Accounting Technician Course

Sleepymum

Hi,

I hope someone can help, I have spent ages reading about the ACCA Accounting Technician Course and the IATI Technician Course and am now confused as to which is the best one to do.

Both cost roughly the same,
Both are in centers not far away

So which is the better one?, I am right in thinking that the acca one is btter recognised internationally and the iati is more irish focused?

Which is better for someone not working in the field, who has basic understanding accounting knowledge due to other courses.

Which is the best for leading onto further qualifications?

Also how do you go about getting your time in practice, when not working in the field.

Thanks so much for your help!

Really Confused,
Sleepymum

itsonlyme

Starting off I would suggest the IATI course. You will get a good grounding with everything.

fraggle79

I would definetly recommend the IATI course as its primarily aimed for students in Ireland.
It is an intense course as with the AACA technician course.

If I was to start all over again I would probably scrap third level and go direct to IATI and then progress to CPA.

Either qualification will give you exemptions from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland (ICAI) and the Associtaion of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA)

Good luck!!

John Mason

i am in 2nd year IATI, and i would not recommended to anyone

i dont have anything nice to say about IATI, so i am not going to say anything:o

seven-iron

i am in 2nd year IATI, and i would not recommended to anyone

i dont have anything nice to say about IATI, so i am not going to say anything

I think you did say something!

fiona12

Hi there,

I have been with the ACCA for a while now, I have no complaints with them whatsoever.

You are right in saying that the ACCA is more internationally recognised, that's why I chose them.

ellips

I finished IATI last spring and although I had a few negative things to say about it back then I have since had reason to re-consider some of my views.

I am now in ACCA and I really appreciate some of the basics that were taught in IATI at a very good level. I think that it was more to do with very good lecturers in those subjects. I also had the opportunity to experience some of the worst lecturers ever and I get the impression that there is no quality control by IATI over how and by whom the course is taught which is quite frustrating. But i don't think its much different to other accountancy bodies.

I cannot complain about the content of the course though - for example Taxation is taught at the level of ACCA F6, however there was no exemption granted to IATI students (last year anyway). Law was more or less the same as F4, unfortunately again no exemption. If you are intending to continue with ACCA it would be no harm to start off with same, but there isn't a huge difference between them.

All in all any course is only as good as what you're willing to put into it.

Mr Clonfadda

Really its down to where you see yourself ending up. I did AAT (formally associated with ACCA) rather than IATI because i wasn't sure i would stay in Ireland. However I am Still in Ireland 21 years later never did any ACCA Exams and am no longer a member of AAT.

swanvill

Hi
I did AAT (Now ACCA Technician) & then ACCA. My main reason was flexibility, course content and where I would get the most exemptions.

I suppose the question you must answer is do I want to become a fully qualified accountant, and if the answer is yes then pick the course with the highest amount of exemptions from other professional bodies.

Best of luck in your future studies.

Regards,
Swanvill

Lizzie4711

I with you there!. I'm also in my 2nd year with just 2 exams to go. Best of luck next week!.

smcgiff

If your goal is to become an accountant I wouldn't bother with a technician course. Go straight into the real thing. ACCA, ACA, CPA or CIMA.

Otherwise you're just adding an extra year of exams.

misspiggy40

Hi all. My situation was that I was out of education for quite a while. I found the IATI course brilliant for getting me back on track with my learning head. It addressed the accounting issues from the basics. I also got two years exemption from the IPA BBS (hons) course, which meant the two years were not wasted at the IATI. On the negative side, I know they are running a business but everything was money with these guys. Tutors are very hit and miss too from what I can gather. Meanwhile they have been working on their exemptions across the board and I would say that they are pretty good.

To cut it short, if you want a course to break you back in and give you a solid basis for further study I could not fault it. I sailed through Yr 3 of my IPA course on the back of it and expect to be secure with the taxation module of year 4.

If you are out of education a while I would not dive into the professional exams though.

Finally, in Ireland I think that the IATI is more widely accepted than the ACCA's CAT and the follow on exemptions seem to be slightly better though that may be only on the ones I researched.

