qualification specification for: ati level 5 diploma for ... · [type text] [type text] [type text]...

[Type text] [Type text] [Type text]

Qualification Specification for:

ATI Level 5 Diploma for Accounting Technicians (QCF)

Qualification Number 600/0107/0

2 ATI Level 5 Diploma for Accounting Technicians (QCF) V0.3 ATI Certificate - QS002

Version Control Table

Version Document No:

Author Date Changes

Version 0.3 QS002 Education Dept. 20/03/2017 Final


Foreword

Accounting Technicians Ireland offers the following qualification:

ATI Level 5 Diploma for Accounting Technicians (QCF) - (Second Year plus 2 years

work experience) Qualification Number 600/0107/0

The ATI Level 4 Certificate for Accounting Technicians (QCF) is awarded upon

completion of the first year and the Diploma for Accounting Technicians is awarded

upon successful completion of the Second Year examinations, plus the completion

of the compulsory work experience component.

More information about the qualification can be found here:

http://www.accountingtechniciansireland.ie/Students/Qualification_Pathway/

ATI is recognised as a UK Awarding Organisation and our educational activities are

therefore regulated by the Council for Curriculum, Examination & Assessment

(CCEA) in Northern Ireland. This status means that we are subject to Conditions of

Recognition by our Regulator. As part of CCEA’s Condition E3.2 Publication of a

qualification specification, an awarding organisation must ensure that the

specification for a qualification sets out:

(a) the qualification’s objective,

(b) any other qualification which a Learner must have completed before taking the

qualification,

(c) any prior knowledge, skills or understanding which the Learner is required to

have before taking the qualification,

(d) units which a Learner must have completed before the qualification will be

awarded and any optional routes,

(e) any other requirements which a Learner must have satisfied before the Learner

will be assessed or before the qualification will be awarded,

(f) the knowledge, skills and understanding which will be assessed as part of the

qualification (giving a clear indication of their coverage and depth),

(g) the method of any assessment and any associated requirements relating to it,

(h) the criteria against which Learners’ levels of attainment will be measured

(such as assessment criteria or exemplars),

(i) any specimen assessment materials, and

(j) any specified levels of attainment.

(k) where the awarding organisation is required to make such an assignment

under General Condition E7 (Total Qualification Time), the number of hours

which it has assigned to that qualification for each of Total Qualification Time

and Guided Learning,

(l) any value for credit which it has assigned to that qualification and any

Component of that qualification, and

(m)the level or levels which it has assigned to that qualification and any

Component of that qualification.

http://www.accountingtechniciansireland.ie/Students/Qualification_Pathway/


Contents

1. About ATI ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 6

2. Qualification Information .................................................................................................................................................... 7

Assessment of learning achievement ......................................................................... 8

Assessment by Examination ..................................................................................... 8

Assessment of work-based learning .......................................................................... 8

Regulated assessment methods ................................................................................ 9

Appeals Procedures .............................................................................................. 9

3. Structure and Content: a summary of the qualification .................................................................. 10

Summary Unit Table .................................................................................................................................................................................. 12

2nd Year Mandatory Units .................................................................................... 13

Advanced Financial Accounting ................................................................................ 13

ADVANCED TAXATION Republic of Ireland (ROI) ........................................................ 21

ADVANCED TAXATION Northern Ireland (NI) ............................................................. 31

Management Accounting ......................................................................................... 42

Integrated Accounting Systems (IAS) ....................................................................... 49

Work Experience Units ............................................................................................................................................................................... 55

Essential Accounting Skills ...................................................................................... 55

Advanced Accounting Skills ..................................................................................... 57

Personal Development for Accounting Technicians ..................................................... 59

Using Information Technology ................................................................................. 61

Maintaining Accounting Systems .............................................................................. 63

Maintaining Statutory Compliance ............................................................................ 65

Essential Taxation Skills ......................................................................................... 67

Management and Cost Accounting ........................................................................... 68

Advanced Taxation Skills ........................................................................................ 70

Budget Preparation and Controls ............................................................................. 72

Auditing Processes ................................................................................................. 74

Law in Business ..................................................................................................... 76

Payroll Skills ......................................................................................................... 77

4. Centre Information....................................................................................................................................................................... 79

ATI Feedback/Feedforward paths ....................................................................................................................................... 80

Please refer to information about Appeals on Page 9. .............................................. 81

A holistic approach towards quality assurance .................................................................................................... 82

5. Results Information ................................................................................................................................................................. 83


6. Professional Fees and Registration ........................................................................................................................... 83

7. Qualification Pathway .................................................................................................................................................................... 84

8. Further Study ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 85

9. Equality & Inclusion ........................................................................................................................................................................ 86


1. About ATI

Accounting Technicians Ireland exists for the development, guidance and

representation of our members as specialists par excellence in the arena of

accounting, business and finance.

We achieve this through innovative education, our advocacy of the Accounting

Technician qualification, the building of tactical relationships and the steadfast

support of our members throughout their careers. In doing so, we empower our

members to reach the highest levels of excellence and professionalism

Values

The following values form the foundations that make our mission possible:

Excellence

In the standards we set ourselves, in the students we attract, and in the merits

and skills of our members.

Professionalism

In our governance, in the conduct of our students and our members, and in the

ongoing support we deliver.

Opportunity

In the accessibility of our courses, in our members careers, and in their

aspirations for further development.

Integrity

In our actions, in our teachings, and in the ethical conduct of our student and

our members.

Relevance

In our curriculum, in the workplace, in the relationships we build, and in the

ongoing support we bring to our students and our members.

http://www.accountingtechniciansireland.ie/About_Us/Who_are_Accounting_Technicians_Ireland.html

http://www.accountingtechniciansireland.ie/Get_Started/Studying_Our_qualification/Our_accounting_qualification.html


2. Qualification Information

ATI offer the qualification:

ATI Level 5 Diploma for Accounting Technicians (QCF) (Second Year plus 2 years

work experience) Qualification Number 600/0107/0 for Accounting Technicians

which is available throughout the island of Ireland. This qualification is regulated by

CCEA and ATI is the awarding body.

Learner admission to ATI programmes are subject to documented Rules &

Regulations published on our website. This is a very comprehensive document and

addresses all aspects of participation in our programmes including entry

requirements, registration, withdrawal, payments, refunds, assessment, reasonable

accommodations, RPL, appeals, breaches of regulations etc.

The entry requirements for the ATI Level 5 Diploma for Accounting Technicians

(QCF) state the following:

School leavers (and other applicants under 21 years of age) must have

achieved the minimum entry requirement, normally at Leaving Certificate

(Republic of Ireland) or A/AS-Level (Northern Ireland).

For applicants in the Republic of Ireland, the minimum

requirement is five (5) passes in Ordinary level subjects, to

include English and either Maths or Accountancy, OR two (2)

passes in Ordinary level subjects together with two (2) passes

in Higher level subjects, again including English and either

Maths or Accountancy.

For applicants in Northern Ireland, the minimum requirement is

one A-level or 2 AS-levels, with at least a grade C in English

and either Maths or Accountancy at GCSE level.

Applicants may also be eligible if they have completed another nationally

recognised qualification such as QQI (in the Republic), or CCEA or BTEC (in

Northern Ireland). Further information on specific requirements is available on

request.

http://www.accountingtechniciansireland.ie/Students/Exam_centre/Rules_and_regulations/



Assessment of learning achievement

Assessment of achievement can be categorised under two broad headings:

Assessment by Examination

Assessment by Work-based learning Portfolio (or “Work Experience”)

All applicants are advised that they will be required to complete a total of eight (8)

written examinations which consists of four (4) exams in First Year as part of the

Certificate and four (4) exams in Second Year. They will also have to complete the

equivalent of two (2) year’s Work Experience assessed by portfolio. The portfolio is

based on nine (9) work-based modules

All aspects of learner assessment are managed through sub-committees of the

Education Board. The Board of Examiners has ultimate ownership of the results,

while the Work Programme Examinations Group is responsible for the “on-the-job”

assessment. The Assessment Appeals Panel manages complaints and appeals.

Assessment by Examination

ATI is the examining body and is responsible for the setting of all examinations.

Partner colleges have no role in the creation of examinations. All of our

examinations are held in a supervised environment (i.e. a suitable hall or computer

lab) organised and supervised by ATI. The written assessments consist of an

examination paper containing a set of structured questions to be answered. Most

examinations contain both a compulsory element and an optional element.

Assessment of work-based learning

Students are required to complete and submit the Work Experience application

once they have completed all eight exam examinations in first & second year. The

Work Experience application can be found by clicking on the link.

To ensure the veracity of the submission, all portfolio submissions must be ‘signed

off’ by a Workplace Mentor. This is not an assessment of the work but serves as an

assurance that the work was actually completed by the student.

Each submission is assessed by an independent Assessor who determines whether

or not the Learning Outcomes have been achieved. This assessment is based on the

published learning outcomes and each module can only be marked as:

Achieved

Not Achieved

There is a further ‘sample’ check by a separate Assessor in order to ensure that

assessment is fair and consistent. The final stage is approval by the Assessment

Panel, who makes the final decision on the work experience application assessment

results.

http://www.accountingtechniciansireland.ie/Affiliates/Becoming_a_member/


Regulated assessment methods

Appeals Procedures

All examination and Work Experience results are subject to an appeals process

whereby a student may seek to have their result rechecked and/or reviewed.

A recheck is an administrative procedure undertaken to ensure that results have

been recorded accurately (e.g. that marks are totalled correctly and transferred

correctly to the database system). Due to the nature of portfolio assessment,

rechecks are only carried out for examination results.

A review is a “re-marking” of a script or Work Experience results by an independent

examiner/assessor (i.e. a different person, not involved in the original assessment)

to determine that the marking/assessment was done fairly and in line with the

agreed marking scheme.

Where a student is unsatisfied with the outcome of an appeal, they may make a

further appeal to our Appeals Assessment Panel, which will investigate how the

appeal was carried out and report its findings to the Education Board accordingly.


