There is probably no better entry to top jobs in business and industry, management and financial consulting than by becoming a qualified accounting professional. The field of accounting is wide and varied and there are many different career paths including, Chartered Accountants, Management Accountants, Certified Accountants, Public Finance Accountants and Accounting Technicians.

There can be a degree of overlap between the different professions but they all play an important role in ensuring organisations maintain accurate financial information. Accounting Technicians are involved in the day-to-day practical work of accountancy and perform a wide range of finance roles, from accounts staff to financial controller and beyond.

For instance, they can do financial accounting and budgeting, costing and credit control, payroll administration and tax returns. More experienced Accounting Technicians may often perform senior managerial tasks and audits.

Accounting Technicians can work on their own or alongside professional accountants. In a small company, they may be the only qualified employee looking after the finance function, while in a larger company, they may be working as part of a team alongside accountants and administrative staff.

While they are not accountants, they can perform many of the same functions and are qualified to take accounts beyond trial balance stage, as well as prepare full financial accounts.

Accounting technicians work in many types of organisations in both the private and public sector, as well as in private accountancy practices. They can also be self-employed or run their own business. They enjoy excellent career prospects and there is always a strong demand for their skills in the marketplace. Indeed, results from a recent survey show that almost 95% of Accounting Technicians Ireland members are employed.

There are over 100,000 persons employed in a range of accounting and finance professions in Ireland (making up almost 6% of the country’s workforce) and these are represented by a number of different professional bodies. They work in a vast array of areas that offer career opportunities to suit all interests including auditing and assurance work, consulting, corporate finance, tax planning, and insolvency.

Accounting Technicians Ireland is the leading professional body for accounting technicians in Ireland and has nearly 10,000 students and members, working in a diverse range of industries and roles.

Despite the challenging economy, the overall jobs market for accounting and finance in Ireland remains positive. Indeed, the National Skills Bulletin 2012 which is produced by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs has identified accounting and finance as a sector where there are skills shortages.

In particular the report highlights shortages in the areas of risk analysis, management and cost accounting, compliance and regulatory standards, and global and financial analysis. There are also opportunities in finance support roles in several niche areas, including credit control, debt recovery, anti-money laundering, and some specialist roles in supply chain operations.

In particular, there is always a strong demand for Accounting Technician skills in the marketplace and results from a recent member survey show that almost 95% of Accounting Technicians Ireland members are employed.

Recently the number of accountancy practices hiring Accounting Technicians has increased and there are currently excellent opportunities in this area. In recent times Ireland has also seen large numbers of multinationals establish European headquarters here, often requiring qualified accounts staff.

As with all areas of business, a high level of IT knowledge is becoming increasingly important. Proficiency in the use of software such as Microsoft Excel, as well as computerised accounting packages is important for candidates looking for jobs.

Accounting is a dynamic profession and there are high levels of regulation around the reporting of financial information. Accounting Technicians must keep their skills and knowledge up to date, even after they qualify. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses are therefore very important.