ACCOUNTING TECHNICIANS Level 5 Diploma Higher Level Apprenticeship

Level 5
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Newry Campus
Accounting Technicians Ireland

Overview

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

The programme covers a wide range of accounting principles and techniques. Students will explore topics such as double-entry bookkeeping, ledger maintenance, accounts payable and receivable, and payroll accounting. They will gain practical skills in recording financial transactions, reconciling accounts, and preparing financial reports. Students will also learn to use accounting software and spreadsheets to streamline financial processes and enhance efficiency.

The Accounting Technicians Level 5 Diploma as the main knowledge-based component of the framework. Each apprentice will undergo a specific induction programme (1 week intensive) and an online mentoring programme.

The Apprenticeship aims to provide a structured environment where you will, under the supervision of a qualified mentor, develop the professional values, leadership, technical/functional competencies and the personal and interpersonal attributes that define the role of an accounting technician and chartered accountant.

Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI) is committed to providing training to all company mentors. This training is being provided to ensure consistency of ‘on-the-job’ programme standards and quality.

The over-riding consideration in admitting applicants to this course, is evidence that the learner is likely to be able to complete the course satisfactorily.

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 place allocation.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age on or before 1st July 2024.

Applicants must have attained a minimum of 96 UCAS points achieved through the completion of A Levels, National Awards, Access or other alternative approved level 3 qualifications. The requirement for UCAS points are waived for mature students (over 21 years old) but their application will be approved by ATI on a case-by-case basis.
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 B grade in GCSE Maths (or equivalent) .
For those entering a Higher Level Apprenticeships (HLA), employers may further enhance the entry criteria at their discretion. All applicants for HLAs will be interviewed by prospective employers to decide their suitability prior to being employed by a company. Each the applicant must secure employment with a Northern Ireland based company with a minimum contract of 21 hours. Entrance to HLAs is subject to meeting DfE Operational requirements.
An employer interview is required.
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.

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

To find out more about the application process for Higher Level Apprenticeships please see Information on Higher Level Apprenticeships.

Level 4 Modules (Year 1)

Financial Accounting
Taxation
Business Management
Business Law
Work Practice

Level 5 Modules (Year 2)

Advanced Financial Accounting
Advanced Taxation
Management Accounting
Financial Data Management
Advanced Work Practice

Students will be assessed through examinations. The first sits take place in May/June and resits will take place in August.

This Higher Level Apprenticeship is FREE, fully funded by the Department for the Economy.

On successful completion of this course, students may wish to progress onto the BSc (Hons) Accounting Technology Level 6 Top-Up degree validated by Open University and awarded by Accounting Technicians Ireland delivered at SRC.

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, or financial analysts in various industries and organizations. Graduates may also choose to pursue further study to become a fully qualified accountant.