Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping
Quick facts
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Entry score
Not applicable
-
Duration
Full-time 6 months -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February, JulyEntry score
IELTS 5.5
Duration
Full-time 6 months
Location
Melbourne City
Fees
AU$10,500 (2019 total)
Next intake
February, July
Overview
Learn how to establish, operate and maintain an accounting system for small business entities, evaluate and implement business technologies, and manage day-to-day business activities.
Upon completion of this program you will have met the educational requirements for registration as a BAS agent within Australia as prescribed by the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB).
Details
In this program you will undertake structured learning activities and authentic assessments within a Practice Firm environment that simulates real-world job roles.
Most of your face-to-face learning will take place in RMIT's Swanston Academic Building which features innovative learning spaces interspersed with retail and social spaces resulting in a stimulating environment for students.
In addition to the simulated business environment, RMIT offers a variety of other learning and teaching approaches including seminars, workshops, presentations, group discussions and project work.
Through RMIT University’s online learning portal, myRMIT, you will be able to access online learning resources, collaborate with teachers and fellow students, and access your student email account.
Educational software, the Learning Hub, resources and printers are accessible on campus via the RMIT wireless network using your own laptop, tablet or smart phone or via computer facilities on-campus. You will be able to access the same software from home using myDesktop.
Find out more about student computing at RMIT.
Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes supervised tests, reports, oral presentations, group projects, and practical assignments.
RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.
Industry guest speakers are invited to speak about current issues and will provide you with an experienced perspective on study topics and work-simulated scenarios.
The Industry Advisory Committee includes representatives of major accounting and bookkeeping professional bodies (Association Accounting Technicians, Institute Certified Bookkeepers, Institute Public Accountants, and CPA Australia) as well as high-profile industry practitioners from a broad cross-section of small and large organisations.
The Certificate IV program comprises 13 units (8 core and 5 elective units) and assumes no previous work or study background in this field.
Major areas of study include:
- Budgets and spreadsheets
- Cloud computing
- Financial accounting
- BAS and payroll
- Legal systems and processes
- Running a small business
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping | City Campus |
Six months full time study
|
Six months full time
|
C4398 |
Choose a program structure
Program code: C4398
National curriculum code: FNS40217
Career
This program is designed for those wishing to undertake an entry level program in accounting and bookkeeping. It is equally applicable to those seeking employment at the conclusion of this program, as well as those wishing to articulate to higher level accounting studies ( including the Diploma of Accounting).
Those gaining employment at the conclusion of this program are likely to work as employee bookkeepers/BAS agents. Many of those employed as bookkeepers will be matured-aged persons seeking a career change into the accounting and bookkeeping industry. Some bookkeepers may opt to establish and manage small bookkeeping businesses of their own.
Graduates are prepared for employment in a bookkeeping job role with functions that include:
- setting up and operating a computer-based financial system
- classifying, recording and reporting accounting information
- maintaining accounts receivable and payable
- establishing and maintaining a payroll system
- completing Business Activity Statements (BAS)
- preparing bank reconciliations
- producing non-complex management financial reports
- ensuring all relevant legal requirements are adhered to
On successful completion of the Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping, graduates will meet the minimum educational requirements to register as a BAS agent within Australia as prescribed by the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) under the Tax Agent Services Act (2009).
There are other conditions to be met in order to register as a BAS agent (including a supervised work experience component) and graduates seeking BAS agent registration are urged to check current licensing requirements with the TPB.
Admissions
Current Year 12: Successful completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent; or the Australian Senior VCAL Certificate.
This program does not select on ATAR.
Non Year 12: Completion of post-secondary studies or at least 6 months’ work experience.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification).
Visit the Entry requirements by country page to find the equivalent to an Australian Year 12.
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post-secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Entry requirements
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 5.5 (with no individual band below 5.0)
- TOEFL (Paper based): minimum score of 530 (TWE 3.5)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 50 (with minimum score of 5 in Reading, 5 in Listening, 14 in Speaking and 15 in Writing).
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE A)): minimum score of 42 (with no communication band less than 36)
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an Upper Intermediate Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
Graduates of the Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping may be eligible to undertake further studies in related RMIT programs, subject to meeting each program's entry requirements. These programs include the Diploma of Accounting and the Advanced Diploma of Accounting.
Graduates of the Diploma of Accounting and Advanced Diploma of Accounting may apply for exemptions from any Bachelor of Business degree, subject to meeting each program's entry requirements.
When you successfully complete the Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping you are guaranteed entry into the Diploma of Accounting.
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT vocational study or undergraduate programs.
Fees
The Victorian State Government has announced that from January 2019, that they will waive the tuition fee of 30 priority courses and 18 pre-apprenticeship courses at TAFE institutes, which includes this program.
This fee waiver will only be available for eligible students who will commence one of these qualifications in 2019.
Visit Free TAFE for priority courses for further information on what this means and whether it may affect you.
If you have any questions you can contact our Info Corner team.
The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.
- 2019 government subsidised place: AU$3,250* per annum
- 2019 full-fee place: AU$5,000* per annum
*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.
Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.
Tuition fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide. Learn more about fees for vocational study.
You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession or exemption if you are in a Victorian Government subsidised place and you meet the eligibility criteria.
If your application for a fee concession is approved, you will be charged 20% of the standard government subsidised tuition fee for your program. You will also be charged a lower rate on your student services and amenities fee (SSAF).
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2019 is $303.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2019 commencement is AU$10,500.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.



