Key Benefits

Multi-award winning training provider

Monarch was awarded ‘Training Provider of the Year’ at the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) 2024 LUCA Awards.

Latest qualification

Enrol in the latest nationally recognised Accounting and Bookkeeping qualification. The FNS40222 Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping supersedes and is equivalent to the FNS40217 Certificate IV in Accounting and FNS40215 Certificate IV in Bookkeeping.

Learn accounting software

During your course, you’ll get to learn Australia’s leading accounting software packages, Xero. Hit the ground running by mastering this key accounting software platform.

Nationally recognised

This course is nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). If you’re looking for a pathway to higher education in Australia, this could be it.

Course Accreditation

In total, you need to complete 13 nationally recognised units of competency to be awarded the FNS40222 Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping.

Module 1

Establishing solid foundations: accounting fundamentals

BSBPEF501 Manage personal and professional development
FNSACC321 Process financial transactions and extract interim reports
FNSACC322 Administer subsidiary accounts and ledgers
FNSACC421 Prepare financial reports

Module 2

Work like a pro…effective work practices

FNSACC414 Prepare financial statements for non-reporting entities
BSBTEC302 Design and produce spreadsheets
BSBTEC402 Design and produce complex spreadsheets

Module 3

Financial essentials: budget, financing and working effectively

FNSACC412 Prepare operational budgets
BSBESB403 Plan finances for new business ventures
FNSACC418 Work effectively in the accounting and bookkeeping industry

Module 4

Big bucks for business: using Xero, payroll and activity statements

FNSACC426 Set up and operate computerised accounting systems
FNSTPB412 Establish and maintain payroll systems (TBP code: MPA001)
FNSTPB411 Complete business activity and instalment activity statements (TBP code: MAS001)

Please note Module 1 and 2 of this course uses a clustered unit delivery model so please speak to a Course Consultant about how this could affect any RPL or CT granted.

Specialisations

Course Assessments

Assessment formats include:

Case studies
Multiple-choice questions
Short-answer questions
Calculation questions
Roleplays -video self-recording and upload of the file
Accounting software exercises
TPB required assessments (see below)

BAS Agent Certification assessments

The Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) requires the BAS Agent Certification module (included in this Certificate IV) to be assessed via two two-hour open book assessments.

The first assessment covers payroll administration. The second assessment covers activity statements. The assessments do not need to be completed at the same time. In fact it is suggested they are not.

What is included in the BAS Agent Certification assessments?

Each assessment consists of 30 multiple choice questions and six short answer or calculation questions.

Where do I complete the TPB required assessments?

The TPB specifies students can complete the assessments at any location provided they are independently supervised according to the terms and conditions of independent supervision as specified by the TPB.

For more details on the requirements of independent supervision, please get in touch with one of our friendly course consultants on 1300 738 955.

IMPORTANT: Further requirements for becoming a registered BAS agent

The DIploma of Payroll Services currently meets the criteria to becoming a BAS Agent and provides a strong career outcome. Click here to find out more, including funding options.

Career Opportunities

Accounting and bookkeeping is an industry that’s enjoying considerable growth and, upon completion of this course, it’s one that will open up a variety of career paths.

Key opportunities include:

BAS agent
Bookkeeper
Bookkeeping and small practice accounting
Assistant accountant
Accounts officer/clerk
Payroll officer/clerk
Accounts receivable credit/controller
Accountant
Financial controller (small to medium businesses)
Taxation officer
Treasury officer
Procurement officer
Analyst (with financial reporting focus)

A growing industry

The skills you’ll pick up in this certificate can be used in a variety of different roles – not just full time accounting! You could start your own bookkeeping practice, giving you that work life balance you’ve always wanted. You could take on a finance or budget strategy role in your current organisation. It’s up to you.

IMPORTANT: Further requirements for becoming a registered BAS agent

Pathways

Your Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping is a great pathway to the FNS50222 Diploma of Accounting. The Certificate IV also provides entry to the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers as well as the Institute of Public Accountants. Find out more here.

Some universities may give you credit towards a degree with your accounting and bookkeeping units. You will generally have to discuss this directly with the university you’re thinking of applying to.

If you’re looking to study part courses in accounting, Monarch Institute are proud to offer the following part courses:

Entry requirements

Course entry requirements

There aren’t any formal prerequisites. But to make sure you get the most out of training with us, the following enrolment process applies:

Once we receive your enrolment, our friendly course consultants will touch base to undertake a pre-training review to ensure the training is right for you.
For students without an equal or higher level qualification, there is a short language, literacy and numeracy quiz you complete online.

What equipment will I need?

