Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Management
Business, Commerce and Management Studies - Finance Economics and Accounting
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
The Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Management aims to prepare learners for the field of financial management, catering to both seasoned professionals and new entrants. The qualification serves as a career progression tool for experienced individuals while providing an entry point for aspiring business professionals.
Upon completion, learners have various opportunities available to them, including specializations in accounting, investment, financial management, or sub-finance categories like credit manager, stockbroker, corporate finance, or financial planner.
Qualifying learners will possess the skills to make well-informed financial decisions in practical contexts, distinguishing them from generalists in the commercial field. They will be equipped with theoretical and practical skills to enter financial roles.
Upon completion, qualifying learners will be able to:
- Contribute to organizations in financial management and decision-making roles.
- Prepare, analyze, and interpret financial statements of companies.
- Apply financial management concepts to decision-making within a commercial framework.
- Understand legal and taxation frameworks relevant to South African companies.
- Communicate financial information effectively to stakeholders using various techniques.
Rationale:
The Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Management addresses the skills gap in financial management within the South African corporate environment. Demand for finance professionals such as Finance Managers, Chief Financial Officers, and Management Accountants remains high. The qualification aims to produce skilled graduates ready to contribute to society in financial decision-making roles.
With higher education, individuals have better employment prospects and can address the skills shortage in the economy. Learners with financial management skills may also see personal financial management benefits. The qualification aims to provide learners with foundational knowledge and practical skills to create value for themselves and the finance profession in South Africa.
Reports such as the Labour Market Intelligence Partnership's technical report on high-demand occupations in South Africa emphasize the need for finance managers. The Manpower Group's Talent Shortage Survey also highlights the shortage of accounting and finance skills in South Africa.
Graduates can pursue careers in various industries and roles like Financial Analyst, Investment Analyst, Chief Financial Officer, and more. They can work in different organizations such as consultancy firms, government agencies, banks, or start their own businesses in the financial sector.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively using written, oral and visual presentations.
- Initiate, develop, implement and evaluate commercial based plans within an organisation that yield tangible value-based results.
- Critical analysis, monitoring and measurement of the effectiveness of various functions within a commercial context.
- Apply sound financial management concepts, principles and methodologies to decision-making within a commercial framework.
- Understand the role of the financial manager within the principle of efficient allocation of resources.
- Prepare, analyse, and interpret financial statements of companies.
- Understand, apply, and interpret general legal and taxation frameworks applicable to companies operating within South Africa.
- Communicate financial information to relevant stakeholders effectively using both written and oral communication techniques.
- Apply sound marketing and business management concepts, principles and methodologies to decision making within a commercial context.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Create various types of business-related documents using numerous tools.
- Communicate both written and spoken work effectively.
- Gather data from research and compile meaningful reports for decision-making purposes.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Identify project priorities by considering a range of options to make operational decisions.
- Initiate and develop plans and projects to contribute to the overall business strategy.
- Evaluate ongoing business administration plans to assess their effectiveness.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Understand various monitoring and measurement functions useful to a commercial environment.
- Analyse the effectiveness of a process and procedure.
- Report and communicate various functions within a commercial enterprise.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Identify and explain the link between economics and financial management.
- Understand the frameworks and methodologies applicable to decision-making within financial management.
- Demonstrate the link between financial management principles and commercial performance.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Apply theories and principles of financial management in a real-world context.
- Acquire, apply, and demonstrate knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of a financial manager.
- Demonstrate an understanding of economic issues within South Africa, Africa, and the rest of the world.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Prepare annual financial statement.
- Demonstrate an understanding of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
- Analyse and prepare financial statements.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Explain taxation legislation concepts, rationale, and frameworks.
- Understand and apply legal frameworks in different situations.
- Explain and apply contract law under real-world situations.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Describe the various corporate communication channels available.
- Understand non-verbal communication techniques.
- Demonstrate the ability to verbally/orally present financial reports and information.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
- Understand fundamental marketing and business management principles.
- Apply marketing and business management concepts, principles, and methodologies to decision-making in a commercial context.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 360
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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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.