Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping

There are no formal requirements for this Cert IV accounting and bookkeeping. However, participants must be 18 years' old or over.

This course is not available to International students.

The Swinburne Open modern online learning platform has been designed so that you can study online anywhere, anytime. You will need to meet the following IT requirements to use our platform for this Certificate IV course:

Desktop or laptop

• Latest version of Chrome or Safari

• Microsoft Office (2010 or higher)

• Adobe PDF Reader

Mobile or tablet*

• Latest version of Chrome or Safari

• Latest version of Android

• Latest version of iOS

* Students using a mobile or tablet will need to upload documents from a laptop or desktop or have a Dropbox account.

Throughout the Cert IV accounting and bookkeeping course, students will be exposed to their choice of accounting program: MYOB or Xero (or both).

All students will be given access to the software account and files of their program choice in order to complete the required assessments. Assessments can be submitted using your preferred software, you can change your preference at any time.

• Students who successfully complete the course using MYOB software will be eligible for an official MYOB certificate.

• Students who successfully complete the course using Xero software will be able to complete Xero’s online certification assessment to achieve a Xero Advisor or Xero Payroll certification.

Your choice between bookkeeping and accountancy depends on your career goals. For a solid start, consider studying a Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping (FNS40222) online. This course covers both bookkeeping and accounting.

It includes modules like "Establish and maintain payroll systems", "Prepare financial reports" and "Prepare operational budgets" giving you with essential skills in both areas. By completing these modules, you'll have a base knowledge to make an informed career choice.

Bookkeeping and accounting, which are both covered in the Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping course, have different roles.

Bookkeeping is about recording and organising financial transactions, covered in modules like "Establish and maintain payroll systems" and "Process financial transactions and extract interim reports". These are essential tasks for a bookkeeper.

Accounting, on the other hand, focuses on interpreting financial data, generating reports, and providing financial advice. It is covered in modules like "Prepare financial reports" and “Plan finances for new business ventures”.

Yes, both bookkeepers and accountants can work from home. Many major accounting firms, like Deloitte, PwC, and EY, have adopted remote work policies that allow professionals to work from home or remotely.

Bookkeepers keep track of a business’s finances. They record income and expenses, prepare invoices, manage budgets, and make sure accounts match up with bank statements.

Bookkeepers also check for any errors and may help with tax forms to ensure the business meets its financial obligations.

In Australia, the average bookkeeper salary is about $1,501 per week, which equates to approximately $78,052 per year.

Salaries typically range from $67,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specific responsibilities.

Yes, Australian bookkeepers and accountants will be in demand due to regulatory changes and economic growth.

Despite some decline due to small companies using software programs to handle their bookkeeping, a growing need arises from retiring professionals, offering opportunities for younger bookkeepers and accountants with proper accounting and bookkeeping education and qualifications.

It usually takes 12 to 18 months to earn a basic bookkeeping qualification, such as a Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping.

The exact duration depends on whether you study full-time or part-time and any prior experience you may have. Advanced courses, like a diploma, may take longer to complete.