Accounting qualification helps Mayo man Patrick reshape his life

A Mayo accounting professional has been able to reshape his work-life balance and advance his career through a qualification recognised as the fastest pathway to a fulfilling and rewarding future in the profession.

Patrick Devers (47), from Ballina, put aside apprehension about returning to education to study online for the Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI) Diploma, which can be earned in as little as two years.

Thanks to the qualification, he secured a position with Jons Civil Engineering in Duleek, Co. Meath, close to his home at Dromiskin, Co Louth, allowing him to give up the daily Dublin commute.

Enrolment for the next academic year, starting in September, is now open and study can be full-time, part-time and online.

Patrick, who has lived in Dromiskin since 2013 and already a had Business Management qualification, opted for the online option.

“My background is in customer-service, but I was moving further and further into financial work with Dublin-based employers,” said Patrick.

“Working in a small to medium enterprise meant I got to handle the financial aspect, as well as customer services.

“But, as much as I enjoyed the financial side, I also knew there was a lot I did not completely understand, and this is where ATI came in.

“I did a lot of research before starting the course, because I was living in Dromiskin, but working in Kimmage, South Dublin.

“I needed to be able to either get to college on time in the evenings, or study online.

“I heard nothing but positive things about the ATI Diploma. The fact that I could complete an eight-module Diploma course in two years really appealed to me and I loved every minute of it.

“After work, I was able to watch pre-recorded online classes during my bus commute home.

“So, I had time to walk the dog and have a quick bite to eat before going to the spare bedroom, which had become my home classroom.

“I was able review my notes on the class I had watched on the bus, and get a bit of practical work in.

“Lecturers made the subjects interesting and easy to understand by explaining them using everyday situations, and giving everything a personal touch.”

After passing his second-year exams, Patrick gained his position with Jons Civil Engineering.

“It is the perfect job for me, at a very well-regarded engineering company, just 30 minutes from my home at peak-times,” he said.

“I am part of a great financial team in a very busy office where I get to put into practice what I have learned.

“I get home early in the evenings and am happy say I have a really good work-life balance now.

“I would highly recommend the ATI Diploma for anyone wishing to expand their knowledge, or start a new path.

“The options to study, either online or in college, with full support from lecturers and the ATI team, make the learning experience a joyful challenge.”

Accounting Technicians Ireland provides a nationally and internationally recognised accounting qualification, and graduates are employed in industry, commerce, private practice and the public sector.

Accounting Technicians Ireland Diploma courses are open to school and college leavers, mature students and people working in business, industry or small practice but who, as yet, have no formal training.

The highly-regarded professional qualification opens a world of employment opportunities to graduates across a broad range of accounting and finance roles and enables students to further progress to senior financial management posts.

Holders of the diploma are well-respected qualified professionals working at all levels of finance throughout the private and public sector, industry and commerce, and in accountancy practices.

The Diploma for Accounting Technicians programme can also be the first step to a full qualification in accountancy.

Many ATI graduates progress on to other professional bodies in order to further enhance their careers as fully-qualified accountants.

“There is continuing strong demand for accounting and financial skills in industry, practice and the public sector, with many employers supporting their staff by meeting programme fees,” says Gillian Doherty, Chief Operations Officer at Accounting Technicians Ireland.