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Accounting Pathway Program

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Course Description

In order to enrol in the FNS50217 Diploma of Accounting you must have already completed the FNSSS00014 Accounting Principles Skill Set. By incorporating both these courses in the Accounting Skill Set Pathway Program, Open Colleges can offer you a streamlined solution to your learning goals. 

Are you new to the accounting industry? Or do you already have some experience under your belt? Whether you’re looking to launch or enhance your career, this online accounting pathway program will help you reach your goals. It covers foundational, need-to-know principles as well as more advanced skills and knowledge, preparing you for a successful career in the fast-growing financial services industry.

Please note that on the 14th of June 2022 the units for Accounting Principles skill set course were superseded and updated. Diploma of Accounting was also superseded and replaced by FNS50222 - Diploma of Accounting.. You can still enrol in this pathway program, however at the moment, the new units are not yet available. Open Colleges will communicate with you in due course once the new course is available.

What you’ll learn

  • Learn the foundational knowledge needed to build a successful career in accounting.

  • Understand everything there is to know about preparing ledgers, producing reports and managing payroll.

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

  • Master using computerised accounting systems and spreadsheet software.

  • Learn how 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 FNSSS00014 Accounting Principles Skill Set. This pathway program has been developed by industry experts to help you obtain both of these qualifications and give you the skills needed to launch or accelerate your career in finance.

  • Equip yourself with an expert level of accounting knowledge as well as practical, in-demand skills that will prepare you for a career in the finance industry.

  • As part of the pathway program you’ll receive 24 months of free access to Reckon One accounting software, so you can practice your skills and become an expert in online accounting.

  • 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 Officer

Course Details

Course number E1375
Qualification name Accounting Pathway Program
Course duration Maximum 36 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

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.

To successfully complete this pathway course, it is recommended that students:

  • Be over 18 years of age

  • Have language, literacy and numeracy skills that ensures the ability to read and comprehend technical terms and communicate effectively through email. These skills are equivalent to those that would be required to successfully complete year 12

  • Access to a modern computer with high speed internet

  • Basic computing skills including the ability to make a short video

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.

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

Foundations of 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

Computerised accounting systems

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

Managing payroll

  • 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

  • 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.

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

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.

Industry Connections

Membership

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

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 FROM 35% OFF

Selected course fees when you pay upfront.

Voucher code: 35MARCH26

Offer ends on Sunday 26th 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 Officer
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 Officer
computer

Delivery Method

Online

credit_score

Payment

Flexible payment options available

Recognition

Nationally recognised

Nationally Recognised Training

SAVE FROM 35% OFF

Selected course fees when you pay upfront.

Voucher code: 35MARCH26

Offer ends on Sunday 26th March 2023 at 11:59pm AEST.

*Terms & conditions

In order to enrol in the FNS50217 Diploma of Accounting you must have already completed the FNSSS00014 Accounting Principles Skill Set. By incorporating both these courses in the Accounting Skill Set Pathway Program, Open Colleges can offer you a streamlined solution to your learning goals. 

Are you new to the accounting industry? Or do you already have some experience under your belt? Whether you’re looking to launch or enhance your career, this online accounting pathway program will help you reach your goals. It covers foundational, need-to-know principles as well as more advanced skills and knowledge, preparing you for a successful career in the fast-growing financial services industry.

Please note that on the 14th of June 2022 the units for Accounting Principles skill set course were superseded and updated. Diploma of Accounting was also superseded and replaced by FNS50222 - Diploma of Accounting.. You can still enrol in this pathway program, however at the moment, the new units are not yet available. Open Colleges will communicate with you in due course once the new course is available.

What you’ll learn

  • Learn the foundational knowledge needed to build a successful career in accounting.

  • Understand everything there is to know about preparing ledgers, producing reports and managing payroll.

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

  • Master using computerised accounting systems and spreadsheet software.

  • Learn how 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 FNSSS00014 Accounting Principles Skill Set. This pathway program has been developed by industry experts to help you obtain both of these qualifications and give you the skills needed to launch or accelerate your career in finance.

  • Equip yourself with an expert level of accounting knowledge as well as practical, in-demand skills that will prepare you for a career in the finance industry.

  • As part of the pathway program you’ll receive 24 months of free access to Reckon One accounting software, so you can practice your skills and become an expert in online accounting.

  • 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 Officer
Course number E1375
Qualification name Accounting Pathway Program
Course duration Maximum 36 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)

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.

To successfully complete this pathway course, it is recommended that students:

  • Be over 18 years of age

  • Have language, literacy and numeracy skills that ensures the ability to read and comprehend technical terms and communicate effectively through email. These skills are equivalent to those that would be required to successfully complete year 12

  • Access to a modern computer with high speed internet

  • Basic computing skills including the ability to make a short video

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.

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

Foundations of 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

Computerised accounting systems

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

Managing payroll

  • 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

  • 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.

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.

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.

Membership

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

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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