Accounting Technician

Introduction

Do you like working with numbers? Have you an eye for detail? Are you logical, methodical and a problem solver? As an Accounting Technician, you will learn how to practically apply these skills in a wide range of finance roles, from accounts to financial controller and beyond.

You will be involved in the day-to-day practical work of accountancy and play a key operational role in producing reliable financial information. Opportunities exist throughout industry, commerce and in private accountancy practices for qualified Technicians.

Career Opportunities

Accounting Technicians fill a wide range of positions including:

Audit Assistant
Credit Controller
Payroll Administrator
Tax Advisor
Budgeting Analyst
Accounts Manager
Financial Controller
Assistant Accountant

While the Accounting Technician qualification is in itself a passport to a rewarding career, many graduates continue their studies, to become fully qualified professional Accountants.

Companies who have hired BFEI graduates include:

Course Structure

Learners are prepared for the following:

Production of financial statements.
Production of financial reports and other management information.
Computation of tax liabilities for companies and individuals.
Setting up and managing systems for budgets, stock control, cost accounting, and cash reconciliations.
Setting up and managing credit control procedures.
Using industry standard software (SAGE) to produce payroll and accounts.

Core Elements

Year 1 - Certificate for Accounting Technicians
Financial Accounting
Law and Ethics
Business Management
Taxation
Spreadsheets
Year 2 - Diploma for Accounting Technicians
Advanced Financial Accounting
Advanced Taxation
Management Accounting
Integrated Accounting Systems (IAS)

Course Code
AT1 (first year), AT2 (second year)
Duration
2 years - full time September to May
Number of places
60 each year
Contact Hours/Week
25 approx
Timetable Content
5 days - mornings option

I decided to study the AT1 course to increase my career possibilities by gaining a formal qualification in an area other than the insurance industry where I had previously worked. The course provided me with with a basis in accounting theory along with the practical application for the working environment. The flexible timetable of classes (I studied mornings only) made it very easy for me to incorporate into my daily life and family commitments. The guidance given by the staff throughout the course on future study, by providing talks with various accounting bodies regarding exemptions and opportunities for working in the sector, was invaluable. Since graduating, I have secured an accounting role in the services industry and will continue with further study through the ACCA exams.

- Deirdre Moore, ATI Graduate 2014 -

Support Elements

Career Advice
CV Preparation

Assessment and certification

The Accounting Technician qualification is divided into two parts, each of which is a qualification in its own right. Students who successfully complete the four subjects in Year 1 will be awarded a Certificate for Accounting Technicians. Students who successfully complete Year 2 in addition to successfully completing experiential learning through two years full time employment (or the equivalent part-time) will be awarded a Diploma for Accounting Technicians.

The course is certified by Accounting Technicians Ireland.
Examinations take place in May.
Learners who successfully complete year 1 will be awarded the Certificate for Accounting Technicians.
To achieve the Diploma for Accounting Technicians, two years' work experience is required. Previous relevant work experience may be considered.

Progression

Learners may progress to the:

Third year of a 4-year part-time programme, BBS (Hons) Accounting, awarded by the Institute of Public Administration (IPA).
Progress with exemptions to higher professional accounting qualifications including ICAI, ACCA, CPA, and CIMA.
Advanced entry to other Business Degree programmes in Ireland.

More Business Courses at BFEI

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for under 21

Students who sat their Leaving Cert in 2016 or earlier:

Leaving Certificate with five passes on Ordinary Level papers (D or higher). (Passes to include English and either Mathematics or Accountancy).
Leaving Certificate with four passes of which at least two are on Higher Level papers. (Passes to include English and either Mathematics or Accountancy).
Students who are sitting the Applied Leaving Certificate should contact the Registrar (register@AccountingTechniciansIreland.ie) directly for advice on whether they are eligible.

Post Leaving Certificate/Further Education entry route:

Students under 21 who have successfully completed a nationally recognized qualification such as HETAC, QQI/FETAC (Level 5), QCA or a BTEC Level 5 National Diploma (ROI) may be eligible to enter. Accounting Technicians Ireland will be happy to give you information about your eligibility in these cases. These are the minimum standards required of potential students.

Students who will sit their Leaving Cert in 2017 or later:

Leaving Certificate with five passes (O5 or higher). Passes to include English and either Mathematics or Accountancy.
Leaving Certificate with four passes of which at least two are on Higher Level papers. (Passes to include English and either Mathematics or Accountancy).
Students who are sitting the Applied Leaving Certificate should contact the Registrar (register@AccountingTechniciansIreland.ie) directly for advice on whether they are eligible.

Post Leaving Certificate/Further Education entry route:

Students under 21 who have successfully completed a nationally recognized qualification such as HETAC, QQI/FETAC (Level 5), QCA or a BTEC Level 5 National Diploma (ROI) may be eligible to enter. Accounting Technicians Ireland will be happy to give you information about your eligibility in these cases. These are the minimum standards required of potential students.

OTHERS INCLUDING MATURE STUDENTS

If you are a mature student (aged 21 or over) and do not hold the Leaving Certificate, then you are welcome to apply. Each application will be assessed individually.

Accounting Technician Diploma - Year 2

Applicants must have successfully completed Year 1 or hold an approved equivalent qualification.

Advisory Meeting

Applicants will have an advisory meeting to offer guidance and to ensure course suitability. Places will be offered, on a first come basis, following the outcome of the personal Advisory Meeting, subject to the applicant meeting the entry requirements of the course. Applicants will also be advised on course costs* and registration details.

Fees

At course commencement, students are required to pay for books, exams, €200 PLC Government Levy (unless exempt), a Student Services fee and where applicable professional body registration fees. There are no tuition fees for EU students.

Further Information

Accounting Technicians Ireland
47-49 Pearse Street

Dublin 2

Telephone: (01) 649 8100

Introduction

Career Opportunities

Course Structure

Core Elements

Course Code

Duration

Number of places

Contact Hours/Week

Timetable Content

Support Elements

Assessment and certification

Progression

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for under 21

OTHERS INCLUDING MATURE STUDENTS

Accounting Technician Diploma - Year 2

Advisory Meeting

Fees

Further Information

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