This qualification is designed to reflect the job roles of contract bookkeepers and employees performing bookkeeping tasks for organisations in a range of industries.
A Business Activity Statement (BAS) service is a tax agent service that includes, but is not limited to, the following:
preparing or lodging an approved form about a taxpayer’s liabilities, obligations or entitlements under a BAS provision;
giving a taxpayer advice about a BAS provision that the taxpayer can reasonably be expected to rely upon to satisfy their taxation obligations; or
dealing with the Commissioner on behalf of a taxpayer in relation to a BAS provision.
Persons providing a BAS service must be registered by the Tax Practitioner’s Board and this qualification is currently cited as meeting the educational requirements for registration. Other conditions apply including a designated period of experience. Persons seeking BAS agent registration should check current registration requirements with the Board as this is regularly reviewed. More information and contact details for the Tax Practitioners Board are provided in the FNS10 Information Kit available from the IBSA website.
Subjects
13 units must be achieved:
9 core units
plus4 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
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
Preferred pathways for candidates entering this qualification include:
Certificate III in Accounts Administration
The primary pathway from this qualification is employment in a bookkeeping job role with functions that include:
establishing and maintaining manual and computerised accounting systems
completing Business Activity Statements (BAS) and other office financial statements
developing bookkeeping management systems for organisations
general administration.
A further learning pathway utilising qualifications such as Diploma of Accounting would support career progression.
Entry Requirements
Not applicable.
Licensing Information
Not applicable.
Employability Skills
The following table contains a summary of the employability skills required by industry for this qualification. The employability skills facets described here are broad industry requirements that may vary depending on qualification packaging options.
Employability Skill
Industry/enterprise requirements for this qualification include:
Communication
creating manuals and flowcharts
developing and writing reports to specifications
establishing and maintaining networks
preparing and presenting information in appropriate electronic format
questioning, listening and clarifying client’s requirements
reading and interpreting workplace information
using interpersonal skills (e.g. liaising, listening and consulting)
using effective telephone techniques and having the ability to negotiate solutions with clients and colleagues
Teamwork
applying knowledge of own role as a team member to meet workplace outcomes
working with management to determine organisational reporting requirements
working with others such as clients and external experts
Problem solving
applying estimating, forecasting and analysis skills
analysing and verifying source documents
checking and coding data, reconciling accounts, verifying and correcting discrepancies
determining security protocols
identifying OHS hazards and applying risk control
performing calculations
Initiative and enterprise
analysing organisation’s business opportunities to determine cash or accrual accounting system and payment options in consultation with management
investigating accounting discrepancies
referring non-routine problems to a nominated person
Planning and organising
ensuring the integrity of systems, records and reporting procedures are maintained
maintaining accounting records for compliance purposes
preparing, processing and maintaining financial records including payroll
processing routine documents and maintaining files, managing information and scheduling and coordinating competing tasks
recording, gathering and classifying information
setting up, maintaining and reviewing systems
Self-management
applying time management strategies to own work schedule
managing own time and priorities and dealing with contingencies
taking responsibility as required by work role and ensuring all organisational policies and procedures are followed
working ethically and complying with industry professional code of practice and legislative requirements
Learning
adapting to change in technology and/or work practices
following workplace safety procedures
identifying opportunities for own professional development
maintaining currency of knowledge of legislation and industry requirements
seeking information, advice or services that fall outside scope of operation
using online help for self-learning purposes
Technology
applying data entry and keyboard skills
operating computers, using word processing, spreadsheet and database skills to produce workplace documentation
using accounting specific software packages
using business technology to access, enter and monitor information