CAF Syllabus 2023
CAF Syllabus 2023
Spring 2023
Certificate in Accounting and Finance (CAF) The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Syllabus Page No.
Certificate in Accounting and Finance (CAF)
CAF-1 Financial Accounting and Reporting-I 6
Annexure – A
SYLLABUS
Proficiency and testing levels are mentioned against each learning outcome within the syllabus and
are explained below:
Proficiency levels
The proficiency level is the description of pitch of the performance expected from the person taking
action. The levels are as follows:
Level of
Description
Proficiency
Level of
Description
Proficiency
Testing Levels
Testing levels are the maximum marks assigned to a topic for examination purposes. The levels are as
follows:
Testing
Description
Levels
T1 The maximum limit per topic and a maximum aggregate limit of testing level-1
topics will be 8 marks and 35 marks respectively in an attempt. Topics covered in
testing level 1 will include the following:
(i) Topics that are specifically identified as testing level 1 for a specified
professional stage.
(ii) All topics assessed at earlier stages of qualification.
(iii) New topics included in the syllabus for the first time.
T2 The maximum limit per topic of this level 2 will be 20 marks.
T3 The maximum limit per topic of this level 3 will be 25 marks.
Any new topic included in the syllabus will be tested in the first attempt at level 1
irrespective of the testing level mentioned in the syllabus. Any amendment or
replacement of existing laws, IFRS, ISAs, Code of Ethics, etc. will not be considered
as the inclusion of a new topic in the syllabus.
1 Evaluate data and information from a variety of sources and perspectives through
research, integration and analysis.
2 Apply critical thinking skills to solve problems, inform judgements, make decisions and
reach well-reasoned conclusions.
3 Communicate clearly and concisely when presenting, discussing and reporting in formal
and informal situations.
4 Respond effectively to changing circumstances or new information to solve problems,
inform judgements, make decisions, and reach well-reasoned conclusions.
1 Apply an inquiring mind when collecting and assessing data and information.
2 Apply critical thinking when identifying and evaluating alternatives to determine an
appropriate course of action.
Syllabus Teaching
Grid Weightage
Ref. Hours
A Objective, System and Historical Background, Constitutional 10-15 5-10
Provisions and Ethics
B Income Tax Laws 70-80 60-75
C Sales Tax Laws 30-35 20-30
Total 110-130 100
1 Evaluate data and information from a variety of sources and perspective through
research, integration and analysis.
2 Apply critical thinking skills to solve problems, inform judgements, make decisions and
reach well-reasoned conclusions.
3 Communicate clearly and concisely when presenting, discussing and reporting in
formal and informal situations.
1 Apply an inquiring mind when collecting and assessing data and information
2 Apply critical thinking when identifying and evaluating alternatives to determine an
appropriate course of action.
3 Identify threats to compliance with the fundamental principles of ethics.
1 Evaluate data and information from a variety of sources and perspective through
research, integration and analysis.
2 Apply critical thinking skills to solve problems, inform judgements, make decisions and
reach well-reasoned conclusions
3 Communicate clearly and concisely when presenting, discussing and reporting in
formal and informal situations
1 Apply an inquiring mind when collecting and assessing data and information
2 Apply critical thinking when identifying and evaluating alternatives to determine an
appropriate course of action.
1 FIFO, weighted average, lower of cost and net realizable value methods of inventory
valuation
2 Direct and indirect cost
3 Variable, semi-variable and fixed costs
4 Repeated distribution method of apportionment of service department cost
5 Simultaneous equation method of apportionment of service department cost
6 Learning curve theory
7 Opportunity cost
8 Relevant cost
9 Breakeven analysis and charts
10 Profit/volume charts
11 Economic Order Quantity
12 Direct material total cost, price and usage variances
13 Direct labour total cost, rate, efficiency and idle time variances
14 Variable production overhead total cost, expenditure and efficiency variances
15 Fixed production overhead expenditure, efficiency and capacity variances
16 Material mix and yield variances
17 Sales Variance and Operating segments
1 Evaluate data and information from a variety of sources and perspective through
research, integration and analysis.
2 Apply critical thinking skills to solve problems, inform judgements, make decisions and
reach well-reasoned conclusions.
3 Communicate clearly and concisely when presenting, discussing and reporting in formal
and informal situations.
1 Apply an inquiring mind when collecting and assessing data and information.
2 Apply critical thinking when identifying and evaluating alternatives to determine an
appropriate course of action.
3 Analyze the interrelationship of ethics and law, including the relationship between
laws, regulations, and the public interest.