3. Structure and Content: a summary of the qualification

ATI Level 5 Diploma for Accounting Technicians (QCF) (Second Year plus 2 years

work experience) Qualification Number 600/0107/0

Generally, examination-based modules are delivered in a ‘traditional’ classroom

environment by the partner colleges, however in order to assist students and

promote revision and “off-campus” learning, ATI provides a set of Online Tutorials

(approx. six (6) hours per subject) that students can access via our website

student portal (TouchPoint).

ATI has also published a Study Guide that encourages students to recognise their

own learning style(s) and approach their study accordingly.

ATI encourages students to form ‘study groups’ where they feel this is appropriate,

and students can use the Moodle-based Touchpoint system or Facebook to interact.

ATI also offer revision workshops as an optional extra to students and these

sessions are recorded and made available through TouchPoint after each event.

College-based assessments are based on written exam papers for each of the eight

(8) modules, while work-experience modules are assessed through a portfolio of

work and based on experience gained in a working environment. This varies from

accountancy practices to the accounting functions within industry and the public

sector. In all cases, students are supervised by an appropriate Workplace Mentor.

One of the main objectives of our programme is to ensure that all successful

graduates are able to function, either independently or as part of a team, as

Accounting Technicians in a work environment.

The ATI Accounting Technician Programme is delivered over two years using a

combination of college‐based and workplace learning.

Year

2 C

olle

ge

(Com

pulso

ry)

Year

1 C

olle

ge

(Com

pulso

ry)

Wor

k Exp

erie

nce

(Com

pulso

ry)

Wor

k Exp

erie

nce

(Ele

ctive

s)

Financial Accounting

TaxationLaw & Ethics

Business Management

Advanced Financial

Accounting

Advanced Taxation

IASManagement

Accounting

Essential Accounting

Skills

Personal Development for

Accounting Technicians

Using information Technology

Maintaining Statutory

Compliance

Advanced Accounting

Skills

Maintaining Accounting

Systems

Essential Taxation Skills or Management and

Cost Accounting

Advanced Taxation Skills or Budget Preparation and

Controls

Auditing Processes or Law in Business or

Payroll Skills

ATI Accounting Technicians – Programme Structure


The programme consists of two main elements.

These are:

1) Eight (8) class based modules assessed over a two year period, with four (4)

modules assessed in 1st year and four (4) assessed in 2nd year of the programme.

There are no optional class based modules.

2) A total of nine (9) work based learning modules assessed over a two year

period. There are six (6) compulsory modules to be completed. Students must also

complete three (3) out of seven (7) optional modules within three pools.

The programme provides options to students within the work based learning

modules to reflect the nature of employment as an Accounting Technician. The

class based modules are all compulsory, reflecting the core nature of these modules

to the role of an Accounting Technician.

The Overall Qualification information for the Accounting Technicians Ireland

Diploma Level 5 is as follows:

Qualification Title Accounting Technicians Ireland Level 5 Diploma for

Accounting Technicians (QCF)

Qualification Number 600/0107/0 Level 5

GLH (Guided Learning Hours)

984

TQT (Total Qualification time)

1310

Credit 131

Unit Title Advanced Financial Accounting

Advanced Taxation

Management Accounting

IAS

Unit Reference Number

H/602/6068

K/602/6069

D/602/6084

L/602/6078

Unit Credit Value 8 8 8 8

Unit level 5 5 4 4

All Mandatory M M M M


Summary Unit Table

Unit Title Unit Level

Credit Value GLH

Financial Accounting 4 8 80 Academic unit

Business Management 4 8 80 Academic unit

Law & Ethics 5 8 80 Academic unit

Taxation 4 8 80 Academic unit

Advanced Financial Accounting 5 8 80 Academic unit

Management Accounting 4 8 80 Academic unit

Integrated Accounting Systems 4 8 80 Academic unit

Advanced Taxation 5 8 80 Academic unit

Essential Accounting Skills 4 8 82 Work Exp Unit

Advanced Accounting Skills 5 20 199 Work Exp Unit

Personal Development for Accounting Technicians 4 4 42 Work Exp Unit

Using Information Technology 3 3 30 Work Exp Unit

Maintaining Accounting Systems 5 10 96 Work Exp Unit

Maintaining Statutory Conpliance 4 3 30 Work Exp Unit

Essential Taxation Skills 4 4 37 Work Exp Unit

Management and Cost Accounting 4 4 44 Work Exp Unit

Advanced Taxation Skills 5 13 130 Work Exp Unit

Budget Preparation and Controls 5 13 128 Work Exp Unit

Auditing Processes 4 2 20 Work Exp Unit

Law in Business 4 2 20 Work Exp Unit

Payroll Skills 4 2 20 Work Exp Unit

Colour means Member of ROC Group A - All are manditory

Colour means Member of ROC Group B - One must be completed

Colour means Member of ROC Group C - One must be completed

Colour means Member of ROC Group D - One must be completed


2nd Year Mandatory Units

Advanced Financial Accounting

2nd Year – Mandatory Unit

Unit Title


Unit

Reference

Number

H/602/6068

Unit Level

Level 5

Credit

Value

8

GLH

80

Subject

Status

Mandatory

Terminal

Exam

100%

Module

Pass Mark

50%

Learning

Modes

Direct Lectures, Workshops, Online Tutorials, Self-Directed

Learning

Pre-

requisite:

Financial Accounting, Taxation and either Business Management or

Law & Ethics

Key Learning Outcome

The key objectives of this module is to ensure that learners build on the

competencies gained in Financial Accounting and develop a knowledge and

understanding of more advanced accounting issues.


Key Syllabus Elements and Weightings

1. Conceptual and Regulatory Framework 30%

2. Financial Statements 50%

3. Interpretation of Financial Statements 20%

Learning Outcomes linked to Syllabus Elements

Conceptual and Regulatory Framework

On completion of this aspect of the module, learners will have acquired the

following knowledge, competencies and know-how: -

(a) An understanding of the influence of legislation and accounting; standards

on the production of published accounting information for organizations;

(b) An understanding of the accounting standard setting process;

(c) A knowledge of and ability to critically analyse specified accounting

standards;

(d) Be able to recognise and comment on professional ethical issues relevant

to business owners, managers and accountants.


Financial Statements


following knowledge, competencies and know-how:-

(a) The ability to prepare accounts from incomplete records;

(b) The ability to prepare financial statements for partnerships and

demonstrate an understanding of capital and current accounts for

individual partners;

(c) The ability to prepare accounts for limited companies for internal and

external purposes and demonstrate an understanding of the impact of

legislation and accounting standards on the publication of financial

statements;

(d) An appreciation of the importance of cash to business and the ability

to prepare cash flow statements for limited companies.

Interpretation of Financial Statements



(a) An ability to understand, explain and use ratio analysis as a technique in

decision making and performance evaluation

(b) The ability to critically analyse and interpret financial statements and

communicate in a professional manner to relevant interested parties


MODULE: ADVANCED FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING

Specific Functional Knowledge and

Competencies

Understanding

Application

Analysis

Conceptual and Regulatory Framework (30%)

Influence of legislation and accounting

standards on the production of published

accounting information for organisations

Impact of legislation on the preparation and

reporting of financial statements

Roles of the International Accounting Standards

Board, the Standards Advisory Council and the

International Financial Reporting Interpretations

Committee

Application of FRS 102 to the preparation and

presentation of financial statements

Framework for the Preparation and

Presentation of Financial Statements

FRS 102 – Section 1 (Scope)

FRS 102 – Section 2 (Concepts & Pervasive

Principles)

The objective of financial statements

Underlying assumptions

Qualitative characteristics of financial

statements

Elements of financial statements

Standard setting process

Standard setting process

Accounting standards and the law

Published accounts

The role of the stock exchange

Internal and external auditors and ethical

issues for the Accounting Technician

Role and duties of internal and external auditors

Internal control systems

Ethical issues and responsibilities accruing

Content and application of specified

sections of FRS 102 (excluding Group

Accounts throughout)

Section 3: Financial Statement Presentation



Competencies

Understanding

Application

Analysis

Section 4: Statement of Financial Position

Section 5: Statement of Comprehensive Income

and Income Statement

Section 6: Statement of Changes in Equity and

Statement of Income and Retained Earnings

Section 13: Inventories

Section 7: Statement of Cash Flows (excluding

Foreign Exchange cash flows)

Section 10: Accounting Policies, Estimates and

Errors

Section 29: Income Tax (excluding Deferred

Tax)

Section 32: Events after the End of the

Reporting Period

Section 17: Property, Plant and Equipment

Section 20: Leases

Section 24: Government Grants

Section 21: Provisions and Contingencies

Professional ethical issues for business

owners, managers and accountants

Understanding and application of ethical issues

Financial Statements (50%)

Financial statements for limited companies

for internal and external purposes

Preparation of financial statements for limited

companies

Differences between a sole trader and a limited

company

Accounting records of a limited company

Capital structure of a limited company

Share premium account

Dividends

Reserves

Practical application of FRS 102 sections already

listed

Disclosure and filing requirements for

limited companies

Format and filing requirements



Competencies

Understanding

Application

Analysis

Wording and layout of an Income Statement,

Statement of Comprehensive Income and

Statement of Financial Position

Size criteria for companies

Disclosure Requirements

Split of turnover

Details regarding staff numbers and

remuneration

Movement in non-current assets

Details of taxes owing

Cash flow statements for limited

companies and an understanding of the

importance of cash to the business entity

Preparation of cash flow statements in

accordance with FRS 102 Section 7: Statement

of Cash Flows

Importance of cash to a business entity

Preparation of reports on the interpretation of a

cash flow statement

Preparation of financial statements for

partnerships

Preparation of financial statements of a

partnership

Preparation of, and distinction between, the

capital and current accounts of individual

partners

The accounts of manufacturing businesses

Classification of costs

Work in progress

Preparation of the manufacturing account

Preparation of accounts from incomplete

records

Incomplete records

Preparation of accounts from incomplete records



Competencies

Understanding

Application

Analysis

Interpretation of Financial Statements (20%)

Ratio analysis of accounting information

Broad categories of ratios

Profitability and return on capital employed

Long term solvency and stability

Short term solvency and liquidity

Efficiency

Shareholders’ investment ratios

Interpretation of Financial statements and

explanation of ratios used

Interpretation of Financial Statements

Explanation of information provided by ratios

Limitations of ratio analysis

Preparation of reports for the users of

accounting information as a tool in the

decision making process

Preparation of reports in a professional manner

Ratio analysis in the decision making process


Assessment Criteria

Assessment

Techniques

Format of

Examination Paper

Sample Papers

100% Assessment based on the final examination.

