It all adds up for Sinéad with top marks in respected accounting programme

A Slieverue, Co Kilkenny woman has enhanced her career by obtaining one of the top marks in the country in her professional accounting technician exams.

Sinéad Bergin (25) was placed joint first among the top students on the island of Ireland in Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI) Diploma exams.

After settling on a career in accounting following a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Linguistics, Sinéad was able to study for and sit her exams online.

Dublin-based Sinéad works as an accounts assistant for restaurant chain Five Guys, and is now studying to become a fully qualified accountant using exemptions gained from her ATI Diploma.

The highly regarded professional Diploma can be obtained in as little as two years. Study can be full-time, part-time, and online.

The Accounting Technicians Ireland Diploma qualification is recognised as the fastest pathway to a fulfilling and rewarding professional accounting career.

Enrolment for the next academic year, starting in September, is now open and the programme is available online, and locally at Waterford College of Further Education and Dungarvan College

“I enjoyed my degree, but it did not present me with an obvious career path,” said Sinéad.

“I developed an interest in finance while later working in customer service and administration, and knew I wanted to become a fully qualified accountant.

“But I wanted practical experience first, so I took a role in an accounts department before pursuing a qualification.

“Now, I work as an accounts assistant for Five Guys Ireland. I finished my ATI Diploma exams last June and was offered the role in July.

“The Diploma really prepared me. I was able to hit the ground running because I had studied all the elements.

“I was recommended the ATI Diploma as a way to develop a great foundation in accounting. Also, it offers exemptions to continue further studies with other accounting bodies at a later stage.

“As I had a full-time job, I opted to study online. I think having the option to both attend live online tutorials, and to watch recorded lectures when it suited, really helped me do well.

“I had a great experience with the ATI Diploma. There was fantastic support from lecturers, who were so helpful in answering questions.

“They really went above and beyond, and chat forums with fellow students developed a great sense of community and understanding.

“Having the ATI Diploma opens a lot of doors in terms of career opportunities. I got a fantastic job only a month after finishing my exams.

“The ATI Diploma enables you to have confidence in carrying out an accounting role.

“I am on track to become a fully qualified accountant through the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) in the next two to three years.

“The fact I have four ACCA exemptions from ATI will definitely help me achieve this, and my employer is sponsoring my studies. The ATI Diploma is a strong starting point.”

Accounting Technicians Ireland