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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: 

Bachelor of Commerce in Management Accounting 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94806  Bachelor of Commerce in Management Accounting 
ORIGINATOR
Akademia NPC 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree  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 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The aim of this qualification is to equip learners with the necessary knowledge and skills to follow a successful career in management accounting. The qualification provides the theory and application of the principles of accounting and management to ensure that learners have the capacity to develop and grow intellectually. The main purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with graduate level knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in management accounting and its related disciplines so that opportunities can be provided for personal intellectual growth, gainful employment activity and rewarding contributions to society.

The qualification will thus enable learners to make a valuable contribution to the world of management accounting practice and in the process enable them to continue and further their discipline-based studies.

Management accounting aims to equip learners with knowledge, skills, values and attitudes that will enable them to be confident and independent in a business environment, and to contribute responsibly in the economic reconstruction, development and growth. The acquisition of the above mentioned skills, knowledge etc. will also contribute to the development of educated and responsible consumers.

On completion of the qualification, learners would have developed competencies that will serve themselves well for the rest of their lives, whether as a staff member, manager or owner of a small, medium or large enterprise.

The qualification will be to allow for the practical application of the acquired theory. Although appropriately structured to address the theories of management, accounting and related disciplines, the modules at every year level are designed in such a way that they all contribute towards practical reciprocity within the business world.

The qualifying learner will be able to:
  • Apply the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of management, accounting and associated disciplines in the interaction with appropriate groups through participation in business and marketing related activities.
  • Evaluate, select and apply the appropriate applications and techniques to solve problems in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
  • Provide accurate financial information to management for decision making.
  • Demonstrate specialist forefront knowledge and expertise in information system.
  • Apply critical ability in the evaluation of Accountancy problems to propose solutions to a variety of problems that might arise in the course of managing a business.

    Rationale:
    The modern business world needs participants with knowledge and understanding of accounting and auditing practice to contribute to the continuing success of the economy as a whole. Successful businesses will be able to improve the standard of living of its owners, managers and employees and create prosperous communities and a prosperous nation.

    To promote a philosophy of lifelong learning, the qualification aims to provide learners with improved articulation options, thus enhancing learners' chances of accessing higher level qualifications at other institutions.

    This qualification will also provide South Africa with significant numbers of learners in management accounting and related disciplines who meet the intellectual, technical and personal requirements for direct entry into local and international accounting professional bodies and for entry into postgraduate academic qualifications required for the higher tiers of those professional bodies. The qualification should also facilitate entry into Postgraduate academic research qualifications in order to ensure that the local and international leadership base of innovative, knowledge-based economy and scholarly and professional activity is widened.

    The Bachelor of Commerce in Management Accounting Degree has a dual purpose:
  • Firstly, the qualification prepares learners for their role as management accountants in the workplace.
  • Secondly, to provide admission for learners to the Management Level examinations of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), as explained below.

    The Bachelor of Commerce in Management Accounting will facilitate learner's access to the sought-after Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) qualifications, complying with the Institution's mission of career-focused learning. The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) is the world's largest and leading professional body of management accountants. They have 172,000 members and learners in 165 countries. CIMA's members work in industry, commerce and not for profit organisations such as government. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Learning that has been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal means is recognised for the fulfilment of the requirements of this qualification or part of the qualification. It is required that through assessment practices, the learner should demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification. Recognition of Prior Learning is performed by means of an Integrated Assessment as mentioned in the previous paragraph.

    This Recognition of Prior Learning may allow for accelerated access to further learning. All recognition of Prior Learning is subject to quality assurance by the relevant accredited Education and Training Quality Assurance Body and is conducted by a registered workplace assessor.