The Paper Consists of SIX Questions which will examine all key

syllabus elements to ensure that learning outcomes are achieved

SECTION A

THREE Compulsory Questions

SECTION B

THREE Questions - Answer TWO

(All questions in Section B carry equal marks)

Each of the 3 sample papers will examine appropriate parts of this

syllabus.

Essential Reading


(Second Year)

Author: Accounting Technicians Ireland

Web Resources

www.AccountingTechniciansIreland.ie

www.charteredaccountants.ie

www.ft.com www.frc.org.uk

Other Resources

Business and Finance

Accountancy Ireland

Irish Times Business Section

Irish Independent Business Section

Sunday Business Post

Financial Times

http://www.accountingtechniciansireland.ie/

http://www.charteredaccountants.ie/

http://www.ft.com/

http://www.frc.org.uk/


Advanced Taxation ROI & NI


Unit Title

Advanced Taxation

Unit

Reference

Number

K/602/6069

Unit Level

Level 5

Credit

Value

8

GLH

80

Subject

Status

Mandatory

Terminal

Exam

100%

Module

Pass Mark

50%

Learning

Modes

Direct Lectures, Workshops, Online Tutorials, Self-Directed

Learning

Pre-

requisite:

Financial Accounting, Taxation and either Business Management or

Law & Ethics

ADVANCED TAXATION Republic of Ireland (ROI)


The key objective of this module is to ensure that learners build on the

competencies gained in Taxation and develop a knowledge and understanding of

more advanced taxation issues for individuals, businesses and corporate entities.



Administration and Procedures

On completion of this aspect of the module, learners will have acquired the following

knowledge, competencies and know-how: -

(a) An understanding of the role of legislation and practice, Revenue Authorities,

the Accounting Technician and the tax payer in the operational structure of

the tax system including ethical and tax compliance issues

(b) An ability to communicate effectively with individuals and Revenue

authorities regarding compliance issues and the issue of tax clearance

certificates

(c) An appreciation of the Revenue Charter, Revenue powers and audit

procedures

(d) An ability to complete appropriate Revenue forms and demonstrate

knowledge of the Revenue On-line System


1. Administration and Procedures 15%

2. Personal Tax Management 45%

3. Business Tax Management 40%


Personal Tax Management


knowledge, competencies and know-how:-

(a) An ability to understand, explain and demonstrate the impact of residence,

ordinary residence and domicile on the tax affairs of individuals

(b) An ability to quantify the tax liability of individuals to include computations

at an advanced level

(c) An understanding of the principles and scope of the charge to Capital Gains

Tax for Irish resident individuals including a knowledge of and understanding

of appropriate reliefs and exemptions

(d) An understanding of the principles and scope of the charge to PRSI and

Universal Social Charge under Class A and Class S

Business Tax Management



(a) An ability to communicate effectively with individuals and Revenue in a

professional manner regarding the tax and ethical implications of business

transactions

(b) An appreciation of the implications of employment v self employment and

an ability to make a determination using the ‘Badges of Trade’

(c) An ability to reconcile information contained in financial statements with tax

returns submitted and report on the consequences to include calculation of

the tax liabilities involved

(d) An understanding of the principles and scope of the charge to Corporation

Tax and an ability to compute tax liabilities of Irish resident companies

(e) An understanding of Relevant Contracts Tax and an appreciation of the VAT

issues involved with intra EU transactions, imports and exports


ADVANCED TAXATION Republic of Ireland (ROI)


Competencies

Understanding

Application

Analysis

Administration and Procedures (15%)

A practical understanding of the role of

legislation and practice

Overview of tax legislation and procedures

Methods and treatment of tax collection

mechanisms, direct assessment, self-

assessment, and withholding taxes

Communicating with Revenue

Authorities regarding issues resulting

from business transactions including

compliance issues

Procedures for the raising of assessments

and collection of taxes

Appeal procedures and expression of doubt

Imposition of penalties for the late payment

of tax and late filing of return (excluding

criminal procedures)

Payment of tax and preliminary tax payments

Communication with relevant parties in

writing in a professional manner

Issues and implications of business

transactions for individuals and

corporate entities

Requirements regarding notification to

Revenue

Requirements in respect of maintenance of

books and records

Taxation consequences arising from business

transactions

Revenue Charter, Revenue powers and

audit procedures

Revenue Charter, Revenue powers and

Revenue audit at a basic level



Competencies

Understanding

Application

Analysis

Provision of information to Revenue

Authorities

Information requirements of the Revenue and

resulting obligations

Role of the Accounting Technician

including ethical responsibilities

Relevant professional ethical issues

Tax clearance certificates

Administration procedures and use of

clearance certificates

Requirements necessary for the issue of a

certificate

Completion of appropriate Revenue

forms

Completion of main tax forms; Form 11 and

11e, CT1, VAT 3, Return of Trading Details

(VAT) and the use of the Revenue Online

Service (ROS) for the submission of returns

and the payment of tax

Personal Tax Management (45%)

Residence, ordinary residence and

domicile

Definition of residence, ordinary residence and

domicile.

Personal tax computations at an advanced

level incl. the impact of claiming loss relief

Calculation of income, the amount chargeable

and the tax payable including marginal relief

calculations

Charges on income

Reliefs, allowances, deductions, tax credits and

exemptions

Trade losses and claiming loss relief

Rental income and losses (Schedule D Case V)

including premiums on leases and favoured

lettings



Competencies

Understanding

Application

Analysis

Employment income and benefit in kind

(Schedule E) incl. provision of motor vehicles,

medical insurance, preferential loans and

living accommodation

Special treatment for company directors

Social Welfare benefits and pensions

including unemployment and disability

benefits

Taxation of married, separated and

divorced couples

Taxation of married, separated and divorced

couples including year of marriage and

separation

Year of death in respect of deceased

individuals and their spouses

PRSI for classes A and S

Principles and scope of the charge to PRSI

and USC (Class A and Class S)

Scope and charge to Capital Gains Tax

including the computation of liability

resulting from capital transactions

Principles and scope of the charge to Capital

Gains Tax

The charge to tax on Irish resident individuals

and companies on gains arising in the State

The computation of gains and losses, the

amount chargeable and the tax payable

Reliefs, allowances, deductions and

exemptions

Residence, ordinary residence and domicile

Time of disposal and location of assets

Capital gains and losses made by married

couples

Assets passing on a death

Treatment of assets held at 6 April 1974

Part disposals

Grants received after 5 Apri11974



Competencies

Understanding

Application

Analysis

Application of market value rules to

connected person disposals

Disposals of shares

Chattels and wasting chattels

Enhancement expenditure

Personal exemption

Capital losses

Indexation relief

Principal private residence relief

Business Tax Management (40%)

Communications and ethics

Communicating with clients / Revenue in a

professional manner regarding taxation

implications of business transactions

Dealing with relevant ethical issues

Determination of employment or self

employment including ‘Badges of Trade’

Definition of the ‘Badges of Trade’

Use of the ‘Badges of Trade’ in the

determination of employment or self

employment.

Contracts of employment and contract for

services

Taxation of business profits including

the calculation of adjusted profits and

the basis periods of assessment

Income and losses from trades and

professions (Schedule D Case I & II)

including pre trading expenditure and lease

transaction costs (tax adjusted profits)

Commencement and cessation rules for

Schedule D Case I and Case II



Competencies

Understanding

Application

Analysis

Capital allowances for plant and machinery

(including motor vehicles), balancing

allowances and charges for assets purchased

on or after December 2002

Charges on income

PRSI classes A and S

Professional services withholding tax

Relevant Contracts Tax

Obligations of a principal contractor with

regard to payments to sub contractors

Administrative procedures, completion of

forms and payment of relevant taxes

Conditions necessary for the issue of a sub

contractors certificate

VAT issues regarding supply of goods

and services, intra-EU transactions,

imports and exports

Principles of the operation of Value Added

Tax

Place and time of supply of goods and

services

Taxable persons and registration

Election to register

Intra EU transactions, imports and exports

Exemption and VAT rates

Accounting for VAT, sales and cash receipts

basis

Calculation of VAT liability including input

credits and output VAT

2/3 rule, cocktail rule, gifts and self supply Reconciliation of VAT returns to financial

statements

Reconciliation of VAT /PAYE returns and

financial statements

Extraction and reconciliation of relevant

information from financial statements



Competencies

Understanding

Application

Analysis

Quantification of tax liabilities arising from

discrepancies highlighted

Principles and scope of the charge to

Corporation Tax for Irish resident

companies, including close company

provisions


Corporation Tax for Irish resident companies

Accounting periods Dividend income received (FII) Dividends and distributions paid Definition and effect of close company

provisions

Taxation treatment of directors loans and

current account balances

An understanding of the basic residency

rules for companies

Implications of a company being resident or

non resident

Preparation of corporation tax

computations for private limited

companies

The computation of income and chargeable

gains, the amount chargeable and the tax

payable

Reliefs, deductions and exemptions

Schedule D income and losses (with same

exclusions as for Income Tax)


(including motor vehicles) including balancing

allowances and charges for assets purchased

on and after 4th December 2002

Dividend withholding tax


Assessment Criteria

Assessment

Techniques

Format of

Examination Paper

Sample Paper

100% Assessment based on the final exam.

The Paper Consists of SEVEN Questions which will examine all

key syllabus elements to ensure that learning outcomes are

achieved. Candidates must answer five questions in total, as

follows:

SECTION A

THREE Compulsory Questions

SECTION B

FOUR Questions, including one multiple-choice question (MCQ) -

Answer any TWO of the four questions.

All Questions carry equal marks.

Each of the 3 sample papers will examine appropriate parts of

this syllabus.


