Chartered Accountancy

Course details

Why Become a Chartered Accountant?

Chartered Accountants are Ireland’s leading business professionals working across a vast array of business activities and sectors.

In fact, many of the leading ISEQ companies have a Chartered Accountant as their Financial Director or Chief Executive and the top 10 professional accounting firms are Chartered firms. So it’s no coincidence that Charterd Accountants are seen as the elite of the financial profession.

Recognised and respected internationally, a qualification in Chartered Accountancy will also bring global mobility, with Chartered Accountants in constant demand both at home and abroad.

Working in Business & Industry

Chartered Accountants play a vital role in Irish and international business and industry, over 65% of our members now work in this sector. Today’s Chartered Accountant typically works in a dynamic global environment in roles as perse as corporate leadership, management accountant, business analyst or sales management.

Working in Financial Services

Irish Chartered Accountants also make rewarding careers in Financial Services, working in this arena advising on risk management, on raising finance and on the optimum use of assets. It is challenging work – members are constantly alert to new market forces and changing market trends – but the monetary rewards reflect this responsibility.

Working in Practice

Chartered Accountants in practice provide professional financial services to businesses. Auditing, taxation, accounting, financial analysis, risk management and advising on financial structures are just some of the wide ranging services provided by practicing firms of Chartered Accountants.

Working Abroad

Recognised and respected internationally, Chartered Accountants Ireland qualification means that Irish members have true global mobility. Indeed, over 3,500 Irish Chartered Accountants work in more than 90 countries: the most popular being the UK, Australia, USA, Canada and the Caribbean. The qualification is an outstanding entry point into business in any part of the world.

Chartered Accountants Ireland has Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) with the Chartered Institutes in England and Wales, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, Hong Kong and Zimbabwe. Chartered Accountants Ireland is the only Irish or UK body to have a MRA in place with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Chartered Accountants Ireland is also the only Irish member institute of the Common Content programme which is working to harmonise accounting qualifications across Europe. Chartered Accountants Ireland is also the only one of the accountancy bodies involved in the discussions to form a Global Accounting Alliance. In short, the qualification is an outstanding entry point into business in any part of the world.

What Does Training Involve?

Chartered Practice Route

The Chartered Practice route is a structured, supportive training model that’s the most popular route to the Chartered qualification. Most people who enter this route do so via a Training Contract with an accountancy practice.

Chartered Business Route

Chartered Business Route is for people already in the workplace, experienced professionals, college students and those out of work for a time – with or without a training contract. 

ATI Graduates Route

Each year, a significant number of Accounting Technicians Ireland graduates decide to  continue their career progression by studying with Chartered Accountants Ireland. 

School Leavers Route

For students qualified to Leaving Cert or GCSE level, there are several options to becoming a Chartered Accountant directly out of school.