Personalised for LOCAL students.
Local student means; you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.
Personalised for INTERNATIONAL students.
International student means; you are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.

Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping

Free TAFE Code: FNS40222 CRICOS: 109953A

Overview

Campus
Duration

6 months full time / available part time

Duration

6 months

Next Intake

February, July

Next Intake

February, July

Your first step into the world of finance

You can enter the finance industry with essential skills as an accounting support officer and bookkeeper with our Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping FNS40222. You’ll gain practical knowledge of a variety of accounting and bookkeeping skills necessary for the workplace, include completing BAS statements, preparing financial reports and establishing a payroll system. Bookkeeping is a large and stable occupation, with a predicted 50,000 job openings in the next five years. Bookkeepers and accountants are necessary across all industries, so you can choose where you want to go, and never be bored.

Graduate job ready with practical skills

Melbourne Polytechnic’s Certification IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping FNS40222 is a practical course that will give you the foundation for a career in accounting. You’ll learn both traditional manual accounting and computerised accounting, through programs including Xero, BAS, Payroll and Excel. At Melbourne Polytechnic, we’ve worked directly with professional accounting bodies to develop a course that ensures you’re industry ready. You’ll learn from teachers with real-world experience, including BAS agents and certified practicing accountants. This course is accredited by Australia’s professional accounting bodies.

Join a global occupation

Graduates of this course will have learned the skills needed and met the educational requirements set by the Tax Practitioners Board to work as a bookkeeper or BAS agent. You might work in bookkeeping, accounts payable, accounts receivable or BAS preparation. Accountants are needed across all industries, all around the world, so you can choose where and how you work, or study further to increase your skills in the finance industry.

Career Pathways

Where will the Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping FNS40222 take me?

Careers in accounting are international and cross-industry. Opening your own accounting practice, working for a multinational, or somewhere in between, this qualification provides the essential fundamental building block to your career in the diverse world of accounting.

Study Pathways

You may articulate into the Diploma of Accounting FNS50222 and even onto the Bachelor of Accounting.

I think the most valuable thing I learned was how to learn! What I mean is, how to ask the right questions and when to ask for help and think critically.
Jade Magsanay
Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping, Diploma of Accounting and Bachelor of Accounting
Portrait of a young woman with shoulder-length black hair and a friendly smile, wearing a dark V-neck top. She stands against a plain, light-colored background.

Course Details

Delivery methods

Online (Part time 18 months):

  • Classes are conducted online through Zoom and/or TEAMS.
  • Weekly booked consultations with trainer.
  • Not recommended for beginners.

Blended learning (Evenings 12 months): (note February start only

Full time day students are required to attend class face to face (6 months).

  • Assessments are managed with Moodle, the online Learning Management System.
  • Students are required to attend campus for supervised tests for the Tax Practitioners Board requirements for units FNSTPB401 & FNSTPB402.

How you will study

Each course has a dedicated learning method that is designed to let you thrive in your studies.

On-campus / Virtual classroom / Self-paced online learning

A blend of scheduled on-campus and virtual learning, with additional activities completed outside of the classroom through Melbourne Polytechnic’s digital platforms. Visit the How You'll Study page for more information.

Class Schedule

Full time – delivered over a period of 6 months:
Three and a half days per week, 9am - 4.30pm.
Monday - Thursday

Part Time Evening – delivered over a period of 12 months:
Semester 1:
3 nights per week, 6 - 9pm. Monday- Wednesday
Semester 2:
2 nights per week, 6 - 9pm.
Tuesday - Wednesday

Online: consultation times vary
Consultations with trainer vary between 9am - 8pm, Monday - Thursday. Weekly class delivery is scheduled between 6-8pm. Scheduled weekly sessions are subject to change each term. Students should refer to their timetable for up-to-date information.

Individual consulting times may vary according to teacher’s availability. A Zoom link will be provided for weekly consultations, in accordance with your timetable. Each student will be provided with a weekly session plan.

We reply to you within 2 business days to answer your queries and provide feedback.

Online – Part time delivered over 18 months:

Students must attend a Mandatory information session to make an informed decision prior to enrolling, as this course is not recommended for beginners.