Essential Reading

Advanced Taxation (Republic of Ireland)

(Second Year)


Supplementary

Reading

Employers Guide to PAYE, Revenue Commissioners, Ireland

Guide to Value Added Tax, Revenue Commissioners, Ireland

Web Resources


www.taxireland.ie

www.revenue.ie

www.thepost.ie

www.charteredaccountants.ie

Other Resources


Accountancy Ireland

Irish Times Business Section

Sunday Business Post

Irish Tax Review

ADVANCED TAXATION Northern Ireland (NI)


The key objective of this module is to ensure that learners build on the

competencies gained in Taxation and develop a knowledge and understanding of

more advanced taxation issues for individuals, businesses and corporate entities.


http://www.taxireland.ie/

http://www.revenue.ie/

http://www.thepost.ie/

http://www.charteredaccountants.ie/



1. Administration and Procedures 15%

2. Personal Tax Management 45%

3. Business Tax Management 40%


Administration and Procedures



(a) An understanding of the role of legislation and practice, HM Revenue &

Customs, the Accounting Technician and the tax payer in the operational

structure of the tax system including ethical and tax compliance issues

(b) An ability to communicate effectively with individuals and HM Revenue &

Customs regarding compliance issues and the issue of tax clearance

certificates

(c) An appreciation of HM Revenue & Customs powers and audit procedures

(d) An ability to complete appropriate Revenue forms and demonstrate

knowledge of HM Revenue & Customs On-line System for filing returns


Personal Tax Management



(a) An ability to understand, explain and demonstrate the impact of

residence, ordinary residence and domicile on the tax affairs of

individuals

(b) An ability to quantify the tax liability of individuals to include

computations at an advanced level

(c) An understanding of the principles and scope of the charge to Capital

Gains Tax for UK resident individuals including a knowledge of and

understanding of appropriate reliefs and exemptions

(d) An ability to demonstrate an understanding of the principles and scope

of the charge to National Insurance Contributions under Class 1, Class 2

and Class 4


Business Tax Management



(a) An ability to communicate effectively with individuals and HM Revenue &

Customs in a professional manner regarding the tax and ethical

implications of business transactions

(b) An appreciation of the implications of employment v self employment and

an ability to make a determination using the ‘Badges of Trade’

(c) An ability to reconcile information contained in financial statements with

tax returns submitted and report on the consequences to include

calculation of the tax liabilities involved

(d) An understanding of the principles and scope of the charge to Corporation

Tax and an ability to compute tax liabilities of UK resident companies

(e) An understanding of UK VAT and an appreciation of the VAT issues

involved with intra EU transactions, imports and exports


ADVANCED TAXATION Northern Ireland (NI)


Competencies

Understanding

Application

Analysis

Administration and Procedures (15%)

A practical understanding of the role of

legislation and practice

Overview of tax legislation and procedures

Methods and treatment of tax collection

mechanisms, direct assessment, self-

assessment, and withholding taxes

Communicating with HM Revenue &

Customs regarding issues resulting from

business transactions including

compliance issues

Procedures for the raising of assessments

and collection of taxes

Appeal procedures and the role of the

Commissioners

Imposition of penalties for the late payment

of tax and late filing of return (excluding

criminal procedures)

Payment of tax and payments on account

Communication with relevant parties in

writing in a professional manner

Issues and implications of business

transactions for individuals and

corporate entities

Requirements regarding notification to HM

Revenue & Customs

Requirements in respect of maintenance of

books and records

Taxation consequences arising from business

transactions

HM Revenue& Customs powers and

audit procedures

HMRC powers and audit at a basic level



Competencies

Understanding

Application

Analysis

Provision of information to HM Revenue

& Customs

Information requirements of HMRC and

resulting obligations

Role of the Accounting Technician

including ethical responsibilities

Relevant professional ethical issues

New Construction Industry Scheme

Administration procedures and how this

affects both subcontractors and contractors

Requirements necessary for the issue of

certificates

Completion of appropriate HM Revenue

& Customs forms

Completion of main tax forms; Form SA 100

(including supplementary returns SA101,

SA103, SA105 & SA108) and CT600,

CT600(short), CT600A, VAT 100, Return of

Trading Details (64/8) and the use of the HM

Revenue & Customs Online Service for the

submission of returns and the payment of tax

Personal Tax Management (45%)

Residence, ordinary residence and

domicile

Definition and relevance of residence,

ordinary residence and domicile.

Personal tax computations at an

advanced level including the impact of

claiming loss relief

Calculation of income and losses, the amount

chargeable and the tax payable

Charges on income

Reliefs, allowances, deductions, tax credits

and exemptions



Competencies

Understanding

Application

Analysis

Trade losses and claiming loss relief

Rental income and losses including premiums

on leases and furnished lettings

Employment income and benefit in kind

including provision of motor vehicles, medical

insurance, preferential loans and living

accommodation

Special treatment for company directors

Social Security benefits and pensions

including low income and disability benefits,

tax credits and child tax credits

Taxation of the elderly including married

couples

Taxation of elderly individuals and married

couples

National Insurance contributions

Class1, Class2 and Class 4

Principles and scope of the charge to National

Insurance Contributions for both employed

and self employed persons

Scope and charge to Capital Gains Tax

including the computation of liability

resulting from capital transactions

Principles and scope of the charge to Capital

Gains Tax

The charge to tax on UK resident individuals

and companies on their worldwide gains

The computation of gains and losses, the

amount chargeable and the tax payable

Reliefs, allowances, deductions and

exemptions

Residence, ordinary residence and domicile

Time of disposal and location of assets

Transfer of assets between married couples



Competencies

Understanding

Application

Analysis

Assets passing on a death or by way of gift

Treatment of assets held at 31 March 1982

Part disposals and sets of assets

Enhancement expenditure

Application of market value rules to

connected person disposals

Disposals of shares

Chattels and wasting chattels

Personal exemption

Relief on disposal of a business –

Entrepreneurs’ Relief

Capital losses

Indexation relief on gains made by UK

companies

Principal private residence relief

Business Tax Management (40%)

Communications and ethics

Communicating with clients and HM Revenue

& Customs in a professional manner

regarding taxation implications of business

transactions

Dealing with relevant ethical issues

Determination of employment or self

employment including ‘Badges of Trade’

An understanding of the ‘Badges of Trade’

Use of the ‘Badges of Trade’ in the

determination of employment or self

employment.

Contracts of employment and contract for

services

Taxation of business profits including

the calculation of adjusted profits and

the basis periods of assessment



Competencies

Understanding

Application

Analysis

Income and losses from trades and

professions (Schedule D income with self-

employment) including pre trading

expenditure (tax adjusted profits)

Commencement and cessation rules for

income from self-employment


(including motor vehicles), First year

allowances (FYA), Writing down allowances

(WDA) and Annual investment allowance

(AIA), balancing allowances and charges for

assets purchased or sold

Charges on income

National Insurance Contributions Class 1A

and Classes 2 and 4

The New Construction Industry Scheme

Obligations of a principal contractor with

regard to payments to sub contractors

Administrative procedures, registration,

completion of forms and payment of relevant

taxes

Conditions necessary for the issue of a

subcontractors certificate

VAT issues regarding supply of goods

and services, intra EU transactions,

imports and exports for UK businesses

Principles of the operation of Value Added

Tax

Place and time of supply of goods and

services

Taxable persons and registration

Election to register

Intra EU transactions, imports and exports

Exemption and VAT rates

Accounting for VAT, normal invoice basis and

cash receipts basis

Calculation of VAT liability including input

credits and output VAT



Competencies

Understanding Application Analysis

Self supply on goods for own use

Reconciliation of VAT returns to financial

statements

Reconciliation of VAT /PAYE returns and


Extraction and reconciliation of relevant

information from financial statements

Quantification of tax liabilities arising from

discrepancies highlighted


Corporation Tax for UK resident

companies, incl. close company

provisions


Corporation Tax for UK resident companies

Accounting periods

Dividend income received (FII)

Dividends and distributions paid

Definition and effect of close company

provisions

Taxation treatment of directors loans and

overdrawn current account balances

An understanding of the basic residency

rules for companies

Implications of a company being resident or

non resident

Preparation of corporation tax

computations for private limited

companies

The computation of income and chargeable

gains, amount chargeable and tax payable

Reliefs, deductions and exemptions

Schedule D income and losses (with same

exclusions as for Income Tax)


(inc. motor vehicles) including balancing

allowances; charges for assets purchased or

sold; first year allowances (FYA), Writing

down allowances (WDA) and Annual

investment allowance (AIA).


Essential Reading

Advanced Taxation (Northern Ireland)


Supplementary

Reading

HMRC Leaflets and booklets

Web Resources


www.tax.org.uk

www.icai.ie

www.att.org.uk

www.hmrc.gov.uk

Other Resources


Accountancy Ireland

Accounting and Business

Times Business Section (Saturdays)

Financial Times


http://www.tax.org.uk/

http://www.icai.ie/

http://www.att.org.uk/

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/




Unit Title


Unit

Reference

Number

D/602/6084

Unit Level

Level 4

Credit

Value

8

GLH

80

Subject

Status

Mandatory

Terminal

Exam

100%

Module

Pass Mark

50%

Learning

Modes

Direct Lectures, Workshops, Online Tutorials, Self Directed

Learning

Pre-

requisite:

Financial Accounting, Taxation and either Law & Ethics or Business

Management


The key learning outcome of this module is to provide learners with knowledge and

technical competency in the area of management accounting to support business

functions, activities and decision-making.



1. The Nature and Purpose of Management Accounting, Costing Terms

and concepts 10%

2. Cost Accumulation for Inventory and Profit Measurement 35%

3. Standard Costing, Budgetary Planning and Control 30%

4. Information for Decision Making 25%


The Nature and Purpose of Management Accounting, Costing Terms and

Concepts



(a) A knowledge of the role of management accounting in a business organization;

(b) An appreciation of business and stakeholder objectives and goals;

(c) An ability to contribute to business planning and control exercises through the

use of management accounting;

(d) An understanding of principles and techniques used in management accounting.

(e) An understanding of costing system terminology and the ability to discuss

various elements of a costing system;


MODULE: MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING


Competencies

Understanding

Application

Analysis

Nature and Purpose of Management Accounting, Costing Terms and Concepts

(10%)

Role of Management Accounting

The role of management accounting in support

of business decision making

Comparison and inter-relationship with financial

accounting

Business Planning and Control

Management by objectives

Group and individual decision making processes.

