Start Your Own Business with Xero & AI

Launch Your Own Business with Xero and AI Skills

An 80-hour online course covering Xero, business fundamentals, and AI tools, built for aspiring business owners and self-starters.

CPD Endorsed100% OnlineFrom $29/Week
6 Mths
Duration
Online
Delivery
22
Units
Flexible
Start Date
CPD Endorsed
Credential
Start Your Own Business with Xero & AI

Launch Your Own Business with Xero and AI Skills

An 80-hour online course covering Xero, business fundamentals, and AI tools, built for aspiring business owners and self-starters.

CPD Endorsed100% OnlineFrom $29/Week
6 Mths
Duration
Online
Delivery
22
Units
Flexible
Start Date
CPD Endorsed
Credential
Why Study This

Practical, Job-Relevant Skills You Can Build.

80 Hours Of Content, 6 Months Access, Study At Your Own Pace.

ICOES And CPD Standards Office Accredited Certificate Of Achievement.

Includes The Official Xero Advisor Certification Pathway.

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)
Small-Business Owner (Startup)Plans, launches, and manages a new business, handling finances, operations, and strategy from day one.
Freelance Bookkeeper (Xero)Manages accounts, reconciliations, and financial records for small-business clients using Xero software.
Business Development CoordinatorSupports growth initiatives, researches market opportunities, and assists with planning and client outreach.
Operations Manager (Small Business)Oversees day-to-day business functions, coordinates staff, and keeps processes running efficiently.
Business Planning AssistantAssists in preparing business plans, forecasts, and reports to support decision-making.
Xero Implementation SpecialistHelps businesses set up, configure, and get the most from Xero accounting software.
Cashflow Analyst (Junior)Monitors and reports on business cashflow, supporting financial health and forward planning.
Business Analyst (Entry Level)Gathers and interprets business data to help identify improvements and support strategic decisions.

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

22 Units · 17 Core, 5 Electives

Core Units · 17 units
  • Topic 1Starting Up
  • Topic 2Business Types and Structures
  • Topic 3Preparing your Business Plan
  • Topic 4What is Accounting?
  • Topic 5Transactions and Definitions
  • Topic 6Accounts and Definitions
  • Topic 7Accounting for Transactions
  • Topic 8Accounts and Financial Statements
  • Topic 9Introduction to GST
  • Topic 10Introduction to Xero Online
  • Topic 11Xero Chart of Accounts
  • Topic 12Managing Contacts with Xero
  • Topic 13Xero Sales, Invoices, Quotes & Inventory
  • Topic 14Xero Purchases and Bills
  • Topic 15Reconciliation and Managing Accounts with Xero
  • Topic 16Introduction to Xero Reporting
  • Topic 17Introduction to Xero Add-ons
Elective Units · 5 units
  • Topic 1Digital Marketing Fundamentals
  • Topic 2Content Creation with AI
  • Topic 3Google Advertising
  • Topic 4Meta (Facebook & Instagram) Advertising
  • Topic 5Conversion Rate Optimisation (CRO)
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

100% Online, Study When It Suits You

Fully online course with 6 months access and approximately 80 hours of content. Study at your own pace, whenever suits you.

Unlimited Tutor Support

Unlimited support from industry expert tutors via phone and email during business hours. Multiple accounting, bookkeeping, and business tutors available.

Industry-Accredited Certificate

Upon completion, receive a Certificate of Achievement accredited by ICOES and the CPD Standards Office. The Career Academy is also a member of the International Approval & Recognition Council.

Certificate in Xero Included

Structured learning path takes you from beginner to advanced Xero skills, including the Official Xero Advisor Certification pathway.

Certificate in Digital Marketing with AI (Optional)

Optional module unlocked after completing core modules covering digital marketing fundamentals, AI content creation, Google and Meta advertising, and CRO.

Career Centre Access

Instant access upon enrolment to the Career Centre, including latest job opportunities, CV templates, free personalised CV review, job tips, and interview preparation.

