Carrickmore mother, Sinead McGurk, has proven it’s never too late to achieve your dreams, following her graduation from South West College’s (SWC) Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI) programme, which marked the beginning of a new career in accountancy.

As a busy mum, Sinead had to put her career ambitions on hold. However, with a strong desire to gain an accountancy qualification, she returned to education through part-time study at her local further education college. Sinead enrolled in the Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI) Level 4 Certificate for Accounting Technicians, a programme that provides a fast track to a rewarding career in accounting while offering the flexibility to balance work and family commitments.

After excelling in her studies at SWC’s Omagh campus, Sinead progressed to the Level 5 diploma and achieved an extraordinary milestone; ranking among the top ten students in Ireland in the Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI) May 2024 exams.

Reflecting on her two-year journey, Sinead, a mature student with a family to support, found the experience an excellent way to upskill. She said:
"The option to study part-time was brilliant and suited me perfectly. I could work four days a week, be a busy mum in the evenings, and take one day out of my job to focus on my studies. It allowed me to work, earn, and learn while reaching my career goals. The tutors were incredibly supportive, and their encouragement was key to my success. I’ve also built some amazing connections, both personally and professionally, which have been life changing. To anyone in a similar situation, I’d say just go for it; you won’t regret it."

The ATI programme at South West College can be completed in just two years, either as a Higher-Level Apprenticeship (HLA) or part-time course. It’s an accessible option for school leavers, graduates, mature students, and professionals seeking formal accounting training, as well as those juggling work and family responsibilities.

Whether you’re looking to change or advance your career, explore a new passion, or gain new skills, South West College offers a range of flexible, supportive learning options to help you achieve your career ambitions. As you look ahead to 2025, consider South West College the perfect place to invest in yourself.

Accounting

ACCA Level 7 Professional Accountant HLA

Part-Time Higher Education Accounting & Finance Omagh Level 7

The ACCA Qualification is the world leading accountancy qualification for aspiring financial professionals - providing students with the skills, knowledge and values to have successful careers and lead the organisations they work with into the future. ACCA is the global body for professional accountants. Employers know and respect the qualifications and value the skills taught. It is relevant t...

IAB Level 1 Award in Computerised Bookkeeping

Part-Time Further Education Accounting & Finance Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Cookstown Level 1

This award is suitable for individuals who have little to no experience in bookkeeping and want to develop a solid foundation in computerised bookkeeping systems. Whether you are a small business owner, an aspiring bookkeeper, or an individual seeking to enhance employability in administrative roles, the Computerised Bookkeeping Level 1 Award will equip you with the essential skills, knowledge,...

IAB Level 3 Certificate in Payroll for Business

Part-Time Further Education Accounting & Finance Omagh Cookstown Level 3

The Level 3 Certificate in Payroll for Business qualification aims to provide learners with a comprehensive range of knowledge and the practical skills that they will be able to use as a senior payroll processor or payroll administrator for a variety of businesses. This class will be remote with the payroll package provide.

IAB Level 3 Certificate in Computerised Bookkeeping and Accounting

Part-Time Further Education Accounting & Finance Cookstown Level 3

Introduces the learner to the more advanced processing skills required to make accounting adjustments and prepare financial statements and prepare management reports for a sole trader or partnership to using a computerised accounting system The Level 3 Certificate in Computerised Bookkeeping and Accounting qualification is primarily designed to appeal to learners who already have a good working kn...

IAB Level 2 Certificate in Computerised Bookkeeping

Part-Time Further Education Accounting & Finance Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Cookstown Level 2 Start date: 18/01/2027

This Certificate provides the knowledge and skills to set-up a computerised accounting system, prepare business documents, process a wide range of transactions from source documents and produce reconciliations and reports. The Level 2 Certificate in Computerised Bookkeeping qualification is specifically aimed at learners who wish to further their studies of computerised accounting and gain a quali...

IAB Level 2 Award in Payroll for Business

Part-Time Further Education Accounting & Finance Enniskillen Cookstown Level 2 Start date: 19/01/2027

IAB Level 1 Award in Payroll for Business

Part-Time Further Education Accounting & Finance Cookstown Level 1 Start date: 21/01/2027

IAB Level 1 Award in Payroll for Business provides an excellent knowledge base in bookkeeping and accounting, whilst being ideal for students who want to achieve a career in the field. If you’ve already made a start to life in bookkeeping, this bundle will boost your skills and help you progress in your career. You’ll go from learning to prepare reconciliations to carrying out a range of day-to...

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Strategic Professional Level

Part-Time Higher Education Accounting & Finance Omagh Level 7

ACCA is the global body for professional accountants. Employers know and respect the qualifications and value the skills taught. It is relevant to all areas of accountancy and finance. At SWC we offer the qualification at two levels – Applied Skills and Strategic Professional. To become a qualified accountant, you must also get relevant, supervised practical experience. This proves to employers...

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Applied Skills Level

Part-Time Higher Education Accounting & Finance Omagh Level 6

ACCA is the global body for professional accountants. Employers know and respect the qualifications and value the skills taught. It is relevant to all areas of accountancy and finance. At SWC we offer the qualification at two levels – Applied Skills and Strategic Professional. To become a qualified accountant, you must also get relevant, supervised practical experience. This proves to employers...

Accounting Technicians Ireland Level 4 Certificate for Accounting Technicians (ATI)

Part-Time Higher Education Accounting & Finance Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Level 4

This course is the first step on your journey to a new and rewarding career as an Accounting Technician. The Certificate prepares you to carry out basic accounting tasks in the workplace. In your first year the level 4 Certificate prepares you to carry out basic accounting tasks in the workplace. Successful completion of the level 4 certificate will advance you to the level 5 Diploma to further...

Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI) (HLA)

Part-Time Higher Education Accounting & Finance Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Level 5

Accounting Technicians Ireland Level 5 Diploma is the first step in your journey towards a new and fulfilling career as an Accounting Technician. In the first year, you will acquire the essential skills needed to perform fundamental accounting tasks in the workplace. Upon successfully completing Year 1, you will progress to Year 2, where you will continue your studies and develop more advanced ...

Part time Courses

Invest in You!