Business Department

WHAT IS ACCOUNTING Technician Apprenticeship?

The Accounting Technician Apprenticeship is a two-year, work-based learning programme which leads to a Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Accounting. It is a pathway to a career in Accounting. Unlike college courses, an apprenticeship is an opportunity to earn money and become qualified while you are learning on-the-job.
As an apprentice you will spend one day a week in Dunboyne College of Further Education during the academic year (off-the-job training) and work with an employer for the remaining four days (on-the-job training). Outside of term time you will be working with the employer five days a week (Monday – Friday). The rate of pay is agreed between you and your employer.
The employer pays you a salary while you are being trained on-the-job and off-the-job.
Accounting Technician apprentices earn a minimum of €21,060 per annum during their
apprenticeship.
Throughout the two years an apprentice will be supported by a college mentor and a workplace mentor assigned by their employer to oversee and support them during the on the job training period. Additional study in the evenings or at the weekend will be needed to ensure success in this apprenticeship. This apprenticeship equips you with employable business skills, and a strong technical knowledge of finance and
accountancy practice. Everything you learn will support and inform your work with your
employer, providing you with the opportunity to apply newly gained knowledge and skills on a daily basis.

CERTIFICATION

• Accounting Technician Apprenticeship

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Upon graduation, you will be eligible to apply for membership of Accounting Technicians in Ireland (ATI).
As a fully qualified Accounting Technician you will have two years work experience, and access to a range of progression opportunities that offer exemptions and a pathway towards becoming a fully qualified Accountant.
Accounting Technicians Ireland graduates have valuable skills to perform accounting tasks including bookkeeping, accounts preparation, expense and VAT analysis, reporting and credit control, as well as specialist tasks in areas such as tax, audit and payroll.
On successful completion of your apprenticeship you may work as an accounting technician or use the qualification to progress to a full qualification in accountancy or continue with advanced entry to relevant third level colleges.

HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRESSION

Professional Accountancy Bodies offering progression opportunities with a range of exemptions available for Accounting Technician Apprentices after programme completion include:
Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI)
Institute of Certified Public
Accountants in Ireland (CPA)
Association of Chartered Certified
Accountants (ACCA)
Chartered Institute of Management
Accountants (CIMA)
Students who complete the Accounting Technician Apprenticeship programme
may transfer to Year 2 or Year 3 of Bachelor’s Degrees in Business, Accounting and Finance in a number of Technological Universities. Full details of progression opportunities to further study are available from Accounting Technicians in Ireland (ATI).

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

1. Applicants should have an interest in accounting and be able to commit to completing the apprenticeship while working in full-time employment over
   the two years.
   To become an apprentice you must be hired by an employer. Apprenticeship
   employers are formally approved by SOLAS in advance of employing apprentices. Apprentices get a formal contract of employment as part of their
   apprenticeship.
   Places are awarded via a competitive interview process, where applicants who
   meet the entry requirements are put forward to participating employers for
   consideration. If you are successful at interview stage and accepted by an employer, your new employer will issue you with a two-year contract and you start your apprenticeship in September 2023.
   • A minimum of 300 CAO points (or equivalent) within the last 5 years
   with a pass grade in English, and Maths or Accounting.
   • If you sat the Leaving Certificate more than 5 years ago, you should
   have a minimum of 300 CAO points (or equivalent) with a D3 in
   Ordinary level English, and Maths orAccounting.
   • If you do not have a pass in Leaving Certificate English or equivalent,
   then you must be able to supply evidence of competency in written
   and spoken English.
   • Students who hold other qualifications at level 5 should contact the college to discuss their application.
   • Individual employers reserve the right to require additional entry requirements.
   For this apprenticeship, you apply via Accounting Technician’s Ireland
   nominating Dunboyne College of Further Education as your preferred
   college. Please contact the college for full details on the application process.

All applicants will be interviewed regardless of previous qualifications.

HOW TO APPLY?