Fund Accountant qualification

Hi, I'm new to the forum but found some good information already.

After doing some research I decided to move towards career in financial services and become a Fund Accountant. I've got B.A. in Production Management but haven't used that yet unfortunately (family commitments).

I need some advice in Fund Accountant qualification required in Irish companies. I've noticed there are people on here who work in this field so I think it would be worth to ask.
I know that with FA it's more about certain skills and attitude rather than formal education but I think a good course will certainly help, either at initial stage or bit further when I'll try to progress.

Now the problem is, which course is the best and most recognized by the industry?

So far I narrowed it to Institute of Bankers Specialist Certificate in Investment Fund Services or BA in Financial Services @ WIT

Any opinions on this?

Thanks.

The good thing about this area is it's young people, high turnover and opportunities for promotion are very high

If you are set on the accountancy route then pursue your professional exams, the company will pay and give you study leave.

I would say you should start working and do the Int of Bankers course in the evenings.

My son got his first start in Irish Life Assurance. The opportunities were excellent with study leave and costs when exams passed. The work was hard, long hours. The experience and contacts, in investment and banking, were excellent and stood the test of time. Excellent starting salary too. Best of luck Browtal

I know that high turnover is the problem of this profession. Mostly young people working there (I read that it's somewhere 22-28) decide to leave for Australia, travelling etc.
At 31 now, I'm an old git but decided this route as good point to start and get first hand experience, get used to the things as they are all new to me.
It's like I was starting everything all over again. I started family life at 23 and I had to sacrifice career which I don't really regret.

I think I'll end up working where I am now and do the IOB course in the evenings.

I think you should just apply now with your current qualification, I work as a fund accountant and min requirement is a 2.1 degree. A finance/accountancy related degree would be preferable though. Might have changed since I was hired though. Turnover isn't as bad as it use to be, only know 2 people 2quit in the past 2years in my company, neither to go travelling!! Promotions not as easily gotten now either Im not aware of any of my collegues having a banking qualification, accounting qualification would be a much more common.

Thanks Aishling. I'm just doing my homework before I start spending money on courses. The market has changed in the last months as I noticed that there's much less entry level positions than there used to be (not that there was so many). Also, expectations are higher in general, 2 years+ of experience seems to be the norm now.