| [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: |
| Advanced Occupational Certificate: General Accountant |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 125142 | Advanced Occupational Certificate: General Accountant | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| Development Quality Partner - FASSET | ||||
| PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
| QCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations | OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
| QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
| Advanced Occupational Cert | Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies | Finance, Economics and Accounting | ||
| ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
| Undefined | 176 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 06 | Regular-ELOAC |
| REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
| Registered | EXCO 0936/25 | 2025-11-13 | 2029-11-13 | |
| LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
| 2030-11-13 | 2033-11-13 | |||
| 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 |
| 48914 | Associate General Accountant | Level 6 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6 | 547 | Complete |
| PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION |
| Purpose:
The purpose of the Advanced Occupational Certificate is to prepare a learner to function as a General Accountant. A General Accountant oversees financial activities within an organisation, ensuring compliance with regulations and accurate reporting, and may have sign-off authority in compliance with laws and regulations. The qualification enhances analytical and critical thinking skills by providing in-depth knowledge of complex financial concepts and specialized areas, such as forensic accounting and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Learners develop the ability to interpret and analyse intricate financial data, make informed decisions, and solve sophisticated financial problems. This qualification boosts career prospects by equipping learners with specialised skills that are highly sought after in the accounting field. Graduates are well-prepared for senior roles such as financial managers, auditors, and consultants, with the expertise to handle advanced financial tasks and provide strategic advice. The qualification will reduce employability and open pathways for career advancement, enhancing job security and earning potential. The qualification fosters professional credibility and ethical responsibility, essential for maintaining transparency and integrity in financial practices. Learners become part of a community of highly skilled professionals who uphold ethical standards and contribute to public trust in financial reporting. A qualified learner will be able to: Learners who have completed the qualification will demonstrate, among others, the following key attributes: Rationale: There is a critical need to address the shortage of professionally competent mid- to high-level accounting practitioners who can ensure accurate financial reporting, statutory compliance, and ethical financial management across. The accounting profession faces ongoing challenges, including inconsistent standards, limited access to formal recognition for experienced practitioners, and constrained upward mobility within the financial sector. The absence of a nationally recognised qualification limits South Africa's ability to meet the requirements of the Companies Act, 2008 (Act 71 of 2008) and international financial reporting standards, weakening trust in financial governance and hampering economic development. This qualification creates a platform to equip accountants with advanced skills in areas such as forensic accounting, international financial reporting standards (IFRS), and financial technology (fintech), allowing the sector to address the increasing complexity and specialisation needed in modern and continually evolving financial environments. This enhanced expertise ensures that practitioners provide strategic financial advice, support robust financial management, and maintain compliance with national and international standards. For the accounting sector, this means a more competent and competitive workforce capable of tackling sophisticated financial challenges. For the broader society, the qualification promotes transparency, accountability, and ethical practices in financial reporting, thereby fostering trust in financial institutions and business practices. Economically, a well-qualified accounting workforce supports better financial governance and decision-making, contributing to business growth, job creation, and overall economic stability and sustainability. The qualification was developed in collaboration with the following stakeholders: List typical occupations/ professions in which the qualifying learner will operate (if relevant) |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL for Access to Training: Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a qualification if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a qualification. Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated, and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider that offers that specific qualification. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner displays the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors. RPL for exemption from modules For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a qualification through any means of formal, informal, or non-formal learning and/or work experience may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a qualification through any means of formal, informal, or non-formal learning and/or work experience may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA, which confirms achievement of all internal assessment criteria for all modules outlined in the related curriculum document. Upon successful completion of the EISA, RPL learners will be issued the QCTO certificate for the qualification. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring that the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications and part-qualifications are approved by the QCTO. Entry Requirements: |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill, and Work Experience Modules:
Knowledge Modules: Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 95 Practical Skill Modules: Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 41 Work Experience Modules: Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 40 |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Compile financial statements and reports.
