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Accounting and Bookkeeping Pathway Program

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Course Description

In order to enrol in the FNS50217 Diploma of Accounting you must have already completed the FNS40217 Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping. The Accounting and Bookkeeping Pathway Program incorporates both these qualifications, offering a streamlined solution to your learning goals.  

This pathways program has been designed to train you in the skills needed to join the financial services industry – one of the most essential industries in Australia.

If you’re looking to launch your career in accounting and bookkeeping, this is one of the best places to start.

Please note that on the 14th of June 2022 the courses were superseded and replaced by FNS40222- Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping and FNS50222 - Diploma of Accounting. You can still enrol, however, at the moment, the new course is not yet available. Open Colleges will communicate with you in due course once the new course is available.

What you’ll learn

  • Achieve a working knowledge of the accounting and bookkeeping industry and how you can build a successful career within it.

  • Learn how to establish, manage and maintain payroll systems, a core component of any small or large business.

  • Gain the skills and knowledge to prepare financial forecasts and projections whilst managing budgets.

  • Learn about the theory side of the industry by studying economic principles related to financial service functions and tasks.

  • Attain the skills needed to prepare and lodge tax documents for individuals.

 

Why take this pathway program?

  • To enrol in the FNS50217 Diploma of Accounting you must have already completed the FNS40217 Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping. This pathway program has been developed to help you obtain both of these qualifications and give you the skills needed to launch or accelerate your career in finance.

  • This is a growing industry that contributes to a large percentage of Australia’s economy. Studying this pathway program can help prepare you for a stable and successful career in financial services.

  • There is growing demand for professionals who are skilled in web- and cloud-based accounting systems and software – topics which are covered in this pathway program.

  • This pathway program includes a number of elective subjects, so you can choose to specialise in a particular area.

  • Undertaking this pathway program means that you’ll meet the educational requirements to register as a Business Activity Statement (BAS) Agent. (Please note, other conditions apply, including a designated period of practical experience. For details on other registration requirements visit: www.tpb.gov.au.)

  • You will also be provided with 12 month student access to Sage Accounting software. Please note: You will start your free student access when you progress to 'Prepare tax documentation for individuals' as the software is required for this Module.

If you are an existing worker or have experience in the related industry, please inform our enrolment consultants during your enrolment conversation. You may be eligible to enrol as an existing worker and complete your studies faster. Please note - limitations do apply.

Potential career outcomes

  • Accounting Manager
  • Accounts Administrator
  • Accounts Clerk
  • Accounts Payable Officer
  • Accounts Receivable Officer
  • Auditor
  • Bookkeeper
  • Budget Analyst
  • Debtors Clerk
  • Financial Accountant
  • Financial Analyst
  • Financial Controller
  • Forensic Accountant
  • Government Accountant
  • Management Accountant
  • Payroll Clerk

Course Details

Course number E1374
Qualification name Accounting and Bookkeeping Pathway Program
Course duration Maximum 48 months
Delivery Method Online
Recognition Nationally Recognised Nationally Recognised Training
Assessments Demonstrations, Knowledge tests, Projects, Written reports
Awarded by Open Colleges Pty Ltd (Provider number: 90796)

Requirements

Education

You will need to have completed Year 12, or equivalent. Equivalency can be demonstrated by one of the following:

  • A qualification at Certificate III level or higher, OR
  • Three years of industry experience in a role that requires the use of written documentation and communication.

Physical requirements

Some assessments will require other participants to act as characters in role plays designed to demonstrate practical and oral communication skills. Students will be required to source and arrange these other participants, participants can be family, friends or workplace colleagues.

Entry Requirements

There are training package entry requirements for FNS50217 Diploma of Accounting. To be able to enter this qualification learners must have completed one of the following:

  • FNS40217 Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping or equivalent;

OR

  • the FNSSS00014 Accounting Principles Skill Set;

OR

  • the FNS40615 Certificate IV in Accounting or equivalent;

OR

  • the FNS40215 Certificate IV in Bookkeeping or equivalent.

There are prerequisite units for FNSACC514 Prepare financial reports for corporate entities which is delivered the FNS50217 Diploma of Accounting. To be able to enrol into the unit of competency learners must have completed the following units within the FNS40217 Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping:

  • BSBFIA401 Prepare financial reports or equivalent

AND

  • FNSACC311 Process financial transactions and extract interim reports or equivalent.

English

This course involves reading learning content and undertaking a range of written assessments and engaging in online forums and discussions. Furthermore, the delivery mode relies on the extensive use of written communication. As such, entry to the course requires the successful completion of English to Year 12 level.

If you haven't successfully completed English at Year 12 level, you can demonstrate equivalency through one of the following:

  • Successful completion of a Nationally Recognised Training qualification at Certificate III level or higher; or
  • 3 years relevant industry experience in a role that requires the use of written documentation and communication.

