Public Finance Accountant
USEFUL LINKS
https://uk.indeed.com/q-public-sector-accountant-jobs.html?vjk=ca2f68930b26f392
https://uk.linkedin.com/jobs/certified-public-accountant-jobs?position=1&pageNum=0
https://www.michaelpage.co.uk/jobs/accounting/industry-public-sector
JOB PROFILES
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/public-finance-accountant
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/chartered-public-finance-accountant
Public finance accountants make sure money is spent properly in public sector organisations. On a day to day basis they may prepare financial records and statements, estimate the cost of new projects, review budgets and investments, monitor spending and cashflows, allocate money to projects and departments, analyse the effectiveness of services, manage organisations' finance systems, conduct internal audits, present to boards and budget holders and much more.
HOW TO BECOME A PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT
The main routes to get into this role are:
A university course- there are various degrees you could undertake to support you in this role.
An apprenticeship- you could take an apprenticeship to support you in this role.
Training with a professional body- many public finance accountants qualify with The Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy (CIPFA). You'll need to complete the CIPFA Professional Qualification (PQ).
UNIVERSITY OPTIONS
Training in public finance accountancy is open to graduates of all subjects. After your degree you could join a structured graduate training scheme. Some employers may prefer graduates of subjects like:
Accounting and finance
Business and management
Maths
Politics and economics
Public administration
Most employers would support you to work towards the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) professional accountancy qualification.
Relevant degree subjects will give you exemptions from the certificate level of the CIPFA qualification.
You can find graduate training programmes with organisations like:
Local and central government
Housing associations and charities
The NHS and other healthcare bodies
Police authorities and the military
Private sector accountancy firms that offer services to public sector organisations
Look for opportunities to gain work experience during your studies through:
Insight days
Virtual and in person work placements
Easter and Summer vacation schemes
Internships
Year placement opportunities
APPRENTICESHIP OPTIONS
You could gain your professional qualifications through the apprenticeship route. You could take your first steps to a career as a professional accountant by starting off at technician level and working your way up. You could do:
A professional accountancy technician higher apprenticeship
An accountancy and taxation professional higher apprenticeship
This is dependent on the company and will usually require for you to pass and complete an interview.