11 July, 2019

New figures have revealed a looming nationwide jobs boom in the accounting industry, with an average of about 50 new accountancy positions a day expected to be created by 2023.

The prediction by the Australian Government’s Job Outlook report has prompted TAFE Digital to encourage Penrith residents to consider a career in accountancy, with a range of training options available, to be studied at their own pace and from the comfort of their own homes.

Penrith man Corey Roberts has done just that and completed a Certificate IV in Accounting, giving him the confidence to undertake Australian Taxation Office (ATO) tasks with little or no supervision.

Mr Roberts said, “I aspire to one day own my own accounting firm and become a registered tax agent, so chose to study this nationally accredited course online with TAFE Digital to further my knowledge and practical experience.”

Mr Roberts started working at Roberts Accounting in South Penrith when he was still at school and completed a School Based Apprenticeship & Traineeship in Accounts Administration online with TAFE NSW.

“I am now an accountant at the firm and take responsibility for client liaison, preparing financial reports, including profit and loss statements and balance sheets,” he said.

Ever-evolving ATO legislation also meant Mr Roberts was tasked to research, set up and operate relevant computerised accounting systems.

“My skillset improved dramatically with accounting software upgrades keeping me on my toes to ensure all legislative requirements are met and making sure deadlines are adhered to, while providing our clients with the best financial services and advice,” he said.

“I believe one of my best achievements is being able to work closely with business clients to ensure they comply with all ATO obligations and have been able to streamline the processes which although automated, are user friendly.”

Studying online gave Mr Roberts the flexibility to continue working full-time, practically apply the theory he was learning and juggle assignments to align with work being done on behalf of clients.

“I received tremendous support from my teachers,” he said. “It was almost like working in a symbiotic team environment, when they would often pre-empt questions and provide answers and solutions before they were even asked or became a stumbling block.”

To view TAFE Digital’s hundreds of online courses across a range of modern industries, please visit https://www.tafensw.edu.au/digital

Media contact: Bonny Gunn, TAFE Digital Media Business Partner. M: 0417 134 048