Certificate in Practical Accounting (Level 4)

Programme Code: PC9804
Level: 4
NZQA credits: 97
Programme Length: 52 weeks Full-time or two years Part-time
Fee: $4990

Download a Course Information Sheet here

Aim of Programme:

This programme will provide you with an understanding of basic principles and practice of accounting and prepare you for employment in an accounts clerk position, or for further studies in accounting.

Content:

This certificate covers accounting concepts, documentation for cash and other business transactions, inventory management, use of ledgers, payroll and employment related administration, preparation of financial statements and employment law, word processing and spreadsheet.

Outcomes:

Graduates will be able to demonstrate knowledge of basic principles and practices of accounting. They will have the ability to keep reliable financial records, prepare financial information for an accountant and function as an accounts clerk in a small to medium sized business or pursue further studies in accounting.

The Certificate in Practical Accounting is ideal for:

• Individuals who want to prepare themselves for work in an accounts position
• Individuals currently in an accounts role who want to gain a formal qualification, and may wish to pursue a further career in accounting
• Small business owners who need to have the skills and knowledge to manage their own accounting records
• Employers or Managers of Finance departments who have staff requiring skills and training in accounts

Further study options:

Higher diploma or degree level at University or Polytechnic

Career opportunities/Job opportunities:

Accounts clerk or Accounts Assistant.
Manage your own accounts for your business

Entry requirements:

Applicants must successfully complete Learning Post’s competency test or have achieved equivalent English language, literacy and numeracy skills, for admission to this course. They must also have access to appropriate computer hardware and software, and be accessible by telephone.

Programme Structure:

Explain the nature of accounting and business entities
Process financial information to a trial balance using the double entry system
Process financial information using a cash based system
Review the control and accounting procedures for an accounts receivable sub-system
Prepare financial statements for a sole proprietor
Analyse, interpret, and present the financial information of sole proprietors
Explain and make balance sheet date adjustments and incorporate them into financial statements
Create and use a simple computer spreadsheet to solve a problem
Describe and prepare the financial statements for a company
Analyse and interpret company financial statements
Operate computer accounts receivable and payable ledger systems to produce financial information
Operate computer general ledger accounting systems to produce financial information
Operate computer general ledger accounting systems to produce financial reports
Operate and administer inventory systems
Prepare computerized payroll and related administration records
Complete accounting procedures and produce financial statements
Complete IRD employer requirements for PAYE, FBT and GST
Demonstrate knowledge of employment law
Use a word processor to produce documents
Apply language and text processing skills to produce specialist documents

Additional Information and Programme Requirements:

Software:

Office Professional 2003 or Office Professional 2007 including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Publisher.
NB: MYOB training software is provided by Learning Post.

Hardware:

A computer capable of running Windows XP or Vista, and Office XP Professional/Office Professional 2003/Office Professional 2007.
A monitor, mouse, CD-RW drive and modem.