Whether you’re looking to start your own business, take the next step in your accounting or bookkeeping career, or register as a Business Activity Statement (BAS) Agent, this qualification will give you the knowledge and skills you need to get where you want to go.
Please note that on the 14th of June 2022 this course was superseded and replaced by FNS40222- Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping. 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.
In the FNS40217 Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping, you will learn many beneficial financial skills, including:
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.
Course number | E1242 |
Qualification name | FNS40217 Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping |
Course duration | Maximum 24 months |
Delivery Method | Online |
Recognition | Nationally Recognised ![]() |
Assessments | Demonstrations, Knowledge tests, Projects, Written reports |
Awarded by | Open Colleges Pty Ltd (Provider number: 90796) |
You will need to have completed Year 12, or equivalent. Equivalency can be demonstrated by one of the following:
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.
You will need to be at least 18 years old.
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:
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.
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:
To successfully complete this course, learners will require basic computing skills. This includes:
Office equipment and resources including telephone, photocopier, scanner and printer.
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.
Once you are enrolled in this course, you will receive access to the first Module. When you have successfully completed this unit, you'll be given access to the next Module.
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.
FNSACC311 | Process financial transactions and extract interim reports |
FNSACC312 | Administer subsidiary accounts and ledgers |
BSBFIA401 | Prepare financial reports |
FNSACC414 | Prepare financial statements for non-reporting entities |
BSBSMB412 | Introduce cloud computing into business operations |
FNSACC416 | Set up and operate a computerised accounting system |
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.
FNSTPB402 | Establish and maintain payroll systems |
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.
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.
FNSTPB401 | Complete business activity and instalment 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.
BSBCUS403 | Implement customer service standards |
FNSACC408 | Work effectively in the accounting and bookkeeping industry |
BSBITU306 | Design and produce business documents |
FNSACC412 | Prepare operational budgets |
BSBESB401 | Research and develop business plans |
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 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 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 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.
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.
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:
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:
Whether you’re looking to start your own business, take the next step in your accounting or bookkeeping career, or register as a Business Activity Statement (BAS) Agent, this qualification will give you the knowledge and skills you need to get where you want to go.
Please note that on the 14th of June 2022 this course was superseded and replaced by FNS40222- Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping. 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.
In the FNS40217 Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping, you will learn many beneficial financial skills, including:
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.
Course number | E1242 |
Qualification name | FNS40217 Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping |
Course duration | Maximum 24 months |
Delivery Method | Online |
Recognition | Nationally Recognised ![]() |
Assessments | Demonstrations, Knowledge tests, Projects, Written reports |
Awarded by | Open Colleges Pty Ltd (Provider number: 90796) |
You will need to have completed Year 12, or equivalent. Equivalency can be demonstrated by one of the following:
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.
You will need to be at least 18 years old.
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:
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.
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:
To successfully complete this course, learners will require basic computing skills. This includes:
Office equipment and resources including telephone, photocopier, scanner and printer.
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.
Once you are enrolled in this course, you will receive access to the first Module. When you have successfully completed this unit, you'll be given access to the next Module.
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.
FNSACC311 | Process financial transactions and extract interim reports |
FNSACC312 | Administer subsidiary accounts and ledgers |
BSBFIA401 | Prepare financial reports |
FNSACC414 | Prepare financial statements for non-reporting entities |
BSBSMB412 | Introduce cloud computing into business operations |
FNSACC416 | Set up and operate a computerised accounting system |
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.
FNSTPB402 | Establish and maintain payroll systems |
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.
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.
FNSTPB401 | Complete business activity and instalment 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.
BSBCUS403 | Implement customer service standards |
FNSACC408 | Work effectively in the accounting and bookkeeping industry |
BSBITU306 | Design and produce business documents |
FNSACC412 | Prepare operational budgets |
BSBESB401 | Research and develop business plans |
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 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 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 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.
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.
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:
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: