How to Become an Accountant in Ireland

If you have a way with numbers and an analytical mind, consider becoming an accountant in Ireland. 

You may wonder how to get started if you are new to the sector. Gaining the right qualifications, learning about various tax laws, and getting started is easier than you might imagine. Here’s what you need to know.

Before we dive into how you can become an accountant, let’s talk about what they do. Accountants help business owners make financial decisions and guide professionals and individuals on how to care of their taxes, exemptions, and finances. That may mean making sure all of the final year records are in order, filing accounts, dealing with self-assessments, overseeing budgets, and more.

There are plenty of vacancies and career opportunities in this growing sector. When you have a professional qualification in accounting, you will have the opportunity to set up on your own or join accountancy firms of your choosing. You may find yourself offering exceptional financial information, putting together financial statements, overseeing corporate finance decisions, and sharing basic accounting practices.

Whether you want to work full-time or part-time in financial services, it’s worth getting to know the various professional accountancy bodies. To become a qualified accountant, you will need to gain the proper accountancy qualifications accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants or an internationally recognised accreditation, such as the International Association of Accounting Professionals.

Now that you have an overview of what an accountant does let’s talk about how much they take home. The average salary for an accountant in Ireland is €120,000 per year. Of course, the amount that you make will depend on a range of factors, including your education level and how long you have been in the sector. 

You should note that your location may also play a role here. Dublin is home to some of the largest accountancy firms in the country, so if you are outside of the capital, in Cork or Galway, for example, you may find more lucrative salaries elsewhere.

Looking for ways to expand your income? You might find that there is more scope for money when you become self-employed. If you choose to go it alone and work with private clients, you could find that you end up making more cash than you otherwise would. 

However, you will need to spend a portion of your time promoting yourself and reaching out to new clients. There may also be extra costs associated with this decision, such as renting a workplace, utilities, and any other licensing costs that you need to cover.

What is the process you take when qualifying to become an accountant and what are the entry routes into this career field? If you have set your heart on becoming an accountant, you may be wondering what accountancy qualifications you need to get. The truth is that there are many routes into this sector. To kick things off, it’s worth looking at accounting qualifications online. 

 It may also be helpful to have a Leaving Cert in Maths or Accounting. The modules you cover will help you learn about financial accounting.

Aside from accountancy qualifications, there are other courses that you may want to take. If you want to specialise in a certain area, you can look at payroll courses or even general bookkeeping courses online. Getting a well-rounded view of the sector will help you excel when you decide that you are ready to take the leap. 

Before you can start working as an accountant, you will need to undertake your professional exams and gain the right professional qualification. Where you start depends on the skills you already have and your certificates. Before you decide to begin studying, take a look at the available options and see which of them works for you and your needs.

If you think that you have what it takes to become an accountant, it’s worth looking at the skills that you will need. There are many different talents you need to have in your arsenal if you want to excel in this career. Here are some of the accountancy skills you need: 

Before you can start working as an accountant, you may want to get some work experience. You can work under a qualified accountant so that you learn the trade from an expert. The more experience you are able to gain, the more likely you are to break into this sector. Mentors can be extremely valuable and help you to gain a deep understanding of the world of accounting. 

Once you have qualified as an accountant, there are many ways you can expand your career prospects. As we have already covered, you can go it alone and become self-employed. There are also other ways that you can make more of your career. 

Looking for a change? There are many doors that qualifying as an accountant will open for you. For example, you may choose to go into forensic accounting. The job will allow you to investigate cases of fraud and uncover any misdemeanours in the financial world. If you fancy yourself something of a Sherlock Holmes, you may find that this route works for you.

Need some inspiration and want to explore some exciting courses in this field? Below is a list of great online courses to choose from that can help you take your next step in your professional development:

• Introduction to Accounting Basics
• Certificate in Accounting
• AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting