Accounting Technician Apprenticeship

A supportive pathway to a career in Accounting where apprentices are mentored through a two year work based learning education training programme.
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Accounting Technician Apprenticeship

This course equips participants with the skills and knowledge to work in the Accountancy or Financial Services sector. Places are awarded via a competitive interview process, where applicants who meet the Enhanced Eligibility Criteria (see below) are put forward to participating employers for consideration. If you are successful at interview stage, your new employer will issue you with a two-year contract and you start your apprenticeship in September of each year. If you would like to become an Accounting Technician Apprenticeship   you can apply online for the 2023 Accounting Technician Apprenticeship

You will work four days a week in an office environment, and study one day a week at Rathmines College. You will be paid a salary of at least €22,035a year, and enjoy fully-funded college tuition fees.

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Key Information
ATI
duration
2 Years
Full time
ATI Award
September - May
Eligibility Criteria

The minimum eligibility criteria are as follows:

  • Leaving Certificate students and applicants under 23
    Leaving Certificate students should have at least 300 CAO points and at least an O5 grade in English and Maths or Accountancy.
  • If you are sitting your Leaving Cert, you can apply for the programme with your mock results, but any final offer will be subject to your Leaving Cert results.
  • 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.
  • The levels listed below refer to the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) in the Republic of Ireland.
  • Mature learners (23 and above) with previous qualifications. Mature learners are eligible to apply. Previous qualification holders should provide details of their qualifications during the application process.
  • Applicants with no previous qualifications.
    Where an applicant has no (formal) qualification, eligibility will be determined through a series of questions. Generally this will be done during the ATI telephone interview but it can be done in person where appropriate.
  • Enhanced Eligibility Criteria.
    All applicants should bear in mind that individual employers have the discretion to enhance the entrance criteria beyond the minimum academic standards.

Course modules

Apprentices will work at their employer’s office four days a week, and attend classes at Rathmines College one day a week. They are also given three weeks’ study leave
each year. The QQI level 6 certificate in accounting is awarded upon successful completion of the programme.

Programme modules include:

  • First Year:
    » Business Management
    » Financial Accounting
    » Taxation
    » Business Law
  • Second Year:
    » Management Accounting
    » Advanced Financial Accounting
    » Advanced Taxation
    » Financial Data Management

Apprentices will work at their employer’s office four days a week, and attend classes at Rathmines College one day a week. They are also given three weeks’ study leave
each year. The Diploma for Accounting Technicians is awarded upon successful completion of the programme.

What is an Accounting Technician?

An Accounting Technician is someone who executes tasks in the areas of accountancy, finance, and taxation, to help prepare the work of accountants. An Accounting Technician may work under the supervision of an accountant and is responsible for updating, checking and analysing financial records, which can then be utilised by accountants. As an accounting technician, you can also offer independent accountancy services, which can give you an opportunity to help expand your professional portfolio. An independent accounting technician can work on complex tasks, such as, consulting and advisory.

What does an Accounting Technician do?

An Accounting Technician can look after a variety of things – meaning the job will never get boring! Below are some of the main duties of an accounting technician.

· Updating reports and records with financial data.

· Keeping records of money received, expenses, and controlling budgets.

· Review data and ensure it is accurate.

· Working with clients to prepare budgets, accounts, and other financial statements for them. · Administrative tasks such as organising payroll

Erasmus Programme at Rathmines College

Career Opportunites

Apprentices graduate with the Diploma for Accounting Technicians, a nationally and internationally recognised qualification.

You will emerge from the programme with a valuable qualification, which is strengthened by two years of practical work experience in accounting and finance. Upon graduation, you will be eligible to apply for membership of ATI, the leading professional body for Accounting Technicians in Ireland and the provider of the highly sought-after MIATI designation.

Upon graduation, you will be eligible to apply for membership of ATI, the leading professional body for Accounting Technicians in Ireland and the provider of the highly sought-after MIATI designation.

 

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age on or before July 1 in the year of entry.

Applicants must have a pass grade in LC English and Maths at Ordinary Level to be considered for the apprenticeship. Leaving Certificate Accountancy is not a requirement.

Apprentices commence with a two-year work contract, with wages paid by the employer. It is at the employer’s discretion to enhance the entry criteria for selection.

Apprentices work at their employer’s office four days a week and attend classes at a local college one day a week.

Apprentices earn the standard industry salary for an incoming trainee Accounting Technician.

Apprentices’ progress is monitored by mentors in both the workplace and the college.

The apprenticeship caters to a growing trend among businesses looking to school-leavers to meet an increase in activity.

Apprentices who successfully complete the programme may be eligible to progress to Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Introducing the Accounting Technician Apprenticeship
Accounting Technicians Ireland is the leading professional body for Accounting Technicians on the Island of Ireland. With offices in Dublin and Belfast, and strong links with other professional bodies such as Chartered Accountants Ireland, the organisation supplies high-calibre Accounting Technician graduates to industry, practice and the public sector. Many progress to the highest levels in their field.

The Accounting Technician Apprenticeship aims to provide young school-leavers and employees with a fast-track path to a career in accounting, which blends solid work experience with quality academic tuition.

Apprentices graduate as fully qualified Accounting Technicians, with the opportunity to progress to Level 9 studies with Chartered Accountants Ireland after just two years.

Features
‘On-the-job’ training combined with college tuition.

Students ‘earn as they learn’, taking home the full-time industry salary for an incoming trainee Accounting Technician.

Large and small accountancy practices, service firms and industry employers are taking on school leavers as apprentices.

Testimonials

The Level 5 Business and Finance course was the perfect choice for me. The course modules are extremely appropriate to so many areas of business and the teaching staff have always been very helpful and supportive. I am now really enjoying my NCI Level 8 Degree course in Business and planning on doing a H. Dip in Further Education
Roisin Kearns
Looking back on my time in Rathmines College it was a year which changed my life. I was so lucky to be successful in getting the Central Bank of Ireland Bridging the Gap Programme. Today, I am working in the Central Bank as well as studying for a BA in Business in Griffith College.
Calum Osborne
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