Mandatory invigilated (observed) testing is required for the two BAS modules FNSTPB401 and FNSTPB402, under the Tax Practitioners Board requirements.

Assessment Methods

Assessment consists of engagement via email, phone, Zoom, Moodle activities including collaborative tasks and individual project work, Moodle forums and direct feedback via Moodle.

Units of Study

The hours displayed are nominal, actual classroom hours delivered may differ. Please contact us for the latest student contact hours information.

Code Subject Elective Hours
BSBTEC301 Design and produce business documents Elective 80
BSBTEC302 Design and produce spreadsheets Elective 35
BSBTEC402 Design and produce complex spreadsheets Core 50
FNSACC321 Process financial transactions and extract interim reports Core 60
FNSACC322 Administer subsidiary accounts and ledgers Core 40
FNSACC323 Perform financial calculations Elective 30
FNSACC412 Prepare operational budgets Core 40
FNSACC414 Prepare financial statements for non-reporting entities Core 60
FNSACC418 Work effectively in the accounting and bookkeeping industry Core 40
FNSACC421 Prepare financial reports Core 50
FNSACC426 Set up and operate computerised accounting systems Core 80
FNSTPB411 Complete business activity and instalment activity statements Core 50
FNSTPB412 Establish and maintain payroll systems Core 45

Attend an Information Session

Our information sessions will give you an in-depth look at your chosen area of study and answer your questions about your course.

Fees & Costs

Tuition Fees
Free TAFE Concession Government subsidised fee Non-subsidised fee
Tuition fee $0 $720 $3600 $6600
Materials fee $360 $360 $360 $360
Maximum annual amenities $250 $175 $250 $250
Total payable $610 $1255 $4210 $7210
Per year $8200
Per semester $8200
Materials fee $360

The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.

Displayed course fees are indicative only. There are many variables that impact the total amount of your full course costs including qualification for government subsidies, concessions or recognition of prior learning. Tuition fees do not include the cost of student amenities or material costs.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. Contact us to find out if you’re eligible for a Government subsidy.

Melbourne Polytechnic offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.

Fees displayed are effective for new applications received on or after 1st of November. Tuition fees do not include textbooks, course materials or overseas student health insurance and visa fees.

After initial deposit, international students are able to pay tuition fees in installments, four times per year.

For more detailed information please read the International Student Fees.

Materials

Lists of required materials, books and timetables will be provided at course induction or class enrolment by the teaching department.

Fees explained

The State Government’s Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative covers the cost of tuition (excluding Amenities Fees and Materials Fees) for students who are eligible for government subsidised training and enrol into one of the Priority listed course.

Free TAFE is available to eligible students for one course enrolment in a lifetime.

Free TAFE places are limited. Please call 1300 635 276 and we can advise you whether Free TAFE places are still available.

Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative covers the cost of tuition fees for students who are eligible. Materials and amenities may still apply.

The Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative will pay your tuition fees for only one course. Once you have commenced in a tuition-free priority course, you are not eligible for further tuition-free places again, even if you do not finish your first tuition-free priority course.

Check your eligibility

The fees for those ineligible for a government-funded enrolment. 

Check your eligibility here.

The cost of tuition for those eligible for government funding.

Check your eligibility here.

Concession fees are charged at 20 per cent of the standard fees for enrolments in Certificate I to IV courses. To be eligible students must meet Skills First eligibility criteria and present a valid:

  • Commonwealth Health Care card, or
  • Pensioner Concession card, or
  • Any dependent spouse or dependent child of one of the above cardholders, or
  • Veterans Gold card.

The following groups are eligible for concession fees from Certificate I to Advanced Diploma level:

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
  • Asylum Seekers and victims of human trafficking

Additional expenses

The Student Services and Amenities Fee is charged at forty cents (40 cents) per student contact hour and is capped over a twelve (12) month period, effective from the enrolment date, to:

  • $250 for full fee-paying students; and
  • $175 for concession-paying students studying Certificate I, II, III, or IV.

Amenities fees are used to improve non-academic services including libraries, counselling services, student support, and recreational activities.

