Candidate Brief
Accounting Technologist Apprenticeship Programme Director
ATI
ATI is the leading professional body for Accounting Technicians & Accounting Technologists, 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:
• Maintaining and annually improving the programme's recruitment, onboarding & retention policies and procedures.
• Overseeing the on-the-job delivery of the programme; reviewing work practice training plans to ensure apprentices are trained and assessed in accordance with apprenticeship programme standards.
• Monitoring, evaluating and reviewing programme delivery, outcomes and effectiveness, drawing all available data and evaluation sources.
• Supporting the Associate Director & TUS Faculty colleagues with annual programmatic reviews for continuous improvement purposes.
• Escalating programme compliance issues to the Associate Director & TUS Head of Faculty.
• Composing the annual monitoring report with feedback and input from members of the 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 & brand material provided for brochures, ATI, NAO & TUS websites and other communication channels is accurate and up to date.
• Dealing with academic concerns relating to the Programme and consulting with the Associate Director and TUS colleagues to address them.
• Advising the Cross Border Consortium Steering Group (CSG) on issues arising with the delivery of the programme with specific attention to the on-the-job elements of the programme.
• Overseeing the training and quality auditing of on-the-job work practices in the areas of employer mentorship, training and apprentice pastoral care
• Providing co-guidance to new Programme team members by giving them an overview of the programme, an outline of teaching, on-the-job training content and assessment methods and relevant deadline feedback.
• Executing Programmatic Reviews every three years or in line with external body 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
The Apprenticeship Programme Director is responsible for managing apprentice and mentor relations, with specific focus in the workplace and ensuring that pastoral care provisions and support services are available to registered apprentices.
In particular:
• Presenting to apprentices at induction and introducing course content, assessments and dates, how apprentice programme queries/problems are handled.
• Ensuring onsite visits with employers and apprentices take place on a regular basis and all feedback is collected and actioned where required.
• Ensuring that Class Rep meetings are planned and attended, that minutes are taken and that a response is given, and actions taken on issues that arise.
• Reviewing Programme Handbooks annually.
Marketing & Communications
• Making certain that there is a regular and free flow of information and providing regular updates between ATI and programme employers; TUS as its coordinating & collaborating partner and the NAO and HEA.
• Acting as the primary Lead agency contact for the apprenticeship Cross Border consortium, ensuring clear communication, contractual compliance, and the achievement of shared goals.
• Developing and delivering a robust annual communications programme with employers, mentors and apprentices and other relevant key industry & public sector stakeholders.
• Managing the new occupation of Accounting Technologist's brand is always consistent and well-articulated.
• Developing strong links internationally with IFAC's Membership network for the purpose of occupation recognition.
• Identifying growth and scale opportunities for the programme across all sectors nationally and internationally.
Compliance & Reporting
• Convening and reporting to the ATI Work Practice Programme Board & the Cross Border Programme Board & Consortium Steering Group
• Ensuring that the apprenticeship programme complies with relevant regulations and standards, including apprenticeship funding rules and qualification frameworks.
• Ensuring that the apprenticeship programme complies with relevant regulations and standards, including apprenticeship funding rules and qualification frameworks.
• Preparing and submitting regular reports on the progress, performance, and outcomes of the apprenticeship programme to SOLAS, NAO & HEA & other key stakeholders.
• Liaising with regulatory bodies and responding to audits or inspections as required.
• 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 ATI's 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.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate the appropriate mix of knowledge, 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
A relevant qualification at minimum NFQ Level 8 from a recognized degree awarding authority or an approved equivalent qualification.
At least 8 years' experience working in higher or professional education
Excellent understanding of the apprenticeship higher education environment in Ireland and current issues as they impinge on the mission and nature of Accounting Technicians Ireland.
Excellent engagement and communication skills and significant experience in presenting clear academic information at faculty and executive level.
People management and leadership experience, working with similar challenges, requirements and demands.
Analytical skills, able to evaluate and apply evidence to solving complex issues at operational and strategic levels.
Proven ability leading, managing, and developing teams.
A personal alignment to the values of Accounting Technicians Ireland and to equality, inclusion, and diversity.
Requirement to travel – full driving licence
Desirable
Experience of institutional/organisational change management. Experience of the further education sector.
In addition to the above, candidates should clearly demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:
• Ability to work under pressure and to meet tight deadlines.
• Sound judgement and good decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage, support and develop staff.
• Strong interpersonal skills including the capacity to lead and influence.
• Ability to work collaboratively and supportively with a wide variety of stakeholders, both internal and external.
• Commitment to respect and dignity for all including a commitment to ATI's inclusion, diversity and equality agenda, together with the ability to work positively with staff and students from a diverse range of backgrounds.