OverviewAbout this course

    The Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping is designed to give you a range of transferable financial skills and knowledge for accounts payable and payroll officer roles, sought after by multiple industries.

    You will cover the foundations of accounting and bookkeeping using contemporary industry tools like cloud computing and learn how to balance numbers, identify discrepancies and plan financial outcomes and projections.

    The Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping will give you the essential skills you need to improve your reporting, financial analysis and professional standards.

    OutcomesWhat you'll gain

    Learn new skills

    Through a mix of theory and practical coursework, learn to: 

    • Prepare financial reports
    • Process financial transactions
    • Understand accounting fundamentals
    • Use software systems such as MYOB, Microsoft Word and Excel
    • Maintain payroll systems
    • Produce Business Activity Statements (BAS)

    Gain practical experience

    Build your experience and get practical skills in:

    • Operating payroll systems
    • Administering accounts and ledgers
    • Using cloud computing for business
    • Lodging Business Activity Statements (BAS)
    • Providing excellent customer service

    Develop your professional confidence

    Develop the qualities you need to get ahead in this industry:

    • Problem solving
    • Become observant of patterns in numbers
    • Time management - Accountability

    Career pathways

    This qualification could help you prepare for roles like:

    • Accounts Payable Officer
    • Accounts Receivable Officer
    • BAS Agent - Bookkeeper
    • Payroll Officer

    SuitabilityInternational entry requirements

    At TAFE NSW each course has entry requirements. These help us to make sure that your course choice is right for you and help determine your suitability for a course. We want you to be confident in your decision and successful in your studies.

    Fees and locationsStarting dates, course fees and locations

    As an international student, you can choose from a range of different courses, offered at various locations. Experience vibrant spaces, libraries, cafes and gyms, as well as places to make friends and socialise with other students.

    Additional costs

    Additional costs for uniforms, equipment, textbooks and materials (if applicable) range from $300 - $1,000 AUD per course.

    Structure and unitsWhat you will study

    At the start of your course, you will receive your timetable. You will need to study all core units and a range of additional units.


    10 core units plus 3 elective units, of which: at least 2 must be from the elective units listed below

    Core units are the required units that you must complete.

    • Design and produce spreadsheetsBSBTEC302

    • Process financial transactions and extract interim reportsFNSACC321

    • Administer subsidiary accounts and ledgersFNSACC322

    • Prepare operational budgetsFNSACC412

    • Prepare financial statements for non-reporting entitiesFNSACC414

    • Work effectively in the accounting and bookkeeping industryFNSACC418

    • Prepare financial reportsFNSACC421

    • Set up and operate computerised accounting systemsFNSACC426

    • Complete business activity and instalment activity statementsFNSTPB411

    • Establish and maintain payroll systemsFNSTPB412

    PathwaysContinue your studies

    At TAFE NSW, you can develop your skills or build your expertise by studying a single course. You can also continue your studies with one of the following pathway options:


    Vocational study pathway

    Enrol in a range of TAFE NSW courses designed to help you kick-start your career and education goals. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    TAFE NSW degree pathway

    From certificates to diplomas, to a TAFE NSW degree, continue your studies with us to help build your success. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    TAFE NSW - university partnership pathways

    TAFE NSW has partnerships with a number of Australian universities. These universities offer guaranteed entry and credit transfer to eligible students. How much credit you are eligible for varies depending on the course and university you choose. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    Other university pathways

    You may gain entry to another university using your TAFE NSW qualifications. Acceptance and the amount of credit transfer may vary depending on the university and course studies. Check your credit eligibility.


    Keep learning with TAFE NSW

    Take your learning to the next level with a TAFE NSW Applied Commerce study pathway:

    • Advance your existing knowledge with the Diploma of Applied Commerce
    • Master your skills with a TAFE NSW Degree - Bachelor of Applied Commerce

    Explore Your Degree Options

    On completion of the Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping, you will be automatically credited with the subject Foundations of Accounting (ACBUS103A) in your preferred Bachelor of Applied Commerce.

    If you choose the Diploma of Applied Commerce as your next step, and successfully graduate you will be eligible to receive one-year advanced-standing in:

    ServicesCampus facilities and support services

    TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the resources, counselling and facilities to support you while you are studying.

    We offer a range of support services including: 

    • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service 
    • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy, and Numeracy (LLN) support  
    • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling, and Pathways Service  
    • Smarthinking – online access to a tutor 
    • LinkedIn Learning – an online resource that offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

    We're here to help

    If you have more questions about your course choice or study plans contact us today.

    Contact TAFE NSW International