Course Summary
The overall aim of the programme is to upskill and reskill learners for positions in the expanding Financial Services industry.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
The college may admit candidates who do not meet its basic entry requirements for individual stages (outline above) on the basis of demonstrated RPL/APL/APEL.
Application Details
Entry Date: September.
Fees
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Career Progression
The Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting and Financial Services is a Level 9 programme on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, validated by QQI. It may be used for entry onto various Masters’ programmes in similar disciplines in Ireland and outside of Ireland.
The Financial Services industry has been expanding globally over the past number of years. The Government of Ireland has specifically targeted the sector for Direct Investment in Ireland, in particular with its strategy, ‘Ireland for Finance – The strategy for the development of Ireland’s International Financial Services Sector to 2025’
The following is from the Ireland’s National Skills Strategy 2025 ‘CURRENT TRENDS IN SUPPLY AND DEMAND FOR SKILLS IN THE ECONOMY’ The National Skills Strategy highlights current skills demand by occupation, Financial Services skills are one of these and are identified as being critical to the success of Ireland and its growing Financial Services sector This programme will produce Graduates who are competent professionals in the field of Accounting and Financial Services, but also due to the emphasis that ICD Business School has on integrating Work Experience into the programme, these graduates should be able to help in the skills shortages that the report highlights.
The National Skills Strategy referenced above highlights the shortages in the Financial Services Sector that Ireland is facing through to 2025.