Kira studied a Dual Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping online to enhance her skills and knowledge. Already working in Finance Administration, she was after a qualification that would be beneficial in her current role as well as expand her future career potential.
We sat down with her to discuss her experience and how the flexibility of online learning was a huge benefit to her as a part-time working mum with a baby.
1. Can you tell us a little bit about the qualification you studied?
I studied a Dual Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping online. I was originally looking at a Certificate IV in Bookkeeping but only had to complete an extra 2-3 units to receive the Dual Certificate.
This really appealed to me as it has opened a wide range of career opportunities such as being able to become a Certified Bookkeeper or a Registered BAS Agent. I also had the option of completing the course using MYOB AccountRight or Xero but decided to use both as I wanted to extend my current knowledge in each software and knew that many businesses used these accounting systems.
2. Why did you decide to study this qualification?
I currently work in Finance Administration and was already undertaking a few Bookkeeping tasks but wanted to expand my current skills and knowledge in the area. I really enjoy the Bookkeeping side of things and hoped that completing this course would allow for career advancement with my current employer.
3. Can you list a few factors that make learning easier for you and explain why?
As I was working four days a week and caring for a baby, I had to be very organised. I would write up a plan each week, scheduling myself a couple of hours each night, a few times a week to study.
My RTO provided me with a training plan when I started my course which stated how many hours of study was needed to complete each unit. This gave me a rough idea of how many hours I would need to put in each week to ensure that I completed each module on time.
4. What type of training do you like and why?
Studying for the Dual Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping online was the best option for me due to working and having a little one to look after. I loved being able to have the flexibility to study at a time that suited me.
I was also given 6 months to complete each module (4 modules in total), and 2 years to complete the course, which I thought was great. I remember moving house and being without internet for a few weeks, but not having to worry as I knew I had a few months left to complete the module.
5. What would you like your training provider to offer you?
I think it’s very important that a training provider offers the appropriate support when needed. This could be done via phone, email, or Zoom. I believe course materials should be easy-to-follow and that there should be videos and webinars to assist with learning.
I found my RTO to be very supportive during my studies, providing me with all of the above and more. I received a student login so that I could access my own learning portal. This is where I would complete quizzes and lodge my online assessments, allowing me to easily keep track of where I was at. I was also given access to a student Facebook group which I found incredibly helpful throughout my course.
6. How has your training had a positive effect on your work?
Since recently finishing the course, I have been able to take on some extra bookkeeping tasks such as reconciliation of accounts and lodging the BAS (Business Activity Statement). My employer and I also have a meeting scheduled to discuss what other tasks I would like to take on board, which I am very excited about.
7. What advice would you give to someone who is considering online training?
Do your research! Make sure that the training provider is a Registered Training Organisation and that the course/units are nationally recognised. Research each module and look at what units are included in the course to assist you in deciding whether the course is right for you.
Be prepared to stay organised and manage your time wisely as it is quite easy to lose track of deadlines when you are learning at your own pace. Lastly, don’t be afraid to seek help when needed.
