training (FASSET) (2015-2016), Sector Education Training Authority (SETA) revealed a national shortage of financial professionals, particularly management accountants in South Africa. These findings were corroborated by the Department of Home Affairs (Government Gazette, 37716) which designated management accounting as a scarce skill. FASSET (2015-2016) defines scarce skills as skills required in positions that remain unfilled for long periods due to a lack of qualified people to fill the positions. Likewise, the annual talent shortage surveys conducted by the Manpower Group South Africa (2018), have consistently ranked management accounting as one of the top ten skills that South Africa has a shortage of. Accounting is on the scarce skills list as defined by the National Skills Development Strategy III and scarce skills areas of FASSET SETA and is a priority area for national and provincial strategic plans.

    The qualification aims to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, attributes, and ethical consciousness required to function optimally as competent junior management accountants, in line with the professional and ethical standards set out by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). This should offer qualifying learners an opportunity for obtaining professional recognition by enabling them to obtain exemptions from CIMA. Given that accounting professional bodies confer designations based on qualifications to their members, they also establish the education standards and contribute to the development of the curricula for the qualifications. In this regard, the qualification has a competitive edge as it has been designed in close consultation with the professional body CIMA. In addition, it is based on the syllabus of CIMA as it is meant to enable learners to specialise in management accounting.

    Consultation with industry partners such as CIMA, Nicholls Accounting, Woolworths, ZM Independent Accountants, and Fabrinox (Pty) Ltd provided guidance on the trend and particular needs of new areas that management accounting graduates must develop their expertise to be relevant in the world of work. The consultation also partly informed the choice of subjects such as Management Accounting, Taxation, Financial Accounting, and Organisational Management which necessitated the adoption of CIMA managerial-level subjects. The institution conducted a needs analysis during the curriculum review process, which involved consultation with alumni, the advisory committee, the CIMA professional body, and employers of current learners, which indicated that indeed there is a shortage of professional management accountants. Of particular concern was the observation made that only a few learners from previously disadvantaged groups were moving up to higher professional qualification levels.

    The growth in demand for management accountants is directly correlated to the growth in the broader South African economy, increasing the number of businesses, as well as the expansion of existing businesses, that requires more management accountants. Given that South Africa's economy is projected to grow in the future years, there will be a dire need for management accountants.

    The qualification will develop increased capacity not only in traditional management accounting functions but also will provide an increased focus on technology astuteness which is essentially a learner's skill to be smart with technology. This skill reaches far beyond understanding the concepts of how technology works and encompasses the utilisation of such modern technology to enhance productivity and efficiency. Information technology (IT) in response to industry-informed needs as previously outlined, thereby not only meeting the demands of theoretical engagement but also the practical and technical expertise that is currently lacking amongst existing management accountants.

