University of Cape Town

Advanced Diploma in Accounting

Business, Commerce and Management Studies - Finance Economics and Accounting

Purpose and Rationale

Qualification Purpose and Rationale

Purpose:

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide non-accounting learners with an efficient pathway to becoming Chartered Accountants. It aims to deepen and strengthen their knowledge in the accounting field, enabling them to excel professionally and improve their competency. This Advanced Diploma also aligns with the general purpose of an Advanced Diploma according to the HEQSF, which is to enhance knowledge in a specific discipline or profession, or provide flexibility in career changes.

Learner Outcomes:

Upon completion of the qualification, learners will be able to:

  • Understand and manipulate quantitative information effectively.
  • Adhere to professional and legal standards in their work.
  • Conduct systematic research to address complex questions.
  • Produce high-quality written work in their field.
  • Recognize and collaborate with experts in areas beyond their expertise.
  • Value lifelong learning and take initiative in their educational pursuits.

Rationale:

The qualification addresses the lack of an accelerated pathway for non-accounting learners in South Africa to meet the university requirements for pursuing the Chartered Accountant qualification. By offering this opportunity, the qualification opens doors for learners from diverse educational backgrounds to access employment opportunities in integrated reporting and combined assurance. It aims to bridge the gap and equip learners with the necessary advanced knowledge to succeed in the accounting profession.

Outcomes

  1. Understand and manipulate quantitative information provided in tables, graphs and sets of equations.
  2. Understand and internalise as a personal value the importance of conducting professional activity within the scope of national, provincial, municipal and international law.
  3. Conduct systematic research aimed at providing answers to questions whose resolutions are not antecedently known, or to verifying answers that are assumed on the basis of "accepted wisdom".
  4. Produce written text of descriptive, prescriptive, or argumentative character to accepted international standards in his or her specific field of training.
  5. Understand when and how to acknowledge the limitations of his/her own expertise and elicit the more appropriate expertise of others.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes:

  1. Financial statements interpretation: Financial statements for various types of organizational forms are interpreted. Information essential for effective cost management is calculated, recorded, and reported on.

  2. Regulatory framework understanding: The regulatory framework in which a professional accountant or auditor operates is identified and applied. Laws guiding professional applications are observed and adhered to.

  3. Audit approach formulation: An audit approach is developed in a practical scenario. Simple financial models are constructed, evaluated, and assumptions are tested.

  4. Report preparation: Appropriate reports for regulatory bodies and different management levels are prepared. Financial information is presented in a logical format following generally accepted accounting principles and relevant standards.

  5. Promotion of constructive change: Adapting to new contexts and promoting constructive change.

Integrated Assessment:

  • Each module includes formative assignments like weekly submissions and quarterly tests.
  • Summative exams will be conducted.
  • Year mark for qualification will be based on assignment results, constituting 40-45% of the final mark.
  • Final examination will contribute 55-60% of the final mark.
  • Final examinations will be the same as those taken by final year Bachelor of Commerce in chartered accountants stream learners.

Qualification Details

Type
Advanced Diploma
NQF Level
07
Min. Credits
200
SAQA Source
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University of Cape Town
Description
The University of Cape Town (UCT) is a prestigious public research university located in Cape Town, South Africa. Established in 1829, it is the oldest university in South Africa and has consistently been ranked as the top university on the African continent. UCT offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including humanities, sciences, engineering, health sciences, and commerce. The university is known for its commitment to academic excellence, research, and social impact. UCT's campus is situated on the slopes of Devil's Peak, providing stunning views of Cape Town and Table Mountain. The university attracts a diverse student body from South Africa and around the world, fostering a vibrant and multicultural learning environment.

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.