4 Explain the role and importance of ethics in relation to business and good governance.
iii Section 73 to 75
Iv Section 182 to 189
3 Other Business Laws
3.1 Partnership Act, 1932
i Section 1 to 8
ii Section 9 to 17
iii Section 18 to 30
3.2 Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881
i Section 1 to 15
ii Section 122A to 131C
Anti-money Laundering Act, 2010
3.3
Section 2(xiv), 3, 4
Payment Systems and Electronic Fund Transfers Act, 2007
3.4
Section 2(s, t, za), 4, 5, 11
Overview of Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016
3.5
Section 2(ii, iii, x, xiv, xxxi), 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Competition Act, 2010
3.6
Section 2(f, k, l, r), 3, 4, 10
The Arbitration Act, 1940
3.7
Section 2(a, d), 3, 4, 5, 13, 21
Evaluate data and information from a variety of sources and perspective through
1
research, integration and analysis.
Apply critical thinking skills to solve problems, inform judgements, make decisions and
2
reach well-reasoned conclusions
Communicate clearly and concisely when presenting, discussing and reporting in
3
formal and informal situations
Respond effectively to changing circumstances or new information to solve problems,
4
inform judgements, make decisions, and reach well-reasoned conclusions.
1 Apply an inquiring mind when collecting and assessing data and information
Apply critical thinking when identifying and evaluating alternatives to determine an
2
appropriate course of action.
Apply the relevant ethical requirements to professional behavior in compliance with
3
standards.
4 Explain the nature of ethics.
5 Identify threats to compliance with the fundamental principles of ethics.
Evaluate the significance of threats to compliance with the fundamental principles of
6
ethics and respond appropriately.
Apply ethical principles of ethics when collecting, generating, storing, accessing, using
7
and sharing data and information.
1 Evaluate data and information from variety of sources and perspective through
integration and analysis.
2 Apply critical thinking skills to solve problems, inform judgements, make decisions
and reach well-reasoned conclusions
3 Communicate clearly and concisely when presenting, discussing and reporting in
formal and informal situations
4 Respond effectively to changing circumstances or new information to solve
problems, inform judgements, make decisions, and reach well-reasoned conclusions.
1 Apply an inquiring mind when collecting and assessing data and information
2 Apply critical thinking when identifying and evaluating alternatives to determine an
appropriate course of action.
1 SWOT Analysis
2 Porter’s Five Forces Model
3 Product Life Cycle Model
4 Boston Consulting Group Matrix
5 Ethical decision making - Tucker’s 5-question Model (Presented by Graham Tucker)
6 Ethical decision making - American Accounting Association 7-step Model
7 ISO 31000 Risk management — Guidelines issued by International Standardization
Organization
8 Capital Asset Pricing Model
9 Hedging interest rate : Futures, Options and Forward agreement excluding hedge efficiency
10 Hedging Foreign Exchange : Currency futures, Options, Forward and Money Market hedge
excluding hedge efficiency
11 Commodity and security: Forward and future contracts
1 Apply an inquiring mind when collecting and assessing data and information
2 Apply critical thinking when identifying and analyzing alternatives to determine an
appropriate course of action.
3 Analyze the interrelationship of ethics and law, including the relationship between
laws, regulations, and the public interest.
4 Explain the role and importance of ethics in relation to business and good
governance.
1 Evaluate data and information from a variety of sources and perspective through
research, integration and analysis.
2 Apply critical thinking skills to solve problems, inform judgements, make decisions and
reach well-reasoned conclusions.
3 Communicate clearly and concisely when presenting, discussing and reporting in
formal and informal situations.
4 Respond effectively to changing circumstances or new information to solve problems,
inform judgements, make decisions, and reach well-reasoned conclusions.
1 Apply an inquiring mind when collecting and assessing data and information
2 Apply critical thinking when identifying and evaluating alternatives to determine an
appropriate course of action.
3 Analyze the interrelationship of ethics and law, including the relationship between
laws, regulations and the public interest.
1 ISA 200: Overall objectives of the Independent Auditor and the conduct of an audit in
accordance with International Standards on Auditing
2 ISA 210: Agreeing the terms of audit engagement
3 ISA 220: Quality Control for an audit of financial statements
4 ISA 230: Audit documentation
5 ISA 240: The auditor’s responsibilities relating to fraud in an audit of financial
statements(including appendix 1 and 3)
6 ISA 300: Planning an audit of financial statements
7 ISA 315(revised): identifying and assessing the risk of material misstatement through
understanding the entity and its environment
8 ISA 320: Materiality in planning and performing an audit
9 ISA 330: The auditor’s response to assessed risks
10 ISA 500: Audit evidence
11 ISA 501: Audit evidence-specific considerations for selected items
12 ISA 505: External confirmations
13 ISA 520: Analytical procedures
14 ISA 530: Audit Sampling
15 ISA 560: Subsequent Events
16 ISA 570: (Revised) Going Concern
17 ISA 580: Written representations
18 ISA 610(revised 2013): Using the work of internal auditors
19 ISA 620: Using the work of an auditor’s expert
20 ISA 700(revised): Forming an opinion and reporting on Financial statements
21 ISA 701: Communicating Key audit matters in the Independent auditor’s report
22 ISA 705 (revised): modifications to the opinion in the independent auditor’s report
23 ISA 706 (revised): emphasis of matter paragraphs and other matter paragraphs in the
independent auditor’s report
24 ISRE 2400: Engagements to review historical financial statements
25 Companies Act 2017 (Sections 246 to 251)
26 ICAP Code of Ethics for Chartered Accountants revised 2019 (Sections 100-120, 320 and
330)
Syllabus Proficiency
Contents
Ref Level
A Professional Skepticism and Professional Judgments
Apply a questioning mind when assessing data and information
1 P3
received.
