Diploma of Accounting

The FNS50222 covers core accounting principles needed for accountant assistant and assistant accountant roles. Core units include preparing financial statements under the Australian Accounting Standards, preparing income tax returns for individuals and small business under the Tax Practitioners Board education guidelines, providing management accounting information, performing financial calculations, applying ethics in business decision making under APES 110, and managing budgets and forecasts. The qualification meets the educational requirements for conditional Tax Agent registration with the Tax Practitioners Board (when combined with the relevant tax law and commercial law units).

Most students study online over 12 months on a self-paced model, or full-time on campus over 6 to 12 months. Around 600 hours of formal training, with theory and applied case study work split roughly 60/40. No mandatory work placement. Many students complete the Diploma while working in a junior accounting role or as a bookkeeper. The Cert IV is recommended but not always required as a prerequisite.

No mandatory work placement. Most students work concurrently in accounting and bookkeeping roles, accounts payable and receivable, or junior auditor positions. Wages follow the Clerks - Private Sector Award for accounts officer roles and the Banking, Finance and Insurance Award for industry specialists. Many students study while working in public practice accounting firms.

After the Diploma you can progress to the Advanced Diploma of Accounting (FNS60222) for senior bookkeeping and tax agent registration. Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Business (Accounting) and Bachelor of Accounting programs at RMIT, Swinburne, Charles Sturt, Edith Cowan and Deakin offer credit for the Diploma. Full Tax Agent registration with the Tax Practitioners Board requires the qualification plus 1,000-2,000 hours of supervised tax work. Progression to CPA Australia or CA ANZ requires a Bachelor degree pathway.