University of Cape Town
Public Sector Audit and Governance
Expand your understanding of the role of auditing and governance in the public sector to enhance accountability and foster greater transparency.
Starting soon
Start date
09 September 2024
Enroll by 03 September 2024
Course duration
12 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
10–15 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
“Auditing is a cornerstone of good public sector governance. By providing unbiased, objective assessments of whether public resources are managed responsibly and effectively to achieve intended results, auditors help public sector organizations achieve accountability and integrity, improve operations, and instill confidence among citizens and stakeholders.” – The Institute of Internal Auditors
THEIIA (Jan, 2012).
“Auditors remain a key stakeholder in protecting the interests of the investing public and are a link in attracting much-needed investments to the country.” – Tito Mboweni, Minister of Finance of South Africa
IRBA (2021).
Duration: 12 (excluding orientation)
Irresponsible spending and corruption have been the subject of outrage for a long time. Financial misconduct and poor reporting have resulted in an increased demand from the public and the Auditor-General (AGSA) for better fiscal accountability and transparency in municipalities across the country.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) offers the Public Sector Audit and Governance online short course, which equips you with the necessary tools to improve transparency in public sector governance, whether in government or contracted private entities. Over the course of 12 weeks, you’ll explore the public sector audit environment and the legislation that underpins it. You’ll also engage in an audit report for a public sector entity based on applicable findings, gain an understanding of the framework that promotes good governance, accountability, and ethics in the public sector, and learn about the challenges faced by internal auditors in the South African context.
Is this course for you?
This course is designed for public sector professionals looking to specialise in public sector auditing. It’s equally aimed at professionals in the private sector who are looking to upskill or reskill themselves in public sector auditing, as well as improve the accountability and transparency of their division. Such professionals could include, but are not limited to, accountants, public sector managers, branch managers, compliance managers, or finance managers. Students will gain crucial insights into the workings of the public sector and will be better equipped to work within these institutions.
Course overview
Introduction
Duration: 12 (excluding orientation)
Irresponsible spending and corruption have been the subject of outrage for a long time. Financial misconduct and poor reporting have resulted in an increased demand from the public and the Auditor-General (AGSA) for better fiscal accountability and transparency in municipalities across the country.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) offers the Public Sector Audit and Governance online short course, which equips you with the necessary tools to improve transparency in public sector governance, whether in government or contracted private entities. Over the course of 12 weeks, you’ll explore the public sector audit environment and the legislation that underpins it. You’ll also engage in an audit report for a public sector entity based on applicable findings, gain an understanding of the framework that promotes good governance, accountability, and ethics in the public sector, and learn about the challenges faced by internal auditors in the South African context.
Is this course for you?
This course is designed for public sector professionals looking to specialise in public sector auditing. It’s equally aimed at professionals in the private sector who are looking to upskill or reskill themselves in public sector auditing, as well as improve the accountability and transparency of their division. Such professionals could include, but are not limited to, accountants, public sector managers, branch managers, compliance managers, or finance managers. Students will gain crucial insights into the workings of the public sector and will be better equipped to work within these institutions.
What will set you apart
Knowledge of the public sector audit environment and the legislation that underpins it.
The ability to evaluate the performance information of a public sector entity.
The skills to develop an audit report for a public sector entity based on audit findings.
An understanding of the framework that promotes good governance, accountability, and ethics in the public sector.
Unlimited access to 2U’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
Governance in the private and public sectors
Module 2
An auditor’s professional conduct
Module 3
Organisational risks and controls
Module 4
Audit risk
Module 5
The pre-engagement and planning stages of an audit
Module 6
Risk response and audit reporting
Module 7
The public sector audit environment
Module 8
The audit of performance information
Module 9
A performance audit
Module 10
Internal auditing and forensic auditing
Module 11
Governance, accountability, and ethics
Module 12
The framework for good governance in the public sector
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Course Convenor
Sihaam Shamsoodien
Senior Lecturer, College of Accounting, UCT
About the certificate
Delve into the intricacies of the public sector audit landscape 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.
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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 see the list of university partner login pages 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