You will need access to the following equipment to successfully complete the course:

Working computer with Microsoft Office (2016 or later) and Microsoft Excel
Access to the internet
Access to a smart phone, video camera or web camera is required

Note: Access to online accounting software, including Xero, is provided as part of your course fee.

Am I eligible for recognition of prior learning (RPL) or credit transfer (CT)?

We may be able to take into account relevant knowledge and skills you’ve gained through previous formal or informal training, education and employment. To find out if you are eligible for recognition of prior learning, email your resume and academic transcripts to [email protected] and one of our Course Consultants will be in touch.

Course Topics

Module 1

Establishing solid foundations – accounting fundamentals

Apply accrual and cash accounting principles
Apply GST rules to transactions
Calculate depreciation methods
Complete general journal entries
Post journal entries to general ledger accounts
Use subsidiary debtors and creditors accounts
Complete bank reconciliations
Prepare the trial balance
Understand Income Statements and Balance Sheets
Develop and maintain professional competence
Organise personal work priorities and development

Module 2

Work like a pro…effective work practices

Create, format and present spreadsheets
Use advanced functions of spreadsheet applications
Produce charts and complex spreadsheet documents
Link spreadsheets
Edit macros to automate some tasks
Prepare and review financial statements
Systematically code, classify, and check data
Analyse and compile required financial data
Calculate financial ratios for liquidity, activity and profitability
Prepare financial accounts and cash flows for partnerships and not-for-profit organisations

Module 3

Financial essentials: budgets, financing and working effectively

Complete Break-even analysis
Select pricing strategies
Develop financial plans
Develop cash flow projections
Determine working capital and capital investment needs
Develop business performance indicators and targets
Understand the budgeting process
Prepare budgets
Monitor performance against budgets
Develop professional working relationships
Identify compliance requirements
Identify key roles and responsibilities of an accounting team
Develop systems and guidelines for work procedures

Module 4

Big bucks for business: using Xero, payroll and activity statements

Set up a company file using Xero
Use Xero to create contacts, modify the Chart of Accounts and record transactions – sales, purchases & journals
Reconcile accounts in Xero – bank, stock, payables and receivables.
Learn essential reporting in Xero – Trial Balance, Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet.
Complete payroll calculations and set up
Understand PAYG withholding tax, PAYG Instalments and Instalment Activity Statements
Process payroll leave entitlements
Prepare Business Activity Statements and calculate GST Liabilities
Understand Luxury Car Tax, Fuel Tax Credits, Wine Equalisation Tax and Fringe Benefits Tax
Compare alternative GST & BAS accounting methods

Course Duration

This course was designed to be completed within 12 – 24 months but you can complete it as fast as you like.

We offer a study timetable to help you complete the course in 12 months if you have the motivation and available time. However, we give all students up to two years (with 6 months per module) for a flexible, self-paced learning experience.

Your completion time frame depends on your previous education, work experience, time availability and work rate. You’re expected to complete at least one module every six months.

How it works

More than online.

You’ll get:

Easy-to-follow course materials
Access to Xero (student edition)
Videos and webinars
Heaps of support from your course trainers (phone, email, Zoom)
A dedicated admin team on hand to guide you
Online assessments
Student Facebook group

How does it work?

This course has been developed to give you absolute flexibility. Study on your couch, on public transport, on your break at work, out in the park – wherever and whenever you like. The best part is, with Monarch Institute, ‘online’ doesn’t mean ‘alone’. You’ll be backed by our trainers at every step along the way.

What support will I get?

Your trainer will be happy to contact you via phone, Zoom, or email (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm). So you definitely won’t feel alone. You’ll also have access to our student Facebook groups, so you can discuss the material with other students. It’s a handy way to stay in touch with trainers and others in the same course.

Course Price

Upfront payment

$2,850 (Total)

The most cost-effective option. Pay up front and save 20% compared to the total payment plan. Payment options include electronic funds transfer (EFT), credit card (Mastercard or Visa), cheque or cash.

Payment plan

$131.54 per week – paid over 26 weeks (Total: $3,420)

This option is suitable for students wanting to manage their cash flow. It’s handy if you want to get started right away, but don’t have the full amount on hand. Payment must be made with Mastercard or Visa.

Government funding

Victoria: This course is delivered with Victorian Government funding. If you live in Victoria, check your funding options here.

Queensland: This course is delivered with Queensland Government funding. If you live in Queensland, check your funding options here.

*Fees and units are subject to change.

Meet your trainers

Industry experts and thought leaders.

Michelle Ma
Trainer "A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new."
– Albert Einstein

I currently work in a mid-tier accounting firm as a senior accountant, and love it. I have over 8 years’ experience working as a business service accountant and tax consultant. I look after a portfolio of clients across various industries, and that’s really interesting. Observing different sector dynamics at play is fascinating. My skills include preparing financial statements, preparing tax returns, BAS, budgeting, cash flow analysis and tax consulting.