Best of luck with whatever you do.:D;)

misspiggy40

I work in a retail business doing all their accounts and admin. I was able to use my experience to become a member of the IATI so you don't need to be in practice for that.

By the way Sleepymum, if you are a mum, good for you!!

bulmersgal

Oh my god i was just going to put up a thread asking about this. I've enrolled to do a IATI course in Sept and reading some post here i've been a pit unsure.

I think i will go ahead with it coz i've been out of school 5 years and i like the thought of being able to skip into the 3rd year of my degree and the fact that the iati starts from basics

misspiggy40

Hey Bulmersgal. Don't hesitate to PM me if you ever have a problem on the course. A problem shared and all that. Good luck

Sleepymum

Hi Folks,

Thanks so much for all the help, I have decided that I am going to the iati. It will break back into gently.
My son is starting school this year, so I want whats best for both of us and I dont want to be a nervous wreck worrying about a course when I should be enjoying it.
Thanks again!
Sleepymum;)

misspiggy40

Well done sleepymom. PM me anytime if you want to talk about the course.....or juggling 50 jobs at once!!

dlambirl

Sleepymum wrote: »

Hi Folks,

Thanks so much for all the help, I have decided that I am going to the iati. It will break back into gently.
My son is starting school this year, so I want whats best for both of us and I dont want to be a nervous wreck worrying about a course when I should be enjoying it.
Thanks again!
Sleepymum;)

Well done, best of luck!!

xxmammamxx

Hi all,

I just qualified the 2 year IATI course. It was a good course but honestly think if I were to do it again I would go with the ACCA technician course. I do think that those who run IATI are the biggest money grabbers around. From what I can gather they will only allow me to get my completion cert if I become a full member. e170 for membership app fee and then a further e160 annual membership fee. I'm not going to pay them that as I'm going to continue w/ACCA starting end of this month and will have 3 exemptions F1 2 and 3 to start off with.

misspiggy40

Have to agree with you there. Everything was money. Even if you wanted a printout of your results later:cool:. Still, have just gotten back my year 3 BBS results and they were pretty good. The iati course is a great base for further studies.

xxmammamxx

misspiggy40 wrote: »

Have to agree with you there. Everything was money. Even if you wanted a printout of your results later:cool:. Still, have just gotten back my year 3 BBS results and they were pretty good. The iati course is a great base for further studies.

Yes have to agree that they're a great base for further studies, looking at the acca exams for tax and law - it looks like IATI covered most of the syllabus give or take.

BizTalker

IATI is a waste of time. I passed it blindfolded and wished I enrolled ACCA right away. It would have saved me 2 years,cuz you only get like 2-3 exemptions from this course towards you professional qualification.

xxmammamxx

BizTalker wrote: »

IATI is a waste of time. I passed it blindfolded and wished I enrolled ACCA right away. It would have saved me 2 years,cuz you only get like 2-3 exemptions from this course towards you professional qualification.

Are you doing ACCA now? I'm currently going to get 3 examptions from IATI. I lived abroad for many years and feel that IATI was a good intro when I returned, but think now that I too have wasted 2 years (w/ only 3 exeptions to show for it) when I could possibly have at least 6 papers of ACCA sat by now..... Humor me - was IATI at least a good base for you?

BizTalker

Well, I did have a University Degree prior to my IATI course,but done overseas,so I needed to get the taste of the basic Irish accounting system. IATI is good start of course, but as I said before if your goal is to achieve ACCA, CPA or whatever prof. qualification, going via techniciancy cource is pure waste of time for me. To answer your question, no I did not enroll ACCA eversince. I've been kinda busy working, and all this job crisis lately discouraged me from doing it. It's dificullt to come accross to a decent employer though who would sponsor you towards it. And it's a costly course for me, will postpone it a bit . I was in two minds between CPA and ACCA, but from my personal research ACCA is No1!

funnygal

I had been out of school for a while and decided to go back after i had my daughter and i did the IATI course as I was unsure about the length of time and if i would like it and as it was only two years i decided to do it. Regarding the work experience, it stands to you from before the course and the college i did the course with gave friday off for work experience and you can work during summer to build up your time... I found the Iati course a real good basis for everything, well i dunno if it was just my lecturers or not... I went on and have just completed a degree in acc and finance and am doing my masters this year...

misspiggy40

I'm with you Funnygal. Just sat the capital gains paper for the first year of Tax Ireland's Exam. Purely on the basis of my IATI last year and found it no problem. So that's two year's off my degree and three papers exempt on ITI first year with the other paper covered. Third year of the degree no big problem either with a lot of topics covered. I am very happy with both what I learned and what I got out of it after.

