of accounting and f inance Accounting Pathway Program

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1 of accounting and f inance Accounting Pathway Program

2 At Open Colleges, we are passionate about helping people from all walks of life to achieve their aspirations and dreams. For more than 100 years, we have been opening opportunities for people across Australia. Today, Open Colleges is blazing a new trail in online and distance education creating Australia s leaders in next generation learning. Why study with Open Colleges? Freedom study where you want, when you want Our courses and learning materials have been designed specifically for open learning Our trainers are industry professionals with experience in supporting open learning students Our dedicated student support team is there to help you every step of the way Our virtual campus OpenSpace provides you with opportunities to interact with trainers and students Many of our courses are nationally recognised and meet professional licensing or registration requirements

3 of accounting and f inance Accounting Pathway Program Your Pathway to Success The Open Colleges Accounting Pathway Program is a unique combination of three accounting qualifications within a single program designed to meet the needs of today s accounting industry. The program consists of three individual nationally recognised accounting qualifications: > FNS40615 Certificate IV in Accounting > FNS50215 Diploma of Accounting (General Stream or Tax Stream) > FNS60215 Advanced Diploma of Accounting (General Stream, Tax Stream or Managerial Accounting). Advanced Diploma qualifications are normally required to work in senior accounting roles, and this program has been designed to fast-track your accounting career. Students do not need any specific accounting experience to enrol in this direct entry program. By completing this program, you ll have the opportunity to save a significant amount in tuition fees rather than enrolling in each course separately. *The Accounting Pathway Program includes three individual nationally recognised qualifications. COURSE DETAILS Course Number Delivery mode Course duration E1101 Online Max 48 months Assessments Short answers, multiple choice questions, written reports, case study, projects/portfolios, demonstrations/ presentations. Qualification Awarded By Nationally Recognised Extra benefits CAREER OUTCOMES Certificate IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma Open Colleges Yes* 24-month ICB membership, 12-month AAT, IPA and Tax Institute memberships, access to live webinars. Certificate IV in Accounting > Administration Clerk > Accounts Administrator > Account Support Clerk Diploma of Accounting (general stream) > Administration Officer > Accounts Officer > Senior Accounts Clerk Diploma of Accounting (tax stream) > Senior Accounts Clerk > Junior Accountant Advanced Diploma > Senior Accounts Clerk > Accounts Officer > Accounts Officer > Senior Accounts Clerk > Junior Accountant > Tax Accountant

4 of accounting and f inance The Accounting Pathway Program is delivered online through our virtual campus OpenSpace, which means you can fit your studies around your busy work and family commitments. Excellent student and learner support is also available to assist you throughout your studies. POTENTIAL SALARY > Accountants full time salaries are typically in the range of $70,000 to $90,000 according to This program meets the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) education requirements for registered BAS (Business Activity Statements) agents as well as allowing you to partially complete the requirements to become a registered Tax Agent. You ll also receive complimentary membership to the Tax Institute. Graduates of this program also receive membership to the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) and the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). With direct entry and associations with the peak accounting bodies, this unique program could be your pathway to a career in accounting.

5 Accounting Pathway Program What you need to know about this course COURSE NUMBER E1101 How is the course delivered? This is an online course. This means that you will complete your knowledge and initial skills development through online learning. What is online learning? OpenSpace is Open Colleges online campus. Through OpenSpace you will: > Access your learning materials and assessments > Undertake assessments or upload assessments > Engage and interact with your trainer > Participate in student forums and find a study buddy > Access your assessment grades and feedback > Access student support services. What learning materials are included with this course? The following resources are provided to you via OpenSpace: > Learner workbooks > Video resources and additional readings > Weblinks to relevant articles and activities > Course forums. How is the course assessed? During the course, you will undertake: > Short answers > Multiple choice questions > Written reports > Case study > Projects/portfolios > Demonstrations/presentations The assessments for the Tax Practitioner Board (TPB) BAS Agent skill set units, FNSBKG405 Establish and maintain a payroll system, require 40% of the unit to be independently supervised. Individual students are responsible for organising an invigilator by an independent supervisor. What about Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)? We understand that you may already have many skills and areas of expertise that you have obtained in different ways and these are recognised through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. Open Colleges has developed an RPL Application Kit for this course. The Student Handbook, available on the Open Colleges website, provides more information about our RPL process. Alternatively, you can contact an enrolment consultant to discuss your RPL options. What is the duration of the course? The maximum duration for the course is 48 months. The time taken to complete your course will depend on your level of skill and knowledge. What are the admission requirements for the course? Education Requirements There are no entry requirements for this qualification, however, there are two pre-requisite units that must be completed prior to commencing unit FNSACC504 in the Diploma of Accounting being: > FNSACC301 Process financial transactions and extract interim reports > BSBFIA401 Prepare financial reports These units are included in the Certififcate IV in Accounting component of the pathway program. At the point of enrolment students will need to select their specialisation area being; the Tax stream or the General Accounting stream or the Managerial Accounting stream.

