C5390 - Diploma of Accounting

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Plan: C5390 - Diploma of Accounting
Campus: City Campus

Program delivery and structure

Approach to learning and assessment
Work integrated learning
Program structure
Program transition plan

Approach to learning and assessment

Successful completion of the program requires you to demonstrate that you are competent in 11 units of competency as outlined in the program structure: 6 core units plus 5 electives.

You will be required to study for approximately 37 hours per week and this includes face-to-face classes, online activities as well as self-directed studies such as preparation for classes, research, online collaboration and assessment completion.

Delivery and Learning

The delivery of the program is face to face with a significant allocation of that time expected to be in a simulated work environment called, The Practice firm. 

You will already be very well versed in the methodology of accounting as you already completed Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping (or equivalent).  You will be able to engage with new content delivered in a framework that you (by now) fully understand.

Learning will ensure that units are contextualised to industry applications wherever possible, and that demonstrations and practical sessions be incorporated wherever appropriate in the delivery strategy. You will experience a variety of approaches to learning and teaching.

RMIT’s strategic plan focuses on a ‘Ready for Life and Work’ strategy. This strategy prepares students for workplaces that are rapidly evolving and plays a part in shaping a changing world.

The Diploma of Accounting delivers all the required skills for the accountants to be in the industry like data analysis, communication, relationship building with various activities run in house and above all administrative and computer skills. The virtual working environment called The Practice firm, delivers the above-mentioned skills in the most practical and natural environment. You will be given exposure to the accounting industry and prepare you with the unexpected surprises within the industry.

Classes are interactive and give you many opportunities to discuss ideas and practice skills. You will participate in class learning activities including analysis of case studies and scenarios, group discussions, pair work and simulations of real-life job assignments. Other activities will include interactive e-learning, learner directed reading and practice, online and library research activities.  

The Practice Firm is a simulated publicly listed company under ‘The Swanston Banking Group Ltd’ name and it is located in Building 80, level 6, room 7.  It also incorporates a branch called Swanston travel agency that offers various ticketing services to its customers (simulated clients).

You will be ‘employed’ in various roles and you will perform all the tasks that you would be required to perform once employed outside in the industry.  As part of your duties you will process the pays for employees, prepare payroll reports and make the payments and various other tasks related to these jobs.

The various practical activities will help you to understand and apply theoretical and specialist knowledge and skills to work autonomously, and exercise judgement in completing routine and non-routine activities such as:

  • preparing and lodging business and instalment activity statements,
  • providing advice or dealing with the Commissioner on behalf of a taxpayer in relation to activity statements

The travel agency performs like a normal business where it has various transactions (simulated transactions) and you will be asked to record those transactions as you would do in a workplace as an accountant.  The Swanston travel agency has employees (simulated employees) that you will need to talk with about travel bookings and then record the hours and make the necessary payments.

The Swanston Banking Group’s website is: https://sites.google.com/rmit.edu.au/sbgl/

The employees’ portal includes the following:

  • Information about the agency
  • Human Resources portal
  • Policies and Procedures
  • MYOB file with transactions and data
  • Payroll information with MYOB file and data
  • Budgeting information and MYOB file with data

You will use accounting software to build upon your knowledge and skills.  The files mirror ones used in industry and will prepare you to adapt to industry practices and the workplace.  You will also use industry specific record keeping tools and documents used in every day accounting practices. 

The structured activities are typically communicated through CANVAS (RMIT’s Online Learning Management System). This system provides the source of any other recommended reading or learning activities (pre or post-class).                                                  

Given the intrinsically repetitive nature of many practical/technical accounting tasks, it is also always necessary for you to undertake prescribed (non-assessment) tasks outside of class time (e.g. performing calculations, recording transactions, preparing various reports and forms). These prescribed activities are underpinned by classroom explanations, demonstrations and in-class practice, and are often the forerunner to structured assessment activities, many of which are also undertaken outside of class time.

For learning and assessment purposes some units of competency have been grouped into clusters as listed below:

Cluster Name Units
Financial Management

ACCT5424C Provide financial and business performance information (FNSACC511)
COSC6185C Develop and use complex spreadsheets (BSBITU402)

Leadership and Management

BUSM8844C Identify situations requiring complex ethical decision making (FNSINC503)
EMPL7084C Lead effective workplace relationships (BSBLDR402)

Other authentic work may be undertaken via our Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects, where you will engage in a problem-solving task, in groups, with RMIT Vietnam or other clients.

Assessment

Assessment tasks are designed to simulate the workplace and require you to demonstrate the practical application of your knowledge. If you have already developed competency through prior experience, you may apply for Credit Transfer/RPL before the program commences or at any time during the program. Please refer to http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/enrolment/credit

All assessment tools ensure that there are processes in place to authenticate the evidence provided. These processes include questioning and third party endorsement for RPL applicants, questioning/interviews/self-reflections for group assignments and questioning and the use of Turnitin for e-submissions.  Many units have a component of group work which requires you to work collaboratively in simulated work situations. Assessment tasks will provide simulated scenarios and tasks which are equivalent to future job roles relevant to the program.

Given the intrinsically repetitive nature of many practical/technical accounting tasks, you will also undertake prescribed (non-assessment) tasks outside of class time (e.g. performing calculations, recording transactions, preparing various reports and forms). These prescribed activities are underpinned by classroom explanations, demonstrations and in-class practice, and are often the forerunner to structured assessment activities, many of which are also undertaken outside of class time.