Good luck to everybody starting back into it in September.

Karlar

Hi,

Can anyone tell me if they have done the Accounting Technician Home Study course and if they would recommend it. Its seems to be only McKeon Murray that are running it home study option. Does anyone know the overall cost.

josiepau

I have just asked my employer whether they would be willing to pay for the IATI course... they said no problem - of course there is always a catch in there...:) anyway, English is not my native language and I am not 100% sure whether I can do it... I don't expect it is going to be easy... but asking myself for some time whether I won't make a fool of myself - especially at work... is there anyone who could advise on my dilemma???

millyvanilli

I did the IATI some years ago and there were some non-English speakers in my class and the class co-ordinator got permission for them to use a "Foreign Language" / English dictionary in the exams. Also seen electronic "translators" used at revision seminary.so go for it ..a great qualification as previous posters said

Clanket

josiepau wrote: »

I have just asked my employer whether they would be willing to pay for the IATI course... they said no problem - of course there is always a catch in there...:) anyway, English is not my native language and I am not 100% sure whether I can do it... I don't expect it is going to be easy... but asking myself for some time whether I won't make a fool of myself - especially at work... is there anyone who could advise on my dilemma???

What exactly is your dilemna? Do it or not?

If that's all it is go for it. Your english seems decent enough.

josiepau

well, my dilemma was rather whether I CAN do it... not whether to do it or not... but I've decided to go for it with the help of your kind words... so wish me luck... also, does anyone know where to find any tests from previous years from this course? thanks

millyvanilli

josiepau wrote: »

well, my dilemma was rather whether I CAN do it... not whether to do it or not... but I've decided to go for it with the help of your kind words... so wish me luck... also, does anyone know where to find any tests from previous years from this course? thanks[/quo

All past papers are on the student section of the IATI website.or as it is now called accounting technicians ireland try this link

http://www.accountingtechniciansireland.ie/Students/Course_Materials/Past_papers/Past_papers.html

josiepau

millyvanili, you're the best... thanks sooooo much...

musky

Did the IATI and finished it just over 2 years ago, my friend was doing the CAT, I looked at the text books she had and they were not the same at all.

IATI is at least twice the qualification of the CAT

The CAT seems quite dumbed down IMO.

Also when I was in a recruitment agency back in 2007 looking for a job the guy there told me that the CAT isn't really regarded highly with any institution other than the ACCA wheras the IATI is perceived to be as good as a pass degree and will give you great exemptions.

josiepau

hi musky, I have heard that CAT is not as good as IATI... one would expect that when ACCA is offering it would be something better... I can't really compare myself as I have just started IATI few weeks back but seems that we are going through a looooot of stuff... not sure whether I will remember all of it at the exam week... would prefer to have exams twice a year and split the amount of information but I don't think they are going to do that just because of me... hopefully will pass those exams....

musky

Hi Josie,

I think that the exams just once a year has its advantages (as well as disadvantages).

I felt that it allowed me to focus on that week in may instead of dreading two sets of exams in a(an academic) year.

As a result I was able to score quite well in the exams, i would recommend that you really scrutinise the exam papers and make yourself an exam plan as soon as you can, repetition and planning paid off for me.

Even if you revise each subject for an hour or two a week it will really help to reinforce the material, i can remember switching off in class many a time and the weekend read over was crucial.

The great thing about the IATI is that your exams are averaged so that your award can be 'brought up' if you score higher in the subjects that you are good at.

I'm considering CIMA myself and it allows two exam sittings a year, i would be tempted to do 8 exams in the year but i may make a balls of them if i try to do too much.