Career Success Bundle (Upgrade Available)

Optional upgrade includes expert career coaching, personalised career plan, LinkedIn profile review, and proven strategies for job success.

Professional Network & Xero Partner Access

Join a community of finance professionals and Xero learners. Access networking opportunities and stay connected to industry trends through The Career Academy's official Xero Partner status.

Extra certifications included

Certificate in Xero

Certificate in Digital Marketing with AI (optional)

ICOES International Accreditation

CPD Standards Office Accreditation

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.
Getting Started

Your Path To Enrolment

A few simple steps from enquiry to your first day.

1
Click 'Enrol Now'
2
Choose payment option (upfront or payment plan)
3
Complete enrolment
4
Receive instant access to course and Career Centre
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 work. Now, he's well on his way to becoming an Accounting Technician, with professional qualifications recognized worldwide.

GGeorge
★★★★★

Cameron Young transformed his passion for dogs into a successful mobile dog grooming service. Cameron's journey started with The Career Academy's Diploma in Dog Grooming, which equipped him with the skills and confidence to launch his business.

CCameron
★★★★★

Nikki switched gears from rally co-driver to qualified Accounting Technician, thanks to her studies at The Career Academy. With industry-recognized qualifications under her belt, she landed a role at Robinson Interiors and even became a tutor at The Career Academy, helping others pursue their career dreams.

NNikki
★★★★★

As a busy mum of two, Samantha needed flexible study options, which she found with The Career Academy. After completing the Certificate in Bookkeeping, she quickly transitioned into an Office Manager role and is now working towards opening her own business.

SSamantha
★★★★★

Carol balanced family life, a full-time job, and the management of her family's restaurant while completing the Certificate in Bookkeeping with The Career Academy. Her newfound qualification has given her the confidence to support the business and further her accounting career.

CCarol
Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

This course is designed for beginners with no prior accounting or business experience required. It suits anyone looking to start a business, move into a finance support role, or build practical skills in Xero. Submit an enquiry to confirm any current entry requirements.
A weekly payment plan may be available to spread the cost. Submit a Get Course enquiry to confirm current pricing and any available payment options.
Students have six months of access to complete approximately 80 hours of content. The course is fully self-paced, so you can fit study around work and other commitments. Submit an enquiry if you have questions about the access period.
The course is 100% online and self-paced. Unlimited tutor support is available via phone and email during business hours, with multiple accounting, bookkeeping, and business tutors on hand. No set class times or attendance requirements apply.
This course does not include a work placement component. Practical skills are developed through online exercises and Xero software tasks throughout the course.
Graduates receive a Certificate of Achievement accredited by ICOES (International Council for Online Educational Standards) and the CPD Standards Office, along with a digital badge. The Career Academy NZ is also a member of the International Approval and Recognition Council. This course is a professional development qualification and is not a government-accredited or nationally recognised qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework.
As a professional development course, credit toward formal qualifications is arranged through the provider's RPL and credit process. Submit a Get Course enquiry to confirm what recognition options may be available for your situation.
This course builds practical skills relevant to starting a small business, working as a freelance bookkeeper, or moving into a business support role. Completing the Xero Advisor Certification pathway also strengthens a CV for finance and operations roles. Career outcomes depend on individual background and effort, and no specific outcome is guaranteed.
About This Course

Start Your Own Business with Xero & AI

This course covers everything needed to start and run a small business, from setting up accounts in Xero to understanding cashflow, business planning, and digital marketing. Students work through approximately 80 hours of content at their own pace, with six months of access to fit study around work or other commitments.

Delivered by The Career Academy NZ, the course takes students from beginner to advanced Xero skills, including the Official Xero Advisor Certification pathway. An optional Digital Marketing with AI module introduces content creation, Google and Meta advertising, and conversion rate optimisation once core modules are complete.

Students have unlimited support from industry expert tutors via phone and email during business hours. On completion, graduates receive a Certificate of Achievement accredited by ICOES and the CPD Standards Office.

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