University of Cape Town
Public Sector Financial Reporting
Gain an in-depth understanding of the intricate frameworks that form the foundation of public sector financial reporting.
Start date
12 May 2025
Course duration
12 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
12–13 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
The minimum amount needed to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on the South African economy as projected by its finance minister.
PwC (2020).
The additional amount allocated by the South African government to recapitalise the state-owned Land Bank in 2020.
National Treasury (2020).
The demand for accurate and transparent financial reporting in the public sector is rising due to concerns about global government spending. As a result, treasury management standards have been raised, necessitating the use of the Generally Recognised Accounting Practice (GRAP) frameworks by professionals in the field. This framework enables them to create a credible record of high-quality expenditure information that informs policy and decision-making, promoting the effective use of public resources.
To meet this demand for public sector accounting and finance professionals, the University of Cape Town (UCT) offers a Public Sector Financial Reporting online short course. This course is based on the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Sector Accounting and covers specific areas of public sector structures, governance, accounting, and finance. The course aims to equip professionals with the necessary skills to excel in this important field.
During the 12-week online course, you’ll gain expertise in specialised and highly technical concepts related to recognising, measuring, and reporting current and noncurrent assets in the public finance sector. The course is taught by renowned UCT faculty, providing you with tools and insights to draft comprehensive financial statements for public sector entities.
Is this course for you?
This 12-week course is designed for private or public sector professionals seeking career advancement opportunities in the public finance sector. It provides valuable knowledge and skills for those starting their career and preparing for a future role in public sector finance in South Africa and other African countries. Moreover, experienced balance sheet custodians, accounting consultants, and financial managers interested in formalising and expanding their knowledge in the specialised field of public sector accounting can benefit from the practical outcomes and analytical toolkit provided by this intensive course.
Course overview
Course overview
The demand for accurate and transparent financial reporting in the public sector is rising due to concerns about global government spending. As a result, treasury management standards have been raised, necessitating the use of the Generally Recognised Accounting Practice (GRAP) frameworks by professionals in the field. This framework enables them to create a credible record of high-quality expenditure information that informs policy and decision-making, promoting the effective use of public resources.
To meet this demand for public sector accounting and finance professionals, the University of Cape Town (UCT) offers a Public Sector Financial Reporting online short course. This course is based on the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Sector Accounting and covers specific areas of public sector structures, governance, accounting, and finance. The course aims to equip professionals with the necessary skills to excel in this important field.
During the 12-week online course, you’ll gain expertise in specialised and highly technical concepts related to recognising, measuring, and reporting current and noncurrent assets in the public finance sector. The course is taught by renowned UCT faculty, providing you with tools and insights to draft comprehensive financial statements for public sector entities.
Is this course for you?
This 12-week course is designed for private or public sector professionals seeking career advancement opportunities in the public finance sector. It provides valuable knowledge and skills for those starting their career and preparing for a future role in public sector finance in South Africa and other African countries. Moreover, experienced balance sheet custodians, accounting consultants, and financial managers interested in formalising and expanding their knowledge in the specialised field of public sector accounting can benefit from the practical outcomes and analytical toolkit provided by this intensive course.
What will set you apart
The ability to work with a financial reporting team and implement processes to create annual public financial statements.
A thorough comprehension of the differences between the GRAP framework, IFRS, and the modified cash basis relevant to public sector financial reporting.
The skills to navigate and manage budget information, cash flow statements, accounting policies, and changes and errors.
The accounting principles driving public sector imperatives and methods to accurately report on revenue, assets, liabilities, and working capital.
Unlimited access to edX’s Career Engagement Network, offering you exclusive resources and events to support your professional journey and drive your career forward.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
Reporting environment for public sector entities
Module 2
Conceptual framework for public sector financial reporting
Module 3
Preparing financial statements for public sector entities
Module 4
Accounting for revenue: Exchange transactions
Module 5
Accounting for revenue: Non-Exchange transactions
Module 6
Accounting for non-current assets: Property, Plant, Equipment (PPE), and investment property
Module 7
Accounting for non-current assets: Intangible, heritage, and living and non-living assets
Module 8
Accounting for non-current assets: Impairment of assets
Module 9
Accounting for liabilities, provisions, contingent liabilities, and contingent assets
Module 10
Disclosures for liabilities, provisions, contingent liabilities, and contingent assets
Module 11
Accounting for construction contracts and working capital
Module 12
Modified cash basis
Course Convenor
Shelly Herbert
Chartered Accountant (SA) and Senior Lecturer, College of Accounting, UCT
About the certificate
Acquire the knowledge and skills to use a range of GRAP frameworks to create public sector financial statements and earn an official certificate of completion from the University of Cape Town.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a digital certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.
%20(1)%20(1).png)
Get more information
Want to know more?
Why choose GetSmarter?
GetSmarter operates as edX's partner for premium online short course products from the world's leading universities and institutions. With edX, we leverage our people, technology, and resources to power your education and your potential.
We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required to upskill, reskill or kickstart a completely new career. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need. We ensure that leading universities and institutions are your expert guides and our people, technology, and resources are your engine – together we power more than just education, we power your potential.
Read more about GetSmarter here and edX here.
Find out more about GetSmarter’s approach to digital learning, course design, and online delivery here.
Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing page, or contact an Enrollment Adviser, to find out which option you qualify for.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please visit your Account page here.
Financing options
We've recently partnered with financial services firm, FeverTree, to offer you another convenient way to finance your short course education. Find out how you can apply for a short-term loan below.
How do I apply?
- You have the option of applying for a full course-cost loan agreement with FeverTree (South African citizens and short courses only)
- FeverTree works with GetSmarter to ensure your studies are financed right away, giving you the chance to join the soonest presentation
- You can find out if you pre-qualify in seconds. Send an SMS with your “Name*Surname*ID Number*Gross Salary” to 30082
- FeverTree’s application process is simple and quick – expect a 15-minute turnaround to find out if you’ve been successful with your loan application
- Even if you aren’t successful in your FeverTree application, you’ll still be eligible for the payment plan options with GetSmarter
.svg)
.svg)
.svg){kind=logo}
.svg){kind=logo}
Want to buy this course for your team? Chat with us to get started.
Get Started
