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BAS Agents are specialist bookkeepers. They hold additional qualifications that allow them to prepare and lodge Business Activity Statements (BAS) with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) on behalf of their clients.
As a BAS Agent, you help businesses manage their GST (goods and services tax) obligations, superannuation liabilities, PAYG instalments, and other key tax payments. Your work day might include: setting up a computerised accounting system for a new client, processing invoices and incoming payments, generating a BAS statement and advising the client of their GST obligations, updating the computerised payroll to include the tax tables for the new financial year, ensuring the client has appropriate receipts and documents on file, lodging a return with the ATO.
To be successful in this role you will need an eye for detail and committed to data accuracy and integrity. BAS Agents also need outstanding interpersonal skills so they can provide expert advice to their clients.
There are 4 courses available for people who want to become a BAS Agent.
Possible job outcomes:
Become a registered BAS Agent with the FNS40222 Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping. This nationally recognised qualification meets the requirements of the Tax Practitioner’s Board (TPB) and will teach you how to prepare and lodge business activity statements (BAS) and take care of bookkeeping functions for Australian business clients. The course covers: designing and using spreadsheets, setting up computerised accounting systems, processing financial transactions, preparing reports and financial statements, assisting clients with BAS lodgement and tax instalments. Enquire now for the full list of entry requirements, TPB registration competencies, and upcoming enrolment opportunities near you. PLEASE NOTE: If you are seeking registration with the Tax Practitioner’s Board (TPB), always contact your training provider before enrolling to ensure you select the correct study units..
Average duration: 12 months.
Level-up your career in the accounts and payroll department with the FNS50422 Diploma of Payroll Services. This nationally recognised diploma will teach you how to manage an organisation’s payroll including superannuation, health fund deductions, salary packaging, allowances, and complex termination payments. The course also covers: industrial regulations and tax systems related to payroll, setting up and operating computerised accounting and payroll systems, working in the financial services industry. Enquire now for the full list of study units, payroll career competencies, and training centres near you that offer this course. PLEASE NOTE: this diploma has scope for registration as a BAS Agent with Tax Practitioner’s Board (TPB). Ask your training provider before enrolling to ensure you select the correct elective units..
Average duration: 24 months.
The BAS Agent Registration Skill Set is a nationally accredited qualification designed for bookkeepers, payroll officers, or administrators aiming to become registered BAS agents. This course meets the requirements set by the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB). However, to gain registration, the TPB will assess each candidate's qualifications and experience against the standards specified in the Tax Agent Services Regulations 2009, ensuring all requirements are satisfied. This course provides the essential education needed to pursue BAS agent registration effectively. .
Average duration: 3 months.
Become a registered tax agent, assistant accountant, or high-end accounts officer with the FNS50222 Diploma of Accounting. This nationally recognised diploma is recognised by the Tax Practitioner’s Board (TPB). The course covers: designing complex spreadsheets, preparing tax documents for individuals, managing budgets, preparing company reports, implementing internal control procedures, management accounting. Enquire now for entry requirements, accounting career outcomes, and upcoming enrolment opportunities in your area. PLEASE NOTE: If you are seeking registration with the Tax Practitioner’s Board (TPB), always contact your training provider before enrolling to ensure you select the correct study units..
BAS Agents in Australia are regulated by the Tax Practitioner’s Board (TPB) and must have appropriate qualifications and professional experience as a bookkeeper. To obtain TPB registration you must:
1. Complete a TPB-approved bookkeeping course that includes the BAS Agent Registration Skill Set. Suitable qualifications include the Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping, Diploma of Accounting, and Diploma of Payroll Services.
2. Complete at least 1,400 hours of work experience under the supervision of a registered BAS Agent or accountant. However, this can be reduced to 1,000 hours if you join a professional association that is recognised by the TPB.
3. Hold professional indemnity insurance.
The average weekly earnings for a full-time BAS Agent is currently $1,304 per week ($67,808 annually). This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. Self-employed BAS Agents often earn higher salaries.
There are approximately 97,500 qualified bookkeepers working in Australia right now, many of these are also registered BAS Agents. There are job opportunities for BAS Agents in all regions of the country, including remote and rural locations.
While some BAS Agents work for large corporations, government departments, and accounting firms, many are self-employed or work part-time for smaller bookkeeping agencies. Becoming a BAS Agent is an excellent career choice for anyone wanting flexible hours or to work remotely or from a home office.
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024
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Here are some potential career pathways within accounting and bookkeeping. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Accounting
Accounts Clerk
$960 weekly pay
Payroll Clerk
Accounts Officer
$1,150 weekly pay
Accounts Receivable Officer
Assistant Accountant
$1,250 weekly pay
BAS Agent
$1,400 weekly pay
Bookkeeper
Financial Accountant
$1,730 weekly pay
Payroll Officer
Accountant
$1,600 weekly pay
Accounting Manager
$1,550 weekly pay
Auditor
$1,440 weekly pay
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
$2,880 weekly pay
Company Accountant
$1,820 weekly pay
Cost Controller
$2,115 weekly pay
Financial Controller
Forensic Accountant
Internal Auditor
$1,630 weekly pay
Management Accountant
$1,920 weekly pay
Tax Accountant
Tax Agent
$1,700 weekly pay
Bookkeeping
Accounting Clerk
Learn more about BAS Agent courses in your area.