Organizational control and performance

measurement

Costing Terminology

Cost centres and drivers

Cost classification and coding systems



Competencies

Understanding

Application

Analysis

Cost Accumulation for Inventory & Profit Measurement (35%)

Costing Systems

Cost Behaviour (including fixed, variable,

semi-variable & stepped cost, and inflation)

Types of costing systems

Concepts of cost accumulation

Costing of materials

Stores routines

Materials handling

Pricing of store issues

Purchasing procedures

Inventory control ratios

Stockholding calculations

Under and Over absorption of overheads

Administrative, selling and distribution

overheads

Labour costing Computation

Understanding and calculation of labour

remuneration systems

Remuneration and incentive schemes

Overhead Costing Detailed

Cost centre and cost units

Overhead apportionment and absorption

calculations

Service Department Costing

Under and Over absorption of overheads

Administrative, selling and distribution

overheads

Activity Based Costing

Key principles and terminology of Activity

Based Costing (ABC)

Classification of costs using ABC

Transaction based cost drivers

Overhead absorption calculations using ABC

Advantages and disadvantages of ABC

Benefits and problems of traditional and

modern costing systems

Marginal Costing Techniques

Comparison of marginal and absorption costing



Competencies

Understanding

Application

Analysis

Contribution and marginal costing calculations

and costing statements.

Marginal costing in management decision

making

Other Costing Techniques

Job, Batch and Service costing calculations

Theory of process costing, including equivalent

units, normal and abnormal gains/losses

(Note: Joint and by-products are excluded)

Standard Costing, Budgetary Planning and Control (30%)

Standard Costing - Theoretical aspects

Concept of Standard Costing - including

definition, types of standards, standard

setting, relationship with budgets

Advantages and disadvantages of standard

costing

Standard Costing – Practical Application

Standard cost per unit calculations using

absorption and marginal costing

Calculation of variances, including

- Materials price and usage

- Labour rate and efficiency

- Variable overhead expenditure and

efficiency

- Fixed overhead expenditure and volume

- Sales volume and price

Preparation and explanation of variance

analysis reports

Budgetary Planning & Control Processes

– Theoretical aspects

Theory of budgetary planning and control

Budgetary factors

Budgetary processes

Budgetary techniques, benefits and problems

Behavioural and motivational aspects of

budgeting


Budgetary Planning & Control –Practical

Application

Preparation of operational budgets, including


Competencies


- sales

- production

- materials

- labour

- overhead

Preparation of projected Statements of Profit

and Loss and Statements of Financial Position Detailed

Cash Budgeting and flexible budgeting

Information for Decision Making (25%)

Management accounting for Decision Making

Cost-Volume Profit and Breakeven Analysis,

including

- margin of safety

- target profit

- contribution/sales ratio

Breakeven charts and formulae

Application of cost-volume-profit analysis to

multi-product scenarios

Relevant Costing in decision making

Preparation of cost estimates for decision

making including relevant, opportunity and

sunk costs

Short term decision making calculations ,

including

- product elimination

- consideration of limiting factors

- make or buy

Pricing decisions, including:

- mark-up

- margin

- full price

Preparation of management accounting

statements appropriate to typical decision

making situations


Assessment Criteria

Assessment

Techniques

Format of

Examination Paper

Sample Paper

100% Assessment based on the final exam.

The Paper Consists of SIX Questions which will examine all key

syllabus elements to ensure that learning outcomes are achieved

SECTION A (Marks awarded per question may vary)

THREE Compulsory Questions. One question from each of the

three major syllabus areas.

SECTION B (All questions carry equal marks)

THREE Questions in total - Answer any TWO of these.


this syllabus.

Essential Reading


(Second Year)


Web Resources

www.accountancymag.co.uk

Other Resources

Cost and Management Journal

http://www.accountancymag.co.uk/


Integrated Accounting Systems (IAS)


Unit Title Integrated Accounting Systems IAS

Unit

Reference

Number

L/602/6078

Unit Level Level 4

Credit

Value

8

GLH 80

Subject

Status

Mandatory

Terminal

Exam

Minimum: 75% Maximum: 100% (See Assessment Criteria)

Interim

Exam

Maximum: 25% (See Assessment Criteria)

Module

Pass Mark

70%

Learning

Modes

Lectures, Workshops, Online Tutorials, Self-Directed Learning

Pre-

requisite:

Successful completion of Financial Accounting, Taxation and either

Business Management or Law & Ethics

Key Objective

The key objective of this module is to facilitate learners in aligning their theoretical

accounting education with practical applications used in the workplace. Learners

will acquire a level of proficiency in payroll, accounting and spreadsheet software

that will maximize their contribution to the professional environment.



1. Operation and Maintenance of a Computerised Payroll System 15%

2. Integrated Accounting Systems and Double Entry 60%

3. Spreadsheets and Budgeting 25%


Operation and Maintenance of a Computerised Payroll System (15%)



(a) The ability to enter and edit data on a computerized payroll system and to

successfully create a variety of pay elements and deductions including Pension

contributions and Benefit-in-Kind;

(b) The ability to establish and edit employee records, and update any employee

information according to Revenue advices;

(c) The skills needed to accurately process timesheet information for a required payroll

frequency;

(d) An understanding of the need for secure data, and be able to safeguard payroll

information appropriately;

(e) An ability to generate accurate and meaningful payroll reports.


Integrated Accounting Systems and Double Entry (60%)



(a) The ability to apply theoretical double entry bookkeeping knowledge to the

practical operation of an integrated accounts package;

(b) A thorough understanding of a computerized chart of accounts and the

practical skills to effectively maintain a computerized nominal ledger;

(c) The practical skills to enter and update a variety of customer, supplier and

bank records;

(d) The skills and know-how to accurately process financial accounting

transactions for an indicated reporting period and effectively perform a

number of reconciliation exercises;

(e) Demonstrate the ability to generate the financial statements in addition to a

wide variety of other accounting reports.

Spreadsheets & Budgeting (25%)


knowledge, competencies and know-how:-

(a) The ability to create and manage a spreadsheet/workbook and demonstrate

a variety of formatting and presentation skills,

(b) The practical skills needed to utilise spreadsheets to calculate, interpret and

analyse data through copying/adding data, inserting functions & formulae,

creating budgets and forecasts and other spreadsheet tools,

(c) The ability to illustrate data and visually enhance a spreadsheet,

(d) The ability to generate meaningful reports from a spreadsheet program.


MODULE: INTEGRATED ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS (IAS)


Competencies Understanding Application Analysis

Operation and Maintenance of a Computerised Payroll Software (15%)

Set up and edit company details

Set up Pay Elements, e.g. additions and

deductions

Enter and edit employee details

Entering tax details received from Revenue

i.e. P2C information

Operation of emergency, Week 1/Month 1

and cumulative bases

Process a leaver in a company (i.e. issue of

Form P45)

4. Process timesheet information for a given

frequency

Generate meaningful Payroll reports

Safeguard Payroll information

Integrated Accounting Systems and Double Entry (60%)

Operation and maintenance of an integrated

accounting system – understanding of

nominal ledger and chart of accounts

System set up parameters

Posting salary journals from payroll reports

Creating Customer Records and recording

Customer transactions

Creating Supplier Records and recording

Supplier transactions

Creating Bank Records and recording Bank

transactions

Double entry bookkeeping – accruals,

prepayments, depreciation and other

adjustments

Financing Arrangements – use of correct

nominal codes and journals

Periodic recurring journals

Debtor and Creditor Reconciliations

Bank reconciliations



Competencies


Correction of entries already made

Generate the financial statements and other

accounting reports

Exporting reports to MS Excel and other

spreadsheet packages

Inputting budget figures

Safeguard Accounting data

Spreadsheets (25%)

Entering information into a spreadsheet

Managing workbooks

Using of formulae and logical functions

Ability to use header/footer, page setup, print

area and margins

Charts and graphs – creating/editing to

produce a replica image

Protecting workbooks, worksheets using

passwords

Consolidating data and use of macros

Conditional formatting, inserting sparklines,

and data sorting/filtering

Using SmartArt; inserting textboxes and other

objects

Creating/modifying a table within a

spreadsheet


Assessment Criteria

Assessment

Techniques

Format of

Examination Paper

Sample Papers

The assessment will be based on a 100% final examination.

(NOTE: The Exam Board may decide to introduce an ‘Interim

Exam’, worth a maximum of 25% of the total mark, at a later

stage. Where this happens, students will be given a full year’s

notice. Any such change will not affect the syllabus content)

Each assessment is a practical, computer-based examination

with a variety of tasks to complete.

The examination must be completed on computer. This is not a

paper-based examination.


this syllabus.

Essential Reading Integrated Accounting Systems

(Second Year)


Web Resources

www.sage.ie

www.microsoft.com

Other Resources


http://www.sage.ie/

http://www.microsoft.com/



Work Experience Units Essential Accounting Skills

Essential Accounting Skills T/602/6074

Credit Value 8

Level 4 GL Hours 80

This unit requires learners to demonstrate their ability to perform a variety of accounting tasks within the workplace. Learners must be able to perform bank reconciliations and a range of double entry transactions.

Tasks will need to be performed to organisational standards and learners must also be able to apply accounting concepts and principles clearly whilst working to these standards.

In order to be deemed competent in the range of activities required of a practicing Accounting Technician, and to show that they have the required level of professional competency in the workplace, learners must be able to demonstrate their continuous ability to meet the standard outlined in the learning outcomes and assessment criteria consistently and reliably over a two year period of time.

This unit will be assessed by a Portfolio of Online Evidence (completed in the working environment).