I'm not sure why the ACCA have the CAT exams so weak, but maybe they're trying to emphasise their main qualification as beng more attractive.

Best of luck in the exams, if you put the work in you will do well.

josiepau

hi musky,
I will try to study a little bit (or a bit more ) every week... I know it didn't really pay off when I studied back home and thought I can learn everything in one week... but have to say I had a great time during the whole year... we also had 2 sets of exams which to me is an advantage... as I think there is just too much information to remember otherwise... but maybe my brain is not big enough... or maybe it's just lazy... :rolleyes: I am not quite sure in which subject I will be good at... (if any)... but will do my best... :cool: our finance director did CIMA... but it could have been few years back... good luck to you with all the exams whether you take it easy or will want to score 8 a year...

musky

Thanks Josie, you'll be fine, remember if I can do it anyone can

The law is very interesting and the management and IT is a bit boring (to me anyway)

abi sant clare

Hi Miss Piggy
I'v just applied for IATI in limerick senior. After 2 years doin Accounting Technician can u go on and do BBS? I tink i would like to go down the same path as u did but i don't have any work experience. Do they put u in work experience as part of the course? Wud appreciate any advice you might have.
Thanks in advance

misspiggy40

Hi there. I have just finished my BBS (Hons) Accounting with the IPA who are accredited by NUI Maynooth. I got into year 3 with my accounting tech exemptions. (They don't send you on work experience though.) I found the IATI a fabulous basis for the BBS. I don't know what exemptions other colleges give.

My thinking was this. Two years in IATI gets you two exempt years in the BBS. The BBS gets you to professional level in the ACCA (nine exams exempt). I hope to finish the ACCA in 12-18 months.(another 5 exams) I probably would not have finished the ACCA any sooner and I now have the Accounting Tech and BBS as well.

Hope all goes well for you. I was 20 years out of education when I started the IATI. It really does start from the very beginning so give it a good lash. Keep in touch if you like.;)

abi sant clare

thats brillant advice, thanks very much

russ2010

HI

I was thinking of registering for the iati course this sept. Basically i work with Sage Accounts and payroll at the moment and im hoping to further my studies to gain a higher qualification in accounts.

Can anyone give me some advice on the iati course and what are the possibilities after finishing this 2 year course. Example, exemptions onto other courses?

thanks

misspiggy40

Hi Russ. The following link shows the exemptions.

http://www.accountingtechniciansireland.ie/Files/Documents_and_Forms/Guide_to_Further_Studies.pdf

russ2010

Thanks for your help much appreciated.

Have you completed the iati course ? If so, what is your views of the course.

smcgiff

misspiggy40 wrote: »

Hi Russ. The following link shows the exemptions.

http://www.accountingtechniciansireland.ie/Files/Documents_and_Forms/Guide_to_Further_Studies.pdf

Interesting - the notoriously stingy (when it comes to exemptions) CIMA and CPAI give good exemptions, whereas CAI (surprisingly as they are the IATI sponsors) and ACCA give relatively poor exemptions.

misspiggy40

I am a total fan of the course though not neccessarily of the IATI themselves. The course is a great foundation for further studies. It starts from basics. The syllabus has changed somewhat since I did it. I would say for the better. The IT part, which I found woefully boring, has been swapped for Integrated accounting systems. I gather that is Sage or Tas plus other stuff. I sailed through Tax, Man Acc and Financial Accounting in my BBS with the IATI as a basis. In fact I would go as far as to say that the IATI was every bit as tough as the degree was because I was starting from scratch.

You pay for every item with IATI. Even if you need transcripts later you have to pay. I suppose it is all like that now though. Nothing for nothing. It is also €160 a year membership after you qualify if you want to use the MIATI letters.

