Although I only enrolled in March I am trying to complete as much as I can before the end of the year. My NSW-based provider OTEN, has changed its policy on interstate students and I'm not sure if I'll be able to finish through OTEN or have to transfer to a TAFE here in Queensland.
19 October 2013
Diploma update
Study has been very productive, I've been getting good marks and enjoying the work. I'm more than halfway through the course, close to completing another two units very soon, with a final six to go.
Implement and maintain internal control procedures
Establish and maintain accounting information systems
Provide management accounting information
Provide financial and business performance information
Provide financial reports for corporate entities
Interpret and use financial statistics and tools
Although I only enrolled in March I am trying to complete as much as I can before the end of the year. My NSW-based provider OTEN, has changed its policy on interstate students and I'm not sure if I'll be able to finish through OTEN or have to transfer to a TAFE here in Queensland.
Although I only enrolled in March I am trying to complete as much as I can before the end of the year. My NSW-based provider OTEN, has changed its policy on interstate students and I'm not sure if I'll be able to finish through OTEN or have to transfer to a TAFE here in Queensland.
8 April 2013
Diploma underway
Signed up with OTEN last month, and so far I've applied for and been granted RPL in seven subjects. This leaves eleven units remaining. Setting myself a steady pace and taking my time. Would be great to complete in twelve months, but I'm not going to push myself.
The unit I'm working on at the moment is Prepare Financial Reports, working from a text by Clarke - Accounting: An introduction to principles and practice. I went with the digital edition since I don't like having a ton of textbooks to dispose of at the end of the course. Unfortunately there's some problems with the text, some of it is illegible, but the publisher has reported they are working on the problem.
I'm backtracking some of the earlier chapters off my reading list, to review the material - since a lot of it is background to this unit, but covered in one of the units I was granted credit for. I actually did a phone interview for that one, completely unexpected and off the cuff. Wasn't too happy with my performance, my interviewer said she thought I was about 90% competent. I felt I knew the material but expressed some of my responses poorly. She passed me but warned me I'd probably need to do this background reading to progress further with the course. So I'm doing it.
Some additional reading will include a couple of web sites I've visited in the past, including AccountingCoach.com which is quite an impressive resource, although US based (which isn't really a huge problem since accounting standards in Australia are based on the International standards).
The job share situation is still going well, although I've adjusted the spread of my hours over four days instead of three. This allows my partner and I to work together one afternoon a week, but it's taking a little getting used to - I really liked having a block of four days off each week. I'm hoping this sacrifice (!) will help improve our communication. I've not been entirely satisfied with our handovers, I would like us both to talk more to each other about our work. We seem to be very similar in the way we work - head down and get stuck into it, rather than talk about it. Just going to have to practice this.
The unit I'm working on at the moment is Prepare Financial Reports, working from a text by Clarke - Accounting: An introduction to principles and practice. I went with the digital edition since I don't like having a ton of textbooks to dispose of at the end of the course. Unfortunately there's some problems with the text, some of it is illegible, but the publisher has reported they are working on the problem.
I'm backtracking some of the earlier chapters off my reading list, to review the material - since a lot of it is background to this unit, but covered in one of the units I was granted credit for. I actually did a phone interview for that one, completely unexpected and off the cuff. Wasn't too happy with my performance, my interviewer said she thought I was about 90% competent. I felt I knew the material but expressed some of my responses poorly. She passed me but warned me I'd probably need to do this background reading to progress further with the course. So I'm doing it.
Some additional reading will include a couple of web sites I've visited in the past, including AccountingCoach.com which is quite an impressive resource, although US based (which isn't really a huge problem since accounting standards in Australia are based on the International standards).
The job share situation is still going well, although I've adjusted the spread of my hours over four days instead of three. This allows my partner and I to work together one afternoon a week, but it's taking a little getting used to - I really liked having a block of four days off each week. I'm hoping this sacrifice (!) will help improve our communication. I've not been entirely satisfied with our handovers, I would like us both to talk more to each other about our work. We seem to be very similar in the way we work - head down and get stuck into it, rather than talk about it. Just going to have to practice this.
30 October 2012
Accounting
Love it when a plan comes together... a few months ago, in a performance review discussion with my boss, we plotted a succession plan for my position. I offered to split my hours in a job share arrangement and my boss agreed. We set a timeframe, and we recruited and my new job share partner started in early October, just a few weeks outside the original target date. Which I find kind of impressive, knowing how these things sometimes drag out.