6 Accounting Pathway Program Minimum Age Requirements You will need to be at least 18 years old. English Language Requirements This course requires you to read comprehensive learner workbooks, undertake a range of written assessments and engage in online discussion forums. Furthermore, the course relies on the extensive use of written communication. As such, entry to the course requires English proficiency to Year 12 level, or equivalent (see Education Requirements for equivalency). Computing Requirements You will need to have basic computing skills to undertake this course. This includes the ability to: > use the computer, mouse and keyboard with proficiency in skills required to integrate software packages, save files and search the internet > attach and use peripheral devices such as a scanner, digital camera, media storage (for example, a flash drive for design storage) > save a compressed file (.zip) > save a PDF File. Minimum specifications for your computer are: > Microsoft Office 2010 or equivalent > Microsoft Excel 2010 or equivalent is required for units such as BSBITU402, and FNSACC502 > Access to Accounting Software such as MYOB, Xero, Intuit or Reckon > broadband internet connection > 2GB of RAM > CD-ROM or DVD drive > Adobe Reader XI or equivalent > File compression software > Digital audio or video recording capability > Sharp EL735 calculator is recommended for FNSACC501 and FNSACC503 > Adobe Flash Player 10 or higher > You will also need access to a phone, printer, photocopier and scanner Specific requirements for Windows users: > Microsoft Windows 7 or higher (Windows 8 recommended) > 1 Ghz or faster processor (2GHz recommended) Audio-visualRequirements Learners will need access to software to view online videos and images. Software such as Adobe Reader, Windows Media Player, Windows Photo Viewer etc. are available as a free download from the Internet. What support services are available? During your studies with Open Colleges, you will have access to a comprehensive range of support services. These include: Academic support Your experienced trainers are available in OpenSpace to answer any questions you may have regarding the learning materials or assessments. Your course coordinator can also provide you with advice and support regarding the overall course. Student support The student support team is your one-stop service centre for all student administrative issues including enrolment, change of contact details, OpenSpace support, assessment results and certification. You can access the student support team in OpenSpace or by or phone. Learning support The learning support team is a dedicated team of specialists that provide you with a comprehensive induction to studying with Open Colleges as well as specific support if you encounter learning difficulties during your studies. Learning support resources, such as writing guides, are available in OpenSpace. You can access the learning support team via your trainer or the student support team. Peer support As a student of Open Colleges you can also access our study buddy system. This enables you to connect with other Open Colleges students studying your course that live near you. Students find this is a great way to keep motivated and build lasting friendships and networks.

