CIPFA
CIPFA, the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, is the professional body for people in public finance.
Our 14,000 members work throughout the public services, in national audit agencies, major accountancy firms, and other bodies where public money needs to be effectively and efficiently managed.
With public sector organisations accounting for over 40% of the global economy and an overwhelming demand for CIPFA professionals, there has never been a more important time to develop your professional career prospects.
At CIPFA, we believe working in the public sector is both challenging and rewarding. Equally, it can provide you with the opportunity to give something back.
CIFPA Professional Qualification
As the only UK professional accountancy body to specialise in public services, CIPFA’s qualifications are the foundation for a career in public finance.
The CIPFA professional qualification is a specialised course, designed to equip you with the essential skills to enable you to operate effectively within an organisation whilst fulfilling your long-term career aims & objectives.
On average, the course takes three years to complete and is most commonly completed during your employment with a public sector organisation or an employer working with a public sector organisation.
The professional qualification is delivered in three stages; Certificate, Diploma and The Final Test of Professional Competence.
Many employers offer support for students whilst they are studying. It is also normal to offer time-off to study as well as cover some if not all of the costs of the qualification.
CIPFA Talent
CIPFA Talent is a new trainee recruitment service giving anyone interested in a role in finance and accountancy access to lots of employers across the UK with just one application.
Trainee vacancies
There are many public sector employers currently looking to recruit graduates to study for the CIPFA professional qualification, such as the Audit Commission, Department for Work and Pensions, NHS, Society of London Treasurers' Scheme and the Metropolitan Police.
There are also many private sector companies training for CIPFA, such as KPMG, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Grant Thornton.
To see a full list of employers currently taking on trainees please go to: www.cipfa.org.uk/trainee.
Career Prospects
Many CIPFA students find that their careers progress very quickly.
Typically, a CIPFA student can earn over £25,000 as a Trainee Accountant. As a Chartered Public Finance Accountant (CPFA), members can expect to earn £40,000 or more as a Senior Auditor and well in excess of £100,000 at Director or Chief Executive level.
To find out more, visit our website at www.cipfa.org.uk/career or contact a student advisor on 0207 543 5656.
Case Study
Catherine Park, Director of Finance, Hounslow Homes
“Having the CIPFA qualification means you bring to your organisation the ability to think strategically, strong management skills and a real understanding of the links between finance and service delivery. The CIPFA professional delivers real financial management expertise. All this has given me the edge when applying for those jobs that I really want.
Being in finance puts me at the heart of an organisation where I can really have a positive influence on policy. It gives me an enormous sense of satisfaction to know that what I do every day helps provide excellent public services to people who need them.
Being a CIPFA accountant is about so much more than adding up numbers. It’s about making a difference. It isn’t for the faint-hearted but the rewards are worth it.”
Universities
