Career change adds up online for Kinnegad’s Tanya

An electronic engineer who settled in Kinnegad as a stay-at-home mum has returned to employment thanks to an online accounting qualification programme.

When Tanya Geraghty decided to upskill she opted to study online for the Accounting Technicians Ireland Diploma.

The qualification is recognised as the fastest pathway to a fulfilling and rewarding professional accounting career.

“The online option appealed to me as I have a busy family life,” said Tanya, now working with Royal Canal Financial Control Services, Kinnegad.

“Accounting Technicians Ireland sent me some sample lectures which helped with my decision.

“As a mature learner, the course gave me the confidence I needed to return to the workforce and also a great foundation of knowledge.

“The course is varied and interesting and there is an extensive support system easily accessible from home.

“Tutors were always on hand to help and there is a wealth of resources available.

“I found the virtual classes, face-to-face weekends with other students and mock exams invaluable.

“Online support from fellow e-learners was also a great source of encouragement.”

Enrolment for the new academic year, starting in September, is now open, and as well as online, it is also available at Mullingar Community College and Beaufort College, Navan.

Accounting Technicians Ireland provides a nationally and internationally recognised accounting qualification and graduates are employed in industry, commerce, private practice and the public sector.

The highly-regarded professional qualification can be obtained in as little as two years. Study can be full-time, part-time, and online.

Accounting Technicians Ireland Diploma courses are open to school and college leavers, mature students and people working in business, industry or small practice but who, as yet, have no formal training.

The qualification opens a world of employment opportunities to graduates across a broad range of accounting and finance roles and enables students to further progress to senior financial management posts.

Holders of the Diploma are highly-regarded qualified professionals working at all levels of finance throughout the private and public sector, industry and commerce, and in accountancy practices.

The two-year Diploma for Accounting Technicians programme can also be the first step to a full qualification in accountancy.

Many ATI graduates progress on to other professional bodies in order to further enhance their careers as fully-qualified accountants.

“This is a pan-sectoral qualification which meets the needs of industry, practice and the public sector,” said Gillian Doherty, Chief Operations Officer at Accounting Technicians Ireland.

“Graduates enjoy exemptions from the full range of professional accountancy bodies including Chartered Accountants Ireland, ACCA, CPA, CIMA as well as Higher Education third-level accounting programmes.

“There is continuing high demand for accounting technician skills and many businesses meet their course fees – recognising the benefits of having a qualified technician to run the financial side while the owner develops the entrepreneurial end.

“Each year the core syllabus is reviewed to ensure it is both relevant to the workplace and in tune with the evolution of the accountancy environment.”

See accountingtechniciansireland.ie for details.