AIFA E-LEARNING – GIVING YOU VALUABLE EDUCATION ON YOUR DESKTOP

AIFA is a Registered Training Organization with specialist accounting, bookkeeping and financial services nationally recognized qualifications under the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF).

You can join hundreds of Australian students who have achieved their education and training objectives through our unique e-Learning delivery platforms. Voted by graduates at the most convenient and successful AQTF e-Learning education for accountants, bookkeepers and financial planners.

BAS AGENT REGISTRATION - EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

In March 2010, the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) set out education requirements for BAS agents that impact your registration as a BAS Agent. Previously registration was by notification however from the 29th of February 2012 all BAS agents must meet minimum educational requirements.

For an individual to become registered as a BAS agent the two mandatory BAS agent education requirements are:

1. awarded at least either a Certificate IV in Bookkeeping or a Certificate IV in Accounting from an RTO (or equivalent); and

2. successfully completed a course in basic GST/BAS taxation principles that is approved by the Board (BAS Agent Skill Set)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why has the TPB brought in these requirements now?

The TPB has been given a strong consumer protection function under the legislation they administer. Their goal is to ensure that tax agent and BAS services provided to members of the public on a commercial (fee paying) basis are delivered in a professional and consistent manner. In the long run, the requirement will mean that less desirable and less qualified agents will leave the market leaving more clients for those who are serious about providing great service.

When should I get the new qualifications?

The simple answer is the sooner the better. It is better to start now and achieve your qualifications on a sensible schedule. Imagine trying to rush through training in February 2012 when your clients are screaming for their December BAS to be done! Also, it is likely that clients and prospective clients will start to look for BAS Agents with these requirements so by completing the requirements sooner, you can continue to take on new clients without any concerns. Contact us below to discuss enrolment.

Are there courses that meet all requirements?

Yes. AIFA have compiled a program that will help you to meet all of your requirements. Your experience may allow you to meet your education requirements through Recognition of Prior Learning. To discuss your situation and enrolment option, get in touch with us today.

MORE INFORMATION

As a Registered Training Organisation, our role is to help you to achieve your requirements with minimal fuss. We offer lots of different options depending on your current skills and qualifications.

BAS AGENT REGISTRATION – EDUCATION OPTIONS

AIFA offers four pathways for BAS Agents and those wishing to apply to become BAS Agents to meet their education obligations advised by the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB).

1. The dual qualifications of FNS40210 Certificate IV in Bookkeeping, and FNS40610 Certificate IV in Accounting:

This combined qualification is in the format of the newly released FNS10 Financial Services Training Package and is available through our web-based learning platform. Candidates who complete the training will receive a Certificate for each of the two qualifications. The course of study is designed to be completed over 20-26 weeks through AIFA’s WebDL e-Learning platform.

2. BAS Agent Registration Skill Set:

This comprises two units specified by the TPB for candidates who have previously completed either of the Certificate IV qualifications or another higher level accounting qualification, but who have not previously completed:

• FNSBKG404A Carry out business activity and instalment activity statement tasks
• FNSBKG405A Establish and maintain a payroll system

3. AIFA Support Options

A. Credit Transfer:

Candidates who have completed particular units from a qualification prior to enrolment are able to be granted recognition for previous studies under national AQTF Credit Transfer arrangements, recognising units of competency included in this qualification that an applicant has completed at another Registered Training Organisation in the last 7 years.

B. Bridging Program

Candidates who have achieved either FNS40207 Certificate IV in Financial Services (Bookkeeping) or FNS40210 Certificate IV in Bookkeeping through previous study are able to gain the FNS40610 Certificate IV in Accounting by completing three additional units of competency, depending on the units completed in the initial qualification. Similarly, candidates who have achieved FNS40604 Certificate IV in Financial Services (Accounting) or FNS40610 Certificate IV in Accounting through previous study are able to gain the FNS40210 Certificate IV in Bookkeeping by completing a small number of additional units of competency, depending on the units completed in the initial qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

Candidates who are experienced accountants who may lack all or some elements of formal recognition of their experience are assessed against the units of competency contained in this qualification. If the applicant’s skills and experience are in line with the units of competency, the applicant will be issued a Statement of Attainment or a Diploma for the qualification/s if all units have successfully been assessed. Where assessment against some units is unsuccessful, applicants are provided the opportunity to undertake training for such units through our web-based learning platform, to complete the qualification.

Forms or types of formal assessment recognised by the TPB may include one or more of the following:

• tests and examinations (oral and written);
• problem based assignment;
• essays and reports; and
• computer based assessment tasks.

AIFA requires a face to face interview and completed assessment tasks for each candidate. Where an award has been gained through RPL, but there hasnot been a formal assessment of the kind referred to above, the following proviso applies. The TPB will approve this form of RPL only if the applicant makes their first standard application, relying on that award before 1 March 2012. This means that applicants who have used the notification method to become registered, but who wish to make a transitional application, will not be able to rely on RPL, unless the requirements of assessment above are met. From 1 October 2010, where RPL has been formally assessed, a statement of assurance or similar documentation must be provided. Information that is likely to be required in these documents includes:

• name of course provider and student;
• details of qualification/award;
• a certification to the Board by an appropriately qualified officer of the course provider; and the method by which RPL has been formally assessed.

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