New Zealand Certificate in Business (Accounting Support Services) (Level 4)
Gain understanding of the fundamentals of accounting and enhance your career opportunities with this flexible course that’s tailored to you. You'll gain the knowledge to take on an entry-level accounting support role within an organisation, enhance your existing knowledge, or to continue studying towards a higher qualification.
Domestic
July
About the programme
Working in administration and keen to move into an accounts role but need the knowledge and confidence to take that step? Want a career in bookkeeping but don’t yet have the skills to apply for a role? Or simply looking to start your career training?
Whatever your circumstances, this qualification will give you a sound understanding of the accounting functions required in a business, and equip you with the skills to take on a new challenge.
You will gain an understanding of financial documents, using accounting software and managing an organisation’s account processing, and graduate with the ability to contribute more effectively to your organisation.
Study your way
Dunedin campus
This course is delivered flexibly outside core working hours, so you can get qualified at a time that suits you and your whānau. You’ll learn by studying online and in person at workshops delivered outside the standard 9am-5pm.
Part-time study
We know full-time study isn't always possible - there are also options to study this programme part-time.
International
July
About the programme
Working in administration and keen to move into an accounts role but need the knowledge and confidence to take that step? Want a career in bookkeeping but don’t yet have the skills to apply for a role? Or simply looking to start your career training?
Whatever your circumstances, this qualification will give you a sound understanding of the accounting functions required in a business, and equip you with the skills to take on a new challenge.
You will gain an understanding of financial documents, using accounting software and managing an organisation’s account processing, and graduate with the ability to contribute more effectively to your organisation
Study your way
This course is delivered flexibly outside core working hours, so you can get qualified at a time that suits you and your whānau. You’ll learn by studying online and in person at workshops delivered outside the standard 9am-5pm.
What You Study
Your courses
| Course | Description | Credits |
| Accrual accounting | Develop an understanding of the fundamentals and principles of accounting and apply these in a basic business context. | 15 |
| Accounting for taxation | Learn how to calculate and report tax for a business entity. | 10 |
| Accounting software | Understand how to set up and use accounting software, with an established Chart of Accounts, to process transactions and a range of financial reports for a GST registered entity. | 15 |
| Payroll | To collate and maintain payroll administration records and prepare a PAYE return in an ethical and culturally appropriate manner. | 10 |
| Total | 50 |
Further study options
This programme provides the perfect pathway into our New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5) (Accounting) or (Leadership and Management) and the Bachelor of Applied Management (Accounting), which is certified by both Chartered Accountants ANZ and CPA Australia.
Workload
Your workload
This course will require approximately 12 hours of work per week, both in directed and self-directed learning.
You’ll have access to lunchtime, evening and optional weekend sessions, as well as on-campus drop-in tutorials for additional tailored support.
Need more information about how you could structure your learning? Email Emma Hogg at Emma.Hogg@op.ac.nz.
Entry
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
- 40 credits at NCEA Level 1, including 10 Literacy credits and 10 Numeracy credits, or a relevant qualification at Level 2, or a recognised equivalent.
- If you are over 20 and do not meet the entry requirements, you will be eligible for special admission and we'll work with you on this.
- If you are under 20 and do not meet the entry requirements, you may be eligible for discretionary admission and we'll work with you on this.
English language requirements
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for internationally recognised proficiency tests and proficiency outcomes for international students).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Other requirements
Computer literacy is highly recommended in order to be able to cope with the digital components of this course.
Fees
Domestic fees
International fees
Additional costs
There are no additional costs for this course.
Tuition fees
The tuition fee shown above are approximate only. There may be a slight fee increase per year once Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) rules and guidelines are applied. These fees also don't include additional costs or living costs.
Studylink
Domestic full-time students can apply for a student loan through Studylink.
Some support may be available for domestic part-time students if this programme offers a part-time study option.
Apply at the same time as you apply for your course (you can withdraw your application anytime).
Fees Free
The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study or training will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free policy will replace it, starting from 1 January 2025.
If you are a first-time tertiary learner in 2025, you may be able to get Fees Free for your final year of study or training. If you are eligible, you will need to apply for your entitlement through IRD from 2026 onwards.
For more information about the transition from first-year Fees Free or the final-year Fees Free policy, visit FeesFree.govt.nz.
Study Grants for international students
We have a range of Study Grants to support our international students.
Student Services Fee
For most students, your tuition fee shown above includes a Student Services Fee – also known as the Student Levy. This compulsory fee covers your access to the student services we offer. This cost is tailored depending on how you're studying.
The international tuition fee does not include your Student Levy. This will be calculated when you enrol with us.
Click below to find out more about the Student Levy costs and services provided.
Application
A change for 2023 enrolments
When you apply to study with Otago Polytechnic in 2023, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people. The great news is that this enables us to share skills and knowledge across a network of passionate education providers, to better help you succeed. Enrolling in programmes that start in 2023, means that you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.
