Lisa Flynn – BA (Hons) in Accounting

Name: Lisa Flynn

From: Sligo

School: Ursuline College, Sligo

Current Job: Trainee Accountant

I chose the BA (Hons) in Accounting at ATU Sligo because in Transition Year I completed one week’s work experience with a local accounting firm. This gave me an insight into the role of an accountant. I really enjoyed this experience and knew it was a career I would like to pursue. This also led me to choose accounting as one of my subjects for the leaving certificate. When I attended the ATU Sligo open day, I talked to one of the course lecturers about studying accounting and this confirmed the choice for me. I found the university to have a very welcoming and supportive environment – one which I knew I would love to study in.

What a lot of students might not know is that the ATU Sligo Accounting degree gives maximum exemptions from all CAP1 exams. There is no University or Technological University in Ireland able to offer more. This is of great benefit when it comes to completing the professional exams after graduation. It makes you much more employable too. Having maximum exemptions will help you stand out from graduates who don’t.

The variety of modules on the degree are really interesting. These include Auditing, Tax, Finance, Management and Financial Accounting and Professional Development for Accountants. In first year, as part of our Management Accounting module, we visited Bushmills Distillery which was a great learning experience and also from a social perspective, as it brought our class even closer as a group.

The smaller class size is a real bonus as students get to know each other and form lifelong friendships. The lecturers also get to know their students individually and have an interest in students’ achievements and wellbeing. From my own personal experience, I have always felt that my lecturers are very approachable and supportive and always offering expert advice on any queries I may have.

The lecturers also work very closely with industry and accounting students to prepare them for employment e.g. undertaking mock interviews and CV preparations. This preparation has given me great confidence during interviews and when applying for posts. In fact, I was offered a position as a Trainee Accountant at ATU Sligo. I work with the finance team and love gaining as much experience as possible. I also plan to continue my professional development in accounting keeping up to date with new initiatives. So many of my classmates received job offers too – before finishing our final year!

For any students thinking about studying accounting, here is my advice. Research the accounting course and look at the modules offered, gain some work experience or talk to an accountancy firm or a current or past student from the course about the career and role. Attend the university open days or evenings and talk to the lecturers.

If you are interested in this degree and are worried because you did not study accounting for your leaving certificate, remember this is not a requirement as each module is taught starting with the basics; building on knowledge and skills over the three years. If you have any difficulties throughout the course do not hesitate to discuss with lecturers as they are very approachable and supportive, or avail of relevant college supports. When you start the degree, it is important to be open minded, attend lectures and engage in both academic and college club activities.

Honestly, you will love studying Accounting at ATU Sligo!

Find out more about AU902 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Accounting