Accounting Courses Ireland

Accounting courses in Ireland are available through further education colleges, universities, private colleges, and online learning providers. Whether you are looking for QQI accounting courses, bookkeeping training, payroll certification, or a professional accountancy qualification such as ACCA or CPA, there are options available for beginners, career changers, and experienced professionals.

Full-time accounting courses are available through further education colleges, universities, technological universities, and private colleges across Ireland.

Further Education (PLC) courses in Accounting in Ireland

Pre-university accounting and bookkeeping courses provide a strong introduction to accounting principles, payroll, taxation, and business administration. QQI Level 5 and Level 6 programmes are particularly popular routes into employment or further study.

Examples of further education accounting courses include:

• QQI Level 5 Business and Accounting courses
• Business Studies (5M2102)
• Business Administration (5M2468)
• Accounting Technician programmes
• Payroll and bookkeeping courses

Many Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and colleges nationwide offer QQI accounting programmes, including colleges such as Rathmines College, Dunboyne College, Cork College of FET, and Ballsbridge College of Further Education.

Additional pre-university and PLC accounting programmes can be viewed on the Further Education Accounting Courses page.

Accounting Apprenticeships in Ireland

Accounting apprenticeships are an excellent option for students seeking a practical pathway into the profession.

The Accounting Technician Apprenticeship combines paid employment with study over two years. Apprentices work with an employer while studying through a partner college and graduate with a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Accounting.

The programme is supported by SOLAS and enables graduates to join Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI) and use the MIATI designation.

Third-Level Accounting Degrees

Students can also pursue accounting qualifications through CAO entry routes at universities and technological universities.

Examples include:

• Higher Certificate in Accounting (Level 6) – South East Technological University (formerly IT Carlow)
• Bachelor of Business in Accounting – Dublin Business School
• Bachelor of Business – Atlantic Technological University (ATU)
• Bachelor of Science in Accounting – University College Cork
• Bachelor of Commerce degrees with accounting specialisms available through many Irish universities

Professional Development Accounting Courses

For those interested in CPD (Continuous Professional Development), bookkeeping, payroll, or upskilling opportunities, many colleges and private training providers offer short-term accounting courses.

Pitman Training offers Accounting Technician courses accredited by AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians), along with payroll, Sage accounting software, and bookkeeping courses. Flexible online and in-centre learning options are available.

More details can be viewed at the following links:

• Accounting courses with Pitman Training Dublin
• Accounting courses with Pitman Training South

CPD (Continuous Professional Development) accounting courses are provided by a range of professional accounting bodies in Ireland. These include the following..

• Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI)
• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
• Certified Public Accountants Ireland (CPA Ireland)
• Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI)

Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI) is the largest professional accountancy body in Ireland. Chartered Accountants work in auditing, taxation, advisory, finance, and business leadership roles. Graduates from many business and accounting programmes may receive exemptions from some professional examinations.

CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) specialises in management accounting and business finance. It is particularly suited to professionals working in industry and corporate finance roles.

ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is an internationally recognised accountancy qualification with members and students worldwide. Many colleges in Ireland offer ACCA-accredited programmes and exam preparation courses.

CPA Ireland (Certified Public Accountants Ireland) is one of Ireland’s recognised accountancy bodies. The qualification combines examinations with professional work experience and can be studied through blended, part-time, and online learning routes.

Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI): Offers tailored learning paths for accounting technicians through their CPDgo platform, which includes 15-minute quick topics and 1-hour on-demand modules.

Online Accounting Courses

Online accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, and taxation courses are available from a wide range of Irish colleges and distance learning providers.

Kilroys College offers online courses in self-employed accounting, taxation, and farm accounts.

CMIT offers online bookkeeping and accounting courses designed to provide practical workplace skills.

Irish Payroll Association delivers flexible payroll and taxation training programmes with recognised certification options.

Evening Accounting Courses

Evening and part-time accounting courses are widely available from ETBs, colleges, and private training providers throughout Ireland.

These courses typically cover areas such as:

• Manual and computerised book-keeping
• Payroll administration
• Sage and accounting software
• Taxation basics
• Accounting for small businesses

Evening courses generally begin during the Autumn and Spring semesters each year. Contact your local ETB, community college or third level institute for current schedules and availability.