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

IAB Level 1 Award in Computerised Bookkeeping

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

This Award acts as an introduction to the basics of using commercially available accounting software to set up a computerised accounting system, process business transactions and produce reports The Level 1 Award in Computerised Bookkeeping qualification is specifically aimed at learners who wish to begin their studies of computerised accounting and gain entry to a Level 1 qualification within th...

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IAB Level 3 Certificate in Payroll for Business

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

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.

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IAB Level 3 Certificate in Computerised Bookkeeping and Accounting

Cookstown Further Education Accounting & Finance Level 3 Part-Time

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...

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IAB Level 2 Certificate in Computerised Bookkeeping

Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Cookstown Further Education Accounting & Finance Level 2 Part-Time

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...

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IAB Level 2 Award in Payroll for Business

Enniskillen Cookstown Further Education Accounting & Finance Level 2 Part-Time

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IAB Level 1 Award in Payroll for Business

Cookstown Further Education Accounting & Finance Level 1 Part-Time

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...

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Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Strategic Professional Level

Omagh Higher Education Accounting & Finance Level 7 Part-Time

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...

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Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Applied Skills Level

Omagh Higher Education Accounting & Finance Level 6 Part-Time

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...

View Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Applied Skills Level

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

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

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...

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Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI) (HLA)

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

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 ...

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