Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping
Overview
Kick-start a rewarding career with a Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping. Gain skills, knowledge and confidence in accounts receivable, accounts payable, financial reporting, budgeting, payroll, spreadsheets, Xero and MYOB. Employment opportunities exist across a variety of industries. This course meets the educational requirements for registration as a BAS agent by the Tax Practitioners Board.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
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Nationally recognised training -
TAFE Victoria
Change of Preference Expo
Looking for your #1 VTAC preference? Explore your options and get personalised advice from course experts, based on your Year 12 results. Friday 13 December, Hawthorn campus.
Skills you’ll learn
- Accounting
- Bookkeeping
- Reporting
- Budgeting
- Payroll duties
- Completing BAS
Your career opportunities
- Accounts payable officer
- Accounts receivable officer
- Bookkeeper
- Administration officer
- Payroll officer
- Self employment
Professional accreditation
Students will be eligible for a free student membership with the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) as Swinburne is recognised as an Accredited Training Provider. Student membership is available for the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) upon application.
Admissions
This course is designed for candidates who wish to enter the Accounting and Bookkeeping industries either as a result of having a strong interest in this area from High School, changing career path, or assisting a family business with their finance.
Applicants require a minimum of Year 12 completion or equivalent.
Non-school leavers without formal qualifications are welcome to apply.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Credit transfer
Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.
RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
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Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping Online Delivery
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Diploma of Accounting
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Diploma of Business
Course structure
To obtain this qualification, students must complete 13 units, including 10 core and 3 elective units.
It is an 18-week program delivered over two terms (9 weeks per term).
Classes are scheduled 4 days per week (1-2 units online).
Additional study hours may also be required to prepare and complete tasks.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
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Design and produce spreadsheets
Core unit |
BSBTEC302 |
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Process financial transactions and extract interim reports
Core unit |
FNSACC321 |
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Administer subsidiary accounts and ledgers
Core unit |
FNSACC322 |
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Prepare operational budgets
Core unit |
FNSACC412 |
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Prepare financial statements for non-reporting entities
Core unit |
FNSACC414 |
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Work effectively in the accounting and bookkeeping industry
Core unit |
FNSACC418 |
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Prepare financial reports
Core unit |
FNSACC421 |
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Set up and operate computerised accounting systems
Core unit |
FNSACC426 |
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Complete business activity and instalment activity statements
Core unit |
FNSTPB411 |
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Establish and maintain payroll systems
Core unit |
FNSTPB412 |
| Elective units | |
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Perform financial calculations
Elective unit |
FNSACC323 |
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Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures
Elective unit |
BSBESB402 |
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Write simple documents
ElectiveF unit |
BSBWRT311 |
2025 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$9,100
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$4,620
Concession rate* ($AUD)
$888
2025 fees
Fees are estimates only
Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2025 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Skills first government-subsidised place
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.
How do I pay my fees?
You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Financials
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Eligibility for VET student loans (VSL)
If you apply for a VET Student Loan, Swinburne must first verify your identity. If you are eligible, we will provide your enrolment information to the government so you can complete the application within their eCAF system.
The VET Student Loan amount for this course is capped. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.
Concessions rates for vocational students
If you’re enrolling in a Certificate IV-level program or below, are eligible for a government-subsidised training place and hold a valid concession card, you may be eligible for a concession of 80 per cent off the published fee of your unit(s) tuition – which means you’ll only be charged 20 per cent of the published fee.
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Study this course for free in 2024
You could have your tuition fees covered in 2024 thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative.
Free TAFE for Priority Courses is available to any Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen.
There are other factors, too. The best way to find out if you’re eligible is to apply!
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.
Apply through VTAC
International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.