Business School Offers New Accountancy Technician Course

Course details

GMIT is pleased to announce a new entry route to accountancy programmes in the Institute in response to increasing employer demand. The School of Business is now offering a full-time, Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI) programme, commencing September 2014.

The level 6 programme is formally accredited by Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI) and combines professional exams with practical work experience. ATI is the leading Accounting Technician body in Ireland with over 10,000 members and students. GMIT has offered this programme on a part-time basis for many years, but due to increasing demand for professionals in the accounting field, now offers prospective students this full-time option.

Graduates of the two year programme are eligible to transfer into second year of the three-year (Level 8) Bachelor of Business in Accounting programme and on completion will have earned an honours degree in Accounting as well as an Accounting Technicians Certificate in just four years of full-time study.

Accounting technician graduates (L6) can work at all levels of finance in all types of organisations in industry and commerce in both the public sector 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.

Graduates of the level 6, two-year programme can expect to perform a wide range of finance roles from accounts staff to financial controller. 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.

Carmel Brennan, Head of Department of Accounting and Information Systems, GMIT, says: “We have noticed a significant increase in employment opportunities for graduates of all of GMIT’s accounting programmes. Accounting Technician’s Ireland reports in their most recent member study that almost 95% of their members are employed.”

“This level 6 programme offers students the option to complete their studies after two years and to gain a professional qualification, but it also facilitates students who wish to gain a degree or ultimately to qualify as an accountant.”

The CAO change of mind facility is currently open, with many applicants reviewing their choices in light of their interests, aptitudes and future employment prospects.

Applicants for the programme 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. “