Tshwane University of Technology

Advanced Diploma in Public Finance

Business, Commerce and Management Studies - Finance Economics and Accounting

Purpose and Rationale

Qualification:

Purpose:

The purpose of this qualification is to offer an intensive, focused, and applied specialization which meets the requirements of a senior financial official specific to the public sector, public entities, and in any relevant institutions in the labor market. The learner will have knowledge of an in-depth and systematic understanding of current thinking, practice, theory, and methodology in public finance law, auditing, public finance management, professional standards and ethics, research, and office practice, and interpersonal relations. The modules in the program form part of the theoretical knowledge and skills needed by a learner to meet the minimum requirements identified by Government.

Rationale:

The public-sector finance environment of today differs from the private accounting environment because it requires more than only technical skills. As a result, there is an increased need for skilled people in senior financial positions in the three different spheres of government. These changes have brought new challenges to higher education. The development of this qualification is in line with the government policies to provide the necessary professional career paths for the learners in the Public-Sector Finance domain. Qualified and competent financial managers in the public sector have a direct influence on the effective and efficient delivery of public services to the citizens of a country, through the efficient management and accounting for public financial resources. The typical learner that will enroll for this qualification includes learners interested in the academic fields of accounting, financial management, and auditing that seek to contribute to their communities through efficient and effective government services or employees that work in the Public Sector Finance sphere. The qualifying learner will be able to function independently in a modern economy and apply competencies acquired during their learning experience. The qualifying learners will be presented with the opportunity to proceed vertically towards a Postgraduate Diploma, Master's and Doctoral or apply for entrance to a professional Degree. Learners holding the qualification can work in any of the financial areas in the three different spheres of government (National, Provincial, and Local Government). The financial areas include all functionalities available (junior as well as senior levels) in the financial directorates of government. This qualification will be competency-based and will focus on theory and practical skills. The skills obtained in the different levels will correspond with the skills required by Government as indicated in National Treasury Competency framework and the Professional body: Chartered Institute of Government Finance, Audit and Risk Officers (CIGFARO), previously known as Institute for Municipal Financial Officers (IMFO).

Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate integrated knowledge of public finance laws, auditing and risk management, public finance management and research including an understanding of and the ability to apply and evaluate the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules, theories and detailed knowledge of the area of public finance and how that knowledge relates to the field of business studies.
  2. Investigate, identify, select, analyse and apply a range of methods of enquiry to resolve problems or introduce change in public finance management, public finance law, auditing, office practice, ethics and professional standards and research in public finance in the field of business studies.
  3. Identify, analyse, evaluate, critically reflect on and address complex problems, applying evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments in public finance management, auditing, research and public finance law appropriate to the field of business studies.
  4. Take decisions and act ethically and professionally and the ability to justify those decisions and actions drawing on appropriate professional standards and ethical guidelines within an area of accounting in the field of business studies.
  5. Develop appropriate processes of information gathering for the area of public finance and the ability to independently validate, evaluate and manage the information.
  6. Develop and communicate one's own ideas and opinions in well-informed arguments, using reporting procedures in the area of public finance domain appropriate to the field of business studies.
  7. Interpret financial and non-financial information within public finance, recognising ethics and risks and predict future risks and financial concerns.
  8. Identify, evaluate and address one's own learning needs in a self-directed manner, and to facilitate collaborative learning processes in relation to LGSETA, CIGFARO and NT.
  9. Take full responsibility for one's own work, decision-making and use of resources, and limited accountability for the decisions and actions of others in varied or ill-defined contexts.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

  • Discuss concepts and principles applicable to office practice and risk management.
  • Apply basic office practice principles on a given scenario.
  • Apply basic research theory and practices in the public sector.
  • Apply detailed knowledge of complex audit principles in the area of public finance.
  • Apply comprehensive knowledge to identify risks, reporting line and rating thereof.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of Public Finance Law and Public Finance management to address complex situations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

  • Compile the Public Finance management reports by selecting and applying appropriate methods, procedures, and techniques.
  • Execute appropriate methods and procedures when applying the audit processes.
  • Exercise professional standards when applying public finance law during the decision-making process.
  • Apply office practice knowledge, methods, and procedures that contribute to motivated employees.
  • Demonstrate a thorough level of legislation knowledge when complex problems should be addressed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

  • Identify, analyse, interpret, and critically reflect on Public Finance management aspects on complex problems and applying evidence-based solutions.
  • Demonstrate Theory-driven arguments when critically reflecting on public finance laws to address complex problems.
  • Utilise research methodologies when complex problems are researched.
  • Use a range of specialised skills when doing a complete audit (forensic, computer, etc.) and identify risks.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

  • Demonstrate decisions taken based on ethical and professional standards.
  • Justify decisions and actions taken.
  • Apply a suitable communication process when unethical behaviour is observed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

  • Demonstrate appropriate use of processes of information gathering for a given context.
  • Independently validate the source of information, evaluation, and management thereof.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

  • Utilise well-informed arguments, using appropriate academic, and professional discourse in the area of public finance domain.
  • Develop personal ideas and opinions that lead to well-informed arguments.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

  • Demonstrate managing of processes in unfamiliar and variable contexts, recognising that problem solving is contextualised and system-bound and does not occur in isolation.
  • Take informed actions when future risks and financial performance are to be predicted.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

  • Identify, evaluate, and address personal learning needs in a self-directed manner.
  • Self-facilitate own personal collaborative learning processes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

  • Demonstrate the ability to take full responsibility for own work, decision-making, and use of resources.
  • Demonstrate limited accountability for the decisions and actions of others in varied or ill-defined contexts.

Integrated Assessment:

  • Evidence must be demonstrated through a variety of options including formative assessment such as class tests, case studies, problem-solving assignments, projects, and practical exercises.
  • Summative Assessment will be continuous assessments that are competency-based.
  • Integrated assessment will measure applied competence in recognizing, identifying, and assessing internal and external factors that influence the public finance environment, understanding theoretical and practical public finance and managerial principles, and applying these principles to make economic and managerial decisions.

Qualification Details

Type
Advanced Diploma
NQF Level
07
Min. Credits
120
SAQA Source
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Tshwane University of Technology
Description
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) is a higher education institution located in Pretoria, South Africa. It was established in 2004 through the merger of three separate institutions. TUT offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various fields of study, including engineering, business, science, arts, and technology. The university is known for its focus on practical and career-oriented education, providing students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen professions. TUT also has a strong emphasis on research and innovation, contributing to the development of new technologies and solutions. With a diverse student body and state-of-the-art facilities, Tshwane University of Technology is committed to providing quality education and making a positive impact on society.

This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.