Methods of assessment of individual or clustered competencies will be dependent on individual requirements as stated in the training package. These will generally include:

  • verbal or written questioning
  • observations of presentations
  • other observations including demonstrations of techniques
  • assignments
  • portfolios
  • use of case studies
  • work simulated projects
  • multi- media presentations and classroom instructions
  • group and individual exercises

Learner Support

In order to identify any learning support that individual learners may need to successfully complete the program, a customised online Language, Literacy (including digital) and Numeracy (LLN) assessment is conducted for all students prior to commencement of training.  The test has been mapped to the Australian Core Skills Framework and is designed to highlight specific areas of assistance that may be required.  Individualised learning support plans are then provided to students outlining the kind of support services that are available and how to access these.  In addition, where cohorts of students are identified as having core skill gaps, teachers incorporate additional Language, Literacy and/or Numeracy learning activities into the delivery of the program.

The Program Manager and teachers have worked with the library to design a session to prepare you for your work. The projects require planning, research and referencing. The session will address the following areas in preparation for the projects:

  • Analyse and brainstorm the question
  • Assignment planner
  • Start your research
  • Searching tips - keywords, synonyms, evaluate websites etc.
  • Library Search, Subject Guides, Library Databases
  • Plan the essay
  • Learning Lab tutorials
  • Continue your research
  • Ask a Librarian, Study and Learning Centre
  • Write and reference
  • Easy Cite referencing tool, Video from Learning Lab
  • Edit
  • Drop in Centre
  • Numerical help with math simple formulas
  • familiarising with numbers and formulas

The above session has been designed in an easy-to-understand, step by step process and recognises the needs of local and international students.

Library normally runs the session in the classes to inform about the programs and services offered for student uplift. The free sessions are always run in the library and the students are encouraged to go and attend.

There is online help available for students’ reference regarding assessment preparation and research skills. The students are encouraged via CANVAS site to use these sources and references to these sites are given along with the assessments.

If you require assistance with study skills you can access Study Support:  https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support

Study Support offers practical advice on assignment writing and discipline-specific language and learning skills.  It can also assist with specific skills you may need to succeed in this program, including any language, literacy or numeracy problems.

Equitable Learning Services

If you have a disability, long-term illness and/or mental health condition you can access support from the Equitable Learning Services (ELS).  In consultation with you, the ELS determines Reasonable Adjustments (RAs) and Equitable Assessment Arrangements (EAAs) This support provides equal opportunity in their studies in accordance with the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992. The ELS also provides staff and students with information and assistance in relation to disability related matters.

If you require assistance you can access the Equitable Learning Services (ELS):
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-and-facilities/student-support/equitable-learning-services

Ngarara Willim Centre

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners can gain support and encouragement from the Ngarara Willim Centre.

Ngarara Willim means ‘gathering place’ in the language of the Wurundjeri, the traditional custodians of the land where RMIT stands.  Staff can assist learners to engage and re-engage with education. They offer ongoing guidance with study, living and cultural needs.

If you require assistance with your study and other matter you can access Ngarara Willim Centre:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-and-facilities/student-support/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-students

International Students Services

RMIT supports international students to meet the challenges of moving to a new country. We have many programs and services to help you to settle in and make the most of your time at RMIT.  Take advantage of our support services and know that we’re here to help you to settle into RMIT and support you at every stage of your journey.  More information on international student support is located at  https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-and-facilities/student-support/international-students

 

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Work integrated learning

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with workplace experience.  As a student enrolled in this RMIT University program, you will be assessed on structured activities that allow you to learn, apply and demonstrate vocational competency.

The program does not have a formalised work placement.  However, you will be undertaking various Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities in a virtual work environment called Practice Firm.

The Practice Firm (Swanston Banking Group Ltd.) is a virtual working space where you will be ‘employed’ in various roles and you will perform all the tasks that you would be required to perform once employed in the industry.  As part of your duties you will process the pays for employees, prepare payroll reports and make the payments and various other tasks related to these jobs.

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Program Structure

This qualification requires the completion of 11 units - 6 core units and 5 elective units.
 

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C5390 Courses

C5390 Core Units - Complete all Six (6) courses

Course Title

Nominal Hours

Course Code

Campus

Provide financial and business performance information (FNSACC511) 60 ACCT5424C City Campus
Prepare tax documentation for individuals (FNSACC512) 80 ACCT5425C City Campus
Manage budgets and forecasts (FNSACC513) 40 ACCT5426C City Campus
Prepare financial reports for corporate entities (FNSACC514) 70 ACCT5427C City Campus
Implement and maintain internal control procedures (FNSACC516) 40 ACCT5428C City Campus
Provide management accounting information (FNSACC517) 60 ACCT5429C City Campus
AND
C5390 Elective Courses - Complete the following Five (5) Courses:

Course Title

Nominal Hours

Course Code

Campus

Design and produce complex spread sheets (BSBTEC402) 50 COSC6241C City Campus
Lead effective workplace relationships (BSBLDR413) 50 EMPL5990C City Campus
Identify situations requiring complex ethical decision making (FNSINC503) 40 BUSM8844C City Campus
Prepare financial statements for non-reporting entities (FNSACC414) 60 ACCT5423C City Campus
Make decisions in a legal context (FNSACC413) 60 LAW5751C City Campus
 

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Program transition plan

The  current FNS50217 Diploma of Accounting (C5424) is a qualification within the Financial Services Training Package. The training package has been released with a new version (version 8.0). 

Due to the new release of the FNS Training Package, FNS50217 Diploma of Accounting (C5390) has been superseded by FNS50222 Diploma of Accounting. 

Students who are enrolled in this program and complete all the requirements by 14 June 2023 will graduate with the current qualification.

Students who do not complete by 14 June 2023 may choose to transfer into the non-equivalent FNS50222 Diploma of Accounting (C5424). 

Students who transfer into the non-equivalent FNS50222 Diploma of Accounting (C5424) may need to enrol in additional units to complete the new qualification because the existing qualification and the replacement qualification are not equivalent. 

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