Accounting Technician

INTRODUCTION:

This programme is geared towards applicants who are looking to develop a professional career in accounting. Accounting Technician Apprentices work four days a week with the employer and study one day a week with the college, on a two-year contract.

It is a two year paid apprenticeship which combines ‘on-the-job’ work experience with academic study

Applications are now open for September 2024. Please visit HERE to apply.

ATI will follow up on your application directly.

A guide for applicants is available HERE.

An overview of the apprenticeship course is available HERE.

OCCUPATIONAL PROFILE:

What does an Accounting Technician do?

Maintaining a set of accounts is a fundamental element of any business from a sole trader to large multinationals.

An Accounting Technician supports all elements of accounts function, including income and expenditure, balance sheet transactions, statutory returns and payroll requirements.

The Accounting Technician is concerned with bookkeeping, and processes all accounts payable and receivable in order to prepare, or support the preparation of, periodic accounts. They record and monitor income and expenditure including accrued and deferred income.

The Accounting Technician completes regular bank reconciliations and accounts for/completes statutory returns. Regular analysis and reports are undertaken to contribute to producing accounts.

The Accounting Technician produces management accounts and supplies vital financial information as to the running of the Company. They have the ability to do costing and cost controls.

The Accounting Technician prepares company annual budgets and monitors the progress of this throughout the year. They prepare, or assist in the preparation of, company year-end financial statements.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

Applications have to be made directly to ATI at www.accountingtechniciansireland.ie

The minimum eligibility criteria are as follows:

School-leavers should have a Leaving Certificate with pass grades in:

• Five ordinary level subjects (including an O6 in English and Maths or Accountancy.) OR
• Two ordinary level and two higher level subjects (including an O6 in English and Maths or Accountancy.) OR
• Applied Leaving Certificate applicants should contact the Student Services Team on 01 649 8180 for further information.

Mature & Prior learners who have reached 21 years of age but do not possess the minimum educational requirements may still apply to do the course based on age, experience or a nationally recognised qualification such as a QQI award.

Note: It is at the employer’s discretion to enhance the entry criteria for selection. An offer of a place on this course is contingent on the applicant meeting the entry requirements set out here and being offered an apprenticeship contract by a registered employer.

If you undertook a PLC course after your Leaving Cert, you are considered a Previous Qualification Holder, and should provide details on your application form. See the Previous Qualification Holder Eligibility Guide below.

The levels listed below refer to the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) in the Republic of Ireland.

DURATION:

Students will work at their employer’s office for four days per week. The employer led recruitment process is organised and managed by ATI.

FEES:

No fees payable.

CERTIFICATION:

Participants graduate as fully qualified Accounting Technicians, with a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate Award. ATI x IACT Excel certification.

COURSE CONTENT (YEAR 1):

COURSE CONTENT (YEAR 2):

Note: For each module studied, the assessment will include the combination of written examinations in May/June and completion of work-based tasks.

WORK PLACEMENT / EXPERIENCE:

Students will work at their employer’s office for four days per week. The employer led recruitment process is organised and managed by ATI.

EDUCATION PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES:

Successful graduates will receive generous exemptions from study with professional accountancy bodies e.g. Chartered, CPA, ACCA etc.

• MTU Cork: Accounting (MT943) Year 3 (bridging modules required).
• MTU Kerry: Business (Accounting) (MT94) Year 2 Entry.

Go to our progressions database for exact requirements on progressions for this course.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:

Accounting Technicians fill a wide range of positions including Accounts Manager, Audit Associate, Financial Assistant, Credit Controller, Payroll Manager, Tax Advisor, General Ledger Accountant, Budgeting Analyst, Financial Controller, Assistant Accountant, etc.

While the Accounting Technician qualification is in itself a passport to a rewarding career, graduates also benefit from significant exemptions from programmes offered by all of the main professional accountancy bodies in Ireland.

You also have the opportunity to transfer to the penultimate or final year of a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Accounting or Finance from a number of higher education institutions.

For more information on further study opportunities, click HERE.