Open Colleges recognises that not all people are able to read, write and perform calculations to the same standard. See the Language, Literacy and Numeracy Considerations section for more information on tools, resources and support services provided by Open Colleges.

Computing

Access to others

This course includes a requirement to record video and/ or audio roleplays. These will require participation by 1-2 other people sourced by you.

Tools and equipment

You will need to purchase specific tools and equipment for this course. Click here to view the complete list of materials, equipment and tools required for this course. IT Requirements It is recommended that students have the following hardware and additional software:

  • Operating System:
    • Microsoft Windows 7 or higher (Windows 10 recommended)
    • Mac OS 10.11 (El Capitan) or higher Note: (Microsoft Office 365 can only guarantee support on the current release of Mac OS, plus two previous versions. Older versions may work but may have issues)
  • Processor: 2 GHz or faster, 2-core
  • Memory: 8GB of RAM or higher z916GB recommended)
  • Hard Drive: Space 2 GB free disk space
  • Browser: Chrome is the preferred browser for students
  • Windows users:
  • Microsoft Windows 7 or higher (Windows 10 recommended)
  • 1 Ghz or faster processer (2GHz recommended)
  • Software:
    • Acrobat Reader
    • Microsoft Office 2017 or later (including MS Office 365). Note: if using an equivalent office software (such as Open Office or Apple Pages etc), ensure that documents can be formatted correctly and exported to common file formats
    • Audio recording Software (Voice recorder app, Garageband, or Audacity)
    • Video editing software (iMovie, Video Editor app)
    • File compression software
  • Internet Connection: DSL, Cable, or Satellite with at least 2mbps upload speed Note: it is strongly recommended that you have access to the Internet from home. Expecting to access your course from your work internet or a public network like a library or coffee shop may be impractical due to your average weekly study hours.
  • Printer/Scanner: Access to printing/scanning devices or facilities may be required for certain course activities
  • Peripherals:
    • 1280 x 800 display (1280 x 1024 recommended) with 16-bit colour and 512 MB of V RAM
    • Speakers or headset for audio playback
    • Microphone for audio recording
    • Webcam or equivalent (such as a smartphone with video recording capability)
  • E-Mail Capability: Access to e-mail through an e-mail program or web-based e-mail system (e.g., Gmail, Hotmail, Mail for Android or Mail for iOS apps)

Audio Visual

  • Learners will need access to software to view online videos and images. Software such as Adobe Reader, Windows Media Player, Windows Photo Viewer etc. are available as a free download from the internet. 
  • As well as access to digital video recording device and/or digital camera and associated software to save and upload video and image files to OpenSpace. Many mobile phone and smart phones include this technology and OpenSpace provided an in platform recording function.

Skills

To successfully complete this course, learners will require basic computing skills. This includes: 

  • Creating, saving and editing Microsoft Office documents
  • Accessing and searching the internet
  • Downloading and saving documents from websites
  • Uploading documents through websites
  • Participating in online discussions
  • Compressing image files

Language, Literacy and Numeracy

Our free online assessment tool can help give you an idea of the language, literacy and numeracy skills needed to study a VET course. This tool can also help you determine your learning level and help you plan your future studies. You can access the Language, Literacy and Numeracy tool here.

Subjects

Open Colleges may make changes to the course from time to time to reflect changes introduced to the relevant Training Package or other regulatory requirements. Please download the course guide for current information about the course and its status.

Foundations in accounting and bookkeeping

  • Check and verify supporting documentation
  • Prepare and process banking and petty cash documents
  • Prepare and process payable and received invoices
  • Prepare journals
  • Update financial data and systems
  • Prepare deposit facility and lodge flows
  • Finalise trial balance and interim reports

Preparing ledgers

  • Review accounts receivable requirements
  • Identify bad and doubtful debts
  • Review client compliance with terms and conditions and plan recovery action
  • Prepare reports and file documentation
  • Distribute creditor invoices for authorisation
  • Remit payments to creditors
  • Reconcile outstanding balances

Financial reporting

  • Maintain asset register
  • Record general journal entries for balance day adjustments
  • Prepare final general ledger accounts
  • Prepare end of period financial reports

Requirements for non-reporting entities

  • Compile data required for preparing financial statements for non-reporting entities
  • Prepare financial statements for non-reporting entities

Cloud-based computing

  • Review computing needs in the business
  • Investigate cloud computing services to meet business needs
  • Develop a plan to introduce cloud computing
  • Support implementation of the plan

Computerised accounting systems

  • Implement integrated accounting system
  • Process transactions in system
  • Maintain system
  • Produce reports

Managing payroll

This unit is designed to meet the education requirements of the Tax Practitioner Board (TPB). Where registration with the TPB is sought, assessment must reflect the conditions described by the regulator which stipulate that a significant amount (at least 40%) must be completed under some form of independent supervision.

