Where Can an Accounting and Bookkeeping Qualification Take You?
Where Can an Accounting and Bookkeeping Qualification Take You?
Accounting and bookkeeping are valuable skills required across society. All registered businesses are required to keep track of money owed and earned, as well as pay their staff correctly. Having accounting and bookkeeping skills means you can work in almost any industry of your choosing, or even keep track of financial obligations in your own small business.
Do I Need to be a Qualified Accountant?
Qualified accountants in Australia are members of professional accounting bodies, such as CPA Australia or the Institute of Public Accountants. Members of these bodies are usually required to have years of working experience as an accountant as well as a relevant accounting degree.
While this is a fantastic career path for prospective accountants looking to work in an organisation such as an accounting firm, these qualifications are not required for a large amount of accounting work in other workplaces. Positions such as accounts administration, bookkeeping and payroll can be filled by applicants with a Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping.
Career Paths
Bookkeeping is a commonly sought-after skill in workplaces. At its core, bookkeepers are required to keep track of a business’ financial transactions. Essentially, this means money owed and money earned. However, trained bookkeepers also assist businesses in complying with taxation law and work to devise and implement strategic financial decisions. Depending on the size of a business, bookkeeping duties can be carried out by specific employees or even by small business owners themselves.
Completing the Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping is also the first step to becoming a BAS agent. BAS agents can provide professional advice and representation to clients regarding a range of taxation law. In addition to obtaining a qualification, BAS agents are required by law to have completed relevant work experience or obtain membership of a professional accounting association.
Where to Learn More
MSA Training and Professional Development has recently introduced the Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping, commencing in Semester 1, 2022. Students will learn important skills including preparing and lodging business and instalment activity statements, and providing advice or dealing with the Commissioner on behalf of a taxpayer in relation to activity statements.
Completion of the Certificate can also lead to further studies in accounting, including the Diploma of Accounting and Advanced Diploma of Accounting. Monash University’s Faculty of Business will also take the Certificate into consideration for entry into a variety of bachelor qualifications.