2. Enforce organisational financial regulatory compliance obligations. 3. Compile reports on the financial standing of an entity. 4. Inform taxation strategies, policies, and compliance. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
ELO 1: Compile financial statements and reports. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: ELO 2: Enforce organisational financial regulatory compliance obligations. Interactions with financial auditors and regulators are facilitated. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: ELO 3: Compile reports on the financial standing of an entity. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: ELO 4: Inform taxation strategies, policies, and compliance Integrated Assessment: Formative Assessments conducted internally Formative assessments are conducted throughout the training of learners. A range of formal, non-formal, and informal ongoing assessment activities is used to focus on teaching and learning outcomes to improve learner attainment. Formative assessments are conducted continuously by the facilitator to feed into further learning, to identify strengths and weaknesses, and to ensure the learner's ability to apply knowledge, skills, and workplace experience gained. Formative Assessments are conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP), and a variety of ongoing assessment methods may be used, for example, quizzes, assignments, tests, scenarios, role play, and interviews. Continuous feedback must be provided. Integrated Summative Assessments conducted internally Integrated Assessment involves all the different types of assessment tasks required for a particular qualification, such as written assessment of theory and practical demonstration of competence. To achieve this, the Internal Assessment Criteria (IAC) for all modules as found in the QCTO curriculum document must be followed. An accredited SDP should implement a well-designed, formal, relevant, final internal Summative Assessment strategy for all modules to prepare learners for the EISA. These assessments evaluate learning achievements relating to the achievement of each module of the relevant components of the qualification. Internal Summative Assessments are developed, moderated, and conducted by the SDP at the end of each module or after integration of relevant modules, e.g., applied knowledge tests, workplace tasks, practical demonstrations, simulated tasks/demonstrations, projects, case studies, etc. External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA): The Quality Partner is responsible for the management, conduct, and implementation of the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA), in accordance with the QCTO set standards. Competence in the EISA is a requirement for certificating a learner. For entrance into the EISA, the learner requires a valid Statement of Results issued by the accredited institution indicating: The attainment of all modules for the Knowledge, Practical, and Work Experience modules Or The attainment of all modules for the Knowledge and Application Components. |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| The qualification was compared to qualifications in Australia and one in India:
Country: Australia Institution: University of Sydney Qualification Title: Graduate Diploma of Chartered Accounting NQF Level: Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 08 Credits: 48 Credit points Duration: One year Full Full-time Entry Requirements: Purpose: The purpose of this qualification is to provide advanced knowledge and skills in financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and business law. It prepares learners to become Chartered Accountants (CA) who can oversee accounting systems, ensure regulatory compliance, and provide strategic financial insights for business decision-making. Typical Learners are graduates aiming to become Chartered Accountants or those seeking advanced expertise in financial accounting and strategic financial management. Qualification structure: The qualification covers the following key Modules/Subjects: Similarities: Differences: Country: United Kingdom Institution: London School of International Business Qualification Title: Diploma in Accounting and Business NQF Level: Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 6 Credits: 120 Duration: One year Entry requirements: Or Purpose: The purpose of the Diploma in Accounting and Business is to equip learners with advanced knowledge and skills in accounting and business management. It prepares individuals for senior managerial roles by covering topics such as financial reporting, taxation, auditing, and strategic financial management. The qualification is designed to enhance professional competence and support career progression in the accounting and finance sectors. Upon completion, learners will be eligible for advanced roles in accounting, finance, or management, with opportunities to progress to chartered accountant status or pursue a career in industry. This qualification is intended for: Qualification structure: The qualification has the following key Modules/Subjects: Similarities: Both qualifications cover key accounting and business management topics, including: Differences: These specialisation areas include: Conclusion: The South African qualification compares favourably with the compared qualifications in terms of the comprehensive coverage of key financial accounting competencies, alignment with international accounting standards, and incorporation of professional ethics and governance principles. The SA qualification stands out through its structured and integrated workplace modules, which ensure applied competence and work-readiness. The qualification's focus on both public and private sector contexts, inclusion of advanced topics such as forensic accounting, business rescue, and practice management, as well as its clear articulation pathways, further position it as a robust and competitive offering aligned to global best practices. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification provides opportunities for horizontal, vertical, and diagonal articulation options.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: Diagonal Articulation: |
| MODERATION OPTIONS |
| N/A |
| CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS |
| N/A |
| NOTES |
| Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
Criteria for the accreditation of providers: Accreditation requirements, against which Skills Development Providers (SDP) and Assessment Centres will be accredited, are found in the Curriculum Document. The curriculum title and code are: Advanced Occupational Certificate: General Accountant, 331301-000-00-00. Encompassed Trade: This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD: Assessment Quality Partner (AQP): FASSET |
| 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. |