Accounting Technicians Ireland Technician Programme

Course details

Accounting technicians are qualified accounting professionals that work at all levels of finance. They can work in all types of organisations and are widely employed throughout the public sector, industry and commerce and in private accountancy practices.

They are involved in the day-to-day practical work of accountancy and play a key operational role in producing reliable financial information. Accounting technicians can perform a wide range of finance roles, from accounts staff to financial controller and beyond. For instance, they can do financial accounting and budgeting, costing and credit control, payroll administration and tax returns. More experienced accounting technicians may often perform senior managerial tasks and audits.

Accounting technicians can work on their own or alongside professional accountants. In a small company, they may be the only qualified employee looking after the finance function, while in a larger company, they may be working as part of a team alongside accountants and administrative staff. While they are not accountants, they can perform many of the same functions and are qualified to take accounts up to trial balance.

This two-year programme prepares you for the exams of Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI).

Who are Accounting Technicians Ireland?

Accounting Technicians Ireland (Formally Institute of Accounting Technicians of Ireland, IATI) is the leading Accounting Technician body in Ireland with over 10,000 members and students in Ireland. They are the awarding body for this qualification.

Established in 1983, Accounting Technicians Ireland prides itself on providing an internationally recognised business qualification and on promoting the highest educational, technical and ethical standards to its members.

Their qualification differs from many other academic programmes as it combines professional exams with practical work experience. As members of Accounting Technicians Ireland, individuals are entitled to put the letters MIATI after their name, seen by many employers as essential when hiring.

Programme Modules

First year gives you foundation knowledge of business and accounting, while second year allows you to build a deeper understanding of more advanced accounting issues. There is also a practical focus on the IT systems that are commonly used by accountants.

First Year

• Financial Accounting I
• Taxation I
• Law & Ethics
• Business Management

Second Year

• Financial Accounting II
• Taxation II
• Management Accounting
• Integrated Accounting Systems

Career Opportunities

There is a great variety of work within the accounting profession with a vast array of career opportunities to suit all interests including auditing and assurance work, consulting, corporate finance, tax planning and insolvency. There are also opportunities in finance support roles in niche areas, including credit control, accounts payable, anti-money laundering, and some specialist roles in supply chain operations. Employment of Accounting and Financial Technicians is one of the highest growth rates among business and finance occupations.

Follow-on Studies:

Students can progress to year 2 of the Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Accounting on successful completion of the ATI exams. Click here for further details of our Level 8 accounting degree.

Entry Requirements

Mature Applicants (EU nationals aged 23 on or before 1 January, 2014) do not have to meet the Leaving Certificate entry requirements. Applicants will be assessed on the basis of previous education, work experience and demonstration of ability and competence to undertake the programme.

Students under 23 years of age must meet one of the following criteria: A pass (Grade D3 or better) in five Leaving Certificate subjects including English and either Mathematics or Accountancy with a minimum of 140 points OR a pass (Grade D3 or better) in four Leaving Certificate subjects including English and either Mathematics or Accountancy with a minimum of 140 points and with two of the subject passes on Higher Level papers.