Cork College of FET Morrison's Island Campus
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Cork College of FET Morrison's Island Campus
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Cork College of FET Morrison's Island Campus
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Accounting Technician
(Apprenticeship)

Take the first step!

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.

Level of Qualification
Non-Accounting Related Qualification
Accounting-Related Qualification
Level 4 or lower
Not Eligible
Not Eligible
Level 5
Eligible
Eligible
Level 6
Eligible
Not Eligible
Level 7 or higher
Eligible
Not Eligible

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):

Financial Accounting

Learn about the fundamentals of accounting including accounting concepts, principles, legislation and procedures. Understand double-entry bookkeeping and preparation of financial statements. Learn how to interpret and analyse financial statements.

Taxation

Develop knowledge and skills to perform taxation computations for a range of situations involving individuals or businesses. Learn about administration of taxes, personal taxation, the Pay as You earn system, and Value Added Tax.

Business Management

Understand how the main business functions in a business operate. Learn about the roles and practices of the modern manager (including the essentials of marketing and Information Systems). Identify, analyse and address key managerial concerns in corporate governance, ethics and corporate social responsibility.

Business Law

Understand the key concepts and fundamental principles of law, corporate governance and ethics. Learn about the principles of company law.

COURSE CONTENT (YEAR 2):

Advanced Financial Accounting

Learn how to prepare financial statements for partnerships and limited companies, together with preparing financial statements from incomplete records. Develop an ability to critically analyse and interpret financial statements and communicate in a professional manner to relevant parties. Understand the regulatory framework in accounting.

Advanced Taxation

Develop an in-depth knowledge of the administration and procedures involved in the Irish tax system. Learn to prepare personal tax computations at an advanced level together with learning about Capital Gains Tax and PRSI. Study Corporation Tax and Relevant Contracts Tax.

Management Accounting

Develop knowledge and technical competency in management accounting to support business functions, activities and decision-making. Study costing terms and concepts, cost accumulation for Inventory and Profit Measurement, and learn about Standard Costing together with Budgetary Planning and Control.

Financial Data Management

Gain an understanding of data management and analysis, and (ii) the practical skills to apply software techniques and methods in support of analysis and resolution of financial accounting, management accounting and taxation issues on a multidisciplinary basis.

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.

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