    Entry Requirements:
    For admission to the Degree qualification, a potential learner must:
  • National Senior Certificate granting access to Bachelor studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate with matriculation endorsement.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational) at NQF Level 4.
    Or
  • Diploma in a cognate field of study.
  • Advanced Certificate in a cognate field of study. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises 14 compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7. totalling 370 credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 5:
  • Management Accounting I, 25 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting I, 25 Credits.
  • Business Mathematics, 25 Credits.
  • Business Economics, 25 Credits.
  • Ethics, Corporate Governance and Business Law, 25 Credits.
    Total: 125 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 6:
  • Management Accounting II, 25 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting II, 25 Credits.
  • Enterprise Management I, 25 Credits.
  • Taxation, 25 Credits.
  • Auditing, 25 Credits.
    Total: 125 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 7:
  • Management Accounting III 30 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting III, 30 Credits.
  • Enterprise Management II, 30 Credits.
  • Financial Management, 30 Credits.
    Total: 120 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the application of the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of management, accounting and associated disciplines in the interaction with appropriate groups through participation in business and marketing related activities.
    2. Evaluate, select and apply the appropriate applications and techniques to solve problems in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to provide accurate financial information to management for decision making.
    4. Demonstrate specialist forefront knowledge and expertise in information system.
    5. Apply critical ability in the evaluation of Accountancy problems to propose solutions to a variety of problems that might arise in the course of managing a business. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • An understanding of the interrelatedness of the different areas of management and, accounting and how actions, ideas or developments impact on applications of theory and practice is demonstrated.
  • The basic techniques for the identification and control of costs and cost management are applied.
  • An understanding of the context of management accounting in commercial and public sector bodies and its wider role in society, and the role of the management accountant within organisations is demonstrated.
  • The tools and techniques to understand the mathematics associated with managing business operations are outlined.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The ability to work independently and as part of a team, taking responsibility for identifying and dealing with situations is demonstrated.
  • An understanding of the ethical and social implications of management and accounting actions on the organisation, community and society at large is demonstrated by analysing existing societal structures.
  • Solutions for identified complications within the business are provided.
  • Own learning is used in developing strategies and action plans to direct and steer the entity in the path for success.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Budgetary control and other accounting control mechanisms are applied.
  • The techniques of investment appraisal, break-even analysis and profit maximising are applied to aid both long and short-term decision making.
  • Financial performance is measured with the calculation of basic ratios.
  • The economic context of business and how competition, the behaviour of financial markets, and government economic policy can influence an organisation is understood.
  • The key elements in designing and managing the organisation's financial strategy, in the context of contributing to achieving the organisation's objectives and within its external constraints, such as the general regulatory and investment environment are applied.
  • The full financial statements for a single company and the principal consolidated financial statements for a simple group are prepared which includes coverage of a wide range of international standards.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Knowledge and understanding of accounting information system is gained and practiced.
  • Knowledge of accounting information systems in the business environment is applied.
  • Accounting information skills are applied in order to participate and interact on a practical level in a business environment.
  • The tools and techniques that generate the needed information are evaluated and controlled and presented and projected.
  • The tools and techniques for identifying the key types of competitive environment are understood.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Information in the management processes of decision-making is applied to control and to optimise performance.
  • Skills and tools of project management are used to enhance business success.
  • The skills and tools needed to work with, manage and develop teams are applied; this includes both the legal aspects of managing individuals, as well as the softer elements of negotiation and leadership skills.
  • The legal framework for business, underpinning for commercial activity, including the areas of contract law, employment law, financing, administration and management of companies are understood and applied.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment practices must be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged. Learning, teaching and assessment are in line with each other.

    The term 'Integrated assessment' implies that theoretical and practical components should be assessed together. During integrated assessments the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies.

    A variety of methods must therefore be used in assessment. Tools and activities must be appropriate to the context in which the learner is working. Where it is not possible to assess the learner in the workplace or on-the-job, simulations, case studies and other similar techniques should be used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment.

    Assessors should 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 University of Birmingham in the United States offers a Bachelor of Commerce in Business Accounting. Attention is given to the use of accounting information in making decisions, in producing plans, in the monitoring and controlling of operations, and in relating to the external financial environment. The approach concentrates on an understanding of the basis and limitations of management accounting information to permit its application and adaptation to business practice rather than the detailed operation of accounting systems and procedures.

    University of the Sunshine Coast Queensland in Australia offers a Bachelor of Commerce in Business Accounting. Learners major in accounting and gain skills in financial management, business consulting and financial advising. The qualification is fully accredited with CPA Australia, Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and Institute of Public Accountants.

    In Singapore Murdoch University offers a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting that can also be compared to this one. The following modules need to be completed:
    Modules:
  • Technology and Accounting Processes.
  • Corporate Finance.
  • Management Accounting.
  • Contemporary Financial Accounting.
  • Company Law.
  • Accounting Theory and Accountability.
  • Auditing.
  • Taxation.

    Conclusion:
    The qualification compares favourably with other international qualifications in Bachelor of Commerce. The comparison reveals that the outcomes and the modules of these qualifications have a similar focus. The qualifications equip learners with skills to be able to interpret and use financial information in managerial decision making in government or private institutions. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification can articulate horizontally to HEQSF Cognate qualifications such as:
  • Bachelor of Accounting Science at NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting also at NQF Level 7.

    Vertically this qualification is expected to provide articulation with HEQSF Cognate Honours Degrees such as:
  • Bachelor of Accounting Honours at NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Accounting Sciences at NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Management Accounting at NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2015. 

    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. Akademia NPC 


    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.