7 Accounting Pathway Program More information? The Student Handbook, available on the Open Colleges website, provides more detailed information on the support services available to students. We recommend that you read the Student Handbook prior to enrolling with us. What qualifications will I receive? The Accounting Pathway Program consists of three nationally recognised qualications. After you complete the necessary units from each qualification you will receive the following qualifications: > FNS40615 Certificate I V in Accounting > FNS50215 Diploma of Accounting > FNS60215 Advanced Diploma of Accounting. Open Colleges is a Registered Training Organisation (Provider Number: 90796). What funding support options exist? Austudy/Abstudy This course is Austudy/Abstudy approved, but you will need to apply directly to Centrelink for information on eligibility. The Tax Institute The Tax Institute is a not-for-profit membership based organisation which has been supporting and educating the tax profession for over 70 years. With over 12,000 members ranging from graduates to tax experts in the Big 4, mid-tier and SME firms, The Tax Institute continues to provide its members with a variety of products to assist with building their career and maintaining their knowledge of the ever changing tax system. After enrolling in this program, you ll receive a student membership with The Tax Institute, which provides you with: > The sought-after Taxation in Australia journal > Weekly TaxVine tax update e-newsletter > Free tax technical papers written by tax professionals for tax professionals > Unlimited use of the TaxLine research service > Access to powerful resources, progressive education and influential networks > Discounts on all products, events and services Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) membership The Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) is a professional organisation for accountants recognised for their practical, hands-on skills and a broad understanding of the total business environment. IPA is a progressive, responsive accounting body committed to integrity, professionalism and professional development. It represents more than 14,000 members working in industry, commerce, government, academia and private practice. Students are eligible for free membership to the IPA Student Register. The register offers access to a wide range of resources that will not only benefit the student s learning experience, but will also provide valuable insight into the financial sector. Benefits of IPA membership for Advanced Diploma students include: > the monthly Directions newsletter specifically for student members, delivered by . > access to careers workshops and employment advice. > networking opportunities including IPA social and professional education activities. Association of Accounting Technicians Australia (AAT Australia) membership Open Colleges is also proud to be associated with AAT Australia. As an Open Colleges student, you will be provided with a 12-month AAT Australia membership. This provides you with: > monthly publication News Update > services and work aids at discounted cost, including bookkeeping publications, professional indemnity insurance and other useful, cost-effective benefits.

8 Accounting Pathway Program Study Periods and Units FNS40615 Certificate IV in Accounting Order of Studies Study Period 1 Modules Code Unit Title Module 1 - Accounting foundations FNSACC301 FNSACC302 Process financial transactions and extract interim reports Administer subsidiary accounts and ledgers Study Period 2 Module 2 - Prepare ledgers and financial reports BSBFIA401 Prepare financial reports Study Period 3 Module 3 - Prepare financial statements for non-reporting entities FNSACC404 Prepare financial statements for non-reporting entities Study Period 4 Module 4 - Set up and operate a computerised accounting system FNSACC406 Set up and operate a computerised accounting system Study Period 5 Module 5 - Establish and maintain payroll FNSBKG405 Establish and maintain a payroll system* Study Period 6 Module 6 - Carry out business and instalment activity statement tasks FNSBKG404 Carry out business activity and instalment activity statement tasks Study Period 7 Module 7 - Apply principles of professional practice to work in the financial services industry FNSINC401 Apply principles of professional practice to work in the financial services industry Study Period 8 Module 8 - Design and produce business documents BSBITU306 Design and produce business documents FNSACC402 Prepare operational budgets Study Period 9 Module 9 - Prepare and manage budgets using complex spreadsheets BSBITU402 Develop and use complex spreadsheets FNSACC501 Provide financial and business performance information Study Period 10 Module 10 - Introduction to income tax Module 11 - Forms of taxable income Module 12 - Deductions Module 13 - Decline in value, offsets, tax losses and preparing a return FNSACC502 Prepare tax documentation for individuals Note: Learners can be awarded Certificate IV in Accounting qualification once they complete Study Period 1 to 10 as is listed in the table above. *The assessments for the Tax Practitioner Board (TPB) BAS Agent skill set units, FNSBKG405 Establish and maintain a payroll system require 40% of the unit to be independently supervised. Individual students are responsible for organising an invigilator by an independent supervisor.

9 Accounting Pathway Program Study Periods and Units FNS50215 Diploma of Accounting (General Stream) Order of Studies Study Period 11 Study Period 12 Study Period 13 Study Period 14 Study Period 15 Modules Code Unit Title Module 14 - Provide management accounting information Module 15 - Prepare financial reports for corporate entities Module 16 Apply economic principles to work in the financial services industry Module 17 - Establish and maintain accounting information systems Module 18 - Implement internal control procedures FNSACC507 FNSACC504 FNSINC601 FNSACC505 FNSACC506 Provide management accounting information Prepare financial reports for corporate entities Apply economic principles to work in the financial services industry Establish and maintain accounting information systems Implement and maintain internal control procedures Note: Learners can be awarded Certificate IV in Accounting and Diploma of Accounting qualifications once they complete Study Period 1 to 15. This is only applicable to learners who selects to study with General or Managerial Accounting Streams as their specialisation. FNS50215 Diploma of Accounting (Tax Stream) Order of Studies Study Period 11 Study Period 12 Study Period 13 Modules Code Unit Title Module 14 - Provide management accounting information Module 15 - Prepare financial reports for corporate entities Module 16 - Australian legal system and contract law Module 17 - Corporations and trust law FNSACC507 FNSACC504 FNSTPB503 FNSTPB504 Provide management accounting information Prepare financial reports for corporate entities Apply legal principles in contract and consumer law Apply legal principles in corporations and trust law Study Period 14 Module 18 - Consumer and property law FNSTPB505 Apply legal principles in property law Module 19 Implement internal control procedures FNSACC506 Implement and maintain internal control procedures Note: Learners can be awarded Certificate IV in Accounting and Diploma of Accounting qualifications once they complete Study Period 1 to 14. This is only applicable to learners who selects to study with Tax Stream as their specialisation.

