Bookkeeping is the foundation of financial management in any business or organisation. Whether you want to start a new career or manage your own business finances, this course is ideal for developing essential bookkeeping skills.
The Certificate of Bookkeeping is a professional development course that equips you with a solid foundation in bookkeeping, including financial terminology, double-entry accounting, Australian business structures, and the GST system.
In this online bookkeeping course, you’ll learn how to record and track transactions, maintain journals and ledgers, prepare financial statements, and work with source documents such as invoices and receipts. You’ll also explore accounts payable and receivable, reconciling accounts, setting payment terms, and handling overdue debts to support day-to-day operations.
You explore payroll basics, Fair Work legislation, bank reconciliation, cash control, and key accounting software options, including Xero, MYOB, and QuickBooks. You will also learn about compliance, legislation, and professional ethics for bookkeeping.
On completion of this course, you will feel confident to apply for entry-level bookkeeping roles or successfully manage your own business finances.
Course Structure
Certificate of Bookkeeping
Unit 1: Introduction to Bookkeeping
- Introduction to bookkeeping
- Roles and responsibilities of a bookkeeper
- Key terms and concepts
- Difference between bookkeeping and accounting
- Overview of Australian business structures
- Introduction to the GST system
Unit 2: Business Transactions and Double-Entry Accounting
- Business transactions and double-entry accounting
- Accounting records and financial statements
- Definitions of assets, capital and liabilities
- Double-entry bookkeeping
- Debits and credits explained
- Understanding profit
- Chart of accounts
- How to record common transactions
- Source documents: invoices, receipts and statements
- Using journals and ledgers
- Adjustment notes and credit notes
Unit 3: Managing Accounts Payable and Receivable
- Managing accounts payable and receivable
- Tracking money in and out
- Issuing and processing invoices
- Setting payment terms and credit policies
- Reconciling customer and supplier accounts
- Managing overdue accounts
- Exhausted recovery avenues and legal action
Unit 4: Payroll Basics
- Payroll basics
- Employer obligations under fair work
- Calculating wages, PAYG withholding and superannuation
- Bonus payments and allowances
- Help debt
- Employer vs contractor rules
- Processing payslips and leave entitlements
- Reporting payroll to ATO (STP)
Unit 5: BAS and GST Reporting
- BAS and GST reporting
- Understanding GST and BAS cycles
- Business activity statement (bas)
- Instalment and Activity Statement (IAS)
- GST coding of transactions
- Calculating and preparing bas
- Common bas errors
Unit 6: Bank Reconciliation and Cash Control
- Bank reconciliation and cash control
- Matching bank statements to accounting records
- Identifying errors and missing entries
- Petty cash and EFTPOS handling
- Basic cashflow monitoring
- Why reconciliation matters
Unit 7: Using Accounting Software
- Using accounting software
- Overview of common accounting platforms
- Xero
- MYOB
- QuickBooks online
- Your role as bookkeeper
- Entering transactions
- Data security and backup
Unit 8: Compliance and Ethics in Bookkeeping
- Compliance and ethics in bookkeeping
- Key legislation
- Bookkeeping code of conduct
- Ethical decision making
- Recordkeeping requirements
- Referring to a registered bas agent or accountant
Study Hours
Estimated duration 40 Hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% Online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
Click to See What Our Students Say
I had a great experience. From signing up, to completing the course was a very smooth process. My tutor checked in to make sure all was going well. The portal is very user friendly.
Bronwyn | Berkeley, NSW | Certificate of Bookkeeping
Signing up for the course was quick and convenient. I thoroughly enjoyed completing this course.
J. Singh, Alexandra Hills. QLD | Certificate of Bookkeeping
I felt that the course provided a lot of very helpful information and it was easy to follow. Very happy with the learning platform
Cassie, Newcastle, NSW | Certificate of Bookkeeping
The content was very useful, and the online system was easy to navigate.
Jessica | Sippy Downs, QLD | Certificate of Bookkeeping
My experience studying with Australian online course was great. The course I worked through at my own pace. If I needed any help I could reach out to my tutor. Had a great experience studying with Australian online courses. I would definitely recommend.
Dana | Greenbank, QLD | Certificate of Bookkeeping
This is my second course with AOC and I’ve already found a third I would like to enrol into, It’s easy, practical, online and supported.
Cassandra | Gosnells, WA | Certificate of Bookkeeping
The learning portal was easy to navigate. The materials were comprehensive and lined up with the corresponding assessments. The self paced delivery made it easy for me to balance work and life.
Jacqui | Croydon Park, SA | Certificate of Bookkeeping
I recently enrolled in an online course on Australian Online Courses. The course was structured into modules, each covering essential aspects of data analysis and programming. The flexibility of the online format allowed me to tailor my study schedule around my existing commitments. I could access lectures, readings, and assignments at any time, making it convenient to balance work and study. In conclusion, studying online has been a rewarding experience that has equipped me with valuable skills and knowledge. While it requires self-discipline and motivation, the flexibility and accessibility of online courses make them an excellent choice for lifelong learners.
Aleksandra | Menai, NSW | Certificate of Bookkeeping
Australian Online Courses was easy to deal with and amazing to work with. They made passing my certificate a breeze.
Sarah | Napoleons, VIC | Certificate of Bookkeeping
I did learn so much through the course and it has helped me especially when doing tasks on the job. It is amazing to have had this opportunity to take this course and study through distant learning. Thank you so much for this wonderful learning experience
Blanca | Newcastle NSW | Certificate of Bookkeeping
I had a good experience with the course. All the modules were well set out and clear the transition from the reading material to the assessments.
Troy | Ballarat, VIC | Certificate of Bookkeeping
It was very convenient to have flexibility of studying at my own pace. I also appreciate the timely response and support from the tutors.
Manisha | Cheltenham VIC | Certificate of Bookkeeping
Very smooth and stress free, acquiring help when needed was very easy.
Baylee | Perth WA | Certificate of Bookkeeping
Great, always had help if needed.
Amber | Isabella Plains , ACT | Certificate of Bookkeeping
It was easy to access the course materiel and work through the topics and complete the assessments at my own pace.
Sarah | East Perth, WA | Certificate of Bookkeeping
More in depth than expected.
Heather | Cooloola Cove, QLD | Certificate of Bookkeeping
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Very Strong
Unemployment
Low
- Bookkeeper
- Assistant Accountant
- Finance Officer
- Accounts Payable Clerk / Officer
- Accounts Receivable Clerk
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