At a glance
Combine practical bookkeeping skills and analytical accounting nous in this mid-level course, and get the qualifications you need to open up bookkeeping and accounting roles across a range of industries.
JOB PROSPECTS
- Bookkeeper
- Payroll Officer
- Accounts Clerk
COURSE OUTCOME
FNS40217 Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping
Course overview
Get a head start on your finance career and combine practical bookkeeping skills and analytical accounting nous with this mid-level course. Get the qualifications and practical skills you need to work in bookkeeping or accounting roles across a range of industries.
According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service,, the number of people working as payroll clerks grew strongly over the past five years and is expected to continue to grow in the future. There are likely to be around 21,000 job openings over the next five years, meaning skills in this area will be in high demand.
In this course you'll learn how to prepare and lodge business and instalment activity statements, prepare financial reports, establish payroll systems, and provide advice to taxpayers in relation to activity statements.
Successful completion of this course meets the Tax Practitioners Board requirements for registration as a BAS agent. You'll also be qualified to enter the finance industry as a bookkeeper, accounts clerk, or payroll officer.
At TAFE Queensland we believe in providing quality pathways to further education opportunities. Give yourself the best chance to advance your career with further study options that will open up further employment opportunities in the world of financial services.
This new course is currently available at selected Greater Brisbane locations only. It combines and supercedes the Certificate IV in Accounting (FNS40615) and the Certificate IV in Bookkeeping (FNS40215). Other locations are currently in teach out periods. For information about these courses as available at other locations, please view the Certificate IV in Accounting (FNS40615) or Certificate IV in Bookkeeping (FNS40215) course brochure.
Units
The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 5 elective units from the list below.
| UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
|---|---|---|
| BSBFIA401 |
Prepare financial reports | |
| BSBSMB412 |
Introduce cloud computing into business operations | |
| FNSACC311 |
Process financial transactions and extract interim reports | |
| FNSACC312 |
Administer subsidiary accounts and ledgers | |
| FNSACC408 |
Work effectively in the accounting and bookkeeping industry | |
| FNSACC416 |
Set up and operate a computerised accounting system | |
| FNSTPB401 |
Complete business activity and instalment activity statements | |
| FNSTPB402 |
Establish and maintain payroll systems | |
Note: Not all electives are available at all campuses.
| UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
|---|---|---|
| Sunshine Coast | ||
| BSBFIA302 |
Process payroll | |
| BSBWRT301 |
Write simple documents | |
| FNSACC304 |
Conduct business activities using a computerised accounting system | |
| FNSACC313 |
Perform financial calculations | |
| FNSACC405 |
Maintain inventory records | |
| Greater Brisbane / Gold Coast | ||
| BSBITU402 |
Develop and use complex spreadsheets | |
| FNSACC412 |
Prepare operational budgets | |
| FNSACC413 |
Make decisions in a legal context | |
| FNSACC513 |
Manage budgets and forecasts | |
| FNSINC504 |
Apply ethical frameworks and principles to make and act upon decisions | |
| Online | ||
| BSBITU306 |
Design and produce business documents | |
| BSBITU402 |
Develop and use complex spreadsheets | |
| FNSACC313 |
Perform financial calculations | |
| FNSACC412 |
Prepare operational budgets | |
| FNSACC414 |
Prepare financial statements for non-reporting entities | |
Note: Not all electives are available at all campuses.
Ways to study
Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more
What you need to know about studying on campus
Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.
Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of choosing when and where you study. Direct your own learning with all your study materials online, allowing you to manage your own workload and fit your studies around your lifestyle. Access your learning space 24 hours a day, seven days a week and be supported by high-quality educators who are devoted to your outcomes. Learn more
What you need to know about studying online
Intake
For most online courses study is structured into fixed intakes that have set durations of 12 weeks from the study commencement date. You will be able to access your learning materials from the first day of the study period. You must be enrolled to be able to access your learning materials. To ensure you can manage your study load, we recommend limiting your workload to no more than 2 units of competency per intake. In some circumstances, you may be required/able to complete 3 units per intake.
Other online courses such as nursing have different intakes, durations, and workload structures.
As an international student at TAFE Queensland you'll gain hands-on experience in our modern classrooms, laboratories and workshops using state-of-the-art facilities and the same tools and equipment used in industry.
The diversity of our campus locations means you can choose the study location that suits you. Get the internationally-recognised qualification you need to launch your career while enjoying the unique Australian landscape, culture, and lifestyle.
No matter where you are in your study journey, our team of international student support advisors can help you settle into life in Australia and provide support and assistance to help you throughout your studies.
What you need to know about studying as an International student
As an international student you’ll study face-to-face in a classroom with other international and Australian students at one of our campus locations.
In addition to your scheduled class hours you will be expected to complete additional study in your own time.
The course cost indicated is for students on an international student visa. If you’re visiting Australia on a non-student visa (e.g. partner visa, working holiday, employer sponsor etc.) please contact us directly for the price applicable to you.
Do you need help?
- email us your questions
- call us on +61 7 3244 5100
- find an agent to help with your application
- check out our frequently asked questions (FAQs).
University pathways
If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.
Learn more about university pathways
Payment options
No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what's right for you, get in touch. We're here to help.
Upfront payment
This is the total amount you need to pay when you enrol. This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.
Payment plan
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
Important Information
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course.
Selection criteria
Domestic students
Year 10 level of education or equivalent, mature-aged entry with work experience in a related field.
Entry into the accelerated program is via an application process and it is required that you have at least 5 years’ experience working in the industry.
International students
- English Language Proficiency: Academic IELTS 5.5 (no individual band less thatn 5.0) or ISLPR 2+ on all skills or other. For a list of all English Language tests accepted by TAFE Queensland International.
- Academic Requirements: Completion of Year 12 (or equivalent). Non school-leavers must have relevant work experience or qualification that indicates likely success of course completion. For more information on the International Education Achievement levels equivalent to Year 10 and 12.
- Students should be a minimum of 18 years of age. Student visa applicants under the age of 18 will be accepted where they demonstrate that they will be accompanied by a parent, legal custodian or a suitable relative who is aged 21 or over. This arrangement requires the approval of the Department of Home Affairs. For more information visit Department of Home Affairs - Welfare Requirements for Student Visa Applicants under 18.
Resources required
Access to the internet and a computer/laptop, USB, Microsoft Office 2013 of later version, stationery items, textbooks may be required to be purchased.
Students will be required to work with MYOB files (provided by TAFE) for certain units. Please note that these MYOB files are only compatible with PC (not MAC).
Need to know
When studying online it is strongly recommended students follow the preferred order of study and enrol in no more than two units per intake, unless otherwise advised.
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Work functions in the occupational areas where this qualification may be used are subject to regulatory requirements. Refer to the FNS Financial Services Training Package Companion Volume Implementation Guide or the relevant regulator for specific guidance on requirements.
Persons providing a business activity statement (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. Other conditions 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.
Assessment Methods
Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.
Disclaimer
All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.
How to apply
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and credit transfers
Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. Getting recognition for the skills you've gained from the workplace or previous learning means less study time for you, and getting the paper to prove you're qualified a whole lot sooner. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.
Get started with TAFE Queensland
If you have read and understood the student rules, refund policy, understand your fees and payment options, have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) and checked you meet the entry requirements and selection criteria for this course, you're ready to get started.
University pathways
If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.
Learn more about university pathways