    Typical learners will be learners with a minimum of two years of industry experience in the field of management accounting, cost accounting, or financial management. Qualifying learners are expected to occupy roles such as junior management accountant, junior financial manager, and financial director assistant that entail working with management on assisting critical decisions based on the interpretation of the management accounting information. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable with equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules, and credits for or towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal, and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for exemption of modules
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal, and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF level 4, granting access to Diploma studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational (NCV), NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, without endorsement. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5 and 6 totalling 366 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5,150 Credits:
  • Management Accounting, 18 Credits.
  • Business Law, 24 Credits.
  • Communication for Accountants, 18 Credits.
  • Accounting Info. Systems, 18 Credits.
  • Economics, 24 credits
  • Financial Accounting 1, 24 Credits.
  • Business Calculations and Statistics, 24 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 216 Credits:
  • Management Accounting, 18 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting 2, 24 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurship, 18 Credits.
  • Quantitative Techniques, 12 Credits.
  • Taxation, 24 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting 3, 24 Credits
  • Management Accounting 3,18 Credits.
  • Organizational Management, 24 Credits.
  • Corporate Governance and Ethics, 24 Credits.
  • Fundamentals of Research Methods, 18 Credits.
  • Integrated Project in Accounting, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Implement and maintain basic accounting systems in compliance with the basic principles and understand cost and management accounting principles.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to apply the basic principles in cost and management accounting systems.
    3. Apply basic legal principles within the accountancy and/or corporate environment.
    4. Apply cost and management accounting techniques for decision-making purposes.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to analyse and manage accounting systems and preparation and interpretation of financial statements in compliance with statutory requirements to facilitate decision-making.
    6. Apply taxation of individuals, companies, and provisions relating to trading stock and the general provisions. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Prepare for data capturing in the source documents and record documents in the relevant books of prime entry.
  • Analyse and interpret financial statements at a basic level.
  • Apply basic cost and management accounting principles.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Administer the inventory systems and properly determine the costs of manufactured products.
  • Operate basic costing systems and fittingly account for the joint and by-products.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply basic legal principles in the right context.
  • Identify and interpret legal agreements.
  • Make sure that the principles of negotiable instruments are correctly applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Compile operating, financial, and master budgets.
  • Implement and operate standard costing systems.
  • Calculate and interpret management of resources techniques.
  • Apply qualitative techniques for investment appraisal.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Prepare financial statements according to statutory requirements.
  • Compile basic consolidated financial statements for companies correctly.
  • Analyse and evaluate business interests.
  • Analyse and interpret financial statements.
  • Make sure statutory and accounting requirements in respect of liquidations, amalgamations, and the reconstruction of companies can be performed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Minimise tax liability through effective tax planning and assess individuals, companies, and trading operations.
  • Apply taxation of farming operations, value-added taxation, and capital gains. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Australia
    Institution: Pacific College of Technology, Sydney
    Qualification Title: Diploma in Accounting
    Duration: 12 Months

    Entry Requirements:
    The requirements for entry into this qualification are:
    Learners wishing to enrol in this qualification must have successfully completed Australian year 12 or equivalent.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    This qualification reflects professional accounting job roles in financial services and other industries, including tax agents, accounts payable and accounts receivable officers, payroll service providers, and employees performing a range of accounting tasks for organisations in a range of industries. Individuals in these roles apply solutions to a range of often complex problems and analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources. They apply initiative to plan, coordinate and evaluate their own work and provide guidance to others within defined guidelines.

    This qualification is appropriate for those:
  • Local or international learners who wish to achieve a higher level of broader skills and knowledge in Accounting and Bookkeeping.
  • Persons who have been made redundant from the workforce and are wishing to make a career change and who are seeking to update their existing skill set.
  • Currently holding other FNS qualifications and seeking recognition of prior learning.
  • Persons who are wishing to re-enter the workforce or those looking to make a career change and who are seeking to update their existing knowledge and skill set.

    Upon successful completion of the qualification, learners are eligible for the award of a Diploma of Accounting.
    The primary pathway from this qualification is employment in accounting job roles with duties such as:
  • Completing Business Activity Statements (BAS) and other office taxes.
  • Operational reporting.
  • Producing non-complex management reports including compiling budget information.
  • Compiling data for job costing reports.
  • Supervising the operation of computer-based financial systems.
  • Classifying, recording, and reporting accounting information.
  • Maintaining inventory records.
  • Managing a small office.
  • Ensuring relevant legal requirements are adhered to.

    Persons providing a BAS service for a fee or other reward (other than employees) must be registered by the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB).

    Pathways from the qualification:
    After completing this course, learners may wish to further their studies with:
  • Advanced Diploma of Accounting at Pacific College of Technology
  • Other relevant undergraduate programs in other Colleges and universities throughout Australia.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification contains eleven (11) units of competency, comprising the following seven compulsory and four elective modules.
  • Design and produce spreadsheets.
  • Lead effective workplace relationships.
  • Manage budgets and forecasts.
  • Implement and maintain internal control procedures.
  • Establish and maintain accounting information systems.
  • Prepare tax documentation for individuals.
  • Prepare financial reports for corporate entities.
  • Provide management accounting information.
  • Provide Financial and business performance information,
  • Prepare and administer tax documentation for legal entities.
  • Prepare financial forecasts and projections.

