BICA is an internationally recognised accountancy qualification awarded by the Botswana Institute of Chartered Accountants underpinned by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW).
It provides opportunities in a range of roles including general practice, taxation, insolvency, assurance and management accountancy. On average, ACA (ICAEW) qualified accountants earn more than other accountants. 49 of the FTSE 100 Finance Directors are ACA qualified.
Potential BICA students are required to become members before studying the course. Students sponsored by the Authorized Training Employers are required to complete a training agreement while those wishing to study full time need to register with BICA directly.
i. Any degree recognized by BICA as equivalent to a University of Botswana
ii. AAT graduates
iii. ACCA/CIMA students who have complete Part 1 and CBA respectively
iv. Members of any IFAC recognized accountancy body
The BICA syllabus is broken down into three levels:
1. Certificate level (6 Modules) i. Principles of Taxation ii. Law iii. Accounting iv. Business Technology and Finance v. Management Information vi. Assurance 2. Professional level (6 Modules) i. Financial Accounting & Reporting ii. Tax Compliance iii. Audit and Assurance iv. Financial Management v. Business Planning : Taxation vi. Business Strategy & Tech 3. Advanced level (3 Modules) i. Corporate Reporting ii. Strategic Business Management iii. Case Study
Exemptions or Credits for prior learning (CPL) are awarded at the certificate stage if you have an accounting or business related degree, accounting degree or other professional accountancy qualifications.
Certificate level - 1 1/2 ; hour e-assessment (55% Pass mark)
Professional level - 2 1/2 ; hour computer based exam except FAR which is 3 hours All E-Assesment(55% Pass Mark)
Advanced level - 3 1/2 ; hour E-Assessment for 2 computer based exam (50% Pass mark)
Advanced level - case study - 4 hour paper based exam (50% Pass Mark)
Ms Nthutang Ramoloko