
Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping
FNS40222
Length
6 Months (full time)
1.5 Years (part time)
Location
Study Mode
On Campus & Online
Online Classes & Workplace Training
Workplace Training & Online Study
Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping - FNS40222
Explore this course:
Course Overview
Course start dates are indicative and are subject to change. Students will receive information from their teacher upon enrolment including a confirmed start date and timetable. If applicable, students will also receive information about a course induction and directions on where to go on the first day.
Whether you want to become a business activity statement (BAS) agent, a contract bookkeeper, or work in bookkeeping tasks for organisations across a range of industries, once completed learners will meet the educational requirements for registration as a Business Activity Statement (BAS) agent within Australia.
Students will learn how to prepare and lodge business and instalment activity statements, process data, perform monthly reconciliations, prepare budgets, and create reports on the financial performance and position of a business. They will also gain expertise in preparing end-of-year adjustments and finalising financial records after year-end.
Learners will also develop key skills in dealing with the Commissioner of Taxation on behalf of taxpayers in relation to activity statements and other lodgement matters. With the ability to apply theoretical and specialist skills and knowledge to work autonomously and exercise judgement in both routine and non-routine activities, graduates will be equipped to step into the world of Accounting and Bookkeeping.
Working in this industry will give individuals exposure to a broad range of people and operations. They may be dealing with customers, working with Microsoft Office or specialist software packages, or entering and processing financial information. It will generally involve working business hours, Monday to Friday with peak busy periods at the end of the month, quarterly, and at the end of the financial year.
Careers & study pathways
Where can this course take me?
Roles graduates may be eligible for include:
- Accounts Receivable Officer
- Accounts Payable Officer
- Payroll Officer
- Bookkeeper
- BAS Agent (Please note there are additional Tax Practitioner Board requirements associated with registration as a BAS agent)
Further study
After graduating, participants might like to undertake further study in the FNS50222 Diploma of Accounting.
Course details
Upcoming dates and times
Choose a location below to learn more about when this course is offered and on which days you’ll need to attend.
Online Campus
(1 commencing soon)
Open From: 28-Jan-2025 - Traineeship - Part time - Various - Workplace Training & Online Study
Shepparton - Fryers Street
(5 commencing soon)
Open From: 02-Feb-2026 - Traineeship - Part time - Various - Online Classes & Workplace Training
Starts On: 02-Feb-2026 - Full time - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday - 9.00am - 4.00pm - On Campus & Online - Applications Close: 26-Jan-2026
Starts On: 02-Feb-2026 - Part time - Tuesday & Thursday - 4.30pm - 7.30pm - On Campus & Online - Applications Close: 26-Jan-2026
Starts On: 13-Jul-2026 - Full time - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday - 9.00am - 4.00pm - On Campus & Online - Applications Close: 06-Jul-2026
Starts On: 13-Jul-2026 - Part time - Tuesday & Thursday - 4.30pm - 7.30pm - On Campus & Online - Applications Close: 06-Jul-2026
Study units
Take a look at some of the subjects you’ll be studying when you take this course.
This course requires a total of 13 units: 10 core and 3 elective.
Core units
10 unit(s)
- BSBTEC302 Design and produce spreadsheets
- FNSACC321 Process financial transactions and extract interim reports
- FNSACC322 Administer subsidiary accounts and ledgers
- FNSACC412 Prepare operational budgets
- FNSACC414 Prepare financial statements for non-reporting entities
- FNSACC418 Work effectively in the accounting and bookkeeping industry
- FNSACC421 Prepare financial reports
- FNSACC426 Set up and operate computerised accounting systems
- FNSTPB411 Complete business activity and instalment activity statements
- FNSTPB412 Establish and maintain payroll systems
Elective units
3 unit(s)
- BSBTEC402 Design and produce complex spreadsheets
- FNSACC323 Perform financial calculations
- FNSACC411 Process business tax requirements
Attendance & commitment
General public blended delivery | 6 months course length | Full-time study load
Students are expected to:
- Attend virtual classes 3 days per week (9am - 4pm).
- Attend on campus one day per week (9am - 4pm).
- Attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled classes.
- Spend approximately 10 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision and completion of assessments.
- Complete 2 x (3 hours) assessments for units FNSTBP411 & FNSTBP412 under supervised conditions (as required by the Tax Practitioners Board).
- Complete a 15-30 min role play assessment with their teacher.
General public online delivery | 1.5 years course length | Part-time study load
Students are expected to:
- Attend virtual night classes 2 nights per week from 4:30pm-7:30pm.
- Attend on campus once per month (3 hours) 4:30pm-7:30pm.
- Attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled classes.
- Spend approximately 6 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision and completion of assessments.
- Complete 2 x (3 hours) assessments for units FNSTBP411 & FNSTBP412 under supervised conditions (as required by the Tax Practictioners Board).
- Complete a 15-30 min role play assessment with their teacher.
Traineeship blended delivery | 2 years course length | Part-time study load
Students are expected to:
- Spend approximately 10 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision and completion of assessments.
- Meet with their teacher at their place of work at least 4 times per year (this may be virtual).
