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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: |
| Specialised Occupational Diploma: Accountant in Practice |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 125146 | Specialised Occupational Diploma: Accountant in Practice | |||
| 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 | ||
| Specialised Occupational Dip | Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies | Finance, Economics and Accounting | ||
| ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
| Undefined | 180 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 08 | 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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. |
| PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION |
| Purpose:
The qualification offers learners comprehensive training and practical experience in financial management, auditing and compliance with both local and international accounting standards. It prepares learners to handle complex financial tasks with confidence, effectively manage financial operations, conduct audits, and provide accurate financial reporting for businesses. This qualification enhances career opportunities significantly. Learners become eligible to register as professional accountants and pursue roles such as auditors, financial advisors, or consultants in various industries. The qualification is recognised internationally, offering learners the potential to work globally and access diverse career paths within the accounting profession. Learners benefit by acquiring essential skills in strategic financial planning and risk management, which are crucial for guiding businesses towards sustainable growth and profitability. Learners who master these skills contribute actively to organisational success, enhance their value to employers and position themselves as trusted financial experts in the marketplace. The qualification empowers them to make significant contributions to business success and financial stability, both locally and internationally. The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as an Accountant in Practice. An Accountant in Practice provides professional accounting services, including financial reporting, assurance engagements, taxation, strategic financial management and advisory services, to a range of clients across public and private sectors, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, ethical practices and contributing to informed financial decision-making and business sustainability. A qualified learner will be able to: Typical Graduate attributes: Professional, stewardship, trustful, analytic, systematic, innovative, ethical, and leadership. Rationale: The development of this qualification is a strategic initiative to address South Africa's evolving financial landscape and the increasing demand for highly skilled accounting professionals. The qualification is designed to equip individuals with advanced competencies necessary for professional practice to enhance the quality and credibility of the accounting profession in the country. The qualification is aligned to the competency framework that emphasises the need for advanced analytical abilities, strategic decision-making and ethical conduct among accountants. It develops competencies required for complex professional accounting practice. Similar registered Qualification(s), Part-Qualifications/Skills Programmes: The qualification provides key benefits to the South African financial sector by directly addressing the sector's need for highly skilled, ethical and strategically capable accounting professionals. The financial sector comprising banking, insurance, investment, and financial advisory services relies heavily on practitioners who provide advanced financial reporting, assurance, and compliance services in line with both international Financial Regulatory and Standards (such as IFRS) and local regulatory frameworks. It equips learners with advanced competencies in financial strategy, risk management, taxation, forensic accounting, and business leadership, to ensure that financial institutions and firms have access to professionals who can manage complex financial operations, enhance corporate governance, and contribute to the integrity and stability of the financial sector. The structured focus on ethical conduct and governance helps mitigate financial fraud, non-compliance and risks, which strengthens overall credibility of South Africa's financial system. For the broader South African society, this qualification offers increased access to high-level career opportunities, particularly for learners from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and may not have access to traditional academic routes. It provides an occupationally focused, workplace-integrated qualification that creates a clear, practical progression path for financial accountants and management accountants to advance to professional accountants. This improves employability, earning potential, and professional mobility for individuals, contributing to social inclusion and transformation. It's emphasis on ethical and responsible financial management supports public confidence in the financial reporting of both private companies and public entities, to ensure that financial practices serve the broader interests of society transparently and accountably. The qualification strengths financial management capacity across sectors that supports economic growth and sustainability. Skilled accountants play a crucial role in driving effective financial planning, prudent resource allocation and informed strategic decision-making within businesses, state-owned enterprises and government departments. Highly qualified accountants with advanced technical, strategic and ethical competencies contribute to improved public sector financial governance, better corporate financial performance, and enhanced investor confidence, which are all essential for economic resilience, competitiveness, and long-term economic growth. Typical learners for the qualification are employed as Financial Accountants and those qualified holding NQF Level 07 qualification. Collaboration with relevant stakeholders: List of typical occupations 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):
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. RPL assessment may be developed, moderated, and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors. 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, in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved. Upon successful completion of the EISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications is 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: 52 Practical Skill Modules: Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 52 Work Experience Modules: Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 76 |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Compile financial reports that reflect the client's financial position.
