Public finance accountants (also known as public sector accountants) assess and control the efficiency of public spending. They can work in local or central government, audit offices, housing, health, education or charitable trusts. Their aim is to get value for money for any service offered to the public.

Public finance accountants prepare and present:

• financial records and statements
• management information to boards and budget holders
• estimates on the cost of new projects
• budget reviews and investment appraisals.

Other duties include:

• monitoring spending and cash flows
• putting policies into practice and allocating money to different departments
• analysing how cost-effective services to the public are
• managing the organisation's financial systems
• conducting internal audits.

A key role for public finance accountants is financial reporting and control. They must make sure that public money is not wasted, is spent within legal guidelines, and that costs are kept within budget. They must understand how policies are made and how central and local government is allocated funds.

Some public finance accountants work for the National Audit Office or Audit Commission and conduct external audits, reporting to government on the efficiency and effectiveness of public spending.

Hours and Environment

Public finance accountants normally work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. They may need to work extra hours at busy times. Flexible working is possible. Part-time work and job sharing may also be available.

Accountants are usually office-based, although they may have to travel to attend meetings and visit other sites. Dress code is usually formal.

Skills and Interests

To be a public finance accountant you should:

• have good mathematical skills
• be able to plan and present information
• understand public policy
• enjoy analysing data and solving problems
• have good communication skills and a professional manner
• keep up-to-date with new legislation
• have information technology skills
• be discreet and assertive
• be able to meet strict deadlines.

Entry

You could work in the public sector after qualifying with any of the main accountancy organisations, but the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) is usually considered to be the most relevant training body for public finance accountants.

To study with CIPFA you will usually need at least three GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) plus two A Levels/H grades, including maths and English (at either GCSE or A level). Please check with CIPFA about other qualifications they may accept.

You may be able to miss out some parts of the CIPFA training if you have either:

• a degree or HNC/HND in a relevant subject such as accountancy or business studies, or
• qualifications from another professional accountancy bodies (see the Private Practice Accountant and Management Accountant profiles for more information).

See the CIPFA website for full details of exemptions.

CIPFA runs two alternative entry routes for experienced entrants who do not have the standard entry qualifications. If you are aged at least 21 and have at least three years' relevant accounting experience, you can apply to begin CIPFA training. If you are at least 25 and have at least five years' relevant experience, you will also be exempt from some of the examinations in the first stage (Certificate) of training.

If you have the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Technician Level, you can begin a CIPFA-AAT Fast Track scheme and become a fully-qualified accountant in two years. See the Accounting Technician profile for more details about starting in accountancy at this level.

You may be able to join some employers through a graduate training scheme - see CIPFA website for details of trainee vacancies.

Some employers ask for CCAB qualifications in their entry requirements. The CCAB is the Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies, an advisory organisation made up six of the main professional accountancy bodies: ACCA, ICAEW, ICAS, ICAI, CIPFA and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). There is no single CCAB qualification - employers in this case will accept an accountancy qualification from any of these professional bodies. For more information on CCAB see contacts below.

Training

To gain Chartered Public Finance Accountant (CPFA) status, you must pass the CIPFA Professional Accountancy Qualification (PAQ) and the Initial Professional Development Scheme (IPDS).

The PAQ has three stages:

• Certificate (financial accounting, management accounting, financial reporting and financial management systems)
• Diploma (audit/assurance, leadership/management, performance reporting, accounting for decision making, governance/public policy and taxation)
• Final test of professional competence (strategic business management and financial management case study).

You can study for exams through college providers or CIPFA open learning materials.

For IPDS, you must have 400 days of practical workplace experience and keep a training log to be assessed by your employer and a portfolio assessor.

After qualifying, you must keep up-to-date with new developments with regular Continuing Professional Development (CPD). See CIPFA website for more details.

Opportunities

Opportunities for accountants in the public sector are growing, as more financial decisions are made at a local level. The sector is large and jobs are available in leisure, education, the environment, health and social services.

Accountants can move between the public, private and industry and commerce sectors to gain experience and to develop their careers. There are good opportunities to move into management. The chief executives and directors of many public sector organisations have an accountancy background.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Trainee accountants in the public sector may start on £15,000 to £18,000 a year.
Part-qualified accountants can earn between £17,000 and £26,000.
Finance managers with accountancy qualifications earn between £30,000 and £37,000.
Directors of finance can earn between £60,000 and £75,000 a year.

Public finance accountants working in London can earn 10-20% more.

Further information

51 Gresham Street
London
EC2V 7HQ
Tel: 0845 257 3772 3 Robert Street
London
WC2N 6RL
Tel: 020 7543 5600 2 Central Quay
89 Hydepark Street
Glasgow
G3 8DT
Tel: 0141 582 2000