Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping

Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping - FNS40217

VOCATIONAL

Develop your accounting and bookkeeping skills in our simulated small business practice firm environment.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus and Online
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 6 months
Part-time 1.5 years
Fees:

Fee finder

*Free TAFE course

Next intake:
February, April, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus and Online
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 6 months
Fees:

AU$11,750 (2023 total)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

This Qualification has been superseded by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment and will change in Semester 1, 2024.

This may result in changes to the program structure, duration, content and fees.

Overview

This Qualification has been superseded by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment and will change in 2023.

You can still apply for this program and you will be supported to transfer into the new qualification once it becomes available. This may result in changes to the program structure, content and fees.

Gain a qualification that is essential to every business and organisation, and build the skills you need to start a career with endless opportunity.

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. You will undertake structured learning activities and authentic assessments within a Practice Firm environment, designed to simulate real-world work experiences.

Study options include full-time and part-time blended delivery, or part-time online.

Upon completion of this certificate, you will have met the educational requirements for registration as a BAS agent within Australia as prescribed by the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB).

*This is a Free TAFE priority course. Check your eligibility.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Why study accounting and bookkeeping at RMIT?

Authentic assessments

Complete learning activities and assessments in a simulated practice firm environment, reflecting real-world experiences.

Work relevant

Hear from guest speakers on current issues, receiving expert perspectives on study topics and work-simulated scenarios.

Accredited qualification

On completion, you'll meet the Tax Practitioners Board's educational requirements for registration as a BAS agent within Australia.

Details

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In this program you will undertake structured learning activities and authentic assessments within a Practice Firm environment that simulates real-world job roles.

We offer a blended learning model with opportunities for both face-to-face and live online classes. 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.

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes supervised tests, reports, oral presentations, group projects and practical assignments.

Students can choose between full-time or part-time on-campus/blended classes, or part-time online-only classes delivered in the evenings.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

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 of Accounting Technicians, Institute of Certified Bookkeepers, Institute of Public Accountants, Chartered Accountants [Australia and New Zealand] and CPA Australia) as well as high-profile industry practitioners from a broad cross-section of small and large organisations.

While undertaking this program, you can expect scheduled classes up to four days per week.

Days and hours of your study will vary according to your study load and the units you undertake.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this certificate and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

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

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping
Program code: C4398
National curriculum code: FNS40217
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping
City Campus
0.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent
C4398
099255C
Location
City Campus
Duration
0.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Plan code
C4398
CRICOS
099255C
View plan
Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping
City Campus
0.5 years full-time
C4398
099255C
Location
City Campus
Duration
0.5 years full-time
Plan code
C4398
CRICOS
099255C
View plan

VTAC Code

If you are eligible to apply via VTAC, copy and paste the below code into VTAC search.

  • Plan C4398 - 3200372314

Please ensure that you have checked the admissions requirements and apply page before applying.

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

As a graduate of this course, you’re well positioned to seek employment in accounting and bookkeeping roles, or to pursue further education, including the Diploma of Accounting and Advanced Diploma of Accounting.

You might even decide to open and manage your own small bookkeeping business.

On successful completion of this course, you will meet the minimum educational requirements to register as a BAS agent within Australia as prescribed by the Tax Practitioners Board under the Tax Agent Services Act (2009).

To improve your employability after completing this course, you might seek out a range of Job Shop workshops to build on your soft skills, broaden your skills through the Future Edge program, or add experience to your resume by undertaking volunteer work through Career Hub.

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

There are no minimum academic entry requirements for this program. Applicants must meet the minimum University Entry requirements for this program.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification) (check calculator below).

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.

You may also be considered if you have work experience in this field.

Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.

Entry score calculator
Minimum Score Required

Don’t meet the requirements?

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

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 (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 50 (with minimum 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)
  • C1 Advanced: minimum of 162 with no less than 154 in any component.

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 English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Upper Intermediate Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

Pathways

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Understanding pathways

Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.

Explore the pathway finder
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Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Graduates of the Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping may be eligible to undertake further study at RMIT, subject to meeting entry requirements. These programs include the Diploma of Accounting and the Advanced Diploma of Accounting.

Graduates of this course may be eligible for exemptions from a range of Bachelor of Business degrees, subject to meeting the entry requirements. For more information, explore our Pathway finder. 

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You can gain entry to this certificate from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.

Coming from a partner institution?

RMIT has pathway arrangements with many partner institutions around the world.

If your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT you may be able to receive credit and reduce the time it will take to complete your preferred RMIT program.

Find out if your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT

If you have qualifications from an institution that is not an RMIT partner, credit into your RMIT program will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

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 to other RMIT vocational study or undergraduate programs.

Fees

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Free TAFE for priority courses

The Victorian Government is currently waiving tuition fees for this program for students who meet eligibility requirements for government subsidised places.

Visit Free TAFE for priority courses for further information on what this means and whether you may be eligible.

If you have any questions you can contact Study@RMIT.

The tuition fees below will apply if you are not receiving a Free TAFE fee waiver.

2023 fees

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.

  • 2023 government subsidised place (with concession): AU$850.00* per annum
  • 2023 government subsidised place: AU$4,250* per annum
  • 2023 full-fee place: AU$7,750* per annum

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$326 maximum fee for 2023.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Eligibility Exemption criteria

**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility

Payments and refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

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 2023 is $326. 

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.

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).

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$11,750.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

More information
aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information