Accounting qualifications in Ireland are the first step for anyone seeking to enter an accounting career. Ireland has its own highly respected qualification bodies with different pathways into professional accounting careers. Here, we'll examine the various qualifications, the career options they'll open up, and how to select the right one.
| Qualification | Typical Duration | Study Mode | Entry Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAT (Accounting Technicians Ireland) | 2 years | Full-time, Part-time, Online | School leaver / career changer |
| ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) | 3–4 years | Full-time, Part-time, Online | Leaving Cert / AAT / Degree |
| ACA (Chartered Accountants Ireland) | 3–3.5 years | Training Contract with Employer | Relevant degree or foundation route |
| CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) | 3–4 years | Part-time, Online, Blended | Business/Finance background or Certificate |
| CPA Ireland (Certified Public Accountants) | 3–4 years | Part-time, Online | Business degree or ATI qualification |
Why Pursue a Career in Accounting in Ireland?
Accounting is a well-paid career path, and the demand for qualified accountants is growing across public, private, and multinational sectors, with financial services, tech, healthcare, and government being among the best performers.
Just remember that accounting isn't just for those who are great at maths. Sure, some maths skills will help you. Still, you also need to be analytical, detail-orientated, and comfortable with structured learning. After all, those who choose to become an accountant now will work closely with management teams, analysing data and shaping strategy.
As an EU hub, financial compliance, tax regulation, and international reporting standards are all in high demand. Whether you're planning to work with a Big Four firm in Dublin, a public body in Galway, or a startup in Cork, accounting qualifications can help.
AAT – The Foundation Route to Accountancy
The AAT (Accounting Technicians Ireland) qualification is the most common starting point for those entering the accounting profession without a university degree. This is an excellent qualification for school leavers, career changers, and professionals who want to work while studying.
AAT is a structured and flexible route into the world of finance. It's recognised across Ireland and around the world, with most students using it as a stepping stone to further qualifications, such as ACA, ACCA, or CIMA.
What You’ll Learn
The AAT programme is typically completed in two years and is available in full-time, part-time, or online formats. The qualification covers areas such as:
The course offers hands-on experience with real-world accounting problems. This is why it's so good for students with little to no background in finance. AAT qualifications are Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), with many professional bodies and employers across Ireland accepting them.
of AAT graduates in Ireland progress to higher-level qualifications, such as ACA or ACCA, within two years of completing their training.
ACCA – Globally Recognised and Flexible
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is one of the most recognised accounting qualifications in Ireland. This is an excellent option for students seeking a flexible path into a professional accounting career. There are options to study full-time, part-time, or entirely online.
You don't need a degree to start the ACCA, as candidates can enter with a Leaving Certificate and passes in English and Maths.
What You’ll Learn
The ACCA qualification is divided into three key levels:
There's also an Ethics and Professional Skills module, as well as 36 months of practical experience that students must complete.
Duration and Format
The time to become an accountant is between 3 and 4 years to complete the ACCA qualification; however, students may take up to seven years to pass all their exams. This means they can pace it around work or family commitments, with many Irish colleges, such as TU Dublin and Griffith College, offering blended and online programmes to support flexible study.
ACCA students and members are currently registered in Ireland.
ACA – Ireland’s Chartered Route
The ACA qualification from Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI) is one of the most prestigious accountancy qualifications in the country. It's valued by both employers in Ireland and internationally. It is helpful in sectors such as audit, financial services, consulting, and technology. The ACA requires you to train with an approved employer under a formal contract.
What’s Involved
To become an ACA-qualified chartered accountant in Ireland, you’ll need to:
Students from a relevant degree (e.g., business, accounting, economics) may be eligible for exemptions at the CAP1 level. If not, you can enter via the Foundation route.
Here's a great YouTube playlist going through the ACA.
Career Outlook
Generally, ACA graduates go on to high-level roles, such as financial controller, audit manager, or CFO. This is a regulated profession in Ireland, which means chartered accountants are required for statutory audit and compliance roles.
of graduates were employed within six months of qualifying.
CIMA – For Strategic Business and Management Roles
The CIMA qualification focuses on business strategy and internal financial management, rather than external audit or tax. The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants offers this and is popular among professionals working in commercial businesses, multinationals, or the public sector. It's an excellent pathway for those already employed in finance or business roles.
