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Accounting Technician Pathway for Bookkeepers

Become a Certified Accounting Technician in New Zealand

This diploma-level pathway leads to IPA Certified Accounting Technician status and Graduate Membership to the Institute of Public Accountants.

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18 Mths
Duration
Online
Delivery
67
Units
Flexible
Start Date
CPD Endorsed
Credential
Accounting Technician Pathway for Bookkeepers

Become a Certified Accounting Technician in New Zealand

This diploma-level pathway leads to IPA Certified Accounting Technician status and Graduate Membership to the Institute of Public Accountants.

CPD Endorsed100% OnlineFrom $29/Week
18 Mths
Duration
Online
Delivery
67
Units
Flexible
Start Date
CPD Endorsed
Credential
Why Study This

Practical, Job-Relevant Skills You Can Build.

Leads To IPA Certified Accounting Technician Status

Xero Advisor Certification And MYOB Access Included

400 Hours Of Content, No Exams, 18 Months Access

Skills & Applications

Skills You'll Build

Practical, job-relevant skills for these roles. As a professional development course, it builds capability in this field rather than guaranteeing a specific role or salary.

35k+
Employed in business & management (NZ)
↑ 9%
Projected job growth (NZ)
Qualified BookkeeperManages day-to-day financial records, reconciliations, and reporting for businesses of all sizes.
Accounts TechnicianSupports accounting teams with data entry, ledger maintenance, and financial reporting tasks.
Payroll TechnicianProcesses employee pay, leave, and PAYE obligations accurately and on time.
Financial Accounts AssistantAssists with preparing financial statements and supporting month-end processes.
Credit Control OfficerManages accounts receivable, follows up outstanding invoices, and maintains debtor records.
Finance Team CoordinatorCoordinates administrative and financial tasks within a finance department at junior level.
Accounts Systems AdministratorMaintains accounting software, user access, and data integrity across finance platforms.
Practice Support AssistantProvides bookkeeping and administrative support within an accounting or professional services practice.

Indicative market figures from publicly available New Zealand data (Stats NZ · careers.govt.nz). Possible career directions only; no specific job, salary or outcome is guaranteed. Where you go depends on your experience, the employer and your location.

What You’ll Learn

67 Units

Core Units · 67 units
  • Topic 1Accounting and Bookkeeping Fundamentals
  • Topic 2General Journal
  • Topic 3General Ledger & the Trial Balance
  • Topic 4Depreciation
  • Topic 5Adjusting Entries
  • Topic 6Financial Statements
  • Topic 7Understanding GST
  • Topic 8Employment Law & Introduction to Payroll
  • Topic 9Fringe Benefit Tax
  • Topic 10Fundamentals of Income Tax
  • Topic 11Accounting with Xero
  • Topic 12Budgeting, Forecasting and Cashflow Management
  • Topic 13Using Microsoft Excel
  • Topic 14Accounting & Business Prior Knowledge Quiz
  • Topic 15Accounting and Business
  • Topic 16Determining Profit
  • Topic 17Issues in Income Determination & Asset Valuation
  • Topic 18Tracking Cash & Controlling Assets
  • Topic 19Internal Decision Making
  • Topic 20Analysing Financial Reports
  • Topic 21NZ Financial Reporting Framework
  • Topic 22Cost Classification
  • Topic 23Costing Methods
  • Topic 24Product & Process Costing
  • Topic 25Standard Costs & Variance Analysis
  • Topic 26Activity Based Costing
  • Topic 27Budgeting & CVP Analysis
  • Topic 28Performance Management & Measurement
  • Topic 29Inventory Management & Planning
  • Topic 30Tax Fundamentals – Introduction
  • Topic 31Tax Fundamentals – Income & Deductions
  • Topic 32Tax Fundamentals – Tax Calculation & Return Preparation
  • Topic 33GST
  • Topic 34Company Taxation
  • Topic 35Look Through Companies
  • Topic 36Fringe Benefit Tax (Diploma)
  • Topic 37SPFR Framework For For-Profit Entities Part 1
  • Topic 38SPFR Framework For For-Profit Entities Part 2
  • Topic 39SPFR Framework For For-Profit Entities Part 3
  • Topic 40Verification, Completeness & Justification
  • Topic 41Accounting for a Full Year Case Study
  • Topic 42Looking Forward Case Study
  • Topic 43Introduction to Xero Online
  • Topic 44Xero Chart of Accounts
  • Topic 45Managing Contacts with Xero
  • Topic 46Xero Sales, Invoices, Quotes & Inventory
  • Topic 47Xero Purchases & Bills
  • Topic 48Reconciliation and Managing Accounts in Xero
  • Topic 49Introduction to Xero Reporting
  • Topic 50Introduction to Xero Add-ons
  • Topic 51Aged Receivables & Payables in Xero
  • Topic 52Managing Fixed Assets with Xero
  • Topic 53Budgeting with Xero
  • Topic 54Tracking Categories in Xero
  • Topic 55Report Preparation and Analysis in Xero
  • Topic 56Customising Templates in Xero
  • Topic 57Introduction to Projects & Expenses
  • Topic 58Introduction to the Accounting Profession
  • Topic 59Ethics and Standards
  • Topic 60Professional Education
  • Topic 61Practice Essentials
  • Topic 62Practice Security
  • Topic 63People and Processes
  • Topic 64Growing your Business
  • Topic 65Digital Business
  • Topic 66Sustaining Your Business
  • Topic 67Assessment
Before You Apply

Entry Requirements

What you’ll typically need to get started.

No formal academic prerequisites

Requirements can vary by intake and pathway, so submit an enquiry to confirm what applies to you.

