Boston’s Bachelor of Accounting achieves SAICA accreditation

The achievement of this accreditation means that students who complete the Boston Bachelor of Accounting degree and who meet the entry requirements set by institutions offering the SAICA-accredited postgraduate qualifications in accounting can seamlessly continue their journey toward the attainment of the CA(SA) designation.

“CAs(SA) are seen as responsible leaders who create sustainable value for the organisations that they work in and there are a wide range of employment opportunities open to these professionals. Becoming a chartered accountant requires grit and determination, and students who enter our Bachelor of Accounting degree can be assured that our programme provides a solid foundation from which to embark on the challenging journey toward ultimately earning the sought-after CA(SA) designation. SAICA’s strategic intention is to contribute to sustainable economies through developing responsible and ethical leaders. As such, it aims to ensure continued relevance and the growth and transformation of the accountancy profession. Through our Bachelor of Accounting qualification, we are proud to be associated with SAICA and the high standards of professionalism required by this globally recognised Institute” emphasises Dr Hendrik Botha, the Head of Institution at Boston City Campus.

Says Robert Zwane, SAICA Executive: Learning, Development and National Imperatives: ‘In its role in promoting quality assurance in accounting education, and in terms of its current recognition and standing with the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors (IRBA), one of SAICA’s key roles is to accredit programmes which allows students access to SAICA’s first professional examination, the Initial Test of Competence (ITC). ‘For programmes to be accredited by SAICA, higher education providers undergo a rigorous and extensive process to ensure that their programme has the necessary resources in place to deliver a high quality programme leading to a CA(SA) qualification. These quality assurance processes are undertaken over and above the formal regulatory accreditation requirements of the DHET, CHE and SAQA which need to be in place before getting the SAICA stamp of approval. Having undergone the formal accreditation process, we are confident that the Boston degree is backed by the necessary resources to meet the standards set by SAICA.’

Boston is the first private provider of distance education to receive SAICA accreditation for the undergraduate degree. Additionally, the institute is accredited locally and internationally for its higher education programmes, and has a longstanding reputation of excellence as a private higher education institution specialising in online and distance education. “At Boston, we understand what is needed to put the student front and centre in the learning process. We appreciate the additional support that an online learner may require, and we have invested in human capital and technological infrastructure to ensure that no candidate is left behind. Our unique offering extends to include 47 learner support centres located countrywide, so there is a friendly face to welcome you to the Boston family and to assist with applications and registrations. Offering the SAICA-accredited Bachelor of Accounting qualification in the distance mode means that we’ve eliminated many obstacles preventing access to higher education—like the cost of travel and relocation to a physical campus or having to forego the opportunity cost of full- or part-time employment. Additionally, Boston offers a competitive fee structure and payment plans that include all required textbooks for the duration of the degree.”

“Boston’s commitment to widening access to a diverse group of students who do not qualify for direct entry into the Bachelor of Accounting is seen in its alternative entry routes. Alternative routes include entry through recognition of prior learning and various relevant higher certificates, diplomas, and occupational qualifications. The accreditation by SAICA demonstrates our commitment to back our students in a challenging and competitive world where success is hard-earned and aligns with our quality approach to higher education. That approach focuses on transformative learning and emphasises the potential of each student, ensuring we support work-ready employable graduates,” adds Botha.

Boston is able to extend access to its Bachelor of Accounting in a number of ways. Each application will be considered on its own merit, as follows:

• School leavers and early career adults wishing to embark on the journey toward becoming a chartered accountant will find our degree a viable option either through direct entry or via alternative routes of access.
• We are able to accommodate students whose SAICA-accredited undergraduate degree has been interrupted for various reasons beyond their control, and who are wishing to complete a SAICA-accredited undergraduate degree in the distance/online mode can apply for advanced placement through credits already earned.
• Graduates who have completed qualifications in related disciplines and who now wish to convert by embarking on the journey toward becoming a professional accountant are welcome to apply for entry and/or advanced placement into the Bachelor of Accounting at Boston.
• Students who have completed professional occupational certificates or diplomas in accounting who now wish to continue on the journey toward becoming a chartered accountant are welcome to apply for entry and/or advanced placement into the Bachelor of Accounting at Boston.

To find out more visit one of Boston’s 47 support centres situated countrywide, call 011 551 9000, email ***@boston.ac.za or visit www.boston.ac.za for more information and to apply online.