  • Establish payroll requirements
  • Record payroll data
  • Prepare and process payroll
  • Handle payroll enquiries
  • Maintain payroll

This unit is designed to meet the education requirements of the Tax Practitioner Board (TPB). Where registration with the TPB is sought, assessment must reflect the conditions described by the regulator which stipulate that a significant amount (at least 40%) must be completed under some form of independent supervision.

Managing business activity statements

This unit is designed to meet the education requirements of the Tax Practitioner Board (TPB). Where registration with the TPB is sought, assessment must reflect the conditions described by the regulator which stipulate that a significant amount (at least 40%) must be completed under some form of independent supervision.

  • Identify compliance and other requirements applicable to business activity
  • Analyse and apply industry codes of conduct associated with work activities
  • Review and apply goods and services tax (GST) implications and code transactions
  • Report on payroll activities and amounts withheld
  • Reconcile and prepare activity statement
  • Lodge activity statement

This unit is designed to meet the education requirements of the Tax Practitioner Board (TPB). Where registration with the TPB is sought, assessment must reflect the conditions described by the regulator which stipulate that a significant amount (at least 40%) must be completed under some form of independent supervision.

Implement Customer Service Standards

  • Contribute to quality customer service standards
  • Implement customer service systems
  • Implement team customer service standards

Working effectively in financial services

  • Develop professional working relationships
  • Identify compliance requirements and support materials
  • Set up and maintain systems to meet compliance requirements
  • Work autonomously or in a team to complete work activities
  • Develop and maintain own competency

Designing business documents

  • Select and prepare resources
  • Design document
  • Produce document
  • Finalise document

Operational budgets

  • Prepare budget
  • Set budget timeframe
  • Document budget

Research and develop business plans

  • Prepare to develop business plan
  • Draft business plan
  • Create a business plan
  • Finalise business planning and plan for risk

Working in Financial Services

  • Develop professional working relationships
  • Identify compliance requirements and support materials
  • Set up and maintain systems to meet compliance requirements
  • Work autonomously or in a team to complete work activities
  • Develop and maintain own competency

Design and produce complex spreadsheets

  • Prepare and plan to develop spreadsheet 
  • Develop a linked spreadsheet solution 
  • Automate and standardise spreadsheet operation 
  • Use spreadsheets 
  • Represent numerical data in graphic form and store spreadsheet 

Providing financial and business performance information

  • Assess client needs
  • Analyse data
  • Prepare and provide financial and performance advice to client

Internal control procedures

  • Review corporate governance requirements
  • Implement internal control operating procedures
  • Monitor internal control operating procedures

Managing budgets and forecasts

  • Prepare budget
  • Forecast estimates
  • Document budget
  • Monitor budget outcomes

Providing accounting information to management

  • Gather and record operating and cost data
  • Analyse data and assign costs
  • Prepare cost reports and budgets
  • Analyse variances and review costing system integrity

Financial reports for corporate entities

  • Compile and analyse data
  • Prepare reports

Accounting information systems

  • Identify and record system requirements
  • Evaluate alternative systems
  • Evaluate acceptance test system
  • Prepare system documentation
  • Implement reporting systems and records
  • Monitor reporting systems
  • Review reporting procedures

Applying financial economics

  • Apply economic principles and theories
  • Evaluate economic aspects that apply to decision making
  • Review own work
  • Maintain personal understanding of economic policies

Financial statistics and tools

  • Apply statistical methods to work
  • Source and interpret statistical data
  • Analyse data using appropriate techniques and tools
  • Record statistical data analysis results and records

Preparing tax documentation for individuals

  • Gather client income data and verify client, organisational and legislative requirements
  • Identify, record and present client’s non-complex income tax documentation
  • Manage lodgement of client’s non-complex income tax documentation

This unit is designed to meet the education requirements of the Tax Practitioner Board (TPB). Where registration with the TPB is sought, assessment must reflect the conditions described by the regulator which stipulate that a significant amount (at least 40%) must be completed under some form of independent supervision.

Payment Options

Pay in Full

You can choose to pay your course fees in full upon enrolment and benefit from a 10% discount (unless otherwise advertised).

Pay 50% & Payment Plan Combo

You can also choose to pay 50% of your total course fees upon enrolment and the balance on a Payment Plan.  When you do, you’ll benefit from 50% of the standard Pay in Full discount (unless otherwise advertised).

Payment Plan

You can choose to pay for your course in weekly or fortnightly instalments. By paying in instalments, you can schedule your payments around your regular outgoings and get ahead without breaking the bank. Open Colleges payment plans are interest-free.