Learning Outcome -

The learner will:

Assessment Criterion & Example -

The learner can:

1

Be able to perform

bank and other key control account

reconciliations within

1.1 Reconcile bank statement(s) with nominal ledger

1.2 Critically assess the differences between bank statement(s) and nominal ledger


Learning Outcome -

The learner will:


The learner can:

the working environment

1.3 Accurately treat unrecorded and outstanding items

1.4 Present corrected bank control account and reconciliation to appropriate personnel

2

Be able to apply accounting concepts

and principles within the working environment

2.1 Ability to correctly identify and account for accruals and prepayments

2.2 Apply depreciation techniques appropriately

2.3 Understand, select and apply appropriate accounting policies

3

Be able to perform double entry

transactions within the working environment

3.1 Accurately record cash transactions consistently over a period of time

3.2 Accurately record credit transactions consistently over a period of time

3.3 Produce a reconciled trial balance

3.4 Ability to identify and correct errors


Advanced Accounting Skills

Advanced Accounting Skills

D/602/6067

Credit Value 20 Level 5 GL Hours 199

This unit requires learners to demonstrate their ability to perform a range of advanced accounting skills within the workplace. Learners must be able to perform a range of complex and detailed tasks, in particular, prepare workplace accounts and cash flow forecasts and projections, interpret financial statements using ratio analysis and prepare accounts from incomplete records. In order to be deemed competent in the range of activities required of a practicing Accounting Technician, and show that they have the required level of professional competency in the workplace, learners must be able to demonstrate their continuous ability to meet the standard outlined in the learning outcomes and assessment criteria consistently and reliably over a two year period of time.


Learning Outcome - The learner will:

Assessment Criterion - The learner can:

1

Be able to prepare

workplace accounts for internal and external purposes

1.1 Accurately prepare a set of accounts for a limited company and/or sole trader and/or not-for-profit organisation and/or a business division to include an income statement, statement of financial position and cash flow statement

2 Be able to interpret 2.1 Calculate and interpret appropriate ratios


Learning Outcome - The learner will:

Assessment Criterion - The learner can:


using ratio analysis within the working environment

2.2 Critically analyse ratio information for decision making purposes

2.3 Present findings in a clear and concise manner

3

Be able to apply appropriate accounting standards within the

working environment

3.1 Correctly identify standard(s) required

3.2 Apply framework for the preparation of financial statements

3.3 Present financial statements in an acceptable format

4

Be able to prepare accounts from incomplete records and/or using judgment and calculating

accounting estimates within the working environment

4.1 Critically analyse financial information

4.2 Identify transactions to be accounted for and use professional judgment to prepare appropriate accounting estimates

4.3 Produce revised financial statements taking account of correcting journal entries

5

Be able to prepare cash

flow forecasts and projections within the working environment

5.1 Prepare cash flows on a periodic basis

5.2 Identify potential cash surpluses and deficits

5.3 Advise management of any significant surpluses and deficits arising in the cash flow forecast that need to be addressed

5.4 Present recommendations to address the issues identified


Personal Development for Accounting Technicians

Personal Development for Accounting Technicians A/602/6089


This unit requires learners to demonstrate their ability to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding within the accounting industry. Learners must be able to monitor and evaluate their own performance and learning in meeting their development needs. In addition learners must be able to develop an action plan for the purpose of maintaining their knowledge of developments across the accounting industry in order to ensure their work based skills remain current. In order to be deemed competent in the range of activities required of a practicing Accounting Technician, and to show that they have the required level of professional competency in the workplace, learners must be able to demonstrate their continuous ability to meet the standard outlined in the learning outcomes and assessment criteria consistently and reliably over a two year period of time.

This unit will be assessed by a Portfolio of Online Evidence (completed in the working environment)

Learning Outcome -

The learner will:


The learner can:

1

Be able to monitor and evaluate own performance and learning within the

workplace

1.1 Critically evaluate and agree goals and learning outcomes with Mentor

1.2 Meet regularly with Mentor to discuss progress and actively contribute to the feedback process

1.3 Actively participate in agreeing levels of progress towards identified goals


Learning Outcome -

The learner will:


The learner can:

1.4 Engage with mentor to effectively maintain a reflective work journal documenting progress and status of agreed goals

2

Be able to develop own

learning and

performance to ensure work based skills and knowledge are up to date

2.1 Develop a detailed learning and development action plan that takes account of the learning goals that have been agreed with workplace mentor

2.2 Attend training course(s) and/or undertake suitable learning and development in line with learning and development plan

2.3 Maintain awareness of developments in the accounting industry through self-study


Using Information Technology

Using Information Technology T/602/6091


This unit requires learners to demonstrate their ability to use information technology within the workplace. Learners must be able to use a word processing package, such as the ability to produce letters, memos or reports, use a spreadsheet package including the need to amend spreadsheet data as required, and be able to use online systems effectively. In order to be deemed competent in the range of activities required of a practicing Accounting Technician, and show that they have the required level of professional competency in the workplace, learners must be able to demonstrate their continuous ability to meet the standard outlined in the learning outcomes and assessment criteria consistently and reliably over a two year period of time.


Learning Outcome -

The learner will:


The learner can:

1

Be able to operate a word processing package competently within the working environment

1.1 Produce documents in appropriate formats e.g. letters/memos/reports

1.2 Edit and reformat existing document templates

2 Be able to use a spreadsheet package competently within the

2.1 Create formulae within the spreadsheets

2.2 Manipulate spreadsheet data as required


Learning Outcome -

The learner will:


The learner can:

working environment 2.3 Format data and spreadsheets for presentation

2.4 Export/import figures to/from other accounting systems

3 Be able to use online systems effectively within the working environment

3.1 File and pay tax returns online

3.2 Use online banking systems


Maintaining Accounting Systems

Maintaining Accounting Systems R/602/6082

Credit Value 10

Level 5

GL Hours 96

This unit requires learners to demonstrate their ability to operate and maintain a computerised accounting system within the workplace. Learners must be able to demonstrate an advanced understanding of double entry transactions within an integrated accounting system. Learners must be able to produce key financial reports to meet the needs of a range of users, present progress reports to management in which they will need to present a critical analysis in order to assist the decision making process. Learners will also be required to ensure adequate steps are taken in order to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of accounting information. In performing the range of tasks, learners must be able to demonstrate their ability to work consistently over an agreed period of time, which would usually be no less than two years in the workplace. This unit will be assessed by a Portfolio of Online Evidence (completed in the working environment).

Learning Outcome -

The learner will:

Assessment Criterion & Example-

The learner can:

1

Be able to operate and

maintain a computerised accounting system within the working

1.1 Demonstrate an advanced understanding of double entry bookkeeping in order to maintain an integrated accounting system

1.2 Identify and accurately produce key financial reports to meet the needs of users

1.3 Present reports to management with critical analysis and commentary to facilitate understanding and decision making

1.4 Maintain accounting system in a secure manner to ensure data integrity and confidentiality.


Learning Outcome -

The learner will:


The learner can:

environment


Maintaining Statutory Compliance

Maintaining Statutory Compliance Y/602/6083


This unit requires learners to demonstrate their ability to apply statutory accounting requirements within the workplace. Learners must be able to apply health and safety requirements, data protection legislation as well as being able to understand and comply with the code of ethics relevant to Accounting Technicians Ireland. In order to be deemed competent in the range of activities required of a practising Accounting Technician, and show that they have the required level of professional competency in the workplace, learners must be able to demonstrate their continuous ability to meet the standard outlined in the learning outcomes and assessment criteria consistently and reliably over a two year period of time.


Learning Outcome -

The learner will:


The learner can:

1

Be able to apply statutory accounting requirements to workplace practices

1.1 Accurately prepare and submit relevant tax returns in line with statutory requirements

1.2 Accurately prepare annual and other statutory returns and minutes.

1.3 Accurately maintain accounting books and records in accordance with company and/or taxation law

1.4 Structure information to facilitate the audit / taxation return process


Learning Outcome -

The learner will:


The learner can:

2

Be able to apply health

and safety requirements to workplace practices

2.1 Apply health and safety regulations in the workplace

3

Be able to apply data

protection legislation to workplace practices

3.1 Maintain data securely

3.2 Collect and release data in line with legislative requirements

4

Understand and comply

with Accounting Technicians Ireland Code of Ethics within the working environment

4.1 Apply Code of Ethics to all work practises


SECTION B

The student is required to complete ONLY ONE Unit in this Section

Essential Taxation Skills

Essential Taxation Skills A/602/6075

Credit Value 4 Level 5

GL Hours 37

This unit requires learners to demonstrate their ability to perform a range of taxation tasks within the workplace. Learners must be able to identify taxation systems which apply to businesses or individuals. Learners must also know the importance of keeping accurate records which apply to VAT and PAYE returns. In order to be deemed competent in the range of activities required of a practicing Accounting Technician, and show that they have the required level of professional competency in the workplace, learners must be able to demonstrate their continuous ability to meet the standard outlined in the learning outcomes and assessment criteria consistently and reliably over a two year period of time. This unit will be assessed by a Portfolio of Online Evidence (completed in the working environment).

Learning Outcome -

The learner will:


The learner can:

1

Be able to identify the appropriate taxation system applicable to the

business entity or individual within the working environment

1.1 Apply income tax rules accurately

1.2 Apply VAT rules accurately

1.3 Apply PAYE accurately

2

Know how to keep

accurate records to

facilitate the completion of tax returns within the working environment

2.1 Accurately compile the documents required for income tax and/or VAT and PAYE returns in line with relevant rules and

regulations.

2.2 Critically evaluate information pertaining to returns

2.3 Present findings and/or recommendations to appropriate personnel


Management and Cost Accounting

Management and Cost Accounting H/602/6085


GL Hours 40

This unit requires learners to demonstrate their ability to apply costing techniques within the workplace. Learners must be able to record the necessary information for costing systems, generate appropriate product and service costs and be able to assist the decision making process. In addition, learners must be able to identify analyses and apply a number of complex techniques in order to manage accounting systems. In order to be deemed competent in the range of activities required of a practicing Accounting Technician, and show that they have the required level of professional competency in the workplace, learners must be able to demonstrate their continuous ability to meet the standard outlined in the learning outcomes and assessment criteria consistently and reliably over a two year period of time.