So now I'm working three days a week (because management kindly agreed not only to the job share arrangement, but also to slightly increasing the hours for my position) which makes room for other things, like study. And now that the crazy time of year is over - end of year financial audit, annual general meeting, not to mention negotiation of new enterprise agreement - I am free to pursue my new study goals.
It has been nearly five years since I took on my current finance role, which has grown almost as much as I have. I've completed two work-related Cert IV courses and it is time now to upgrade to a Diploma.
Have looked at a couple of the delivery options. Thought of doing the whole thing from scratch (with a few credits from my Cert IV), but have decided to explore the RPL route. If I can get away with only having to complete a couple of gap subjects it will be worthwhile, particularly since it can be partially funded through Smart Skilling Queensland (frankly I'm amazed this funding is still available, given all the other cuts this year).
Forms have been sent off to TAFE, now waiting to hear back from an assessor. Fingers crossed.
So now I'm working three days a week (because management kindly agreed not only to the job share arrangement, but also to slightly increasing the hours for my position) which makes room for other things, like study. And now that the crazy time of year is over - end of year financial audit, annual general meeting, not to mention negotiation of new enterprise agreement - I am free to pursue my new study goals.
It has been nearly five years since I took on my current finance role, which has grown almost as much as I have. I've completed two work-related Cert IV courses and it is time now to upgrade to a Diploma.
Have looked at a couple of the delivery options. Thought of doing the whole thing from scratch (with a few credits from my Cert IV), but have decided to explore the RPL route. If I can get away with only having to complete a couple of gap subjects it will be worthwhile, particularly since it can be partially funded through Smart Skilling Queensland (frankly I'm amazed this funding is still available, given all the other cuts this year).
Forms have been sent off to TAFE, now waiting to hear back from an assessor. Fingers crossed.
28 February 2012
28 November 2011
HR update
The end is in sight! Just finishing off the assessment task for two units, then only one unit left to go, it's good to be so close to the end. It has been very tough going, between this subject and the EB negotiations at work I'm quite convinced against a HR career. Sticking with finance.
30 June 2011
Internet studies update
I discovered a little while ago (probably 12 mths or more) that the degree course I'd started has undergone a restructure and a name change - it is now Bachelor of Arts (Internet Communications).
On one hand I think it would be nice oneday to go back and finish the degree, although there is still a long way to go. I'd completed something like five or six units out of the required 24.
On the other hand, what do I really need it for? My interest in internet communications has waned a little, my head is full of payroll/finance/admin stuff now. I'm dabbling with the idea of going further into accounting studies (but a nice long break first).
Hmm. Don't know. I'm hoping the five or six units I did wont go to waste, maybe applicable for credit transfer if I don't leave it too long.
On one hand I think it would be nice oneday to go back and finish the degree, although there is still a long way to go. I'd completed something like five or six units out of the required 24.
On the other hand, what do I really need it for? My interest in internet communications has waned a little, my head is full of payroll/finance/admin stuff now. I'm dabbling with the idea of going further into accounting studies (but a nice long break first).
Hmm. Don't know. I'm hoping the five or six units I did wont go to waste, maybe applicable for credit transfer if I don't leave it too long.
Cert IV HR update
I think last year I hit a wall after signing up for this course, as I haven't got very far with it. I managed to get credits for a couple of units completed in my last subject. I've completed one of the units and put in some work for another, but have really been dragging the chain. I made enquiries about throwing in the towel, but I'm committed financially. My trainer said she refuses to let me quit! she met me the other day to see what I could shortcut through RPL. That maybe another two units. She encouraged me to use real life examples instead of the assessment exercises from the text if it is any easier (it is). So I'm a little more hopeful about getting this finished.
Holidays coming up towards the end of July, as well as a Cert IV workshop where my trainer will be. I'm aiming to finish off the easy units, get the RPL paperwork ready for her to certify me.
Will be glad when it's finished. Intend to have a good long break before the next course.
Holidays coming up towards the end of July, as well as a Cert IV workshop where my trainer will be. I'm aiming to finish off the easy units, get the RPL paperwork ready for her to certify me.
Will be glad when it's finished. Intend to have a good long break before the next course.
