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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: 

Higher Certificate in Applied Accounting 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
122248  Higher Certificate in Applied Accounting 
ORIGINATOR
South African College of Business 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher 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
Registered  EXCO 0922/24  2024-03-07  2027-03-07 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-03-07   2031-03-07  

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 
The purpose of the Higher Certificate in Applied Accounting qualification is to provide entry into the field of Accounting. The qualification aims to empower learners to demonstrate problem-solving capabilities, initiative, and accountability and conduct appropriate and professional academic contexts. Furthermore, effective application of the principles and theory of accounting practice are emphasised as a basis for entry into additional professional training, or as a basis for articulation opportunities into cognate fields for further study.

The qualification aims to facilitate entry into the bookkeeping and applied accounting market and associated fields of practice, such as payroll, accounts payable and receivable, and financial administration. Learners who exit the qualification should embody as competencies basic applied competence in the contemporary bookkeeping and financial accounting context, to the extent that they can maintain the monthly accounting records of a sole proprietorship up to trial balance. The qualification provides learners with the knowledge, principles, concepts, and techniques that underline the disciplines necessary for effective financial management.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Maintain the monthly accounting records of a sole proprietorship up to the trial balance.
  • Implement year-end procedures for use by the internal stakeholders of profit-seeking entities.
  • Demonstrate applied competence in the literacies required for successful entry-level integration into Higher Education and work-related contexts.
  • Demonstrate the professional skills required for successful integration into contemporary and future vocational contexts.

    Rationale:
    The proposed qualification will contribute to the demand for entry-level Financial Administrators in the South African labour market. The qualification also recognises the dual role and purpose of a Higher Certificate as an entry-level academic qualification which intends to prepare learners for further higher education study. The proposed qualification seeks to create access to general financial management and general accounting and further training opportunities in the field for basic professional practice in South Africa.

    In addition, the qualification also seeks to induct learners into the softer skills and values that are accentuated in the discourse around the fourth, and even fifth, industrial revolutions. Not only do such skills and values feature strongly in the 21st-century context, but they resonate even more powerfully in the context of a global pandemic and will likely continue to be sought-after graduate attributes. With reference to available career opportunities in the field, a competent workforce is evidently in high demand in the contemporary South African commerce sector. For example, Career Junction (2021) delineates current, promising career sectors such as Information Technology, Business Management, Sales, Finance, Administration and office support. Moreover, according to Career Junction (2021), some of the most in-demand competencies relate to departmental management - which constitutes an area of practice that may appeal to learners as they continue to advance their careers.

    Additionally, according to Career Junction's Paul Byrne, in January 2021, projections relating to job opportunities in the Finance and Business Management sectors appear to be promising. Even though some of the careers relate to intermediate or senior-level job opportunities, we argue that a successful candidate who exits the proposed qualification may gain access to entry-level positions as generalists, and may then potentially elevate their professional practice, and advance their careers to gain access to intermediate or senior positions in the field.

    Career Junction's recent career forecasts are confirmed by the National List of Occupations in Higher Demand: 2020, published by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in November 2020. This publication corroborates the demand for practitioners in the field of Accounting.

    Potential entry-level career options for qualifying learners include the following:
  • Bookkeeper.
  • Financial Administrator
  • Management Trainee.
  • Assistant Accountant.
  • Accounts Payable Administrator.

    The proposed qualification intends to facilitate access to further study. In accordance with the rules for articulation, recorded in the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQSF), qualifying learners will be able to articulate vertically, Diploma in Financial Accounting or Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, in the cognate study fields.

    The envisioned target audience includes learners, who will likely be working whilst completing their studies, as well as high school learners. With reference to mature candidates, those who have not obtained either a National Senior Certificate or a National Certificate (Vocational) will be allowed to enter the qualification through a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) route. 
    		•

    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 applicable to 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 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.

