Diploma of Accounting

The Diploma of Accounting is a one-year qualification for people who want to work in bookkeeping, accounts payable and receivable, or payroll, and for those who want a recognised Australian credential before going on to further study. You learn how to keep a set of books, prepare financial reports and statements, process BAS and GST, run payroll, and use accounting software the way Australian businesses actually use it. The course sits at the diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework, which means it is practical, job-focused and shorter than a degree.

How the course is structured

Australian diplomas are usually delivered over two semesters across one year, though some providers run three trimesters so you can finish faster or spread the load. You complete a set of units of study, each with a credit point value, and you need to pass all required units to graduate. Assessment is a mix of exams, assignments, practical software tasks and case studies based on real business scenarios. Because this is a vocational qualification, there is a strong emphasis on doing the work rather than just reading about it. You may complete simulated workplace tasks or a placement component where the provider arranges it. Confirm the exact unit list, delivery mode and any placement requirement on the official page.

What you actually learn

You will work through the accounting cycle from source documents to final reports. That means journal entries, ledgers, trial balances, bank reconciliations, depreciation schedules, and preparing financial statements for sole traders, partnerships and small companies. You also cover compliance: GST, PAYG, BAS lodgement, superannuation, and the record-keeping rules that apply in Australia. Software training is part of most diplomas, so expect hands-on work with packages like MYOB or Xero. By the end you should be able to take a small business's records and produce accurate reports without supervision.

Who it suits

This diploma suits school leavers who want a fast route into an office job, career changers moving into finance or administration, and international students looking for an Australian qualification in a field that every industry needs. It also works as a pathway: many students use a diploma to gain credit towards a bachelor degree, which can reduce the time and cost of the degree. If you are an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream after you finish, depending on your circumstances. English requirements are set by the provider and by the Department of Home Affairs for the visa. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register. Check the official page for current details.

• Accounts clerk or bookkeeper, keeping day-to-day records for small and medium businesses, often in accounting firms, franchises or trades.
• Accounts payable officer, processing supplier invoices and payments in larger organisations across retail, manufacturing, health and government.
• Accounts receivable officer, managing customer invoicing, receipts and follow-up in businesses with high transaction volumes.
• Payroll officer, calculating wages, superannuation and deductions, and keeping up with Australian payroll rules.
• Assistant accountant, supporting qualified accountants with reconciliations, reports and month-end tasks.
• BAS agent support, assisting registered tax agents with GST and activity statement work, under supervision.

Hiring industries include accounting and bookkeeping firms, professional services, construction, hospitality, retail, healthcare, not-for-profits and all levels of government. Many graduates start in an entry-level finance role and study part-time towards a degree or a professional qualification.