7 October 2010
Went and did sumfing stoopid
Was so keen to do it a few months ago, went and signed up for it, now I can't really be fagged to get stuck into my Cert IV Human Resources Management course. Why oh why did I do it? My zeal for work-related study is lately exhausted. Will I never get back to my Internet Studies??
Finished bookkeeping
Ok, ok.. it took a little longer than I anticipated, so many MYOB assignments! and I got sidetracked by things at work.. like audit, annual general meeting, and the draft enterprise bargaining agreement.. but I'm so happy to say right now, it's done it's done!
A deadly boring subject the last unit – occupational health and safety, my eyes glaze over just hearing the title. But yay I’ve finished! What a relief.
A deadly boring subject the last unit – occupational health and safety, my eyes glaze over just hearing the title. But yay I’ve finished! What a relief.
14 July 2010
Bookkeeping update
Well it's July and things have been busy at work so I'm still finishing this off.. although there is not much to go - two MYOB assignments and then the boring WPH & S unit (I'm thinking I should have got it over with earlier on). Aiming for the end of this month and I'm on track so far.
Looking ahead, I was successful in getting into the Cert IV Human Resources through a government sponsored apprenticeship scheme, supervised through my place of employement which I'm really happy about because it is not costing me or my employer anything (apart from tax dollars). I've got my first units which I've started looking at, meeting with trainer early next month.
Looking ahead, I was successful in getting into the Cert IV Human Resources through a government sponsored apprenticeship scheme, supervised through my place of employement which I'm really happy about because it is not costing me or my employer anything (apart from tax dollars). I've got my first units which I've started looking at, meeting with trainer early next month.
16 January 2010
Nearly finished bookkeeping
Aiming to get this completed by Jun 2010, with a bit of luck I'll finish ahead of schedule. Have continued to get straight HDs, I suspect the marking is pretty easy, the comments from tutor always seem to follow a set formula!
Only four units left:
1. 20980A Develop & implement policies & practices
2. 20985A Deliver professional service/resolve disputes
3. 21110B MYOB 18
4. and 21115A Apply health and safety practices in the workplace
(I've left the boring-est for last).
What to do after June? not sure, maybe finish off my Internet Comms degree.. or perhaps a Certificate in Human Resources before finishing the degree.
Only four units left:
1. 20980A Develop & implement policies & practices
2. 20985A Deliver professional service/resolve disputes
3. 21110B MYOB 18
4. and 21115A Apply health and safety practices in the workplace
(I've left the boring-est for last).
What to do after June? not sure, maybe finish off my Internet Comms degree.. or perhaps a Certificate in Human Resources before finishing the degree.
21 June 2009
Doing ok with the bookkeeping course
Straight HDs so far. The material a little basic, hoping to push through and get it finished soon. The stuff I've been doing at work is way ahead of this course, but I can't knock the quals and RPLs!
Good luck Taraeta!
I discovered a short while ago that a young woman I met on a forum and got to know and like has just enrolled in the BA course I've been studying (and hope to return to next year!). I stumbled across her NET11 blog just now and maybe she'll pick up this linkback.
8 February 2009
New direction
A halt in BA studies has occurred, due to my new job at the Hospice. I have taken over the role of Financial Support Coordinator and am in the process of formalising my bookkeeping knowledge with the Cert IV Financial Services (Bookkeeping) through CENGAGE. The role is a challenging one for me, and I hope to get through the course quickly to even out my many gaps in knowledge.
I will likely continue my degree course afterwards, although there may be some review of subject. Internet Studies has interested me greatly, but I have found the lack of career objectives to be a major hindrance to my motivation. I may switch to an Accounting or Business major, focusing on the community sector.
I will likely continue my degree course afterwards, although there may be some review of subject. Internet Studies has interested me greatly, but I have found the lack of career objectives to be a major hindrance to my motivation. I may switch to an Accounting or Business major, focusing on the community sector.
5 August 2008
Is it worth it?
A bit of discussion lately about the worth of a university/college degree in the field of web design. Not the first time the topic has been discussed, it is worth noting that course offerings in the field have developed considerably in recent years offering greater choice for students.
Jonathon Christopher argues that a tertiary education does not guarantee work in the web industry, but neither is it a waste of time in terms of personal development.
Jonathon Christopher argues that a tertiary education does not guarantee work in the web industry, but neither is it a waste of time in terms of personal development.
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