- Complete 2 x (3 hours) assessments for units FNSTBP411 & FNSTBP412 under supervised conditions (as required by the Tax Practitioners Board).
- Complete a 15-30 min role play assessment with their teacher- access support, as required.
Assessment methods
Assessment methods may include:
- Practical exercises
- Knowledge questions
- Case studies
- Portfolios
- Observations
- Simulated roleplays
Before you begin
Entry requirements
GOTAFE entry requirements
Before being accepted into this course applicants must:
- Complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online test to ensure the required literacy & numeracy levels for the course are met.
- Undertake a Pre-training Review by interview to ensure the course suits their needs and aspirations, and that they are likely to complete the course successfully.
- Prospective Traineeship or Apprenticeship students are required to apply through an Apprenticeship Network Provider with their employer to organise their apprenticeship contract before applying for this course.
Industry requirements
- Persons seeking BAS agent registration after completing their course should check current registration requirements with the TPB, as registration requirements are reviewed regularly.
- 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.
- 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:https://www.tpb.gov.au/
Student resources
- Laptop/computer with internet access
- Online delivery requires students to have a webcam, headset/microphone, and competent computer skills.
- Access to two computer screens to enable students to watch and participate in classes on one screen, and to complete class work and activities on the other.
Enrolment
Please note: Eligible individuals who wish to access a government-subsidised place, must participate in a Pre-training Review. This will consider your:
- Aspirations/career goals
- Educational attainment and capability
- Literacy and numeracy skills
- Suitability for Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer
Skills recognition / Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Skills Recognition is an assessment only process that may result in credits towards a part or full qualification. There is no formal training involved, although you may choose to complete further training as a result of the assessment process.
You can apply for Skills Recognition before you enrol in the qualification you are seeking. You can apply for Skills Recognition through one or both of the following processes:
- Credit Transfer for formal training that might be equivalent to a new qualification or partial qualification.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for people who have relevant and current skills and knowledge that they have gained through non-formal or informal learning i.e. work or life experience.
Fees and payments
This course is available as part of the Free TAFE scheme for eligible students.
Fees and costs
GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.
2025 fees are displayed and are subject to change.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding to eligible individuals.
Please note that the fees on this webpage, for this particular course:
- are correct at the time of publishing for those enrolling in 2025 and may change without notice.
- will be discussed with applications as part of the application process to ensure it is understood what is being paid for and which fee rates they may be eligible for.
Course Fees consist of 3 different components:
- Student Tuition Fee - cover the costs of training and assessment. These fees vary across courses and are calculated based on a rate per nominal hour enrolled in. The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Circumstances may include:
- an individual’s eligibility for Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
- an individual’s eligibility for concession rates on Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
- ineligible individuals who are required to pay the full fees for tuition and other costs.
- Material Fee - where applicable, cover the costs of classroom consumables, handouts, and booklets, e-Learning resources, and associated license access fees and excursions.
- Student Services Fee (SSF) - contributes to the provision of student engagement, learning and support services. SSF is a non-refundable annual fee that does not apply to short-course participants.
Additionally, some courses require students to purchase or supply textbooks, kits, tools, uniforms and personal protection equipment. A full list with associated costs will be provided to you at your course information session or during the pre-training review Interview.
GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your fees.
Learn more about fees, charges, refunds and payment options
Student support
As an enrolled student at GOTAFE you may access a wide range of academic support services to assist you to meet the academic challenges of your course from our Learning Support Unit.
Learning support
A free and confidential service to help you build the foundation skills you need to be successful at TAFE. Improve your english language, maths and/or writing skills; enhance your computer, exam and study skills.
Learn more about our learning support services
Library
Our library team are passionate about supporting students to achieve their study goals. They have subject guides, referencing help, and online resources to assist you with you assessments.
Find how to reach out to our library in Shepparton
Jobs and study options
Our Skills and Jobs Centres can assist and talk through options for courses, careers, assistance with job applications and more.
Reach out to our Skills and Jobs Centres
Contingent Study Arrangements
Where a situation arises that prevents campus attendance (such as COVID restrictions, natural disasters, etc.) and it is deemed an appropriate response in protecting the health and safety of staff, students, and visitors, this course will adapt to alternative training arrangements, possibly using online methods of teaching and/or communication while students engage from home with their Trainers. Any required practical components of the course will be moved to a more appropriate time.
Whether you need support with time management, your mental health, grief and loss, a diagnosed disability, financial hardship, or any other challenge life throws your way, we are here to help.
Support for personal issues
We have a dedicated team to ensure students have the help they need with personal issues impacting studies such as homelessness, family problems & setting up payment plans.
Find out how the Student Experience Team can help you
Disability support
Get access to the supports and adjustments you need for your disability or medical condition to be successful in your studies.
Seek support from our Equitable Learning Advisors
Counselling services
We offer free counselling services to help you work through life's challenges including grief and loss, mental health or relationships.
Learn about our Student Wellbeing Advisors
Koorie Unit
The Koorie Unit is a culturally safe space on our Shepparton Fryers Street Campus for all Koorie students enrolled and studying through GOTAFE, or with one of our education partnering organisations.
Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.
Further information is provided at course induction.
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