Digital- and Leadership Acumen for Accountants | A division of the School of Accountancy at Stellenbosch University.
The Digital Acumen stream equips students with the knowledge, skills and professional judgement to confidently navigate an increasingly digital accounting profession. Rather than focusing on software alone, the curriculum develops adaptable graduates who understand how digital technologies, automation, data analytics and emerging technologies can be applied responsibly to create value and solve authentic business problems.
Throughout the Digital Acumen stream, students progressively develop:
Digital literacy and confidence
Business technologies and information systems
Spreadsheet modelling and automation
Cloud accounting software
AI-supported digital problem-solving
Data analytics and visualisation
Critical evaluation of digital technologies
Digital innovation and adaptability
Lifelong learning in an evolving technological environment
Building confidence with digital technologies and business applications
Students begin by developing a broad understanding of the technologies that underpin modern organisations while acquiring practical experience with commonly used digital tools. These modules establish the digital confidence and technical foundations required for more advanced applications later in the curriculum.
An introduction to information systems for business, covering general systems theory, IT infrastructure, networks, electronic communication, and the basics of developing, managing, and controlling information systems.
Practical application of spreadsheet software (Microsoft Excel) for business environments. This module serves as an Excel introduction for first-time users.
Hands-on training in general accounting software applications used in business environments.
Applying technology to improve business processes
Having established the foundations, students learn to automate routine processes, integrate digital tools and develop practical technology-enabled solutions to authentic business problems. Emphasis is placed on improving efficiency, supporting decision-making and communicating insights effectively.
More advanced Excel skills focusing on spreadsheet automation, visualisations, and dashboards. Students are introduced to macros, use of ChatGPT to generate VBA code for basic task automation, and dashboard creation using graphs and PivotTables.
Introduction to fundamental programming concepts aimed at automating repetitive spreadsheet tasks. Students develop problem-solving skills, program design techniques, and practical automation solutions relevant to the accounting profession.
Transforming data into professional insight
The final stage of the Digital Acumen stream develops students' ability to analyse increasingly complex datasets and communicate meaningful business insights. Students learn to apply analytical thinking, data visualisation and professional judgement to support evidence-based decision-making.
Practical introduction to data analytics using complex business and accounting scenarios. Students validate, analyse, and interpret data to solve problems relevant to chartered accountancy, building on skills developed in DLA 152 and DLA 245.
Advanced development of data analytics skills. Students work with complex data sets, utilising advanced tools to perform and interpret sophisticated business and accounting analyses. Builds upon the foundational skills taught in DLA 312.