What is the Certificate IV in Bookkeeping?		Guide to Providers of the Certificate IV in Bookkeeping - updated  2011
	Background to the Certificate IV		Guide to providers of the BAS Agent skill set - GST/BAS Course - Updated July 2011
	Education requirements for all BAS Agents		Where did the Certificate IV come from?

Why do you need one?

1. The Certificate IV in Bookkeeping and the Certificate IV in Accounting is set to become the minimum formal education requirement for a person aspiring to be a Registered BAS Agent under TASA2009.  

2. The Certificate IV in Bookkeeping is relevant to the education and competence needs of Bookkeepers.  

3. The Certificate IV will progressively become the base line of education required for a 'Bookkeeper'.  The Certificate IV will be one of the factors required by employers and clients when considering the competence and employment of high end bookkeepers. 

Do I have to have one?
No, unless you want to be a BAS Agent.

 How do I get my Certificate IV in Bookkeeping

Either through classroom training, distance education or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

ICB lists a number of these RTO's whom have applied to ICB to be recognised & promoted by us as Approved Trainers.  Approved Trainer means that we have had a look at their offerings and believe their style of training is appropriate for bookkeepers and worth you considering.

Click here to search for a trainer by classroom, distance or online.

We have also put together a list of training providers we would like to recommend as we believe - from information we have been able to obtain - that these providers are well equipped to deliver the Certificate IV in Bookkeeping, click here for all the details. We are actively working with these training providers and others to ensure there is a style of training or recognition of prior learning that is appropriate to our members. ICB continues to work with training providers to provide a method to recognise your competence as efficiently and effectively as possible. 

If you aspire to become a Registered BAS Agent under TASA 2009 then you will need to obtain this qualification! 

While there are many providers, some of these RTO’s with the course "in scope" are yet to provide the course and our investigations indicate they are yet to truly have the ability to provide the course.  We become very concerned when the provider is unable to give us any details as to the type of training or type of materials, answering with the comment "We provide all those details once the student has enrolled".  Some providers are NOT geared up to consider providing the course to experienced bookkeepers in the workforce. 

We recommend that you consider those providers who:

1. are up and running the course already.

2. they should be using software as part of their courses and 

3. they should be on the current versions (A number of the RTO’s do not know what software, if any, they are planning to use and a number of providers are using out of date versions)

4. their costs should be easily understood 

When investigating the course providers, you should  consider Recognition of Prior Learning, or  assessment, however, ensure you find out what the process is following assessment.  A cheap assessment process may only lead to expensive and extensive further education before you move towards receiving the qualification. 

This qualification reflects the role of individuals who use well-developed skills and a broad knowledge base in a wide variety of contexts and environments. They apply solutions to a defined range of problems, and analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources in relation to a variety of tasks. They may provide guidance to others with some limited responsibility for the output of others. 

• This qualification is designed to reflect the role of contract bookkeepers and employees performing in the role of bookkeeper for organisations and who perform duties such as:

  • establishing and maintaining accounting systems

  • assisting with Business Activity Statements and other office taxes

  • payroll

  • developing management systems for organisations.

13 units must be achieved:
9 core units
plus 4 elective units

The 4 elective units may be selected from the elective units listed below, any endorsed Training Package or accredited course.

Elective units may be selected from a Certificate IV or Diploma qualification; 2 elective units may be selected from a Certificate III qualification.

Elective units must be relevant to the work outcome, local industry requirements and the qualification level.

Core units of competency:

• FNSBKG401A Develop and implement policies and procedures relevant to bookkeeping activities

• FNSBKG402A Establish and maintain a cash accounting system

• FNSBKG403A Establish and maintain an accrual accounting system

• FNSBKG404A Carry out business activity and instalment activity statement tasks

• FNSBKG405A Establish and maintain a payroll system

• FNSINC401A Apply principles of professional practice to work in the financial services industry

• BSBFIA401A Prepare financial reports

• BSBITU306A Design and produce business documents

• BSBOHS201A Participate in OHS processes
  

Elective units of competency:

• FNSACC302A Administer subsidiary accounts and ledgers

• FNSACC303A Perform financial calculations

• FNSACC404A Prepare financial statements for non-reporting entities

• FNSACC405A Maintain inventory records

• FNSACC406A Set up and operate a computerised accounting system

• BSBCUS301A Deliver and monitor a service to customers

• BSBCUS403A Implement customer service standards

• BSBFRA301B Work within a franchise

• BSBFRA403B Manage relationship with franchisor

• BSBITU402A Develop and use complex spreadsheets

• BSBSMB405A Monitor and manage small business operations

• BSBWOR501A Manage personal work priorities and professional development

• BSBWRT301A Write simple documents

NOTE: The workplace context for this qualification should guide the selection of elective units. Examples of appropriate units in the elective bank that may suit particular work contexts include:

Contract Bookkeeper

• BSBCUS301A Deliver and monitor a service to customers

• BSBCUS403A Implement customer service standards

Small Bookkeeping Business Owner

• BSBSMB405A Monitor and manage small business operations

• BSBWOR501A Manage personal work priorities and professional development

Permanent Paid Bookkeeper - working for an enterprise

• BSBCUS403A Implement customer service standards

• BSBWOR501A Manage personal work priorities and professional development

Franchise Bookkeeper

• BSBFRA301B Work within a franchise

• BSBFRA403B Manage relationship with franchisor