Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping

FNS40222

This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.

Overview

Learn to manage accounts, prepare reports and handle payroll to work in finance or business.

This qualification reflects the role of individuals in the accounting and bookkeeping industry, including business activity statement (BAS) agents and contract bookkeepers; and of those employees performing bookkeeping tasks for organisations in a range of industries. It includes preparing and lodging business and instalment activity statements, data processing, monthly reconciliations, preparing budgets, preparing reports on financial performance and the position of the business, preparing end-of-year adjustments, and finalising financial records after year-end. Dealing with the Commissioner of Taxation on behalf of a taxpayer in relation to activity statements and other lodgement matters is also a key component of the role that this qualification reflects. Individuals in these roles apply theoretical and specialist skills and knowledge to work autonomously, and exercise judgement in completing routine and non-routine activities.

Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification considerations

Work functions in the occupational areas where this qualification may be used are subject to regulatory requirements. Refer to the relevant regulator for specific guidance on requirements.

Persons providing a BAS service for a fee or other reward must be registered by the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) and this qualification is currently cited as meeting the TPB education requirements for registration as a BAS agent. Other requirements apply, including a designated period of experience. Persons seeking BAS agent registration should check current registration requirements with the TPB, as registration requirements are reviewed regularly.

  • Financial help

    • Government funding is available for this course. Check your eligibility for:

      • Career Boost (general)
      Check your eligibility

  • Cost

    Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.

    • VET Student Loans are not available
    • You may need to pay for equipment or materials.

    To see how government funding could help to reduce the cost of your course, check your eligibility for funding.

  • On-the-job training

    • Completing this course through a traineeship can help you to learn the skills you need.

    This traineeship is available:

    • Bookkeeper

  • Entry requirements

    This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.

  • Duration

    You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.

    • Through traineeship:
      2 years
    • Qualification only:
      6 months – 2 years

  • Delivery options

    You may be able to access this training in these ways:

    • Workplace-based
    • Some classroom learning
    • Part-time available
    • Partially online
    • Practical learning

Course content

This course is made up of units.

All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.

For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.

Unit Unit type
Administer subsidiary accounts and ledgers Core
Complete business activity and instalment activity statements Core
Design and produce spreadsheets Core
Establish and maintain payroll systems Core
Prepare financial reports Core
Prepare financial statements for non-reporting entities Core
Prepare operational budgets Core
Process financial transactions and extract interim reports Core
Set up and operate computerised accounting systems Core
Work effectively in the accounting and bookkeeping industry Core
Authorise valid expense payments Elective
Deliver and monitor a service to customers Elective
Design and produce business documents Elective
Design and produce complex spreadsheets Elective
Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures Elective
Establish operational strategies and procedures for new business ventures Elective
Implement customer service strategies Elective
Interpret and apply knowledge of industrial regulations relevant to payroll Elective
Interpret and apply knowledge of taxation systems relevant to payroll Elective
Maintain inventory records Elective
Make decisions in a legal context Elective
Manage personal and professional development Elective
Perform financial calculations Elective
Plan finances for new business ventures Elective
Prepare financial forecasts and projections Elective
Prepare financial reports to meet statutory requirements Elective
Process business tax requirements Elective
Process complex employee terminations in payroll Elective
Process salary packaging arrangements and additional allowances in payroll Elective
Process superannuation payments in payroll Elective
Produce job costing information Elective
Use digital technologies to collaborate in a work environment Elective
Write simple documents Elective

Job prospects

The Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.

  • Finance Manager

    ANZSCO 132211

    Plan, organise, control and supervise all the financial and accounting activities within an organisation.

    Recommended education level:
    Bachelor degree or higher

  • Accountant (General)

    ANZSCO 221111

    Provide financial advice and services for individuals or businesses.

    Recommended education level:
    Bachelor degree or higher

  • Accounts Clerk

    ANZSCO 551111

    Accounts Clerks monitor creditor and debtor accounts, and undertake related routine documentation. They may work in call centres.

    Recommended education level:
    Certificate II or III

  • Bookkeeper

    ANZSCO 551211

    Maintain accurate records of financial transactions and produce financial statements.

    Recommended education level:
    Certificate III or IV

  • Payroll Clerk

    ANZSCO 551311

    Arrange the payment of salaries and wages to employees of an organisation.

    Recommended education level:
    Certificate II or III

Training providers delivering Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping

It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.

Showing: 97 providers

How to enrol in this course

To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.

When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.

The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.

Delivery locations can change as students enrol. If you're doing any workplace-based training, like an apprenticeship, this will take place in a different location from your classroom training. Contact your training provider to confirm delivery locations.
Government funding may be available. Contact your training provider to confirm.
Back to top