Course overview
Have you thought about working in an accounts role? Are you thinking about making a move from business administration into an accounts role but need more confidence and knowledge to take that step? Perhaps you are already working in an organisation and want more responsibility and challenge. It could be time to consider upskilling to make that move a reality.
This qualification will give you a sound understanding of the accounting functions that are required in a business. You will gain the knowledge to take on an entry level accounting support role within an organisation, contributing to performance and productivity. Make your move now!
Who's It For?
Job outcomes
- Bookkeeper
- Accounts officer
- Payroll officer
- Sole-charge administrator
- Accounts payable/receivable
- Accounts Assistant
Recognition

Fees Free Study
You may be eligible for one or two years of fee-free study with this course. Check your eligibility at feesfree.govt.nz

You may be eligible for Fees Free study in this course
Study method
- OnlineOnline delivery - online course content with the exception of assessments and work placement
- BlendedBlended delivery - both online course content and partial face to face requirements
- In-classIn class delivery - predominately face to face course content conducted at a specific location
- VirtualVirtual Delivery - Live and interactive classroom-style learning conducted completely online
Duration study load
- Part-time: 32 weeks | Full-time: 18 weeks
- Indicative hours per week: Part-time: 12-19 | Full-time: 30
Delivery
Entry requirements
New Zealand Certificate in Business (Introduction to Small Business) (Level 3), or
- New Zealand Certificate in Retail (Level 3), or
- New Zealand Certificate in Business (Administration and Technology) (Level 3), or
- NCEA (Level 2), or
- A NZ Certificate in Foundation Studies (Level 2), or
- A qualification at Level 2 or above, with evidence of literacy and numeracy abilities equivalent to NCEA (Level 1), or
- Evidence of relevant knowledge and experience, including literacy and numeracy abilities equivalent to NCEA (Level 1).
In the latter two situations, the applicant is required to provide a copy of their CV for the purpose of verifying the evidence.
Applicants whose first language is not English must have an acceptable level of English language fluency prior to enrolment in the programme. This may be demonstrated in a variety of ways, including schooling in New Zealand, completion of the relevant New Zealand Certificate in English Language, approved scores on IELTS tests or completion of accepted international equivalents. Specific scores for IELTS and New Zealand Certificates in English Language are as follows:
- IELTS 5.5 General or Academic (no band score lower than 5)
- NZCEL Level 3 with an endorsement of either General, Workplace, or Academic
Students must undertake 401 either concurrently or prior to progression on the other courses within the programme of study.
Course features
- Understand the accounting roles and functions in a business environment
The New Zealand Certificate in Business (Accounting Support Services) (Level 4) covers Payroll and Accounting Software through to Accounting Taxation. If you want to work in an accounts role then you will need to know what functions are performed in managing a business’ accounts processing and who does what. - Technique and Technology
Technology in the sector is a fast-moving machine. While accounting basics will never change, the technology and software available to support the sector is changing at speed. You will learn how to use available software in your day to day accounts role. - Reduce Risk
Businesses must comply with financial controls. If you work in this area you need to know what those controls and your business compliance obligations are. Having this knowledge will reduce business risk. - Gain Confidence
Completion of the programme will ensure you have the confidence to contribute effectively, and with sound knowledge, to your team or organisation outputs. Knowing that you have the expertise to respond to questions, issues, and requests for information appropriately will build your confidence, meaning your contribution is enhanced.
Professional recognition
All qualifications will be awarded by one of these providers. Courses completed through eCampus NZ are industry recognised and accepted by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). Graduates may attend the graduation ceremony of the relevant tertiary partner and will receive a parchment from the institute at which they enrolled.
Subjects
To complete the New Zealand Certificate in Business (Accounting Support Services) (Level 4) you are required to complete the following courses:
About eCampus NZ
eCampus NZ is a flexible online learning service brought to you by nine of New Zealand’s Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics.
Completely committed to supporting online services, eCampus NZ is an alternative tertiary education service that is leading-edge, responsive and puts your needs first. We aim to deliver quality learning that fits into your lifestyle, so you can focus on meeting your study goals.
All New Zealand Certificates qualifications are awarded by one of our partner providers. This means any qualifications you complete online through eCampus NZ are industry recognised, NZQA accredited and internationally accepted. All graduates of eCampus NZ receive their qualification from the institute at which they enrol.
Programmes are currently offered on the eCampus NZ platform by:
- Ara Institute of Canterbury
- Otago Polytechnic (OP)
- Universal College of Learning (UCOL)
- Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT)
- Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT)
- Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology
- NorthTec
- Whitireia New Zealand & WelTec