BPAY®

With BPAY®, you’re able to pay quickly and securely, 24/7 through your internet, mobile or phone banking service. You can choose when, how much and from which account to pay from - whatever works for you. BPAY® is only available when paying in full. Call an Enrolment Consultant to find out more. 

BPAY® is a trademark of BPAY Pty Ltd ABN 69 079 137 518. Check if BPAY® is right for you by reading the terms and conditions available from your Financial Institution.

Trainers

Holly Radford

Holly is an enthusiastic and dedicated professional with over 20 years experience in business administration, account management, marketing and print. She has also been working within the education and training industry since 2013, in both a face-to-face and online capacity and is passionate about the power of education. Holly runs a small online business and holds a position on the Australian Institute of Office Professionals (AIOP) WA Division Committee.

Holly holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Diploma of Business Administration, Diploma of Business, Diploma of Marketing Communication, Diploma of Social Media Marketing, Certificate IV in Training & Assessment and a Certificate III in Printing & Graphic Arts.

 

Kimberly Kim

Kimberly has over 11 years’ experience in training and assessment in tertiary and vocational education and training institutes.  She has also run her own public accounting and tax practice for over two years, after 10 years of working in tax and accounting field. Kimberly holds a Masters of Business Administration majoring in Professional Accounting and is a Certified Professional Accountant with a passion for teaching.

Rosalie Pellew

Rosalie Pellew has over 30 years' experience in customer engagement; workplace training and assessment; facilitating adult education; leading and coaching customer contact teams; and supporting on-line learning students.

Rosalie’s experience spans various industries from retail and telecommunications to food production. Rosalie has been in Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector for over 14 years.

Pursuing her passion for adult education, Rosalie refocused into student services to assist students through their learning journey and beyond to training and assessing. She holds a Certificate IV in Training & Assessment, Diplomas in Teaching, Adult Education, Business Administration, Business and Leadership & Management.

Industry Connections

Membership

Students of this course will receive a membership to these organisation(s)

Australian Bookkeepers Network (ABN) has been renowned as an innovative industry leader since 2001. Their purpose is to make a difference in the lives of Bookkeepers by providing a supportive community, unique tools and resources that enable Bookkeepers to make well-informed, strategic business decisions and stay ahead in their industry.

Australian Bookkeepers Association (ABA) is a government recognised independent association for Bookkeepers. ABA aims to provide members with credibility, professional accreditation, representation and facilitated training. Once your qualification is completed, ABA helps members by reducing the hours required of relevant experience when applying/renewing a BAS agent registration with the Tax Practitioners Board.

How do both memberships work?

Your ABN membership gives you access to the online resource centre that will save you time, will provide you with the help, support and information that you need, when you need it, so that you can make the right decisions.

Your ABA membership is included ABN membership and gives you recognition as a member of a professional association with relevant government bodies.

Benefits include:

  • Access to ABN helpline, ABN discussion forum and coffee club
  • Unlimited to access to the Bookkeepers Knowledge Base
  • Access to Ready Reckoner 
  • Access to multiple industry bulletins and newsletters

The Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) is one of Australia's oldest representative professional bodies, formed in 1923. It is one of the three legally recognised professional bodies for accountants in Australia.[1] The IPA represents more than 35,000 members and students working in industry, commerce, government, academia and professional practice.

Membership benefits include: 

  • Access to IFAC knowledge net
  • Access to continuing professional development events
  • Networking opportunities 
  • Access to industry publications 

Extra Benefits

To help you stand out from the crowd, enrolment in this course will also get you exclusive access to Reckon One accounting software. This includes:

  • Access to the ‘Core’, ‘Invoices’ and ‘Payroll’ online modules, along with the print versions for each module.
  • Access to the extensive Reckon One training video library.
  • Access to the Reckon One community forum.
  • Access to Reckon one certification course from Reckon Training Academy.
  • Three months free access to the commercial version of Reckon One.

SAVE 35% OFF

Selected course fees when you pay upfront.

Voucher code: 35MARCH31

Offer ends on Friday 31st March 2023 at 11:59pm AEST.

*Terms & conditions

Course at a Glance

icon for career outcomes

Career Outcomes

  • checkAccounting Manager
  • checkAccounts Administrator
  • checkAccounts Clerk
  • checkAccounts Payable Officer
  • checkAccounts Receivable Officer
  • checkAuditor
  • checkBookkeeper
  • checkBudget Analyst
  • checkDebtors Clerk
  • checkFinancial Accountant
  • checkFinancial Analyst
  • checkFinancial Controller
  • checkForensic Accountant
  • checkGovernment Accountant
  • checkManagement Accountant
  • checkPayroll Clerk
computer

Delivery Method

Online

credit_score

Payment

Flexible payment options available

Recognition

Nationally recognised

Nationally Recognised Training

Why study with us?

