Accounting Technician Apprenticeship

The Accounting Technician Apprenticeship is a two-year 'earn and learn' programme where you split your time between a real workplace and structured college study, typically four days in employment and one day in class each week. You develop practical skills in financial accounting, payroll, taxation, and business management while contributing to a live finance team from day one. Modules cover areas such as VAT returns, preparing financial statements, and using industry-standard accounting software. You will complete assessments that combine workplace evidence and college-based examinations, giving you a blend of hands-on experience and academic rigour. By the end of the programme you hold a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Accounting, recognised across Ireland as a professional qualification.

To enter this apprenticeship you must first secure a contract with an approved employer, who will register you with Accounting Technicians Ireland and SOLAS. Employers typically look for candidates who have completed the Leaving Certificate, with passes in English and Maths at Ordinary level as a minimum; Higher-level Maths and Business are a distinct advantage. There is no CAO points application for this route — entry is employer-led, so strong interview performance and numerical aptitude matter most. Mature applicants (aged 23 or over) may be considered on the basis of relevant work experience in an office or finance environment. Some PLC graduates holding a QQI Level 5 Business or Accounting award also enter this apprenticeship as a natural next step.

Demand for qualified accounting technicians remains consistently strong in Ireland, driven by the scale of the multinational sector, a large SME base, and ongoing public-sector activity. Graduates are typically job-ready from day one because of the workplace-based nature of the programme, making them attractive to employers. Starting salaries for newly qualified accounting technicians generally range from approximately €28,000 to €36,000 per year, with experienced professionals earning considerably more. Those who progress to full professional accountancy qualifications can expect significant salary growth over the course of their careers.