Accounting Technicians Level 5 Diploma - Daytime

Overview

The Accounting Technicians Level 5 Diploma is a comprehensive programme designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career in accounting and finance.

This diploma focuses on providing students with a solid foundation in accounting principles, financial analysis, and business management techniques.

Throughout the course, students will develop a thorough understanding of the fundamental concepts and practices of accounting.

They will study topics such as financial accounting, management accounting, cost accounting, and taxation. Students will learn to prepare financial statements, analyse financial data, and interpret accounting information to support decision-making processes.

In addition to accounting-specific knowledge, the programme also covers business management concepts. Students will gain an understanding of business management and law and will develop effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with stakeholders and contribute to the success of an organisation.

Year 1 modules are Financial Accounting, Taxation, Business Law and Business Management and require attendance one full day per week (7 hours in College).

In addition to attending these sessions, students will also be required to complete a total of 6 hours of individual home study per week.

Upon successful completion of year 1 modules, students will be awarded a Level 4 qualification which is a Certificate in Accounting Technicians Ireland.

Year 2 is also offered as a one day per week programme, where students will complete four modules (subject to timetable change). Progression to year 2 is subject to students completing two practical modules and one theoretical module.

In addition to achieving the 8 modules to complete the complete level 5 qualification, Accounting Technicians Ireland ask that students demonstrate that they have 2 years relevant work experience, which they will verify.

Teaching is delivered by experienced academic staff who have extensive knowledge of delivering on ATI qualifications and professionals who are currently employed in the accounting profession.

It is possible for students to undertake this course per module. Minimum of one module per year to a maximum of four.

Entry Requirements

Attendance at Individual or Group Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (IPEAS and GPEAS) may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft Teams) and will play an important role in the selection of all courses.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course.

• Applicants must have attained a minimum of 1 A-Level or 2 AS-Levels.

• Applicants must have attained at least 15 points at Level 2 or above (e.g. GCSE) or have alternative approved qualifications. In addition, applicants must provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English Language. For entry to this programme, applicants should have attained a C grade in GCSE English language and a C grade in GCSE Maths (or equivalent) or Accounting Essential Skills Level 2.

• Applicants aged over 21, should have relevant work experience or a recommendation from their employer.

• It is beneficial if applicants are working in or working towards a role in finance.

• While not essential, it is desirable that applicants have completed a computerised bookkeeping award or a level 3 certificate in accounting.

• Applicants who do not meet the criteria outlined above but have evidence of substantial knowledge or relevant industrial experience and skills, which has not been formally assessed, should refer to the College’s Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning (APEL) Policy.

The College’s Admissions Policy reflects the expectations of the UK Quality Code May 2023. Please note that applicants progressing to higher education courses at Level 4 and above in the College or UK Universities may require a specific GCSE/A-Level profile. In some cases, the Essential Skills in Literacy and Numeracy may not be a suitable alternative to a GCSE.

The list of acceptable qualifications for equivalency to English and mathematics for Ulster University is available from the following link: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements#eng.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to check each University’s progression requirements before enrolling on a course at the College.

The entrance criteria above may change subject to awarding body regulations. The College reserves the right to enhance the entrance requirements where demand exceeds the number of available places.

In addition, where places remain available the College reserves the right to offer places to candidates with a profile less than that listed above.

Applicants who do not meet the criteria outlined above but have evidence of substantial knowledge or relevant industrial experience and skills, which has not been formally assessed, should refer to the College’s Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning (APEL) Procedure.

What Will I Study?

Year 1 Modules

• Financial Accounting (must pass before progressing to Year 2)

• Taxation (must pass before progressing to Year 2)

• Business Management

• Business Law

How Will I Be Assessed?

All modules are assessed via an online exam hosted by Accounts Technicians Ireland.

Further Study

On successful completion of this course you may continue your studies at SRC by completing a Level 6 Accounting Technology Honours Degree.

Students can also pursue a professional accountancy qualification.

The course is structured to maximise exemptions with leading professional bodies such as our partner, Chartered Accountants Ireland; the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA); the Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CPA); the Chartered Institute of Management Accounting (CIMA); and the Institute of Incorporated Public Accountants (IIPA).

ATI's Diploma for Accounting Technicians (Course ID 24131) has been registered by the Construction Industry Training Board NI (CITB NI) for grant.

Careers

Upon successful completion of the higher level apprenticeship, graduates will be well-prepared for entry-level to intermediate positions in accounting and finance. They may find employment as:

• Accounting technicians

• Bookkeepers

• Accounts assistants

• Financial analysts in various industries and organisations.