Learning Outcome -

The learner will:


The learner can:

1

Know how to apply

costing techniques within the working environment

1.1 Accurately identify why costs occur and accumulate

1.2 Critically analyse the differences between fixed and variable costs

1.3 Apply relevant costing techniques to material, labour and overhead costs

2

Be able to record

information for costing

systems within the working environment

2.1 Calculate standard costs using appropriate costing techniques

2.2 Apply calculated costs to produce a standard cost card or similar application.


Learning Outcome -

The learner will:


The learner can:

3

Be able to generate

appropriate product and service costs within the working environment

3.1 Apply marginal, absorption and activity based costing techniques as appropriate

3.2 Prepare and present appropriate reports

4

Be able to assist with

decision making processes within the working environment

4.1 Identify relevant, opportunity and sunk costs and their applicability for decision making projects

4.2

Accurately prepare cost estimates for short term decision making and pricing decisions


SECTION C

The Student is required to complete ONLY ONE Unit in this Section

Advanced Taxation Skills

Advanced Taxation Skills D/602/6070


GLH 130

This unit requires learners to demonstrate their ability to perform a range of advance taxation tasks within the workplace. Learners must be able to accurately calculate and advise on a range of complex personal and corporate taxation issues, calculate relevant tax computations, complete tax returns and be able to communicate with the necessary people when presenting their tax findings. It is vital that learners are able to demonstrate an awareness of the importance of deadlines for completing tax returns and that they can determine the penalties that may be imposed for late returns. In order to be deemed competent in the range of activities required of a practicing Accounting Technician and show that they have the required level of professional competency in the workplace, learners must be able to demonstrate their continuous ability to meet the standard outlined in the learning outcomes and assessment criteria consistently and reliably over a 2 year period of time.


Learning Outcome -

The learner will:


The learner can:

1

Be able to accurately calculate and advise on personal and corporate taxation issues within the working environment

1.1 Identify different sources of income

1.2 Apply and calculate appropriate charges and reliefs to income

1.3 Effectively communicate reports on tax computations to client and Revenue.

2 Be able to calculate relevant tax computations

2.1 Accurately prepare and complete computations for VAT and/or corporation tax and PAYE systems and/or subcontractor’s


Learning Outcome -

The learner will:


The learner can:

accurately within the

working environment

certificates.

3

Be able to accurately

complete tax returns within the working environment

3.1 Accurately complete returns for VAT and/or corporation tax and/or PAYE

3.2 Demonstrate an awareness of deadlines and possible penalties and interest for late filing that may apply when completing tax returns

3.3 Accurately reconcile tax returns with financial statements.

4

Be able to communicate effectively with interested parties on taxation issues within the working environment

4.1 Present tax findings in a clear and comprehensive manner

4.2 Make recommendations for future tax planning to interested parties

4.3 Engage with Revenue on compliance issues or queries


Budget Preparation and Controls

Budget Preparation and Controls K/602/6072


GLH 128

This unit requires learners to demonstrate the importance of budget preparation within the workplace. Learners must be able to apply budgetary planning such as analyzing and applying budgetary techniques and the interpretation for how change will impact individual budgets. Learners must also be able to implement budgetary control which includes preparing budgets and being able to set up and communicate target information and performance indicators. In order to be deemed competent in the range of activities required of a practicing Accounting Technician, and show that they have the required level of professional competency in the workplace, learners must be able to demonstrate their continuous ability to meet the standard outlined in the learning outcomes and assessment criteria consistently and reliably over a two year period of time.

This unit should be assessed by a Portfolio of Evidence (completed in the working environment).

Learning Outcome -

The learner will:


The learner can:

1

Know how to apply

budgetary planning in

the working

environment

1.1 Critically analyse appropriate budgetary techniques such as incremental and zero based budgeting, to be applied in the

workplace

1.2 Apply selected budgetary technique to the workplace budget

1.3 Interpret impacts of changes in individual budgets on the master budget and apply corrective action

1.4 Understand and apply behavioural and motivational aspects of budgeting to the workplace budgets

2

Be able to implement

budgetary control within

2.1 Prepare budgets effectively in line with key assumptions and requirements

2.2 Set and communicate clear targets and performance indicators for budgets to be monitored against

2.3 Identify and critically analyse variances between budget and actual income and/or expenditure

2.4 Inform appropriate personnel of significant issues arising from budgetary control


Learning Outcome -

The learner will:


The learner can:

the working

environment 2.5 Present recommendations and rationale in a clear manner to appropriate personnel


SECTION D

The Student is required to complete ONLY ONE Unit in this Section

Auditing Processes

Auditing Processes H/602/6071


GLH 20

This unit requires learners to demonstrate their ability to contribute to finance or other auditing processes. In addition to contributing to the audit process itself, learners must also be able to implement key recommendations and evaluate newly implemented systems, policies and procedures, as required by your organisation. In order to be deemed competent in the range of activities required of a practicing Accounting Technician, and show that they have the required level of professional competency in the workplace, learners must be able to demonstrate their continuous ability to meet the standard outlined in the learning outcomes and assessment criteria consistently and reliably over a two year period of time.


Learning Outcome -

The learner will:


The learner can:

1

Be able to contribute to a financial and/or other audit within the working environment

1.1 Effectively contribute to an audit by understanding the audit process and by providing appropriate information in a timely manner

1.2 Accurately prepare relevant reports and/or documentation for audit purposes

2 Be able to implement key

recommendations resulting from a financial

2.1 Critically analyse audit report

2.2 Identify recommendations for non-conformances in the report


Learning Outcome -

The learner will:


The learner can:

and/or other audit

2.3 Design systems and/or policies and procedures to address non conformances

2.4 Implement systems and/or policies and procedures

3

Be able to evaluate newly

implemented systems and/or policies and procedures arising from a financial and/or other audit

3.1 Evaluate the success or otherwise of newly implemented systems and/or policies and procedures

3.2 Produce a report detailing key findings

3.3 Present findings and recommendations to key personnel


Law in Business

Law in Business L/602/6081


GLH 20

This unit requires learners to demonstrate an applied understanding of law within the working environment. Learners must be able to apply the requirements of employment, contract and company law. In doing so learners will develop a range of skills such as the ability to assess legal requirements, present recommendations and identify areas of concern within contracts and also be able to suggest improvements. In order to be deemed competent in the range of activities required of a practicing Accounting Technician, and show that they have the required level of professional competency in the workplace, learners must be able to demonstrate their continuous ability to meet the standard outlined in the learning outcomes and assessment criteria consistently and reliably over a two year period of time.


Learning Outcome -

The learner will:


The learner can:

1

Be able to apply the requirements of employment law in the

working environment

1.1 Critically assess requirements of employment law in light of workplace policies and procedures

1.2 Present key recommendations to appropriate personnel

1.3 Implement recommendations in a timely manner

2 Be able to apply the requirements of contract law

2.1 Critically analyse the terms of contract

2.2 Identify potential breaches of contract law and suggest improvements to remedy potential breaches

3 Understand the requirements of company law

3.1 Ensure that statutory requirements pertaining to financial statements, reports and returns are complied with in the working

environment

3.2 Prepare reports for presentation at company meetings


Payroll Skills

Payroll Skills K/602/6086


GL Hours 20

This unit requires learners to demonstrate their payroll skills within the workplace. Learners must be able to use a payroll system effectively, apply employment law from a payroll perspective, accurately calculate pay, produce payroll reports and be able to demonstrate an awareness of employer duties. In performing the range of tasks, learners must be able to demonstrate their ability to work consistently over an agreed period of time. In order to be deemed competent in the range of activities required of a practicing Accounting Technician, and show that they have the required level of professional competency in the workplace, learners must be able to demonstrate their continuous ability to meet the standard outlined in the learning outcomes and assessment criteria consistently and reliably over a two year period of time.


Learning Outcome -

The learner will:


The learner can:

1 Be able to use a payroll system effectively within the working environment

1.1 Operate and maintain a manual and/or computerised payroll system in a confidential manner

2 Be able to apply employment law from a payroll perspective

2.1 Understand and apply appropriate legislation e.g. minimum wage, maternity, paternity, parental leave, holiday pay

3 Be able to accurately 3.1 Accurately calculate payroll from gross to net


Learning Outcome -

The learner will:


The learner can:

calculate pay within the

working environment 3.2 Accurately apply taxable and non-taxable additions and deductions

3.3 Post payroll journals and reconcile payroll to financial accounts

4

Be able to produce payroll

reports within the working environment

4.1 Produce reports in a timely manner for all relevant parties

5

Be able to demonstrate an awareness of employer duties within the working environment

5.1 Accurately calculate monthly and yearly taxation returns

5.2 Produce and distribute reports required by legislation

5.3 Implement policies for the commencement and cessation of employment


4. Centre Information

Approved Partner Programme

In order to ensure that quality is embedded through to the learner experience, ATI

operates an “Approved Partner Programme” with recognises colleges and training

centres. The Approved Partner Programme requires our partner colleges to sign-up

to our own ‘Conditions of Recognition’ and to submit an annual Statement of

Compliance. In addition, each partner college will receive at least one QA visit

during the Academic Year. This visit includes our representative meeting with

students without college staff present.

Our Approved Partners range from Institutes of Technology (such as Cork Institute

of Technology and Institute of Technology Tallaght), to Education & Training Boards

(ETBs) and well-recognised private colleges (e.g. Griffith College Dublin).

Internal and External Verification

ATI is very proactively engaged in

performing internal self-monitoring

and external verification.

Results Analysis

All Examination results are analysed

on a “college-by-college” basis, with comparison to national averages. We provide

feedback to all colleges and engage with those where performance is considered

below par and agree remedial actions.

Syllabus Review

As part of our commitment to quality, a Syllabus Review is carried out periodically

(typically on a 5 year cycle). A Syllabus Review Group is established as a sub-

committee of the Education Board and is responsible for setting out the

parameters, and considering the results of, the Syllabus Review. The most recent

Syllabus Review was carried out during the 2014-2015 Academic Cycle and

involved an extensive survey of all stakeholders, members, partner colleges, tutors,

industry, practice and other professional accountancy bodies. As a result of this

review there were some changes made to several modules and a new syllabus

introduced in September 2015.

Independent Experts

In order to ensure the integrity of the assessment process, the relevant sub-

committees consist of independent subject experts who are not staff members of

ATI.

Internal •Results Analysis

•Syllabus Review

External

•Independent Experts

•CCEA

•IFAC

•ISO


The Examiner sets the exams and ultimately marks the learner scripts. The

Examiner may be supported by an Assistant Examiner to assist with marking

if the volume of scripts indicates that that is necessary. A group of

examiners are required to cover all of the modules.