  • Study at your pace
  • Flexible payment options
  • Nationally recognised accreditation
  • World-class learning platform

Course at a Glance

icon for career outcomes

Career Outcomes

  • checkAccounting Manager
  • checkAccounts Administrator
  • checkAccounts Clerk
  • checkAccounts Payable Officer
  • checkAccounts Receivable Officer
  • checkAuditor
  • checkBookkeeper
  • checkBudget Analyst
  • checkDebtors Clerk
  • checkFinancial Accountant
  • checkFinancial Analyst
  • checkFinancial Controller
  • checkForensic Accountant
  • checkGovernment Accountant
  • checkManagement Accountant
  • checkPayroll Clerk
computer

Delivery Method

Online

credit_score

Payment

Flexible payment options available

Recognition

Nationally recognised

Nationally Recognised Training

SAVE 35% OFF

Selected course fees when you pay upfront.

Voucher code: 35MARCH31

Offer ends on Friday 31st March 2023 at 11:59pm AEST.

*Terms & conditions

In order to enrol in the FNS50217 Diploma of Accounting you must have already completed the FNS40217 Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping. The Accounting and Bookkeeping Pathway Program incorporates both these qualifications, offering a streamlined solution to your learning goals.  

This pathways program has been designed to train you in the skills needed to join the financial services industry – one of the most essential industries in Australia.

If you’re looking to launch your career in accounting and bookkeeping, this is one of the best places to start.

Please note that on the 14th of June 2022 the courses were superseded and replaced by FNS40222- Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping and FNS50222 - Diploma of Accounting. You can still enrol, however, at the moment, the new course is not yet available. Open Colleges will communicate with you in due course once the new course is available.

What you’ll learn

  • Achieve a working knowledge of the accounting and bookkeeping industry and how you can build a successful career within it.

  • Learn how to establish, manage and maintain payroll systems, a core component of any small or large business.

  • Gain the skills and knowledge to prepare financial forecasts and projections whilst managing budgets.

  • Learn about the theory side of the industry by studying economic principles related to financial service functions and tasks.

  • Attain the skills needed to prepare and lodge tax documents for individuals.

 

Why take this pathway program?

  • To enrol in the FNS50217 Diploma of Accounting you must have already completed the FNS40217 Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping. This pathway program has been developed to help you obtain both of these qualifications and give you the skills needed to launch or accelerate your career in finance.

  • This is a growing industry that contributes to a large percentage of Australia’s economy. Studying this pathway program can help prepare you for a stable and successful career in financial services.

  • There is growing demand for professionals who are skilled in web- and cloud-based accounting systems and software – topics which are covered in this pathway program.

  • This pathway program includes a number of elective subjects, so you can choose to specialise in a particular area.

  • Undertaking this pathway program means that you’ll meet the educational requirements to register as a Business Activity Statement (BAS) Agent. (Please note, other conditions apply, including a designated period of practical experience. For details on other registration requirements visit: www.tpb.gov.au.)

  • You will also be provided with 12 month student access to Sage Accounting software. Please note: You will start your free student access when you progress to 'Prepare tax documentation for individuals' as the software is required for this Module.

If you are an existing worker or have experience in the related industry, please inform our enrolment consultants during your enrolment conversation. You may be eligible to enrol as an existing worker and complete your studies faster. Please note - limitations do apply.

Potential career outcomes

  • Accounting Manager
  • Accounts Administrator
  • Accounts Clerk
  • Accounts Payable Officer
  • Accounts Receivable Officer
  • Auditor
  • Bookkeeper
  • Budget Analyst
  • Debtors Clerk
  • Financial Accountant
  • Financial Analyst
  • Financial Controller
  • Forensic Accountant
  • Government Accountant
  • Management Accountant
  • Payroll Clerk
Course number E1374
Qualification name Accounting and Bookkeeping Pathway Program
Course duration Maximum 48 months
Delivery Method Online
Recognition Nationally Recognised Nationally Recognised Training
Assessments Demonstrations, Knowledge tests, Projects, Written reports
Awarded by Open Colleges Pty Ltd (Provider number: 90796)

Education

You will need to have completed Year 12, or equivalent. Equivalency can be demonstrated by one of the following:

  • A qualification at Certificate III level or higher, OR
  • Three years of industry experience in a role that requires the use of written documentation and communication.

Physical requirements

Some assessments will require other participants to act as characters in role plays designed to demonstrate practical and oral communication skills. Students will be required to source and arrange these other participants, participants can be family, friends or workplace colleagues.

Entry Requirements

There are training package entry requirements for FNS50217 Diploma of Accounting. To be able to enter this qualification learners must have completed one of the following:

  • FNS40217 Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping or equivalent;

OR

  • the FNSSS00014 Accounting Principles Skill Set;

OR

  • the FNS40615 Certificate IV in Accounting or equivalent;

OR

  • the FNS40215 Certificate IV in Bookkeeping or equivalent.

