Studying an accounting and bookkeeping course can be a path to a new career or a great way to upskill. Like many careers, there’s a great breadth of accounting and bookkeeping specialisations that are worth considering when looking at careers in the industry. Studying the right online accounting course can provide job-ready skills that transfer into the many accounting and bookkeeping careers, preparing you to make a seamless transition.
In determining the path that’s right for you, it’s worth understanding a few of the more specific career paths within accounting and bookkeeping. Most people will understand the role of the tax accountant, but there are also forensic accountants, commercial accountants, management accountants and more. Each type of accountant also has plenty of scope for specialisation too.
In this guide, we’ll look at some main types of accountants and their career paths, the different course options available, and how to determine which option is right for you or your staff.
Accounting Course Structure
Accounting isn’t just one career; there’s a multitude of options and specialties to consider. Our accounting and bookkeeping courses are offered as either broad-based launching pads or more specific part courses. Consider your ideal career outcomes – where you want to go and what qualifications you need to get there – when determining the course that fits best.
Those looking to study accounting broadly may wish to begin with a Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping – an introductory course that provides students with practical skills and opens up the path for further study (such as the Diploma of Accounting). Others might prefer the focused structure of part courses like the BAS and Payroll course.
Our courses are structured so that students can follow a full pathway or a narrow speciality. Whichever you choose, our courses are fully online, and you can enrol whenever you’re ready.
Becoming a Bookkeeper
If you’re looking towards a career as a bookkeeper, you’re in safe hands with a role integral to many businesses, big and small.
What is Involved with Being a Bookkeeper
Bookkeepers are an important part of a business. It’s the bookkeeper’s responsibility to keep track of expenses, pay and receive invoices, organise staff payroll and much more. Bookkeepers are often required to use accounting software like Xero or MYOB, and are a business’s eyes when it comes to keeping track of finances. No two days are ever the same as a bookkeeper.
Find out more about life in this career in our guide to bookkeeping.
Courses for Bookkeeping
The best way to move into a career in bookkeeping is to study for a Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping. With no entry prerequisites, it’s a great place to start. You’ll learn how to master industry-standard software, get job-ready skills and our course even meets the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) requirements for becoming a registered BAS agent.
Registered Tax Accountant
Tax is likely the first thing you think of when imagining an accountant, but for registered tax accountants, understanding and mastering Australian tax laws and processes is a full-time job.
What is a Registered Tax Accountant
Tax accountants are responsible for preparing business activity statements (BAS), tax and financial statements, and tax returns. Professionals in the industry also often need to liaise with the ATO, stay up to date on changes to taxation law, and perform and prepare for audits.
Becoming a Registered Tax Accountant
Those wishing to become registered tax accountants should undertake the Diploma of Accounting course. To fulfil all the requirements of becoming a registered tax agent, students can opt to add a commercial law module to the diploma.
Courses to Become Commercial Accountant
If working as a key part of a commercial business is more your style, consider life as a commercial accountant.
What is a Commercial Accountant
Commercial accountants work within businesses or corporations and can be contrasted to personal tax accountants who work primarily with the public. A business employs commercial accountants for their ability to provide oversight on financial trends and developments, often being required to provide forecasting, data analysis and commercial reporting. Commercial accountants maintain an important link between a business and the financial conditions of the market.
What is a Forensic Accountant
For a truly specialised accounting role, consider life as a forensic accountant. Forensic accountants are much more investigative than other accounting roles and tend to focus on uncovering evidence of fraud or other financial misdeeds in both businesses and individuals. Forensic accountants will audit and analyse data, attempting to understand the flow of finances, and are often called upon to provide evidence in court.
How to Become a Forensic Accountant
Forensic accounting is a highly specialised field, and those looking towards such a career will be well-placed, starting with a Diploma of Accounting. When selecting subjects during study, always try to prioritise subjects with forensic elements.
Becoming a Registered BAS Agent
BAS agents are officially recognised professionals able to assist in determining taxation obligations of a business in reporting BAS items to the ATO. With recent changes to legislation, it is a legal obligation that BAS agents are officially registered with the TPB. A requirement of this registration is officially recognised qualifications.
Study to become a registered BAS Agent
Before allowing registration, the TPB requires applicants to have undertaken at least a Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping. Within this qualification, students must have studied certain units to be allowed to register as a BAS agent.
Learn More About Monarch Institute
Monarch Institute is more than just an online education provider. With Monarch Institute courses, you’ll be provided industry-standard skills for a job-ready qualification. We offer a flexible course structure designed to help you achieve your education and career goals, your way.
To find out more about Monarch Institute or to enquire about any of our courses, please get in touch today.
More Online Courses
Not sure where you’re going? Have a look at some of our other great courses:
Financial Planning
Business and Management
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Finance and Mortgage Broking
Project Management
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