Information and application
Start thinking about your application to the Accounting Technician Apprenticeship
With the programme starting September 2024, the Accounting Technician Apprenticeship is a practical pathway to a career in Accounting where apprentices are mentored through a two-year work-based learning education training programme. Earn at least €24,765 per annum with three weeks paid study leave, and have your college tuition fully funded by the state agency, SOLAS.
This national programme leads to a Level 6 QQI Advanced Certificate in Accounting and provides exemptions from professional accountancy bodies and relevant third level colleges to complete further studies. This is a two-year programme and you should be able to commit to completing the programme syllabus while working in full-time employment.
The programme structure necessitates an apprentice attending (off-the-job training) with their college one day, and working with a local employer the other four days during academic college term time (on-the-job training) on a weekly basis.
We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure you have every opportunity of consideration by each Apprenticeship Employer that will be hiring between now and September and to increase your chances of securing an Accounting Technician Apprenticeship placement.
This programme enable participating students to explore their expectations, aspirations, capabilities and skills for a longstanding career choice in Accounting.
There will be a profound range of leading registered Apprenticeship employers with Accounting Technicians Ireland which will be recruiting and offering exceptional work experience exposure in many areas.
Before you start
It is important to understand the programme structure, eligibility requirements and the commitment needed to successfully complete this programme.
We recommend referring to this guide to understand the application process, and to ensure you meet the minimum entry requirements, before starting your online application.
If you have any further questions and would like to chat with a member of our Apprenticeship team, please get in touch:
apprenticeship@accountingtechniciansireland.ie | 01 6498191
All you need to know
What is an Accounting Technician?
Accounting Technicians are qualified accounting professionals who work across all levels of finance within a company in a variety of roles - from payroll manager, audit associate and accounts assistant, to finance manager and managing director.
Performing critical business tasks such as accounts management, budgeting, and forecasting, Accounting Technicians work in national public bodies, global professional services, family-owned businesses, private accounting practices, and a wide range of industry.
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.
Is apprenticeship the right route for me?
If you are interested in pursuing a career in accounting and finance and want to be able to explore your aspirations and own capabilities, then this is a great opportunity to work, earn and learn at the same time.
Leaving Certificate 2023 students, school leavers and graduates, and mature learners should all consider applying to the programme. Have a read through of our eligibility requirements guide above.
We accept applications from employees of participating companies who are looking to change to a new position in an accounting function. We also invite new companies to come on board as an apprenticeship employer, so if you’re looking to upskill within your organisation, please let us know and we can send you some more information for you to share with your manager.
How does the programme work?
Our next apprenticeship intake starts in September 2024 and is two-years in length. Apprentices work with their local employer four days a week and attend classes on a Tuesday during academic college term time. Outside of college term, an apprentice will attend work five days a week.
In Year 1, apprentices study four modules:
• Financial Accounting
• Taxation
• Business Law
• Business Management
In Year 2, apprentices study another four modules:
• Advanced Financial Accounting
• Advanced Taxation
• Management Accounting
• Financial Data Management
For each module studied, assessment includes a combination of examinations and the completion of four approved work-based tasks per year. Online exams for our January 2024 intake students will take place "August 2024” and are remotely invigilated, with a repeat session held in October.
Apprentices are fully supported throughout the programme and are assigned both a college and workplace mentor. The workplace mentor is nominated by their employer to provide oversight and support of on-the-job training. Additional home study in the evenings or at the weekend will be needed to ensure success in this programme.
What are my options for when I qualify?
Following successful completion of the programme, apprentices are invited to join our network of members based across Ireland and abroad and are eligible to use the professional letters MIATI after their name.
Some apprentices will choose to continue to further study to become a fully qualified accountant with professional bodies including Chartered Accountants Ireland, Certified Public Accountants, and ACCA.
The Accounting Technician Apprenticeship provides students with exemptions from professional accountancy bodies and relevant third level colleges to complete further studies.
Many apprenticeship employers will aim to retain their apprentice in employment following completion of the programme. Regardless, the skillset and qualification of an Accounting Technician Apprentice is always required across all sectors so apprentices can be confident that they are developing their career for the future.
What happens if I don't receive an offer from an employer?
If you do not receive an offer from an employer, then unfortunately you will be unable to commence the Apprenticeship programme as you cannot fulfil the on-the-job training requirements.
You can still register to study for our Diploma for Accounting Technicians, however. The Diploma can be studied for completely online with our ATI Online programme or else with one of our partner colleges. We have both a September and January intake for our Diploma so if you are unsuccessful in your Apprenticeship application, please do get in contact with us to discuss your options for starting the Diploma.
What qualifications do you need for an accounting apprenticeship?
The main entry criteria are 300 CAO (or equivalent) points with a pass (O6) in Leaving
Certificate English and either Leaving Certificate Mathematics or Accounting (within the last 5 years). A pass in Accounting is not a requirement. For those who sat the Leaving Certificate in the past five years, the main entry criteria are 300 CAO (or equivalent) points with a D3 in Ordinary Level English and Maths or Accountancy.
If an applicant does not have a pass in Leaving Certificate English or equivalent they must have evidence of competency in written and spoken English.
PLC students or other previous qualification holders are also eligible if the qualification is in a different discipline and is a NFQ Level 5 or above. Alternatively the CAO points and subjects
requirements noted above will apply.
Mature candidates (23 years of age or older) are eligible to apply if they meet the academic or alternative qualification requirements noted. Evidence of this will be required.