The External Examiner reviews the exams set by the Examiner to ensure

that they are correct and can be completed in the allotted time. The External

Examiner also samples the assessment scripts marked by the Examiner /

Assistant Examiner.

The Chief Moderator looks at the totality of the exams developed by the

Examiners and ensures fairness and compliance with standards across the

modules.

For Work Experience assessment, we engage suitable Assessors to review

portfolio submissions. The Workplace Assessors report to the Assessment

Panel.

The Chief Moderator is in place to oversee all aspects of the assessment

process and reports to the Board of Examiners which is a sub-committee of

the Education Board.

All Examiners, External Examiners and Assessors are appropriately qualified

for the position held, and details of their qualifications are maintained in

their Staff Credentials record. For example, Examiners/External Examiners

would typically be qualified Professionals and/or Academics from the

relevant field (e.g. Financial Accounting; Taxation, etc.).

All examiners operate to documented Terms of Reference and contractual

agreements.

ATI Feedback/Feedforward paths

ATI is committed to gaining feedback from all its stakeholders and is continually

developing and improving the programme based on this feedback.


ATI Feedback/Feed-forward paths

Academic Results analysis

Complaints log and analysis

Syllabus Review

Examiner Liaison Days

Surveys

Approved Partner

Agreements

The following paths detail how feedback is collated, actioned and implemented.

Academic Results Analysis

The May & August examination results are reviewed and analysed by the Board of

Examiners. A college-by-college analysis is carried out by the Compliance Officer

to highlight the performance of colleges on a national level. The results are collated

and college performance is measured against previous years’ performances. Poorly

performing colleges are monitored and the examination results are discussed with

the College Course coordinator directly to determine how performance can be

improved.

Complaints Log

ATI has a robust complaints process in place. A Complaints Log is maintained which

details the nature of the complaint, a summary of the response given to the

complainant and the status of the complaint. The Complaints Log is managed by

the Compliance Officer. Once a complaint has been received, the Compliance

Officer will normally manage the complaint through to completion and may escalate

to the Academic Registrar if required. The COO reviews the Complaints Log

regularly to ensure that all complaints are properly addressed.

Appeals

Please refer to information about Appeals on Page 9.

Student and member surveys

Student and member surveys are circulated annually and the results are collated

and analysed by ATI staff. The student survey seeks to collect information on how

students engage with their learning experience. Any possible issues or problems

that arise are actioned by the Compliance Officer in the first instance and any

major issues are captured on the Risk Register for further discussion. The results of

the survey help to develop and improve Accounting Technicians quality processes

across the organisation.


The member survey also provides very important feedback to the quality system.

Approved Partner Agreements

ATI’s Approved Partner Programme recognises and assures quality in the delivery of

the Accounting Technician programme. It aims to approve academic providers who

successfully support students through ATI’s qualifications.

Approved Partners are required to submit a Statement of Compliance each year.

The statement not only allows ATI to determine if a centre is compliant with our

conditions of recognition, it also highlights areas where a centre reports non-

compliance. If an Approved Partner is non-complaint to one or more conditions, the

partner is asked to inform us of the planned remedial actions that will be

implemented. The Compliance Officer will work closely with any centre that is non-

compliant until quality assurance conditions have been fully implemented.

Quality assurance visits are scheduled annually with the approved partners. The

visits give us an opportunity to meet the College Course Coordinator and tutors of

the centre in person and also allow us to review the facilities and programme

delivery in general. Feedback is collected from students and the Approved

Partner’s staff and any issues or problems are identified and resolved.

Syllabus Review

The programme changes resulting from the most recent Syllabus review, which

took place in 2014-2015, were incorporated into the overall programme delivery for

the academic year 2015/2016. The findings from this review highlighted the need

to completely revamp the Business Management module and to update the Law &

Ethics module. The complete findings of the Syllabus Review Group are available

for consultation.

Examiner Liaison Days

An Examiner Liaison Day is held each year in October. At these sessions, the

subject examiners will make a short presentation on the examinations from the

previous year (both May and August) in which they address exam statistics,

practical exam tips, exam guidance, and exam format, focusing on any changes

that may be appearing. Tutors from all the Approved Partners are invited to attend

the event which gives tutors the opportunity to discuss the programme, syllabus

and the programme delivery overall with the Examiners and ATI.

A holistic approach towards quality assurance

ATI has developed a holistic approach to quality assurance in the organisation as a

whole. The Board of Directors ensures that quality assurance is driven from the top

down. The Board has helped shape the policies and objectives which have been

established and implemented to meet the requirements of ATI, in line with CCEA

and ISO 9001 quality assurance guidelines. The Committees which sit under the

Board of Directors play an integral role in the development and implementation of


policies and procedures and endeavor to maintain high ethical and professional

standards by adopting best practice standards of governance, quality assurance,

management and leadership, and operational procedures.

A balanced, organisation-wide approach to the implementation of quality

assurance procedures

The Accounting Technicians organisational structure reflects the balanced approach

to the implementation of quality assurance taken by the organisation as a whole.

The Education Board is one of the most important single elements of the

Committee structure and is dedicated to the overall quality assurance of the

programme development and improvement and implementation of our quality

assurance policies and procedures. The Education Board oversees the Board of

Examiners, the Programme Board, the Syllabus Review group and the Assessment

Appeals Panel.

The Education Board continually reviews and audits the performance of the

organisation and any non-conforming issues identified are promptly reflected in our

Standard Operating Procedures and subsequent staff training.

5. Results Information

Description Timeline

Marking timescales for exams

May exams May/June

August exams August/Sept

October exams October

Marking timescales for work based assessments

1st call for Work based assessments Jan – April

2nd call for Work based assessments July – August

3rd call for Work based assessments Sept - October

Results publication & certification

May exams published online 3rd July

1st Year Certs issued 1st week of July

August exams published online 15th Sept

1st Year Certs issued 3rd week of Sept

October exams published online 5th December

1st Year Certs issued 2nd week of

December

The Diploma certificates are issued once a student has completed all 8 exams and

the Work Based learning assessment. All Work based Assessments are approved by

the Assessment Panel that meet in May/Oct/Nov of each year.

6. Professional Fees and Registration

ATI publish all up to date qualification fees annually in the Registration section of

the website and the student prospectus. Further information can be found here.

http://www.accountingtechniciansireland.ie/Students/Fees_and_Financial_Assistance/Annual_Student_Fees.html


7. Qualification Pathway

Membership Structure

Accounting Technicians Ireland has four levels of membership including a

Student level.

Student Members

Student membership is open to all those who have enrolled in an Accounting

Technicians Ireland course and have yet to finish their final exams. They may be

actively studying for the qualification by attending lecturers or through distance

learning, or might have deferred sitting exams for a period of time.

Affiliate Members

Affiliate membership is open to all Students who have passed the Accounting

Technicians Ireland exams but do not yet have the two years relevant work

experience required to complete the qualification and become Full members. It

is an interim class of membership between student and full membership that

allows you to maintain your links with Accounting Technicians Ireland while you

work toward your practical experience requirements.

Please note that Students can proceed straight to submitting their record of

work experience for assessment once they pass their exams, if they have

already gathered the required two years of relevant work experience.

Full Members (MIATI)

A Full Member of Accounting Technicians Ireland is someone who has completed

the Diploma for Accounting Technicians qualification. They will have passed all

their exams, completed at least two years approved work experience within an

accounting or finance environment, passed the work experience assessment and

have been conferred at one of our graduation ceremonies. They are entitled to

http://www.accountingtechniciansireland.ie/Students/

http://www.accountingtechniciansireland.ie/Affiliates/Affiliate%20Membership.html

http://www.accountingtechniciansireland.ie/Members/


use the professional letters MIATI after their name which is a respected business

accreditation valued by many employers.

Fellow members (FIATI)

Fellow membership is awarded to our most experienced members. They are

entitled to use the professional letters FIATI to differentiate their senior

experience and expertise within the accounting profession. It is open to anyone

who has been a Full member of Accounting Technicians Ireland for 8 years and

has at least 5 years’ experience of working in a senior position within their

employment. Invitations to apply for fellow membership are issued yearly to all

qualifying members.

A workplace mentor

All of your experience has to signed off by a mentor who can verify that you

have achieved all of the associated learning outcomes. To begin achieving your

work experience, a student will need to:

find a workplace mentor (this can be your line manager, employer or a

qualified accountant)

gain two years’ experience in an accounting or finance related role(s)

record your progress using the Record of Work Experience form and have

this verified by the work based mentor

submit the Record of Work Experience to Accounting Technicians Ireland.

(Please note that students must have successfully completed all their

exams before they can submit this form).

8. Further Study

Many who qualify as accounting technicians often choose to continue their

studies and use their MIATI qualification as a stepping stone into other

accountancy and business related areas.

Many of our graduates progress to other accountancy bodies to study to become

an accountant, including:

Chartered Accountants Ireland - our partner body

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

The Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CPA)

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)

All of these bodies offer members of Accounting Technicians Ireland substantial

exemptions.

Other graduates will pursue studies with bodies like the Irish Payroll Association

(IPASS) or the Irish Tax Institute.

http://www.accountingtechniciansireland.ie/Members/Fellows/


Our Further Studies brochure lists the exemptions that are available to members

of Accounting Technicians Ireland. If the course you want to pursue is not listed

please contact the relevant college for information on applying for exemptions.

Need more information about further study options? Visit our website. http://www.accountingtechniciansireland.ie/Students/Qualification_Pathway/Further_Study/

9. Equality & Inclusion

Our equal opportunities policy seeks to ensure that any individual considering our

qualification is treated fairly regardless of race, gender, disability, age, origin,

religious or political beliefs, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, marital

or civil partnership status.

We are committed to ensuring fair and equal access to our qualification,

examinations and support materials. More information on our Equality Policy can be

found in our Rules and Regulations.

http://www.accountingtechniciansireland.ie/Students/Qualification_Pathway/Further_Study/

http://www.accountingtechniciansireland.ie/Students/Qualification_Pathway/Further_Study/


qualification specification for: ati level 5 diploma for ... · [type text] [type text] [type text]...

Documents