There are prerequisite units for FNSACC514 Prepare financial reports for corporate entities which is delivered the FNS50217 Diploma of Accounting. To be able to enrol into the unit of competency learners must have completed the following units within the FNS40217 Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping:

  • BSBFIA401 Prepare financial reports or equivalent

AND

  • FNSACC311 Process financial transactions and extract interim reports or equivalent.

English

This course involves reading learning content and undertaking a range of written assessments and engaging in online forums and discussions. Furthermore, the delivery mode relies on the extensive use of written communication. As such, entry to the course requires the successful completion of English to Year 12 level.

If you haven't successfully completed English at Year 12 level, you can demonstrate equivalency through one of the following:

  • Successful completion of a Nationally Recognised Training qualification at Certificate III level or higher; or
  • 3 years relevant industry experience in a role that requires the use of written documentation and communication.

Open Colleges recognises that not all people are able to read, write and perform calculations to the same standard. See the Language, Literacy and Numeracy Considerations section for more information on tools, resources and support services provided by Open Colleges.

Computing

Access to others

This course includes a requirement to record video and/ or audio roleplays. These will require participation by 1-2 other people sourced by you.

Tools and equipment

You will need to purchase specific tools and equipment for this course. Click here to view the complete list of materials, equipment and tools required for this course. IT Requirements It is recommended that students have the following hardware and additional software:

  • Operating System:
    • Microsoft Windows 7 or higher (Windows 10 recommended)
    • Mac OS 10.11 (El Capitan) or higher Note: (Microsoft Office 365 can only guarantee support on the current release of Mac OS, plus two previous versions. Older versions may work but may have issues)
  • Processor: 2 GHz or faster, 2-core
  • Memory: 8GB of RAM or higher z916GB recommended)
  • Hard Drive: Space 2 GB free disk space
  • Browser: Chrome is the preferred browser for students
  • Windows users:
  • Microsoft Windows 7 or higher (Windows 10 recommended)
  • 1 Ghz or faster processer (2GHz recommended)
  • Software:
    • Acrobat Reader
    • Microsoft Office 2017 or later (including MS Office 365). Note: if using an equivalent office software (such as Open Office or Apple Pages etc), ensure that documents can be formatted correctly and exported to common file formats
    • Audio recording Software (Voice recorder app, Garageband, or Audacity)
    • Video editing software (iMovie, Video Editor app)
    • File compression software
  • Internet Connection: DSL, Cable, or Satellite with at least 2mbps upload speed Note: it is strongly recommended that you have access to the Internet from home. Expecting to access your course from your work internet or a public network like a library or coffee shop may be impractical due to your average weekly study hours.
  • Printer/Scanner: Access to printing/scanning devices or facilities may be required for certain course activities
  • Peripherals:
    • 1280 x 800 display (1280 x 1024 recommended) with 16-bit colour and 512 MB of V RAM
    • Speakers or headset for audio playback
    • Microphone for audio recording
    • Webcam or equivalent (such as a smartphone with video recording capability)
  • E-Mail Capability: Access to e-mail through an e-mail program or web-based e-mail system (e.g., Gmail, Hotmail, Mail for Android or Mail for iOS apps)

Audio Visual

  • Learners will need access to software to view online videos and images. Software such as Adobe Reader, Windows Media Player, Windows Photo Viewer etc. are available as a free download from the internet. 
  • As well as access to digital video recording device and/or digital camera and associated software to save and upload video and image files to OpenSpace. Many mobile phone and smart phones include this technology and OpenSpace provided an in platform recording function.

Skills

To successfully complete this course, learners will require basic computing skills. This includes: 

  • Creating, saving and editing Microsoft Office documents
  • Accessing and searching the internet
  • Downloading and saving documents from websites
  • Uploading documents through websites
  • Participating in online discussions
  • Compressing image files

Language, Literacy and Numeracy

Our free online assessment tool can help give you an idea of the language, literacy and numeracy skills needed to study a VET course. This tool can also help you determine your learning level and help you plan your future studies. You can access the Language, Literacy and Numeracy tool here.

Open Colleges may make changes to the course from time to time to reflect changes introduced to the relevant Training Package or other regulatory requirements. Please download the course guide for current information about the course and its status.

