Numbers add up for Declan

BANTRY man Declan Bennett has scored top marks in the country in the diploma for accounting technicians programme this year. 

Declan has been living in Killarney since 2003, and always wanted to transition to accountancy after a career in financial services.

‘I worked in banking until about six years ago and since that I have been self-employed in risk and compliance work,’ said Declan.

‘The course requires a good worth ethic, but you get out of it what you put in. I am very much looking forward to the practical elements of year two,’ he said.

The Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI) qualification, offered full or part-time, is open to those who have been working in industry or small practice firms for years, but have no formal training, school and college leavers and mature students.

Over 70 colleges around the country offer ATI courses which allow students to obtain this professional qualification in as little as two years. Online courses are also available.