    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:
  • A National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate 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 Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Academic, Digital and Computer Literacy, 15 Credits
  • Accounting 1A, 15 Credits.
  • Accounting 1B, 15 Credits.
  • Computerised Accounting, 15 Credits.
  • Governance and Ethics in Business, 15 Credits.
  • Introduction to Business Management and Administration, 15 Credits.
  • Payroll and Statutory Returns for Accounting Practice, 15 Credits.
  • Professional Skills for the 21st Century, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Exit Level Outcomes
    1. Maintain monthly accounting records of a sole proprietorship and trial balance.
    2. Implement year-end procedures for internal stakeholders for profit-seeking entities.
    3. Record and administer payroll and related statutory returns for remittance to the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
    4. Demonstrate an informed understanding of and basic applied competence in contemporary business management and administration practice.
    5. Demonstrate an informed understanding of general governance and ethical principles and behaviour needed to operate effectively in business and finance.
    6. Demonstrate applied competence in the literacies required for successful entry-level integration into Higher Education and work-related contexts.
    7. Demonstrate the professional skills that are required for successful integration into contemporary and future vocational contexts.
    8. Communicate effectively, using various modes of accessing and communicating information to achieve business goals and objectives. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Record transactions and related double entries in the books of prime entry and account for VAT in the process.
  • Illustrate the effect of various transactions on the accounting equation.
  • Perform basic reconciliations, update ledger accounts, and prepare a trial balance for a sole trader.
  • Maintain a basic set of accounting records for a month of trading using accounting software in a case study.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Administer depreciable assets in the accounting records.
  • Execute year-end adjustments in the books of account and draft the financial statements of sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies for use by internal stakeholders.
  • Prepare accounts and basic financial statements of a sole proprietorship from incomplete records.
  • Prepare the key ledger accounts and production cost statement of a manufacturing concern.
  • Contribute to year-end procedures using recognized accounting software in a case study.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Explain the key planning and procedural work implemented by a payroll administrator.
  • Describe the processes involved in the registration for, and the remittance of, statutory returns to SARS during the financial year.
  • Maintain the registers and ledger accounts used for recording the payroll of a business.
  • Use computerized payroll software to prepare pay slips for two employees in a hypothetical scenario.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Describe the role of business organizations in generating products and services from limited resources to meet the needs and wants of consumers.
  • Apply knowledge of the various business functions and their significance to basic, contemporary hypothetical scenarios.
  • Prepare simple documentation that will assist in the administration of selected business functions.
  • Apply knowledge of corporate social responsibility and sustainable business practices to basic hypothetical scenarios relating to business and finance.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Illustrate an informed understanding of the ethical problems faced by businesses in an increasingly globalized environment.
  • Describe the key laws and regulations created for business operations and sustainable corporate governance in South Africa.
  • Describe the nature of unethical conduct and ways in which some of the most prominent ethical issues in business can be handled in a professional and efficient manner.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Describe the literacies required for successful study in the contemporary Higher Education context and apply this knowledge in the search and generation of academic collateral and the resolution of problems.
  • Describe the basic academic research process and construct the academic text in accordance with relevant academic and grammatical conventions.
  • Apply knowledge of computer applications to the selection, navigation and utilization of appropriate, recognized word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software as well as electronic mail and Internet search engines in appropriate academic and professional contexts.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Illustrate awareness of the practice of interpersonal and intercultural communication in contemporary and future workplace contexts.
  • Conceptualize and construct the written and online collateral required for access to future professional opportunities.
  • Conceptualize and construct effective business documentation in a variety of formats relevant to basic hypothetical scenarios.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Utilise effective communication skills to explain processes and procedures to achieve business goals and objectives.
  • Explain effective verbal and written communication skills required in a business environment.
  • Apply a variety of communication technologies to communicate effectively with stakeholders. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: Open Polytechnic (OP)
    Qualification title: New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5) (Accounting)
    Duration: One year
    Credits: 120
    Level: 5

    Purpose/rationale
    Learners of this qualification with the accounting strand will be able to apply in-depth accounting and finance knowledge and skills to inform operational business decisions in a variety of business entities in accounting and business roles. Graduates may also be able to contribute to community groups in volunteer accounting functions.

    Entry requirements
  • To be eligible for admission to this programme, all applicants must meet the General and Language Literacy admission requirements.
    Or
  • Successful completion of an approved qualification at Level 3 or above with a relevant
    Pathway.

    Qualification Structure
    Modules
  • Organisations in an Aotearoa New Zealand Context.
  • Business Environments.
  • Business Functions, comperes with Introduction to Business Management and Administration
  • Change and Innovation.
  • Introduction to Accounting and Taxation, compares with Accounting 1B.
  • Applied Accounting.
  • Analysis of Financial Information.
  • Budgets for Planning and Control.

    Exit Level Outcomes
  • Record and process a wide range of financial transactions, including the use of appropriate dedicated accounting software.
  • Apply tax rules for individuals and small businesses to ensure compliance.
  • Apply accounting concepts and standards to prepare financial statements and reports.

    Similarities
  • Open Polytechnic (OP) and South African (SA) qualifications accept learners who completed a level 4 qualification.
  • OP and SA qualifications are offered for one year.
  • OP and SA qualifications share similar modules such as Business Functions and Introduction to Accounting and Taxation.
  • OP and SA qualifications share similar exit level outcomes which will allow learners to apply accounting concepts and standards to prepare financial statements and reports.
  • Both OP and SA qualifications offer 120 credits.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: New College Durham (NCD)
    Qualification title: Foundation Certificate in Accounting
    Duration: One year
    Entry requirements:
  • GCSE Grade 4 or above in English and maths
    Or
  • Functional Skills Level 2

    Purpose:
    This course is designed to provide learners with a range of skills and knowledge of basic accounting principles and techniques, from costing and double-entry bookkeeping to computerised accounting. It is ideal for those who are new to finance or for those wanting a career change.

    Qualification Structure:
    Modules:
  • Introduction to Bookkeeping
  • Principles of Bookkeeping Controls
  • Principles of Costing.
  • The Business Environment

    Assessment.
    Learners will have five computer-based examinations to take which are spread throughout the academic year.

    Qualification progression:
    Progresses to AAT Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Accounting.

    Similarities:
  • New College Durham (NCD) and South African (SA) qualifications are offered over one year.
  • Both NCD and SA qualifications aim to equip learners with basic skills and accounting knowledge and principles.

    Differences:
  • New College Durham (NCD) qualification assessment is conducted by computer-based examinations which are spread throughout the academic year, whereas the South African (SA) qualification assessment procedure combines both formative and summative assessment.
  • The NCD qualification articulates to an Advanced Diploma in Accounting, whereas the SA qualification articulates to a Diploma in Accounting. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Business Management in Operational Management, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Economic and Management Sciences, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Human Resource Management, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Accounting Practice, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Business Management, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Business Management in Credit Banking, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Accounting, NQF Level 7.
  • Diploma in Accounting, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Financial Accounting, NQF Level 6.

    Diagonal Articulation
  • Occupational Certificate: Management Accounting Specialist, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    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. SACOB South African College of Business (Pty) Ltd 


    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.