10 Accounting Pathway Program Study Periods and Units FNS60215 Advanced Diploma of Accounting (General Stream) Order of Studies Study Period 16 Module 19 - Monitor corporate governance activities Modules Code Unit Title FNSACC604 Monitor corporate governance activity Note: Learners can be awarded Certificate IV in Accounting, Diploma of Accounting and Advanced Diploma of Accounting qualifications once they complete Study Period 1 to 16. This is only applicable to learners who selects to study with General Stream as their specialisation. FNS60215 Advanced Diploma of Accounting (Tax Stream) Order of Studies Study Period 15 Study Period 16 Study Period 17 Modules Code Unit Title Module 20 - Apply economic principles to work in the financial services industry Module 21 - Interpret and use financial statistics and tools Module 22 - Monitor corporate governance activities Module 23 - Advanced income tax law Module 24 Taxation structures Module 25 Advanced and special tax rules FNSINC601 FNSINC602 FNSACC604 FNSORG602 FNSACC603 Apply economic principles to work in the financial services industry Interpret and use financial statistics and tools Monitor corporate governance activity Develop and manage financial systems Implement tax plans and evaluate tax compliance Note: Learners can be awarded Certificate IV in Accounting, Diploma of Accounting and Advanced Diploma of Accounting qualifications once they complete Study Period 1 to 17. This is only applicable to learners who selects to study with Tax Stream as their specialisation. FNS60215 Advanced Diploma of Accounting (Managerial Accounting Stream) Order of Studies Study Period 16 Module 19 - Monitor corporate governance activities Modules Code Unit Title FNSACC604 Monitor corporate governance activity Note: Learners can be awarded Certificate IV in Accounting, Diploma of Accounting and Advanced Diploma of Accounting qualifications once they complete Study Period 1 to 16. This is only applicable to learners who selects to study with Managerial Accounting Stream as their specialisation.

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12 Studying with Open Colleges Open Colleges provides you with the freedom to study where and when you want. We understand that our students are constantly juggling multiple priorities, so our unique learning approach has been specifically designed to enable you to fit education and training around your lifestyle. After you enrol with Open Colleges you will be provided with access to OpenSpace our cutting edge virtual campus. Here are some of the key features and benefits of OpenSpace: Access Access your learning materials, assessments and additional online resources wherever you have an internet connection. You can also download your study guides, workbooks and assessments so that you can study wherever and whenever it suits you. Connections Connect with your trainers, assessors and other students. You can participate in the lively student forums, link up with a studdy buddy or engage with your trainer. OpenSpace is also where you will submit your assessments and receive your grades. Support Access the student support team using the online enquiry feature. OpenSpace also provides a detailed searchable database of Frequently Asked Questions, so that we can provide you with 24/7 responses to many of the common queries. You can also contact the student support team by phone on I would like to thank you for allowing me to study with you. This experience has opened my eyes to what I want to do for the rest of my life...i can t wait to receive my certificate! I have had nothing but good experiences with you. Letiesha Laidlaw, Open Colleges Student Knowledge OpenSpace is your link to Gale our extensive online library. Through Gale you will have access to millions of academic, magazine and newspaper articles from around the world.

13 How to Enrol Enrolling with Open Colleges is easy: Enrol online today. Just visit our website, select your course and click Enrol Today OR Enrol by phone. Just call one of our friendly enrolment consultants on Need more information? We appreciate that choosing the right course is important. If you would like to discuss your career or course options, please do not hesitate to call our enrolment consultants on or with your questions.

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