AI is very good at doing a lot of the time-consuming work people don’t tend to enjoy and that is a positive for Chartered Accountants who can instead start to focus on more valuable strategic work.
David Kearney, FCA, Co‑founder of AI finance automation platform Numra and Chartered Accountant
Structure and Pathway
The CIMA qualification is built around three key levels.
Cost control, budgeting, and operations
Performance reporting and project management
Financial strategy, risk, and leadership
If you don't already have a degree or prior financial qualifications, the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting can serve as the entry point.
There are 12 exams across these stages, including the case study assessments at each level. You also need to complete 36 months of verified professional experience before you can qualify as a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA). CIMA offers blended, part-time, and online learning options, making it ideal for working professionals.
ACA vs ACCA – Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between the ACA qualification and the ACCA can be challenging, as both are internationally recognised and open doors to excellent career opportunities. However, the two qualifications are very different in terms of structure, focus, and learning style, which means you may find one to be a much better fit than another.
Here they are compared:
| Feature | ACA (Chartered Accountants Ireland) | ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) |
|---|---|---|
| Training Contract Required | Yes – 3 to 3.5 years with an approved employer | No – you can self-study or train with any employer |
| Work Experience | Must be logged during the contract period | 3 years of relevant experience required (can be flexible) |
| Exam Structure | 13 modules (CAP1, CAP2, FAE) | 13 exams (Applied Knowledge, Skills, and Strategic levels) |
| Entry Requirements | Usually a relevant degree or ATI qualification | Leaving Cert or equivalent (no degree required) |
| Specialisms | Strong focus on audit, tax, and compliance | Broader focus – audit, tax, finance, business strategy |
| Regulatory Recognition | Required for statutory audit in Ireland | Not sufficient on its own for audit without additional steps |
| Global Recognition | High – especially in Ireland and EU | High – recognised in 180+ countries |
| Study Flexibility | More structured, classroom or blended delivery | Very flexible – full-time, part-time, or online |
| Cost | Often covered by employer during training contract | Typically self-funded unless employer-sponsored |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose ACA if you want a structured, intensive training route with strong employer support and a focus on audit and compliance.
Choose ACCA if you prefer flexibility, a broader range of career options, or are entering the profession without a degree.
in Ireland are currently studying for the ACA or ACCA, making them the most popular accounting qualifications in the country.
Other Qualification Routes and Specialisations
The ACA and ACCA aren't the only two accounting qualifications you can do in Ireland. There are qualifications such as the ICAEW, CIMA, and CPA Ireland.
ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales)
While primarily a UK-based qualification, the ICAEQ ACA qualification is available in Ireland and is internationally respected. Candidates have to complete 15 exams across three levels: Certificate, Professional, and Advanced. They also need to log 450 days of practical work experience.
This is an excellent option for those seeking international mobility or a solid foundation in financial and business skills. Please note that the training contract must be with an ICAEW-authorised employer.
CPA Ireland (Certified Public Accountants)
The CPA Ireland qualification is also respected. This qualification allows students to qualify, particularly those with business degrees or Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI) diplomas.
This qualification covers areas such as financial reporting, tax, audit, and management accounting. It can be completed through part-time or online study. Typically, CPA Ireland members work in SMEs and corporate finance both in Ireland and abroad.
How to Choose the Right Accounting Qualification
There's no single perfect accounting qualification in Ireland. Instead, consider your long-term goals, preferred learning style, and your current stage in education or career.
Consider Your Career Goals
Think about the type of accounting work you want to pursue and how much you expect to earn. For example, ACCA suits international and audit-focused roles. At the same time, ACA is more aligned with practice-based positions that involve structured training contracts.
Your Current Qualifications
Your existing education plays a role in determining the qualifications you can start. If you're a school leaver or hold a non-accounting degree, options like CPA and ACCA offer more accessible entry points. Degree holders may be eligible for exemptions.
Study Style and Flexibility
Decide whether you prefer full-time study, part-time classes, or online learning. ACCA and CPA Ireland offer flexible options, whereas ACA typically requires a more rigid training contract arrangement with a partner firm.
Time and Cost
Each qualification varies in duration and financial commitment. ACA takes longer and usually involves full-time work placements. CPA and CIMA can be completed at a more gradual pace, which may suit those balancing work and study.
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