What’s Included

Everything That Comes With Your Enrolment

Industry-Recognised & Accredited

Courses are accredited by recognised organisations including ICOES and the CPD Standards Office. The Career Academy is also a member of the International Approval & Recognition Council.

IPA Certified Accounting Technician

Pathway leads to IPA Certified Accounting Technician status and Graduate Membership to IPA.

Unlimited Tutor Support

Unlimited support from industry expert tutors via phone and email during business hours throughout your learning journey.

100% Online, Self-Paced Learning

Study 100% online whenever suits you with 18 months access and approximately 400 hours of learning content. No exams, ever.

Free E-Books Included

Receive multiple free e-books including Foundations of NZ Taxation Law, NZ Practical Accounting Guide, NZ Master Bookkeepers Guide, GST A Practical Guide, and more.

Xero Advisor Certification & Free MYOB Access

Access the official Xero Advisor Certification and six months' free access to MYOB through Career Academy's special partnerships with Xero and MYOB.

Career Centre Access

Upon enrolment, receive instant access to the Career Centre including job opportunities, CV templates, a free personalised CV review, job tips and interview preparation resources.

Industry Network Access

Connect with key industry bodies including AAT, MYOB, Xero, and the Qualified Bookkeepers Association. Access IPA's Knowledge Hub and exclusive networking events.

Free bonus courses included

Six months' free access to MYOB

Free six-month access to MYOB software through Career Academy's partnership with MYOB.

Foundations of New Zealand Taxation Law 2023

E-book by S Barkoczy covering policy, principles and practice of NZ tax laws.

So Now You Want to Get Paid!

E-book by Graham B Pomeroy covering credit management and debt recovery in New Zealand.

New Zealand Practical Accounting Guide

E-book by Stephen J. Marsden covering bookkeeping essentials, accounting and taxation…

CAN
Your Provider

The Career Academy NZ

The Career Academy offers an online Career Centre providing career coaching, CV reviews, interview preparation, job search resources, and LinkedIn profile reviews. Students have access to a Career Success Hub, Business Hub, and Self Service Resource Hub. The centre includes one-to-one coaching from dedicated career support staff and is available to all students during and after their studies.

Fees & Funding

Flexible Ways To Pay

From $29/Week
on an interest-free payment plan
EASY WAYS TO PAY
Pay upfrontWeekly payment plan
Enquire to confirm the exact fees and payment options for your situation. We don’t list a set price here because it varies by your circumstances.
Why Students Choose The

What Students Say

★★★★★

“Hiromi found the perfect work-life balance after enrolling in The Career Academy's Certificate in Bookkeeping. As a busy mum, the flexibility of online study allowed her to pursue her dream career while caring for her family. Upon completing her course, she secured a role with The Back Office Company and began her journey in a new profession.”

HHiromi
★★★★★

“After moving from Greece, George pivoted from dentistry to accounting with The Career Academy. His online learning journey, starting with the Certificate in Accounting, allowed him to balance study with other commitments and transition into a new career.”

GGeorge
Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

This course is designed for people working in or moving into bookkeeping and accounting support roles. No prior formal qualification is specified in the course data. Submit an enquiry to confirm whether any literacy, numeracy, or experience requirements apply.
A weekly payment plan may be available for this course. Submit a Get Course enquiry to confirm current pricing and payment options.
Students have 18 months of access to complete the course. The total learning content is approximately 400 hours. Because the course is self-paced, students can move faster or slower depending on their schedule.
There are no exams. Unlimited support from industry expert tutors is available by phone and email during business hours throughout the course.
This course does not include a work placement component. The practical focus is built into the course content itself, covering real-world accounting and bookkeeping tasks. Submit an enquiry if you have questions about applying your learning in a workplace setting.
This course is accredited by ICOES and the CPD Standards Office, and The Career Academy NZ is a member of the International Approval and Recognition Council. Completing the pathway leads to IPA Certified Accounting Technician status and Graduate Membership to the Institute of Public Accountants. It is not a government-accredited qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework.
As a professional development course leading to IPA Certified Accounting Technician status, credit toward other formal qualifications depends on the receiving institution. Submit a Get Course enquiry to find out what credit or recognition may be available in your situation.
Graduates may be prepared for roles such as bookkeeper, accounts technician, payroll technician, or finance team coordinator. The course pathway leads directly to Graduate Membership of the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). From there, students may be able to pursue further study toward full IPA membership or other accounting qualifications.
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About This Course

Accounting Technician Pathway for Bookkeepers

This course covers the practical accounting and bookkeeping skills New Zealand employers look for. Students learn financial accounts, GST, payroll, taxation law, and accounting software across approximately 400 hours of learning content. The pathway is accredited by ICOES and the CPD Standards Office, and leads directly to IPA Certified Accounting Technician status.

Delivered by The Career Academy NZ, the course is 100% online and self-paced, with 18 months of access. There are no exams. Tutor support from industry experts is available by phone and email during business hours throughout the course.

Students also gain access to Xero Advisor Certification and six months of MYOB software access through partnerships with both platforms. Included e-books cover NZ taxation law, practical accounting, bookkeeping, and GST, giving students ready-reference resources alongside the course material.

Ready When You Are

Take The Next Step Into Business & Management

Enquire about this course and a course advisor from The Career Academy NZ will be in touch with pricing and next steps.

Helping students across New Zealand find the right course since 2013 · 1M+ enquiries

100% OnlineFrom $29/Week

Disclaimer: Course information on this page is sourced from the education provider and was last verified on the date shown below. Details including pricing, availability, entry requirements and course content may change without notice. Get Course is a directory service that connects students with course providers; we do not deliver courses directly. Contact the provider for the most current information before enrolling.

Last updated: July 2026