Bookkeeping is a growing profession that provides plenty of flexible work opportunities, including working part-time and being self-employed. To become a bookkeeper, you will need:
- A love of numbers
- Great attention to detail
- An analytical mind
- A nationally recognised qualification
Bookkeepers are an integral part of any business as they manage the financial records and processes including payroll, invoicing, purchases and making sure the financial records are accurate and up-to-date.
Bookkeepers may also need to prepare reports and business Activity Statements (BAS) and will need to stay informed on tax legislation and regulations.
Steps to becoming a Bookkeeper
Step 1 – choose a nationally recognised qualification
Make sure that the course you undertake is a nationally recognised qualification delivered by a Registered Training Organisation.
This means that your time and money is spent on an accredited qualification that is recognised in all Australian States and Territories and that the training organisation is regularly audited and complies with strict government quality and consistency standards of material and trainers.
Step 2 – enrol and complete a Certificate in Accounting and Bookkeeping
A Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping is the ideal start to a career in accounting.
It will prepare you with the basic skills required for bookkeeping roles such as preparing reports, maintaining records and working with accounting software and is also a TPB-approved BAS agent course. It covers
- Managing day to day bookkeeping function such as accounts payable and receivable
- Completing the Business Activity Statements (BAS) and other obligations such as Superannuation and Payroll Tax
- Basic Management and Operational reporting such as Profit & Loss, Balance Sheets and Trial Balance
- Proficient us of Spreadsheets and Accounting Software including MYOB and Xero
Part of the education requirements outlined by the Tax Practitioners Board to become a BAS agent is a completed Certificate IV in Bookkeeping or Accounting, or higher, qualification.
Step 3 – choose your study option and make sure you have the right support
Online learning is a great way to incorporate study with work and lifestyle commitments. It offers you flexibility to study at your own pace in your own time and from anywhere in Australia.
However, where possible, including classroom training will provide the benefits of direct interaction with a course trainer, hands-on learning and peer support. For the Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping, we offer a combination of online study plus classroom learning from our Perth office every Monday for 15 weeks starting on Monday 16 September 2019.
Support and understanding from your family, friends, workplace and your chosen training organisation is the key to successful study. At Applied Education, we have multiple support options for our students both online and on the phone, and classroom learning also gives you regular and direct access to the course trainer and your fellow students.