A Dublin woman put aside a role in tourism to find career flexibility after the birth of her second child thanks to an accounting qualification programme. Aisling Sarpong (35), from Churchtown is now an accounting technician with Cronin and Company Accountants in Terenure, gaining one of the top marks in the country in the Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI) Diploma exams after studying online. The qualification is recognised as the fastest pathway to a fulfilling and rewarding professional accounting career.
“After my Leaving Certificate, I studied Tourism Marketing and went onto to work with companies such as Turkish Airlines, the Dalata Hotel Group and Sunway Holidays,” said Aisling. “After having my second child, I felt I was limited in the choice of jobs available to me within the tourism sector. I knew as my children grew up and started school that I wanted and needed a career with more flexibility. “I was always interested in finance and accounting and felt the Accounting Technicians Ireland Diploma would open a lot more doors for me. I started with Cronin and Company after completing my first-year exams. The Diploma has helped me immensely with my new role and given me a solid understanding of accounting.
“I studied online because it best suited my needs. With two children and a full-time job, I needed flexibility. I could listen to my lectures at a time that suited me and lecturers were easily contactable, if needed. “The practical nature of the course allows me to use skills I have learned on a daily basis. The Diploma has given me a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of accounting and taxation. The course is well structured and the lecturers are fantastic. “Now, I am qualified for a vast pool of jobs. Accounting Technicians Ireland graduates can work within accounting in any sector. I would recommend the Accounting Technicians Ireland Diploma to anyone interested in it. “Studying online made all the difference for me, as I needed it to fit it around family and work.”
Enrolment for the next academic year of the Accounting Technicians Ireland Diploma, starting in January, is now open. 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 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.
“There is continuing strong demand for accounting and financial skills in industry, practice and the public sector, with many employers supporting their staff by meeting programme fees,” says Gillian Doherty, Chief Operations Officer at Accounting Technicians Ireland. “We work closely with employers to ensure the Diploma qualification prepares our graduates to succeed in the workplace. “Through our flexible online programme, and partnership with colleges and training providers across the island, students are able to gain a professional qualification whilst working remotely, where required, and living in their local area. “Graduates go on to join a supportive members’ network of Accounting Technician professionals who occupy the full spectrum of accountancy and finance roles. “Through Membership of ATI, graduates benefit from regular training and career support, ensuring the continued relevance of the Accounting Technician qualification to the wider professional environment.”
See accountingtechniciansireland.ie for details.
