What is an Accounting Technician? And what do they do?

Every business needs to stay on top of accounting and comply with accounting standards and government regulations. While small businesses hire an accountant, larger enterprises have an accounting team.

An accounting technician is usually a part of this team with limited responsibilities and mainly helps professional accountants. If you want to start a career in the accountancy and finance domain, accounting technician is a great starting point.

This blog will help you know what certified accounting technicians are and what they can do for businesses.

What is an accounting technician?

An accounting technician executes tasks in the domains of accountancy, finance, and taxation to help accountants fulfil their tasks better. These experts work under the supervision of an accountant. They are responsible for updating, analysing and modifying financial records that can be further used by accountants.

Additionally, you can offer independent accountancy services to individuals and businesses to expand your professional portfolio. Such technicians can also work on complex matters like consulting and advisory.

The difference between an accounting technician and an accountant

To become an accounting technician, you may not require the same education and experience that an accountant needs to get certified by a recognised body. However, to secure a good job for an accounting technician, gaining adequate experience is essential.

The scope of work is limited for accounting technicians. These people work under the supervision of an accountant and perform clerical tasks like maintaining company data, developing financial statements, and balancing accounts.

On the other hand, accountants have numerous responsibilities in a business. They prepare financial statements, create budgets, forecast finances, assist during tax and audits, and more.

Finally, the accounting technician’s salary is much lower than that of an accountant. This difference is mainly because of the number of tasks, work complexity, and qualifications.

How do you become an accounting technician in Ireland?

Anyone can take up an accounting technician course in Ireland. It is a great point to start your accounting career and open doors to new opportunities.

Usually, four study options are available for individuals willing to take up this course: full-time, part-time, online, and apprenticeships.

● Full-time course

You can take a full-time, two-year accounting technician diploma course from a recognised college. Some colleges may offer full or partial funding in Ireland, and it is a great opportunity to set yourself apart from the crowd.

● Part-time course

If you are employed full-time, a part-time accounting technician course can be a good choice to improve your professional portfolio. These classes aren’t regularly conducted and are adjusted per your work schedule.

● Online course

This is the best way to complete an accounting technician course, where you can gain a professional qualification from the comfort of your home. Plus, these courses give you the flexibility to learn at your own pace and still fulfil your other commitments.

● Apprenticeship

Most accounting technicians prefer an apprenticeship program as it offers practical experience in accountancy. You can work four days and study at a local college for the remaining days. However, they may need to sign a long-term contract of mostly 2 years. Such an apprentice accounting technician usually makes more than €19,000 annually.

There is yet another way to enter into the profession: for school leavers.

School leavers in the Republic of Ireland must have a Leaving Certificate with a pass grade in five ordinary-level subjects, including O5 in English and Maths/Accountancy. Otherwise, they should have a Leaving Certificate with pass grades in two ordinary-level subjects and two pass grades in higher-level subjects.

However, school leavers in Northern Ireland must have 1 A level of 2AS levels with grades in English and Maths/Accountancy not less than grade C at GCSE level.

These students can start working as technicians, and the employer is responsible for training them for the job.

What is the role of an accounting technician?

You can offer various services if you have completed an accounting technician course in Ireland. These include:

● Updating financial records and financial reports
● Keeping track of money received and expenses and controlling budgets
● Reviewing data and ensuring its accuracy
● Working with clients to develop budgets and other financial statements
● Perform administrative tasks like organising payroll
● Completing tax returns and submitting them
● Performing basic bookkeeping duties

What is the accounting technician salary?

The accounting technician salary Ireland is lucrative, where you can make over €30,000 per year. There is additional cash compensation for such professionals, which is somewhere around €500 – €900.

Is accounting technician a good career?

Yes, being an accounting technician is a good career, especially if you want to enter the accounting domain without taking up a course. These professionals usually work under an accountant and gain hands-on experience with handling accounting and finance.

Some experienced technicians can also become self-employed and start providing accounting services to small businesses. They can progress to higher positions like finance officer, payroll manager, accountant, bookkeeper, and tax analyst.

Additionally, technicians can study diligently to become chartered accountants.

Conclusion

Accounting technician jobs are available in Ireland, where you don’t have several requirements like an accountant, but it is a good starting point in the accountancy domain.

You can start from being a technician and gain hands-on experience working with top accountants and later take up professional accounting courses to open doors to new opportunities.