2. Perform financial compliance assurance engagements. 3. Administer clients' taxation compliance. 4. Perform investigations and risk mitigation procedures. 5. Provide financial strategic advisory and oversight services. 6. Advise clients on sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices and responsibilities. 7. Lead an accounting firm or practice. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
ELO 1: Compile financial reports that reflect the client's financial position. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: ELO 2: Perform financial compliance assurance engagements. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: ELO 3: Administer clients' taxation compliance. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: ELO 4: Perform investigations and risk mitigation procedures. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: ELO 5: Provide financial strategic advisory and oversight services. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6: ELO 6: Advise clients on sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices and responsibilities. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7: ELO 7: Lead an accounting firm or practice. Integrated Assessment: Formative assessments Formative assessments are conducted throughout the training of learners. A range of formal, non-formal, and informal ongoing assessment activities are 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 weakness, 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, interviews. Continuous feedback must be provided. Summative Assessments 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) a national assessment The Quality Partner is responsible for the management, conduct and implementation of the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA), in accordance with 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 |
| This qualification was compared to the following international qualifications:
For purposes of international comparability, the qualification was compared to qualifications in Australia and United Kingdom. Country: Australia Institution: University of New South Wales Qualification: Graduate Diploma of Professional Accounting Duration: One year Purpose: The purpose of the qualification is to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in accounting principles, financial reporting, and performance management. It prepares graduates for professional roles in accounting and finance, equipping them to assess financial positions and advise on critical business decisions. Entry Requirements to the qualification is a bachelor's degree in any discipline. Some institutions may consider relevant work experience in lieu of formal qualifications. Key Modules to the qualification are as follows: The qualification is aimed at individuals seeking to enter the accounting profession, as well as professionals aiming to enhance their accounting expertise for career advancement. Similarities: Both qualifications have the same level of complexity, focusing on high-level professional competencies; provide learners with advanced knowledge in financial reporting, management accounting, auditing/assurance, taxation, and strategic financial management; emphasise professional ethical conduct and compliance with regulatory standards; target learners aiming to operate at senior levels in accounting practice, supporting businesses and clients in decision-making and financial sustainability; prepare learners for roles in both public and private sectors; require prior qualifications at Level 7; provide pathways to professional designation; and cover topics related to business management and corporate governance. Both qualifications have one year duration. Differences: Country: United Kingdom Institution: University of Brighton Qualification title: Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting Duration: One year. Purpose/rationale: The qualification focuses on equipping learners with the knowledge and skills required for a career in accounting. It emphasizes financial reporting, management accounting, taxation, auditing, and financial management, preparing graduates for professional accounting roles and further studies towards chartered status. Entry Requirements for the qualification are an undergraduate degree in any discipline. Some institutions may consider applicants with significant relevant work experience. Key modules for the qualification are as follows: This qualification is intended for individuals aiming to pursue a career in accounting, including those transitioning from other fields or seeking to formalise their experience with a recognised credential. Similarities: Both are advanced qualifications designed to prepare learners for professional practice in accounting at senior levels; cover key competencies in financial reporting, auditing/assurance, taxation, financial management, and business law; emphasize ethical conduct, compliance with regulations, and corporate governance; target learners aiming to advance to professional accountant status, applicable to both public and private sectors; require an undergraduate degree or equivalent prior learning; are intended to develop strategic, advisory, and technical skills needed for senior accounting roles; serve as a stepping stone toward professional designations. Differences: Conclusion: The South African Specialised Occupational Diploma: Accountant in Practice compares favourably with the international comparabilities in relation to its comprehensive coverage of key accounting competencies, alignment with international professional standards, and its emphasis on ethical conduct, regulatory compliance and strategic financial management. It offers added value through its integrated workplace modules, specialised focus areas such as Environmental, Social and Governance reporting, forensic accounting, and practice management, ensuring graduates are equipped with practical, leadership, and advisory skills essential for senior roles in both public and private sectors and have one year duration. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification provides opportunities for horizontal, vertical and diagonal articulation options.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: There are no vertical articulation possibilities within the OQSF, as this is the highest NQF Level on the OQSF. 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, is found in the Curriculum Document, as listed below. The curriculum title and code is: 241102-000-00-00, Accountant in Practice. Encompassed Trade: This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD: Assessment Quality Partner (AQP) Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (FASSET). |
| 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. |