Atlantic Technological University's new honours degree in digital accounting is future proofed and a leader in this emerging area. The four-year Level 8 degree (including a work placement in year three ) offers the best of both worlds – careers in accounting and in the rapidly growing digital business field.
Students can expect a strong focus on practical learning, work placement, and projects. Much of the learning will take place in specialised classrooms and laboratories. Applicants for this degree do not need to have studied accounting or business previously, nor do applicants need to have studied honours maths. Furthermore, there is no need to be a ‘techie’ or be into computing – there is no coding or software development involved - the course is concerned with using software products as tools for digital accounting.
“Our aim is to prepare students to operate successfully in ‘real world’ situations," said Deirdre Lusby, head of Department of Business & Accounting at ATU Galway. "We have a top class and dedicated lecturing team and access to the latest technologies so students can develop the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies they will need for their future careers.”
Alan Clifford, technical director of ACCA Ireland (ACCA is a large global accounting accreditation body ), added: “The ATU Galway digital accounting degree will provide the skills that add value and support decision making for the future business leaders. There are currently in excess of 1,000 open vacancies for accountants in Ireland and there is full employment for accountants and entry level graduate trainee accountants. In Galway there are over 150 open vacancies for accountants at all levels. An accounting qualification is international, the skills learned in ATU Galway and as a professional accountant are as in demand in Brisbane as they are Ballinasloe.”
Seamus Lennon, head of School of Business at ATU Galway, said: “Lecturers on this programme are highly qualified professional accountants and digital technology specialists with considerable lecturing experience, many acting as examiners and lecturers for the professional accounting bodies. They maintain very close links with all of the professional bodies, industry, and employers. We are extremely excited about this new degree programme, with graduates having career options in areas such as accounting, business, blockchain, systems analysis and digital auditing.”