The materials fees cover discounted access to digital books for the duration of your course. Text books are not required to be purchased. Student who wish to purchase text books will receive a discount code. This is an out of pocket expense.

Online students - Students will have access to materials provided by the publishing company via Moodle, at a cost paid on enrolment. Material fees are non-refundable.

You are also expected to have access to a computer. Computers are available in Melbourne Polytechnic’s computer labs and library if you do not have a computer at home.

Lists of required materials, books and timetables will be provided at course induction or class enrolment by the teaching department.

Accounting and Finance courses at Melbourne Polytechnic

From Certificates to Post-graduate Higher Education.

Diploma of Accounting FNS50222
Business Management and Accounting - Full Time, Part Time - Online, Collingwood
Free Tafe Business Management and Accounting - Full Time, Part Time - Collingwood, Online
If you enjoy mathematics, have an analytical mind and would like to work in the account profession then our Diploma of Accounting FNS50222 is for you. Accountants support their clients with regular monitoring, analysis, preparation of documents, reports and accounts advice. Get qualified as an Assistant Accountant and start your rewarding career.
Master of Professional and Practicing Accounting
Business Management and Accounting - Full Time - Preston
Business Management and Accounting - Full Time - Preston
Advance your accounting skills and business acumen into further learning or professional practice, with our CPA Australia and CCANZ accredited Master of Professional and Practicing Accounting (MPPA).
Undergraduate Certificate in Accounting
Business Management and Accounting - Full Time - Preston
Business Management and Accounting - Full Time - Preston
Business transactions are vital to the acquisition and maintenance of wealth in our economy, start your career in accounting with the Undergraduate Certificate in Accounting.
Bachelor of Accounting
Business Management and Accounting - Full Time, Part Time - Preston
VTAC Business Management and Accounting - Full Time, Part Time - Preston
Interested in sustainable business? Melbourne Polytechnic's Bachelor of Accounting has been developed to meet the growing demand for business professionals with qualifications in the area of accounting and knowledge of sustainable business.

Requirements

There are no formal prerequisite units for this course. The online option is self-paced and is recommended for students who can study on their own. Weekly consultations with trainers is provided.

you must have access to a computer or laptop with a camera, headset and internet connection.

You must have access to Microsoft Windows. Mac users must have Microsoft Office and Microsoft Windows installed to support MYOB software. Instructions will be provided by your trainer, from the publishing company.

Attending an Information Session is a mandatory requirement for all versions of this course.

Academic: Australian Year 12 equivalency.
English: Academic IELTS 6.0 overall, Pearson PTE Academic 50 overall, or Melbourne Polytechnic recognised equivalency.
Other:Full-time only for international students

Next Steps

The first step to enrolling is completing the application short form from the Apply Now page.

After you complete that form we will send you an email with a link to an application form webpage. If you don’t receive the email, check your spam and junk folders.

Complete the application form on the application form webpage.

You will be required to complete an online literacy and numeracy assessment.

Once you are ready to enrol, you will be invited to attend an enrolment appointment over the phone or on campus.

For certificate-level courses, you can pay by weekly or fortnightly direct debit using our Tuition Payment Plan. Read more about Tuition Payment Plans here.

If you need assistance with your application and the next steps, you can contact one of our Education and Course Advisors on 1300 635 276 or follow a step-by-step guide to enrolling for vocational education local students.

When we receive your application, the International Office will be in contact with you shortly to discuss your application and provide you additional instructions.

If you'd like to speak to one of our International Office staff directly, call 1300 635 276

A teacher wearing a Melbourne Polytechnic lanyard, teaching students outdoors. An overlay text reads "Victorian Training Awards - Winner, Large Training Provider of the Year 2024"

We're Victoria's Large Training Provider of the Year

Study with Melbourne Polytechnic, proud winner of Victoria’s 2024 Large Training Provider of the Year! Recognised for our innovative programs, industry partnerships and commitment to student success, we’re here to help you build the skills for a thriving future.

Recognising Organisations

Nationally Recognised Training

Nationally Recognised Training This course is government accredited and has national recognition.

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Local student means; you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.