    The qualification consists of the following compulsory modules.
    Compulsory Modules:
  • Financial Accounting.
  • Management Accounting.
  • Financial Management.
  • Taxation.
  • Manage budgets and forecasts.
  • Accounting information systems.

    Assessment:
    The assessment methods used to assess the qualification include individual and group performance and presentation, oral and written tests, demonstrations, and other classroom-based activities. Assessment will provide for the recognition of competencies no matter how, where or when they have been acquired. Assessments will also cover the range of skills and knowledge needed to demonstrate competency and will integrate knowledge and skills with practical application. Assessing learner performance will be conducted in accordance with the assessment guidelines and competency standards of the relevant training package. Assessment will also have regard to validity, reliability, fairness, and flexibility.

    Similarities:
  • The Pacific College of Technology (PCT) and the South African qualifications are offered in one-year full-time study.
  • Both PCT and SA qualifications require applicants who completed the Year 12 qualification.
  • The purpose of both PCT and SA qualifications is to provide learners with the knowledge, skills, and attitude in accounting accompanied by a broad range of relevant generic business and financial skills.
  • The PCT and SA qualifications are intended for learners who are working or wish to work in professional accounting job roles in financial services and other related industries.
  • Both qualifications articulate vertically to Advanced Diploma and/or a bachelor's degree similar to the South African qualification.
  • Similar modules: Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Financial Management, and Taxation.
  • Both qualifications are assessed through a combination of assessment types that may include examinations, essays, reports, group tasks, portfolios, and/or presentations.

    Differences:
    The PCT qualification consists of both compulsory and elective modules whereas the SA qualification consists of only compulsory modules and no electives.

    Country: United Kingdom.
    Institution: University of London.
    Qualification Title: Diploma in Accounting
    This qualification is suitable for learners who wish to secure a stand-alone qualification in accounting. It aims to provide a thorough grounding in the principles of accounting. Learners will develop an understanding of the areas that finance managers would encounter daily, complemented by engagements with selected specialist issues.

    By studying this qualification, learners will:
  • Develop an understanding of financial ideas, models, and techniques appropriate for solutions to management challenges.
  • Understand and apply financial ideas and frameworks within the sphere of financial reporting, the arena of management accounting, and the field of financial management.
  • Understand the strategic dimension when applying specific financial models and techniques to support both decision-making and routine operations.
  • Understand the internal and external relationships for organisations when managers make decisions.
  • Develop an analytical, critical, and reflective mindset relating to matters financial.

    Career Opportunities:
    This qualification is appropriate for those wishing to develop their knowledge of and exposure to technical elements of accounting and financial management and their applications within corporate life, from both operational and strategic perspectives.

    The difference is that this qualification will consist of a 30 % General Education component and the in-depth application of accounting using IT resources.

    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications offer similar modules such as Management Accounting, Financial Accounting, and Quantitative Techniques.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: The Association of International Accountants
    Qualification Title: Diploma in Management Accounting and Costing
    Duration:
    This Diploma is attainable in approximately 12 months depending on prior learning.

    Entry Requirements:
  • A Level passes plus 3 GCSE passes (in five separate subjects including Maths and English) or equivalent.

    Purpose:
    The Diploma in Management Accounting and Costing (MAC) combines the study of basic traditional concepts and techniques with the most recent advances in management accounting and management information needed for planning, control, and decision-making.

    Cost and Management accounting refers to the process of communicating the information of an organization to its managers. The main aim of managerial accounting is to keep managers well informed so that they can make effective managerial decisions to achieve the goals and objectives of the organization. Managerial accounting and cost accounting refers to the same process and can be used interchangeably. Managerial accounting includes all the fields of accounting to derive and communicate information to managers.
    Managerial accounting is a very important aspect which decides the progress of an organization. Managerial accountants should be well-educated and skilled in the managerial accounting field to make effective managerial decisions. Therefore, this diploma will help learners in mastering the knowledge and attributes needed to qualify for the managerial accounting field. This diploma will also make learners eligible candidates for job positions in the managerial accounting field. Managerial accounting is practised by almost every organization looking for progression in the industry, therefore, learners can get into any reputable organization through this diploma. For learners who are already an employee in the managerial accounting field, this diploma will qualify them to demand job benefits such as job promotions and salary increments from the organization.

