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 At Open Colleges, we can guarantee you that the academic quality of our accounting courses are second to none; our courses are designed with industry consultation, ensuring that they are current and relevant. Open Colleges courses are structured to offer maximum flexibility, so that learners can fit study around their lifestyle. Lifelong learning is important in today s world, so a business qualification from Open Colleges will help you to pursue your personal and career goals. Melinda Arko Faculty of Finance and Accounting

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: > FNS40611 Certificate IV in Accounting > FNS50210 Diploma of Accounting > FNS60210 Advanced Diploma of 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 Assessments Qualification Awarded By Nationally Recognised E1010 Online Max 66 months Knowledge tests, case studies, financial reports and accounting projects Certificate IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma Open Colleges Yes* career OUTCOMES After completion of the FNS40611 Certificate IV in Accounting; > Payroll clerk > Bookkeeper > Accounts receivable clerk > Accounts payable clerk After completion of the FNS50210 Diploma of Accounting; > Assistant Accountant > Senior financial clerk After completion of the FNS60210 Advanced Diploma of Accounting; > Accountant > Senior Accountant > Accounts team manager > Other senior financial roles

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. Certificate IV in Accounting (13 units) Diploma of Accounting (8 units) Advanced Diploma of Accounting (8 units)

5 Accounting Pathway Program What you need to know about this course Course number E1010 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 > gngage 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: > case studies > financial reports > knowledge tests > accounting projects. 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 a course and careers advisor to discuss your RPL options. What is the duration of the course? The maximum duration for the course is 66 months. You should expect to be studying about 10 hours per week. This is a guide only 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 You will need to have completed Year 12, or equivalent. Equivalency can be demonstrated by one of the following: a qualification at Certificate II level or higher, or 2 years of industry experience in a role that requires the use of written documentation and communication.

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) or completion of an approved English language test (see website for details). 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 > broadband internet connection > 4GB of RAM 8GB is recommended > 10.5GB available hard disc space for installation; additional free space is required during installation > DVD ROM drive compatible with duel layer DVDs > 1280 x 800 display (1280 x 1024 recommended) with 16 bit colour and 512 MB of V RAM > access to an A3 and A2 printer or photocopier > access to a high resolution colour printer and scanner. Specific requirements for Mac OS users: > Mac OS X v or v 10.7 > Multicore Intel processor with 64-bit support. Specific requirements for Windows users: > Microsoft Windows 7 > Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon 64 processor > Open GL 2.0 capable system > Java Runtime Environment 1.6 > Quicktime software required for HTML 5 media playback and multimedia features > Adobe Flash Player 10 software required to export SWF files. Audio-visual requirements You will need access to a digital video recording device and/or a digital camera and associated software to save and upload video and image files to OpenSpace. Many mobile phones and smartphones include this technology. 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.

7 Accounting Pathway Program 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. 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: > FNS40611 Certificate I V in Accounting > FNS50210 Diploma of Accounting > FNS60210 Advanced Diploma of Accounting. Open Colleges is a Registered Training Organisation (Provider N umber: 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. Articulation pathways Students who successfully complete the FNS60210 Advanced Diploma of Accounting within the Accounting Pathway Program will be eligible for credit towards a relevant bachelor degree at the Australian Catholic University (12 units). 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 FNS40611 CERTIFICATE IV IN ACCOUNTING Order of Studies Code Unit Title and resources FNSINC401A Apply principles of professional practice to work in the financial services Study Period 1 industry BSBOHS201A Participate in OHS processes Study Period 2 BSBITU306A Design and produce business documents Study Period 3 BSBFIA401A Prepare financial reports Study Period 4 FNSACC404A Prepare financial statements for non reporting entities FNSACC301A Process financial transactions and extract interim reports Study Period 5 FNSBKG404A Carry out business activity and instalment activity statement tasks Study Period 6 FNSACC406A Set up and operate a computerised accounting system Study Period 7 FNSACC403B Make decisions in a legal context Note: These core units are the pre-requisite for entry into the FNS50210 Diploma of Accounting. All units must be successfully completed before you can progress to the FNS50210 Diploma of Accounting. For full course competency details visit To be awarded the FNS40611 Certificate IV in Accounting the following elective units must be completed: Order of Studies (Elective units) Code Unit Title and resources Study Period 1 BSBWRT301A Write simple documents Study Period 2 FNSACC303A Perform financial calculations Study Period 3 BSBITU402A Develop and use complex spreadsheets Study Period 4 FNSBKG405A Establish and maintain a payroll system * * This unit is required for registration as a BAS Agent For full course competency details visit

9 Accounting Pathway Program Study Periods and Units FNS50210 DIPLOMA OF ACCOUNTING Order of Studies Code Unit Title and resources Study Period 1 BSBITU402A Develop and use complex spreadsheets* Study Period 2 FNSACC506A FNSACC507A Implement and maintain internal control procedures Provide management accounting information Study Period 3 FNSACC503A Manage budgets and forecasts Study Period 4 FNSACC504A Prepare financial reports for corporate entities Study Period 5 FNSACC501A Provide financial and business performance information Study Period 6 FNSACC502B Prepare legally compliant tax returns for individuals Study Period 7 FNSACC601A Prepare complex tax returns Study Period 8 FNSACC603A Implement tax plans and evaluate tax compliance * This unit may have been completed in the Certificate IV in Accounting if the electives have been completed. For full course competency details visit FNS60210 ADVANCED DIPLOMA OF ACCOUNTING Order of Studies Code Unit Title and resources Study Period 1 FNSACC604A Monitor corporate governance activities Study Period 2 FNSACC605A Implement organisational improvement programs Study Period 3 FNSACC614A Prepare complex corporate financial reports Study Period 4 FNSINC601A Apply economic principles to work in the financial services industry Study Period 5 FNSINC602A Interpret and use financial statistics and tools Study Period 6 FNSACC601B FNSACC603A Study Period 7 FNSACC606A Conduct internal audit Prepare and administer compliant tax returns for legal entities Implement tax plans and evaluate tax compliance * This unit may have been completed in the Certificate IV in Accounting if the electives have been completed. For full course competency details visit

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11 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.

12 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 course and careers advisors 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 course and careers team on or with your questions.

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