Earn €19,000 & a Level 6 Advanced Cert in Accounting

Starting January 2020 - Study for a Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Accounting through a 2 year Apprenticeship and earn at least €19,000 per year.

Open to school leavers, graduates, mature learners and existing employees, the Accounting Technician Apprenticeship is a pathway to a fantastic career in business, accountancy and finance, where apprentices are mentored through a two-year, work-based learning programme. 

Accounting Technician Apprentices work four days a week with a registered employer and study one day a week with a local college on a two-year employment contract.

Apprentices college tuition is fully funded by SOLAS.

Apprentices get paid minimum wage of at least €19,000 per annum by the employer. The next intake for the programme is January 2020 with applications now open for participants and employers who would like to recruit can register their interest now too.

January 2020 Intake – Applications Now Open:

Places are limited and it is advised to submit the online application as soon as possible to increase chances of attaining an employer offer for a place on the programme before it commences.

Programme Overview:

In advance of completing an application for the Accounting Technician Apprenticeship it is important to understand the commitment you will need to provide to this programme.

The duration of this programme is two years from programme commencement date. You should be able to commit to completing the programme syllabus while working in full-time employment over the two years.

For the Accounting Technician Apprenticeship Programme an apprentice will be attending (off-the-job training) at college one day and working with an employer four days during college term time (on the job training) on a weekly basis.

The (off-the-job training) day is set by the college and will be typically a Monday or Tuesday from 9:00am to 6.00pm. An employer will allocate appropriate work hours for the four days (on-the-job training) during the academic year and for the full week outside the academic term required to be completed by the apprentice for the programme and their employment contract.

Additional home study in the evenings or at weekends will be needed to ensure success in the programme.

Apprentices will have support from a college mentor and their workplace mentor throughout the two years.

For the first year in college, the Stage 1 modules you will be studying are: 

Financial Accounting

Taxation

Law and Ethics

Business Management

For the second year in college, the Stage 2 modules you will be studying are: 

Advanced Financial Accounting

Advanced Taxation

Management Accounting

Integrated Accounting Systems

Assessment of progress and achievements is carried out by a combination of two strategies: 

Exams for each module will take place in May and August for each year.

There will also be a requirement to complete two work based submissions per module.

Typical Tasks / Responsibilities:

Accounting Technicians are qualified accounting professionals working at all levels of finance.

They work in every type of organisation and are widely employed throughout the public sector, industry and commerce and in private accountancy practices.

The Accounting Technician supports all elements of the accounts function, including income and expenditure, balance sheet transactions, statutory returns and payroll requirements and is involved in the day-to-day practical work of accountancy and plays a key operational role in producing reliable financial information.

The Accounting Technician 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, complete regular bank reconciliations and accounts for/completes statutory returns.

They produce Management Accounts and supply vital financial information to contribute to the cost-effective running of the Company through their reporting on 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.

They provide regular analysis and reports to contribute to producing accounts.

Why are you selecting this programme and accounting as a career choice?

It is also important to consider why you are personally interested in this programme, and what is it about accounting that appeals to you as a career choice!

Successful graduates of the apprenticeship programme may then progress on to full Accountancy with Chartered Accountants Ireland or one of the other professional accountancy bodies.

What do we want from you?

Motivation to learn and achieve.

Dedicated class and work attendance.

Proficient time management.

Reliability when on the job.

Professional etiquette.

Ability to work as part of a team and use your own initiative.

Watch Sophie’s story:

When she finished her Leaving Certificate, Accounting Technician Apprentice Sophie Ellis got a job with Grant Thornton, a leading professional services company as an Accounting Technician Apprentice.

Watch this video to find out why she decided to apply, how she got the job and how she’s getting on! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIAC1PwImiQ&feature=youtu.be

Testimonials from current apprentices:

Katie Haverty – National Gallery of Ireland – Dublin

‘I applied as I had a huge interest in accounting but I wanted to get the on the job training experience as well as the learning in college. It gave me an understanding of what my career is going to be like as an accountant whereas if I went and done a four year degree in a university I wouldn’t be able to gain the workplace knowledge and experience. An applicant should apply as it is a brilliant opportunity you get to work and study while being paid and you don’t have to pick up a part time job as you would need to if you studied full time. It’s great getting all your classes done in one day also as you are more focused rather than spacing the classes out over a week.

While I was in university I would have only one hour classes on some days this would be a pain as you lose interest and essentially stop traveling 4 hours a day just for one class. Fitting all your classes into one day is perfect. It’s important to know when applying that this course requires your full dedication and time. It’s only 30 weeks a year so try your best to go to every class. It is also important to know that this course is very rewarding and don’t panic if you don’t get a place in a work environment straight away as I was waiting months for a place after numerous interviews and now I couldn’t be happier.

When starting the programme you should expect hard work from day one but as soon as you start making friends and sharing your information it will get easier. Your friends in college will be a huge help to you and you can support and help each other. The benefits are that you get paid for a 5 day week, you get 3 weeks study leave, SOLAS fund the whole course, you get to work and study at the same time and get the weekends off. The personal benefits are that you gain knowledge of all aspects of a company from the accounts side to the business side etc. I am really enjoying the course and I can’t wait to see how I progress in the next few weeks.’

Jacqueline Lorimer – Crowleys DFK – Cork

‘I have always been interested in accounts but never had the opportunity to study due to work commitments. While contemplating my future I came across Accounting Technicians Apprenticeship programme online. It was perfect for me as I was able to attend classes and work in an environment which I could put what I learnt in class into practice. I was surrounded by colleagues who could help me if I had extra questions and lead me in the right direction. It is a major benefit having the chance to put what you learnt into practice right away. An important aspect to remember is to keep up with the course work, participate in the classes, do the homework and ask as many questions as you need to in order to understand the work. It is hard work and if you put in the time and effort you will succeed. Study with the ATI apprenticeship has let me follow my passion and lead me into the career I want.’

Michelle Durney – Black Raven Credit Union – Wicklow

‘Whether you are starting out your career after secondary school or embarking on a career change the Accounting Technician’s Ireland Apprenticeship programme presents a fantastic opportunity to enter the field of accountancy and finance. As I am someone who was keen on a career change the programme has given me the opportunity to work and study at the same time. The programme itself involves consistency, hard work and dedication right from the very start. It is already starting to show the benefits as personally I have learned so much and gained valuable experience since starting the course in September 2018.’

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER PLEASE GO HERE; http://accountingtechnicianapprenticeship.ie/applicants/