The Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping (FNS40222) is the nationally recognised AQF qualification required to register as a BAS Agent with the Tax Practitioners Board — the credential that allows you to legally prepare and lodge Business Activity Statements for clients. Available online through TAFE and registered RTOs and government-subsidised in most states.
Bookkeepers with Xero and/or MYOB certification wanting to formalise their qualification and expand their service offering to include BAS preparation. Career changers from administration or finance-adjacent roles wanting a genuine AQF credential.
Financial transaction processing, GST and BAS preparation, payroll processing and compliance, financial reports, and the regulatory and ethical obligations of a BAS Agent.
Bookkeepers with this qualification and BAS Agent registration earn $70,000–$100,000 AUD employed, or set independent rates of $40–$80/hour.
Government-subsidised in most states — typically $1,000–$3,000 AUD depending on eligibility. Six to twelve months part-time online.
Pros: Nationally recognised AQF qualification. Enables BAS Agent registration. Government-subsidised in most states. Cons: Longer time commitment than software certifications. Provider quality varies — check ASQA registration before enrolling.