What makes me jump out of bed each morning?

I’m passionate about eating food. I love to try different cuisines in restaurants, and enjoy cooking as well. The bed time discussion generally starts with, ‘…what are we going to eat tomorrow’?

Learn more about Michelle

John Deininger
Trainer "The only choice we can make as a nation is the choice about our future."
- Hon Paul Keating

I am a qualified Chartered Accountant, with a career in financial services, working with both large and small chartered accounting firms, financial services businesses both in Australia and overseas and a mid-tier industry superannuation fund. I’ve worked in a volunteer capacity in the local community; I’m the treasurer of two community organisations.

What makes me jump out of bed each morning?

A bike, kayak, tent and xc skis are my most treasured possessions!

Learn more about John

Belinda Marino
Trainer “Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid”
-Albert Einstein

I’m a registered BAS agent and Certified Bookkeeper, holding vocational and tertiary qualifications in bookkeeping and accounting, training and assessment, small business management and mechanical engineering. I am a Xero Certified Advisor and Xero Payroll Certified. I’ve had seven years’ experience in the financial services industry, working with businesses over a wide range of industries.

I currently run my own bookkeeping business alongside my role as a trainer here at Monarch Institute. I have a special interest in teaching students with learning difficulties, as two of my children are dyslexic.

What makes me jump out of bed each morning?

I love watching my Monarch students grow their confidence and increase their knowledge.

Learn more about Belinda

Natasha Daraio
Trainer "A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way"
- John C. Maxwell

I have over 11 years’ industry experience working in various accounting roles – having worked as a tax accountant in private practice, a financial administrator in a solicitors firm and a financial planner in both private practices and in the banking industry. I moved into adult education 10 years ago following the birth of my third daughter and have taught at Gippstafe, Federation Training and Swinburne University.

I love travelling overseas – I’ve been in the lively New Orleans for the St Patrick’s day street party and even skydived on the north shore in Hawaii.

What makes me jump out of bed each morning?

My three daughters get me up each day! When I’m not busy working, you’ll find me curled up reading a book.

Learn more about Natasha

Elizabeth McLardy
"Be stronger than your strongest excuse. Be greater than your most negative voice.” – Alan Maiccon

Hello! I’m Liz, a CPA with 13+ years in finance, contributing to ASX 100 companies globally. I’ve trained aspiring accountants for a decade as a CPA program expert. I’m also a committed community leader, serving as a board member and treasurer for nonprofits. Beyond numbers, I’m a gardening enthusiast and nature lover. Family is my core, balancing professional and personal passions.

What gets me out of bed in the morning?

Family is at the heart of everything I do, and I cherish the moments spent with my loved ones.

Learn more about Elizabeth

Karin Graham
"Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other."
- John F. Kennedy

I’m an IPA Fellow specializing in Forensic Accounting with 30+ years of experience in corporate and small business accounting. I focus on enhancing internal controls to prevent fraud. I’ve worked in the UK and Europe, blending practical experience with teaching, earning ‘Teaching Excellence Awards.’

What makes me jump out of bed in the morning?

I used to skydive extensively but stopped in my late 20s to focus on family life with my spouse and four kids, along with a Labrador and three playful cats. For relaxation, I enjoy books, computer games, and binge-watching shows or podcasts.

Learn more about Karin

Satsuki Roe
"Leadership is unlocking people's potential to become better."
- Bill Bradley

I’m Suk, hailing from regional Victoria. I moved to Melbourne in 2012 for work and study, then returned to regional Victoria in 2016 where I met Kahn. In 2020, I had triplets! Now back in Melbourne, I adore dogs, houseplants, and a good cup of coffee or tea with biscuits (am I 95 years old?). I’m a die-hard sports fan, especially for NFL, MLB, and F1. I once did a 99-hour round trip from Melbourne to Fiji to LA to Baltimore to Las Vegas and back, just to watch one NFL game – and my team lost!

What makes me jump out of bed in the morning?

My three kids and my love for accounting and teaching!

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Duration	12 months
How it works	Study online. With a difference.
Price	$2,850 up front \| $131.54 per week (payment plan) \| Gov. Funding if eligible
Career opportunities	Certified bookkeeper \| Registered BAS agent
Course topics	Four modules
Units	13 units of competency \| Nationally recognised
Course trainers	Industry experts and thought leaders.
Pathways	Diploma of Accounting
Entry requirements	No formal prerequisites \| RPL available \| Some equipment needed
Assessments	Multiple small assessments and BAS Agent Certification assessments
Start date	Immediately, or whenever you’re ready. Get in touch about enrolling

Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping