ATI ATIistheleadingprofessionalbodyforAccountingTechnicians&AccountingTechnologists,with more than 10,000 members and students on the island of Ireland. Founded in 1983, we provide nationally and internationally recognised accounting qualifications which open the door to rewarding careers as accounting technician and technologist professionals. Our members are employed in industry, practice, and the public sector, at all levels of finance, where they proudly carry the respected professional designation MIATI. We educate, train, and represent our members throughout their professional lives. Our vision is to be the clear leader in the provision of innovative professional accounting education on the island of Ireland that addresses the challenges of the future, builds a more diverse and active member community, and provides visible pathways for those for those who want to progress. Role Profile Role Overview ATI is seeking applications for the position of Accounting Technologist Apprenticeship Programme Director. This is a new position that carries overall responsibility for the performance of the new Accounting Technologist apprenticeship programme, in terms of quality assurance, programme management, stakeholder management and strategic brand development. The function works closely with ATI Leadership, Academic &Quality functions and with the staff of its strategic partner Technological University of the Shannon. Reporting to the Associate Director of Education, and responsible to the Director of Education, this key role will drive programme success, stakeholder engagement and the new brand of the Certified Accounting Technologist as a new profession. Principal Accountabilities Programme Quality Management The Apprenticeship Programme Director is responsible for managing the quality of the apprenticeship programme as it is delivered throughout its period of validation. In particular: Maintainingandannuallyimprovingtheprogrammesrecruitment,onboarding& retention policies and procedures. Overseeingtheon-the-jobdeliveryoftheprogramme;reviewingworkpracticetraining plans to ensure apprentices are trained and assessed in accordance with apprenticeship programme standards. Monitoring,evaluatingandreviewingprogrammedelivery,outcomesandeffectiveness, drawing all available data and evaluation sources. SupportingtheAssociateDirector&TUSFacultycolleagueswithannualprogrammatic reviews for continuous improvement purposes. EscalatingprogrammecomplianceissuestotheAssociateDirector&TUSHeadof Faculty. Composingtheannualmonitoringreportwithfeedbackandinputfrommembersofthe ATI Work Practice Programme Board and other fora and follow through on the implementation of any recommendations. Overseeing the training and quality auditing of on-the-job work practices in the areas of mentorship, training and pastoral care Managing quality control of all programme marketing to ensure that programme marketing&brandmaterialprovidedforbrochures,ATI,NAO&TUSwebsitesandother communication channels is accurate and up to date. DealingwithacademicconcernsrelatingtotheProgrammeandconsultingwiththe Associate Director and TUS colleagues to address them. AdvisingtheCrossBorderConsortiumSteeringGroup(CSG)onissuesarisingwiththe delivery of the programme with specific attention to the on-the-job elements of the programme. Overseeingthetrainingandqualityauditingofon-the-jobworkpracticesintheareasof employer mentorship, training and apprentice pastoral care Providingco-guidancetonewProgrammeteammembersbygivingthemanoverviewof the programme, an outline of teaching, on-the-job training content and assessment methods and relevant deadline feedback. ExecutingProgrammaticReviewseverythreeyearsorinlinewithexternalbody requirements. Reporting to the new ATI Certifying Standards & Quality Board (pending) for the purpose of assuring that graduating apprentices are eligible to apply for the professional award of Certified Accounting Technologist. Apprentice & Mentor Relations & Pastoral Care TheApprenticeshipProgrammeDirectorisresponsibleformanagingapprenticeandmentor relations, with specificfocusintheworkplaceandensuringthatpastoralcareprovisionsand support services are available to registered apprentices. Inparticular: Presentingtoapprenticesatinductionandintroducingcoursecontent,assessmentsand dates, how apprentice programme queries/problems are handled. Ensuringonsitevisitswithemployersandapprenticestakeplaceonaregular basisand all feedback is collected and actioned where required. Ensuring that Class Rep meetings are planned andattended, that minutesare takenand that a response is given, and actions taken on issues that arise. Reviewing ProgrammeHandbooksannually. Marketing & Communications Makingcertainthatthereisaregularandfreeflowofinformationandprovidingregular updates between ATI and programme employers; TUS as its coordinating & collaborating partner and the NAO and HEA. ActingastheprimaryLeadagencycontactfortheapprenticeshipCrossBorder consortium, ensuring clear communication, contractual compliance, and the achievement of shared goals. Developinganddeliveringarobustannualcommunicationsprogrammewithemployers, mentors and apprentices and other relevant key industry & public sector stakeholders. ManagingthenewoccupationofAccountingTechnologistsbrandisalwaysconsistent and well-articulated. DevelopingstronglinksinternationallywithIFACsMembershipnetworkforthepurpose of occupation recognition. Identifyinggrowthandscaleopportunitiesfortheprogrammeacrossallsectors nationally and internationally. Compliance & Reporting ConveningandreportingtotheATIWorkPracticeProgrammeBoard&theCross Border Programme Board & Consortium Steering Group Ensuring that the apprenticeship programme complies with relevant regulations and standards, including apprenticeship funding rules and qualification frameworks. Ensuringthattheapprenticeshipprogrammecomplieswithrelevantregulationsand standards, including apprenticeship funding rules and qualification frameworks. Preparingandsubmittingregularreportsontheprogress,performance,andoutcomes of the apprenticeship programme to SOLAS, NAO & HEA & other key stakeholders. Liaisingwithregulatorybodiesandrespondingtoauditsorinspectionsasrequired. Managing resource allocation, annual budget adherence, and compliance with apprenticeship funding regulations. Person specification The Apprenticeship Programme Director will be responsible for the effective leadership, management, and development of the Apprenticeship Level 8 function within the framework of ATIs mission and strategy. The Apprenticeship Programme Director will be innovative and action-orientated with significant strategic capability. The person will work closely with fellow ATI the Schools, Faculties and Research Hubs, as well as Professional Services, to develop the service provided by the Finance Function and ensure it meets the needs of Faculties, Research activities and other corporate services in the University. Theidealcandidatewilldemonstratetheappropriatemixofknowledge,experience,skills,talent, and abilities as outlined below: it is important that you demonstrate clearly on your CV how you meet each of the stated requirements for this post as set out in the experience section below. Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience ArelevantqualificationatminimumNFQLevel8fromarecognizeddegreeawardingauthorityoran approved equivalent qualification. Atleast8yearsexperienceworkinginhigherorprofessionaleducation ExcellentunderstandingoftheapprenticeshiphighereducationenvironmentinIrelandandcurrent issues as they impinge on the mission and nature of Accounting Technicians Ireland. Excellentengagementandcommunicationskillsandsignificantexperienceinpresentingclear academic information at faculty and executive level. Peoplemanagementandleadershipexperience,workingwithsimilarchallenges,requirementsand demands. Analyticalskills,abletoevaluateandapplyevidencetosolvingcomplexissuesatoperationaland strategic levels. Proven ability leading,managing,and developingteams. ApersonalalignmenttothevaluesofAccountingTechniciansIrelandandtoequality,inclusion,and diversity. Requirementtotravelfulldrivinglicence Desirable Experienceofinstitutional/organisationalchangemanagement.Experienceofthe further education sector. Inadditiontotheabove,candidatesshouldclearlydemonstrateproficiencyinthefollowingareas: Abilitytoworkunderpressureandtomeettightdeadlines. Soundjudgementandgood decision-makingskills. Abilitytomanage,supportanddevelopstaff. Stronginterpersonalskillsincludingthecapacitytoleadandinfluence. Abilitytoworkcollaborativelyandsupportivelywithawidevarietyofstakeholders,both internal and external. Commitment to respect and dignity for all including a commitment to ATIs inclusion, diversity and equality agenda, together with the ability to work positively with staff and students from a diverse range of backgrounds.