COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Ensuring Compliance in Accounting & Finance Practice course. This program has been designed to strengthen the capability of accountants, finance professionals, auditors, directors and organisational leaders to understand, implement and maintain the complex and essential compliance obligations that govern financial practice in Australia.

Compliance forms the foundation of trustworthy and high-performing financial management. This course begins by outlining the Australian financial regulatory framework, examining the importance of compliance in protecting organisational integrity, reducing financial risk and maintaining stakeholder trust. Learners explore the roles and responsibilities of accountants, finance managers, auditors and directors, along with the functions of key regulators including the AASB, ASIC, ATO, AUSTRAC and the ASX. The introduction also highlights the relationship between compliance, governance and financial risk management, reinforcing why rigorous compliance is central to ethical financial operations.

A strong understanding of accounting standards and statutory reporting obligations is essential to compliant financial practice. This section examines requirements under Australian Accounting Standards (AAS), the application of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) where relevant, and the statutory financial reporting obligations that apply to companies, trusts and other entities. Learners explore how transparency, accuracy and completeness in financial statements support regulatory compliance and how listed entities must meet ASX reporting rules.

Financial governance and Corporations Act obligations form the backbone of responsible financial oversight. This section covers compliance with governance requirements under the Corporations Act 2001, ASIC financial lodgement rules, obligations for truthful communication with regulators and stakeholders, director duties, transparency expectations and responsibilities relating to insolvency and financial distress. Learners develop an understanding of governance integrity as a foundation for compliant financial management.

Accurate bookkeeping and strong record-keeping systems are fundamental to financial accountability. This section outlines the processes for maintaining compliant ledgers, reconciliations, asset registers, depreciation schedules and accounts payable/receivable workflows. Learners explore financial delegations, approval processes and record-retention obligations that support audit readiness and regulatory transparency.

Taxation compliance is a central responsibility for all finance professionals. This section examines obligations under the Income Tax Assessment Acts, GST compliance requirements, Business Activity Statement (BAS) submission processes, PAYG withholding rules, payroll tax responsibilities and Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) compliance. Learners gain insight into how accurate and timely statutory lodgements reduce risk and ensure lawful financial management.

Payroll, superannuation and employment-related financial obligations require precise and compliant processes. This section explores payroll compliance with awards and legislation, superannuation guarantee responsibilities, salary packaging and employee reimbursement processes. It also examines financial requirements for leave, allowances and termination payments to ensure legally compliant workforce cost management.

Compliance in credit, commercial finance and funding arrangements supports financial stability and transparency. This section discusses obligations under consumer and commercial credit laws, compliance requirements for leases and loan arrangements, responsibilities relating to government grants and funding acquittals, and the need for transparent procurement, credit-card use and secure financial transactions.

Financial controls, fraud prevention and internal assurance systems protect organisational assets and reduce misconduct risk. This section outlines strategies for implementing strong internal controls, segregation of duties, approval workflows and financial authorisation limits. Learners also explore the role of audits, financial reviews, compliance checks and insurance (such as fidelity insurance) in maintaining robust financial assurance.

Risk management, ethical conduct and professional standards underpin trustworthy financial decision-making. This section examines frameworks for managing financial risk, ethical obligations under professional codes of practice, conflict-of-interest management, accurate communication with stakeholders and the importance of professional accountability in all financial processes.

AML/CTF obligations, data security and confidentiality requirements support lawful and secure financial operations. This section covers compliance with Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing laws (where relevant), privacy and confidentiality obligations, cybersecurity controls, secure data handling and breach-management procedures that protect sensitive financial information.

Accurate forecasting, budgeting and financial management support organisational planning and performance. This section outlines responsibilities for cashflow forecasting, budget preparation, performance monitoring, regulatory reporting and implementing corrective actions when financial risks or variances arise. Learners examine how financial information supports board decision-making and operational governance.

Continuous improvement and compliance monitoring are essential for resilient financial systems. This section examines how organisations respond to regulatory updates, adopt new accounting standards, strengthen financial systems, enhance automation and maintain audit readiness. Learners explore how ongoing improvements support long-term compliance, governance and organisational capability.

Finally, the course explores how to embed compliance into everyday accounting and finance practice. This section highlights the importance of integrating compliance into routine financial workflows, fostering a culture of ethical conduct and transparency, maintaining ongoing staff competency and ensuring clear communication of compliance expectations across the organisation. Learners examine how leadership and governance sustain long-term compliance and support robust, ethical and high-performing financial operations.

By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the knowledge, frameworks and professional understanding required to ensure compliant, ethical and high-quality accounting and finance practice that supports organisational stability, regulatory confidence and strong financial governance.

Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:

Introduction to Compliance Requirements in Accounting & Finance

• Overview of the Australian financial regulatory framework
• Importance of compliance for organisational integrity and stakeholder trust
• Roles and responsibilities of accountants, finance managers, auditors, and directors
• Key regulatory bodies (AASB, ASIC, ATO, AUSTRAC, ASX) and their functions
• Relationship between compliance, governance, and financial risk management

Accounting Standards, Reporting Frameworks, and Statutory Obligations

• Compliance with Australian Accounting Standards (AAS) issued by the AASB
• Compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) where applicable
• Meeting statutory financial reporting obligations for companies, trusts, and organisations
• Ensuring transparency and accuracy in financial statements and reports
• Complying with Stock Exchange reporting requirements for listed entities

Financial Governance, Corporations Act Obligations, and ASIC Requirements

• Compliance with financial governance rules under the Corporations Act 2001
• Maintaining compliance with ASIC financial lodgement and reporting rules
• Ensuring truthful, non-misleading communication with regulators and stakeholders
• Maintaining director responsibility, financial transparency, and governance integrity
• Meeting insolvency and financial distress obligations

Bookkeeping, Ledger Management, and Financial Record-Keeping

• Ensuring accurate bookkeeping, ledger management, and reconciliation processes
• Maintaining compliance with financial delegations and approval workflows
• Keeping accurate asset registers, depreciation schedules, and asset management records
• Maintaining compliant accounts payable and accounts receivable processes
• Ensuring compliance with document retention and archiving requirements

Taxation Compliance and Statutory Lodgements

• Compliance with the Income Tax Assessment Acts
• Ensuring GST compliance including charging, recording, and input tax credits
• Ensuring timely preparation and submission of Business Activity Statements (BAS)
• Maintaining accurate PAYG withholding, payroll tax, and employee tax calculations
• Ensuring Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) compliance

Payroll, Superannuation, and Employment-Related Financial Requirements

• Ensuring payroll systems comply with awards, legislation, and entitlements
• Maintaining superannuation guarantee compliance and contribution reporting
• Ensuring compliant employee expense reimbursement and salary packaging processes
• Meeting financial obligations relating to leave, allowances, and on-costs
• Ensuring accurate financial processing of terminations and redundancies

Credit, Commercial Finance, and Funding Compliance

• Ensuring compliance with Australian consumer and commercial credit laws
• Meeting obligations for leases, loans, and debt instruments
• Ensuring compliance with government funding, grants, and acquittal requirements
• Maintaining transparency and compliance in credit card and procurement processes
• Ensuring secure handling of financial transactions and online banking

Financial Controls, Fraud Prevention, and Internal Assurance Systems

• Implementing strong internal controls to prevent fraud, error, and misconduct
• Maintaining approval workflows, segregation of duties, and financial authorisation limits
• Conducting regular audits, financial reviews, and compliance checks
• Maintaining insurance relevant to financial operations
• Ensuring compliance with internal control frameworks and risk policies

Risk Management, Ethical Conduct, and Professional Standards

• Implementing risk management frameworks for financial operations
• Ensuring ethical financial conduct consistent with professional codes of practice
• Managing conflicts of interest and ensuring impartial financial decisions
• Ensuring communication with stakeholders is accurate, honest, and compliant
• Maintaining professional accountability in all financial processes

AML/CTF, Data Security, and Confidential Information Compliance

• Ensuring compliance with Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) laws (where relevant)
• Maintaining compliance with privacy and confidentiality obligations for financial data
• Implementing cybersecurity controls, secure access systems, and financial data protection
• Ensuring secure storage, transfer, and disposal of financial information
• Maintaining incident reporting and breach management procedures

Forecasting, Budgeting, and Financial Management Responsibilities

• Maintaining accurate cashflow forecasting and financial modelling
• Ensuring budget preparation aligns with organisational planning requirements
• Monitoring financial performance against KPIs and strategic objectives
• Reporting financial results to directors, boards, and regulators
• Implementing corrective actions for variances, risks, or non-compliance

Continuous Improvement and Financial Compliance Advancement

• Ensuring continuous improvement in financial control, compliance, and reporting
• Monitoring regulatory updates, new accounting standards, and emerging risks
• Improving financial systems, automation, and governance processes
• Enhancing audit readiness and internal assurance systems
• Strengthening organisational financial capability and resilience

Embedding Compliance into Everyday Accounting & Finance Practice

• Integrating compliance obligations into daily financial workflows
• Supporting a culture of ethical behaviour, transparency, and accountability
• Ensuring effective communication of compliance expectations across the organisation
• Maintaining ongoing staff competency, qualifications, and CPD requirements
• Sustaining long-term organisational compliance through governance leadership

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 3-4 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.