I got into year3 with IPA for their Business Degree after the IATI and I see that is not on the list.;);)

Neyite

Accounting Technicians Course (ATI – Formerly IATI)

Year 1: Financial Accounting 1 Pass Rate 50% Core Subject
Taxation 1 Pass Rate 50% Core Subject
Law & Ethics Pass Rate 40%
Business Management Pass Rate 40%

Year 2: Financial Accounting 2 Pass Rate 50%
Taxation 2 Pass Rate 50%
Integrated Accounting Systems Pass Rate 70%
Management Accounting Pass Rate 50%

You may have exemptions in these subjects if you have studied before, but you will need to check with ATI, and probably pay a fee not to sit the exam.

Once you pass your exams, you become an Affiliate member. You need to complete 2 years minimum related work experience to become a full Accounting Technician. if you are already working in an accounting field, and have the experience you can become a full member immediately after completing your exams. Exam sessions are twice a year, May and August.

Study wise – expect to spend a minimum of 100 hrs per subject excluding your classes and possibly homework. per year. They give seminars on each subject twice in the year – weekends. Expect to study more in second year as it’s a little tougher.

Costs: like a few people have said, you pay for everything. But I can give you a breakdown of what are mandatory and what are optional, and what I paid over 2 years:

Year 1
Registration – once only €100 Mandatory
Annual Subscription €90 Mandatory
Textbooks for all subjects €176 Mandatory
Exam fees each per subject €70 x4 Mandatory
Seminars each €70 Optional
Course fees to College varies Mandatory (750 in my College)

Year 2
Annual Subscription €95 Mandatory
Textbooks each €60 Mandatory
Exam fees each per subject €70 x3 Mandatory
Integrated Accounts Systems Exam Fee €120 Mandatory
Seminars each €70 Optional
Course fees to College varies Mandatory (800 in my College)

Be aware that if you decide to get additional grinds, defer, exemptions, transcripts etc there are additional costs to pay.

Some employers may cover some or all of the costs, some don’t. Others are agreeable to working out a deduction over the year from salary to smooth out costs. Same for study /exam leave some employers give this, some don’t.

Overall, I am glad I did the course. There were problems with the textbooks last year, with errors in some, especially tax. A new one was eventually issued in January, with a free seminar thrown in. They were also a stupid price, considering they were a basic spiral bound A4 booklet, whereas the previous year, they used published textbooks you would find in a bookshop. This year, the price of the books may come down as it did not go down well last year at all.

We had one lecturer who, while very nice as a person, just could not teach for toffee. So if comparing certain colleges make sure you ask existing students there how good the lecturers are. For Tax and Accounting especially, you will need them. (to a certain extent IMO, the other subjects can be self-learned if you are good at theory learning) with the others, it’s mainly technique following a set format.)

There were other issues, such as the fact that the chapter questions in the books didn’t have solutions- these were only available after Christmas on the website. The institute was given this feedback last year from our class and I’m sure others had the same gripes, so maybe they will have addressed these issues. i have heard though that the institute is no better and no worse than the others in the accounting industry, through talking to fully qualified and students of the other bodies.

this is not the kind of course that you can turn up and just get certified at the end of it. it does require a lot of effort. i think that some in my class (and myself also) had the ‘how hard can it be, its only sums’ and got a rather big surprise.

if you have never studied bookkeeping or Accountancy, or are out of study for some time, its worthwhile picking up the leaving cert accounting book and having a go at that before you sign up. The classes, once they start, move fast and are intensive, so for the few quid a second hand one will cost, i think its worth it.

abi sant clare

which college did you study??? i'm hoping to hear from limerick senior and am wondering what its like there

Neyite

nope, not limerick. i dont know anyone who went there, sorry.

Lolllyf

Hi, I am thinking of applying for the Accounting Technician Course (IATI) in Waterford City. They are holding the course in the CTI and the WIT and was wondering if anyone has ever done the course in ether colleges? I am currently working in payroll & accounts and am looking for a qualification, can anyone tell me if it would be worth my while?
Thanks

smcgiff

Lolllyf wrote: »

I am currently working in payroll & accounts and am looking for a qualification, can anyone tell me if it would be worth my while?
Thanks

I imagine it depends on whether you want to progress from payroll to a broader role. The Technician qualification may help you progress within your current company.

Of course having the IATI qualification will also make you more employable externally, but to what degree is debatable.

Where do you see yourself in five years time?