Work experience
In addition to passing our exams, students must also have two years relevant work experience to complete the qualification.
The reason for the work experience is that students also need "on-the-job" skills to be effective as a qualified Accounting Technician and be able to apply practical experience to the theory they have learned in the classroom. This in turn provides potential employers with independent reassurance that you are the right person for the job.
Work experience requirements are based on two years full-time employment (or the equivalent part-time) and can be gained at any time. If you have relevant work experience from a previous job, then you can count that towards your two years. Accounting Technicians Ireland will also recognise any relevant experience obtained while you are studying or after you have completed your exams.
All of your experience has to signed off by a mentor who can verify that you have achieved all of the associated learning outcomes. To begin achieving your work experience, you will need to:
- find a workplace mentor (this can be your line manager, employer or a qualified accountant)
- gain two years experience in an accounting or finance related role(s)
- record your progress using the Record of Work Experience form and have this verified by your mentor
- submit your Record of Work Experience to Accounting Technicians Ireland. (Please note that students must have successfully completed all their exams before they can submit this form).
What areas should I be gaining experience in?
Accounting Technicians Ireland has a flexible approach in reviewing the precise experience that students need to gain, given the wide variety of Accounting Technician roles. Students have a choice of completing 13 different work based assessments but only need to achieve nine of these assessments. They cover areas like:
- Accounting systems management (e.g.TAS/Sage)
- Budgeting
- Cash management
- Computer systems
- Costing
- Credit control
- Management accounting
- Payroll administration
- Preparation of accounts
- Purchases accounting
- Quality control
- Sales accounting
- Stock control
- Tax returns
Your mentor will be able to help you plan your work experience effectively, and Accounting Technicians Ireland will be able to assist with any queries you may have.
How do I register with Accounting Technicians Ireland?