Foundations in accounting and bookkeeping

  • Check and verify supporting documentation
  • Prepare and process banking and petty cash documents
  • Prepare and process payable and received invoices
  • Prepare journals
  • Update financial data and systems
  • Prepare deposit facility and lodge flows
  • Finalise trial balance and interim reports

Preparing ledgers

  • Review accounts receivable requirements
  • Identify bad and doubtful debts
  • Review client compliance with terms and conditions and plan recovery action
  • Prepare reports and file documentation
  • Distribute creditor invoices for authorisation
  • Remit payments to creditors
  • Reconcile outstanding balances

Financial reporting

  • Maintain asset register
  • Record general journal entries for balance day adjustments
  • Prepare final general ledger accounts
  • Prepare end of period financial reports

Requirements for non-reporting entities

  • Compile data required for preparing financial statements for non-reporting entities
  • Prepare financial statements for non-reporting entities

Cloud-based computing

  • Review computing needs in the business
  • Investigate cloud computing services to meet business needs
  • Develop a plan to introduce cloud computing
  • Support implementation of the plan

Computerised accounting systems

  • Implement integrated accounting system
  • Process transactions in system
  • Maintain system
  • Produce reports

Managing payroll

This unit is designed to meet the education requirements of the Tax Practitioner Board (TPB). Where registration with the TPB is sought, assessment must reflect the conditions described by the regulator which stipulate that a significant amount (at least 40%) must be completed under some form of independent supervision.

  • Establish payroll requirements
  • Record payroll data
  • Prepare and process payroll
  • Handle payroll enquiries
  • Maintain payroll

This unit is designed to meet the education requirements of the Tax Practitioner Board (TPB). Where registration with the TPB is sought, assessment must reflect the conditions described by the regulator which stipulate that a significant amount (at least 40%) must be completed under some form of independent supervision.

Managing business activity statements

This unit is designed to meet the education requirements of the Tax Practitioner Board (TPB). Where registration with the TPB is sought, assessment must reflect the conditions described by the regulator which stipulate that a significant amount (at least 40%) must be completed under some form of independent supervision.

  • Identify compliance and other requirements applicable to business activity
  • Analyse and apply industry codes of conduct associated with work activities
  • Review and apply goods and services tax (GST) implications and code transactions
  • Report on payroll activities and amounts withheld
  • Reconcile and prepare activity statement
  • Lodge activity statement

This unit is designed to meet the education requirements of the Tax Practitioner Board (TPB). Where registration with the TPB is sought, assessment must reflect the conditions described by the regulator which stipulate that a significant amount (at least 40%) must be completed under some form of independent supervision.

Implement Customer Service Standards

  • Contribute to quality customer service standards
  • Implement customer service systems
  • Implement team customer service standards

Working effectively in financial services

  • Develop professional working relationships
  • Identify compliance requirements and support materials
  • Set up and maintain systems to meet compliance requirements
  • Work autonomously or in a team to complete work activities
  • Develop and maintain own competency

Designing business documents

  • Select and prepare resources
  • Design document
  • Produce document
  • Finalise document

Operational budgets

  • Prepare budget
  • Set budget timeframe
  • Document budget

Research and develop business plans

  • Prepare to develop business plan
  • Draft business plan
  • Create a business plan
  • Finalise business planning and plan for risk

Working in Financial Services

  • Develop professional working relationships
  • Identify compliance requirements and support materials
  • Set up and maintain systems to meet compliance requirements
  • Work autonomously or in a team to complete work activities
  • Develop and maintain own competency

Design and produce complex spreadsheets

  • Prepare and plan to develop spreadsheet 
  • Develop a linked spreadsheet solution 
  • Automate and standardise spreadsheet operation 
  • Use spreadsheets 
  • Represent numerical data in graphic form and store spreadsheet 

Providing financial and business performance information

  • Assess client needs
  • Analyse data
  • Prepare and provide financial and performance advice to client

Internal control procedures

  • Review corporate governance requirements
  • Implement internal control operating procedures
  • Monitor internal control operating procedures

Managing budgets and forecasts

  • Prepare budget
  • Forecast estimates
  • Document budget
  • Monitor budget outcomes

Providing accounting information to management

  • Gather and record operating and cost data
  • Analyse data and assign costs
  • Prepare cost reports and budgets
  • Analyse variances and review costing system integrity

Financial reports for corporate entities

  • Compile and analyse data
  • Prepare reports

Accounting information systems

  • Identify and record system requirements
  • Evaluate alternative systems
  • Evaluate acceptance test system
  • Prepare system documentation
  • Implement reporting systems and records
  • Monitor reporting systems
  • Review reporting procedures

Applying financial economics

  • Apply economic principles and theories
  • Evaluate economic aspects that apply to decision making
  • Review own work
  • Maintain personal understanding of economic policies

Financial statistics and tools

  • Apply statistical methods to work
  • Source and interpret statistical data
  • Analyse data using appropriate techniques and tools
  • Record statistical data analysis results and records

Preparing tax documentation for individuals

  • Gather client income data and verify client, organisational and legislative requirements
  • Identify, record and present client’s non-complex income tax documentation
  • Manage lodgement of client’s non-complex income tax documentation

This unit is designed to meet the education requirements of the Tax Practitioner Board (TPB). Where registration with the TPB is sought, assessment must reflect the conditions described by the regulator which stipulate that a significant amount (at least 40%) must be completed under some form of independent supervision.

