Castlebar campus holds open event on Accounting programmes

An Open Information evening on accounting study options and how to start a career in accounting will take place in Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT), Galway campus, on Thursday, 14 March, at 7pm.

Lecturing staff and students will be available to discuss the technician, undergraduate, postgraduate and professional programmes delivered in GMIT’s two campuses –in Castlebar and Galway (Dublin Road) –as well as information on the professional accounting bodies and the different pathways to a career in accounting.

Carmel Brennan, Head of Accounting & Information Systems, GMIT School of Business, says the jobs market is buoyant. “GradIreland’s 2012 survey of graduate employers shows that 62% of all graduate jobs are in the accountancy/financial management and IT sectors. “This is reflected in the recruitment of our graduates with nearly 50% of our third year accounting students already having picked up positions as trainee accountants before they have completed their programme.“

“If you think about it, every company employs or uses the services of an accountant so there are always job opportunities in accounting even in these recessionary times.”

“One of the growth areas in GMIT is for graduates who want to move into accounting as a career. The Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting is proving popular for graduates of other disciplines who are finding it difficult to get employment, and who wish to change direction or enhance their existing qualifications. The postgraduate diploma allows graduates to gain numerous exemptions from Chartered Accounting Ireland and ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants,” adds Ms Brennan.

GMIT has developed a strong reputation for accounting education with undergraduate programmes being offered on both the Galway and Castlebar campuses, and technician, conversion and professional programmes also offered in Galway.

“We offer a range of programmes suitable for those who have studied accounting previously and those who aspire to do so. The open evening provides an opportunity for prospective students, parents and teachers to visit the college and find out more about accounting as a career and the programmes GMIT offers.’”

At the recent careers day at GMIT Castlebar, representatives of the four main professional accounting bodies spoke about the portability and international recognition of an accounting qualification.

“The professional accountancy representatives were highly impressed with the calibre, engagement and enthusiasm of the Castlebar students” says Caroline Clarke, lecturer & Chair of the Bachelor of Arts in Accounting & Financial Management programme in the Mayo campus.

At that event, Michael Gill, Head of GMIT Castlebar Accounting & Financial Management Department, spoke about the numerous employment opportunities available to graduates with a professional accounting qualification, even in the current challenging economic climate; Beibhinn Coman, ACCA, highlighted the fact that the ACCA has half a million students and members in over 170 countries, with a new trainee joining the body every six minutes; Robert Crosbie, Chartered Accounting Ireland, emphasised the broad range of job types and sectors available to accountants, and particularly welcomed trainees from non-business backgrounds; Michelle Kavanagh of CIMA spoke of the current demand for management accountants who are central to driving business success and stimulating growth in the economy; and Ciara Murphy of CPA stressed the importance of a professional accounting qualification in relation to long term career security.

GMIT’s close relationship with the professional accounting bodies results in excellent exemptions for its graduates, thereby speeding up the qualification process.

For further information on Accounting programmes delivered in GMIT Galway, please contact: Carmel Brennan, Head of Accounting & Information Systems, Tel: 091 742266, carmel.brennan@gmit.ie. For information on Accounting programmes delivered in GMIT Castlebar, contact Michael Gill, Head of Dept, GMIT Castlebar, Tel. 094 9043174, email: Michael.gill@gmit.ie or Caroline Clare, Tel. 094 9043271 email: caroline.clarke@gmit.ie

The Open Information evening on accounting study options in Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) takes place next Thursday, 14 March, 2013 in GMIT Galway at 7pm. Students, parents, graduates of any discipline and members of the public are welcome.