If you are considering a career in accountancy, you’re in luck. Accountancy, finance and banking are some of the most vibrant sectors of the Irish jobs market. Year-on-year, these sectors are growing. As a result, there are plenty of jobs out there for qualified staff.
What is an accounting technician?
The clue is in the name… Accounting technicians are qualified accounting professionals. They are not accountants, but they perform many of the same functions. Accounting technicians are qualified to take accounts beyond trial balance stage, and prepare full financial accounts.
They work at all levels of finance. They work in the public sector, industry and commerce as well as in private accountancy practices.
Accounting technicians do practical accountancy work. In addition, they can take on various finance roles. These include:
- Financial accounting
- Budgeting
- Costing and credit control
- Payroll administration
- Tax returns
In a small company, an accounting technician may be responsible for all of finances roles. However, in a larger company, they may work as part of a team alongside accountants and administrative staff. Furthermore, experienced accounting technicians can take on senior managerial roles and perform audits.
What does it involve?
Accounting Technicians Ireland is the leading professional body for accounting technicians in Ireland. They educate and support as well as represent over 10,000 people working in the profession.
The Accounting Technicians Ireland qualification combines professional exams with practical work experience. It is one of the leading accounting qualifications in Ireland.
The Certificate for Accounting Technicians is a Level 4 award in the UK and Northern Ireland and is comparable with Level 6 of the Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) in the Republic of Ireland.
The Diploma for Accounting Technicians is a Level 5 award in the UK and Northern Ireland and is comparable with Level 6 of the Irish NFQ.
Students who qualify as accounting technicians can to continue their studies. Therefore, they can use this qualification to move into other accountancy and business related areas.
Study Options
There are full-time and part-time as well as online study options available.
Firstly, full-time courses are available through a number of ATI Approved Partner colleges and training centres. Jobseekers may be eligible for funding, and the ATI course is delivered free of charge to job seekers through training centres.
The Accounting Technicians Academy offers classes for part-time study in Dublin. Classes run two nights a week. Some ATI Approved Partner colleges also deliver day-time courses.
The Accounting Technicians Part-time Online Programme is a flexible way to gain their qualification. Students can set their own pace. However, they are not learning alone. In addition to a recorded lecture in every subject each week, students have the ongoing support of online tutors. There are also virtual classes, face-to-face weekends, subject and student forums and subject assessments throughout the year.