Pay in Full

You can choose to pay your course fees in full upon enrolment and benefit from a 10% discount (unless otherwise advertised).

Pay 50% & Payment Plan Combo

You can also choose to pay 50% of your total course fees upon enrolment and the balance on a Payment Plan.  When you do, you’ll benefit from 50% of the standard Pay in Full discount (unless otherwise advertised).

Payment Plan

You can choose to pay for your course in weekly or fortnightly instalments. By paying in instalments, you can schedule your payments around your regular outgoings and get ahead without breaking the bank. Open Colleges payment plans are interest-free.

BPAY®

With BPAY®, you’re able to pay quickly and securely, 24/7 through your internet, mobile or phone banking service. You can choose when, how much and from which account to pay from - whatever works for you. BPAY® is only available when paying in full. Call an Enrolment Consultant to find out more. 

BPAY® is a trademark of BPAY Pty Ltd ABN 69 079 137 518. Check if BPAY® is right for you by reading the terms and conditions available from your Financial Institution.

Holly Radford

Holly is an enthusiastic and dedicated professional with over 20 years experience in business administration, account management, marketing and print. She has also been working within the education and training industry since 2013, in both a face-to-face and online capacity and is passionate about the power of education. Holly runs a small online business and holds a position on the Australian Institute of Office Professionals (AIOP) WA Division Committee.

Holly holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Diploma of Business Administration, Diploma of Business, Diploma of Marketing Communication, Diploma of Social Media Marketing, Certificate IV in Training & Assessment and a Certificate III in Printing & Graphic Arts.

 

Kimberly Kim

Kimberly has over 11 years’ experience in training and assessment in tertiary and vocational education and training institutes.  She has also run her own public accounting and tax practice for over two years, after 10 years of working in tax and accounting field. Kimberly holds a Masters of Business Administration majoring in Professional Accounting and is a Certified Professional Accountant with a passion for teaching.

Rosalie Pellew

Rosalie Pellew has over 30 years' experience in customer engagement; workplace training and assessment; facilitating adult education; leading and coaching customer contact teams; and supporting on-line learning students.

Rosalie’s experience spans various industries from retail and telecommunications to food production. Rosalie has been in Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector for over 14 years.

Pursuing her passion for adult education, Rosalie refocused into student services to assist students through their learning journey and beyond to training and assessing. She holds a Certificate IV in Training & Assessment, Diplomas in Teaching, Adult Education, Business Administration, Business and Leadership & Management.

Membership

Students of this course will receive a membership to these organisation(s)

Australian Bookkeepers Network (ABN) has been renowned as an innovative industry leader since 2001. Their purpose is to make a difference in the lives of Bookkeepers by providing a supportive community, unique tools and resources that enable Bookkeepers to make well-informed, strategic business decisions and stay ahead in their industry.

Australian Bookkeepers Association (ABA) is a government recognised independent association for Bookkeepers. ABA aims to provide members with credibility, professional accreditation, representation and facilitated training. Once your qualification is completed, ABA helps members by reducing the hours required of relevant experience when applying/renewing a BAS agent registration with the Tax Practitioners Board.

How do both memberships work?

Your ABN membership gives you access to the online resource centre that will save you time, will provide you with the help, support and information that you need, when you need it, so that you can make the right decisions.

Your ABA membership is included ABN membership and gives you recognition as a member of a professional association with relevant government bodies.

Benefits include:

  • Access to ABN helpline, ABN discussion forum and coffee club
  • Unlimited to access to the Bookkeepers Knowledge Base
  • Access to Ready Reckoner 
  • Access to multiple industry bulletins and newsletters

The Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) is one of Australia's oldest representative professional bodies, formed in 1923. It is one of the three legally recognised professional bodies for accountants in Australia.[1] The IPA represents more than 35,000 members and students working in industry, commerce, government, academia and professional practice.

Membership benefits include: 

  • Access to IFAC knowledge net
  • Access to continuing professional development events
  • Networking opportunities 
  • Access to industry publications 

To help you stand out from the crowd, enrolment in this course will also get you exclusive access to Reckon One accounting software. This includes:

  • Access to the ‘Core’, ‘Invoices’ and ‘Payroll’ online modules, along with the print versions for each module.
  • Access to the extensive Reckon One training video library.
  • Access to the Reckon One community forum.
  • Access to Reckon one certification course from Reckon Training Academy.
  • Three months free access to the commercial version of Reckon One.
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