2 Apply curiosity by exploring beyond what is immediately apparent. P3
3 Identify inconsistencies and contradictions in representations. P3
4 Identify personal and organizational biases. P3
Apply critical thinking when identifying and evaluating alternatives to
5 P3
determine an appropriate course of action.
6 Exercise professional judgement. P3
B Interpersonal and Communication Skills
1 Apply self-esteem enhancement techniques while communicating. P3
2 Apply emotional intelligence techniques. P3
3 Apply active listening skills and interviewing techniques. P3
Communicate clearly, concisely and objectively using appropriate non-
4 P3
verbal aspects.
Apply negotiation and consultative skills to present solutions or
5 P3
arguments.
Apply time management skills to evaluate, present and negotiate ideas
6 P3
effectively.
7 Apply collaboration, cooperation and teamwork. P3
8 Identify cultural and language differences in all communication. P3
1 Evaluate data and information from a variety of sources and perspectives through
research, integration, and analysis.
2 Respond effectively to changing circumstances or new information to solve problems,
inform judgements, make decisions, and reach well-reasoned conclusions.
3 Apply collaboration, cooperation and teamwork when working towards organizational
goals
4 Communicate clearly and concisely when presenting, discussing and reporting in
formal and informal situations.
5 Identify cultural and language differences in all communication.
6 Apply active listening and effective interviewing techniques.
7 Apply negotiation skills to reach solutions and agreements.
8 Apply consultative skills to minimize or resolve conflict, solve problems, and maximize
opportunities.
9 Present ideas and influence others to provide support and commitment.
1 Apply an inquiring mind when collecting and assessing data and information.
2 Apply techniques to reduce bias, when solving problems, informing judgements,
making decisions and reaching well-reasoned conclusions.
3 Apply critical thinking when identifying and evaluating alternatives to determine an
appropriate course of action.
4 Apply ethical principles of ethics when collecting, generating, storing, accessing, using
and sharing data and information.
1 Monologue
2 Declamation
3 Role plays
4 Presentations
5 Group discussions
6 Job Interviews
7 Feedback
Syllabus Proficiency
Contents
Ref Level
1 Explain Computer hardware, Software and operating systems P2
2 Discuss Core Windows Tasks P2
Use file, insert, layout, review and view options in the excel, word and
3 P2
PowerPoint menu bar
Construct formulae using functions, cell references, constants and
4 P2
operators
5 Use appropriate features to create customized data table formats P2
6 Use the conditional formatting using rules manager P2
Perform the steps to protect certain cells, individual worksheets and an
7 P2
entire workbook
Use various Word features to present letters, reports and other
8 P2
documents in a presentable custom style
9 Use Mail Merge feature to create letters, envelopes, directory etc P2
Insert and modify bibliography, endnotes, footnotes, captions, P2
10
comments & cross references
11 Use slideshow, transition and animation option in PowerPoint. P2
Use appropriate features to insert and edit pictures, videos, P2
12
charts/graphs and other objects
13 Use printing Notes Pages, Handouts and Slides for PowerPoint. P2
1 Evaluate data and information from a variety of sources and perspectives through
research, integration, and analysis.
1 Apply an inquiring mind when collecting and assessing data and information
2 Apply critical thinking when identifying and evaluating alternatives to determine an
appropriate course of action.
3 Apply fundamental principles of ethics when collecting, generating, storing, accessing,
using, or sharing data and information.
functions like SUM, SUMIF, SUMIFS, TRUNC, SUBTOTAL, ROUND, FLOOR, CEILING, INT,
MOD, ABS, AVERAGE, COUNT, COUNTA, COUNTIF, MAX, MIN, MEDIAN, STDEV.S,
PERCENTILE, RANK, IRR, RATE, EFFECT, PV, NPV, SLN, YIELD, PMT, ACCRINT, ACCRINTM,
1 COUPDAYS, CUMPRINC, VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, IF, IFERROR, NOT, AND, OR, ISBLANK,
ISERR, ISERROR, ISLOGICAL, ISNA, ISNUMBER, ISTEXT, ISNONTEXT, ISREF, EXACT, TRIM,
LEFT, RIGHT, LEN, LOWER, UPPER, MID, PROPER, TEXT, TODAY, NOW, WEEKDAY AND
WEEKNUM
2 Sort, filter, find, replace data and its formatting as required
3 Print, save, edit, format
4 Layout, view, table tools