    On completion of the Diploma in MAC, qualifying learners will:
  • Understand costing systems for products, processes, operations, and services to provide information to assist management in their decision-making and policy formulation activities.
  • Understand the role of cost and management accounting in the modern-day economic and commercial environment.
  • Have detailed knowledge of both the financial control and decision support aspects of management accounting.
  • Appreciate the strategic aspects of management accounting.

    Qualification Structure:
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory modules:
  • Financial Accounting and Reporting.
  • Principles of Governance and Audit.
  • Management Accounting.
  • Business Law for Accountants.
  • Taxation.

    Assessment:
    The Diploma in MAC is tested by a three-hour closed-book online exam with an additional 15-minute reading period.

    Similarities:
  • The Association of International Accountants (AIC) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over a period of one-year full-time study.
  • Both qualifications require applicants who completed the secondary school qualification.
  • The AIC and SA qualifications are structured to develop a candidate's critical understanding of the role of management accounting and costing in organisational planning, control and decision-making at operational and strategic levels.
  • Both qualifications articulate vertically to degree pathways.

    Differences:
  • The SA qualification is comprehensive in that it included research techniques and statistics modules whereas the scope of the AIC qualification is limited.
  • The AIC qualification is assessed online through examination while the SA qualification is assessed by means of both formative and summative assessment methods.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: London College of Professional Studies
    Qualification Title: Diploma in Accounting and Business
    NQF Level: Level 6
    Credits: 120
    Duration:
    The programme is available in two duration modes:
  • Six (6) Months
  • Nine (9) Months.

    The qualification is at the heart of business operations from banking to manufacturing, from huge service industries to micro businesses, the ability to manage, plan and account for money is still the ultimate measure of business success and the key driver of growth.

    Most accountants occupy key managerial positions in business, yet few are qualified managers. In the increasingly complex modern business environment, there is a high demand for skilled professionals who can work flexibly in teams across business boundaries.

    The institution provides various flexible delivery methods to its learners which include blended learning, online learning, distance learning and in-class. The learners can choose the mode of study as per their choice and convenience.

    Entry Requirements:
  • Relevant NQF/QCF/RQF Level 5 qualification or an equivalent recognised qualification

    Qualification Structure:
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory modules.
  • Corporate and Business Law, 20 Credits.
  • Business Performance Measurement, 20 Credits
  • Financial Securities Markets, 20 Credits
  • Audit and Assurance, 20 Credits
  • Business Research Project, 20 Credits
  • Investment and Risk Management, 20 Credits

    Assessment:
  • Assessment is via assignment submission
  • No Exams

    Progression:
    Successful completion of the Level 6 Diploma in Accounting and Business qualification provides learners with the opportunity for a wide range of academic progressions including progression to relevant OTHM Level 7 Qualifications. Learners are eligible to gain direct entry into relevant master's degree qualifications.

    Similarities:
  • The London College of Professional Studies (LCPS) and the South African qualifications are registered at Level 6.
  • Both qualifications have similar entry requirements at Level 5.
  • Both qualifications have similar modules such as corporate and business Law and business research projects.

    Differences:
  • The UK qualification may also grant access to a Master's degree qualifications while the SA qualification grants access to a Bachelor's degree or Advanced Diploma qualifications only and not a Master's degree.
  • The duration for the UK qualification is between six and nine months, whereas the duration for the SA qualification is one year.
  • The UK qualification has a weighting of 120 credits, whereas the SA qualification has a weighting of 360 Credits.
  • The LCPS qualification is assessed by means of formative assessment, that is the submission of assignments and no summative assessment and there are no examinations. On the other hand, the SA qualification uses both formative and summative assessment methods. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Accountancy, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Internal Auditing, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Taxation, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Financial Accounting, NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Accountancy, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Cost and Management Accounting, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    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.
     
    1. Cape Peninsula University of Technology 


    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.