Swap to Social media or Software & systems or go back to all job sectors
Public finance accountants make sure money is spent properly in public sector organisations.
You could work: evenings; occasionally
There will be
2.4% more Public finance accountant jobs in 2027.
In your local area
In your day-to-day duties you could:
You could work in an office.
You can get into this job through:
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:
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
You'll usually need:
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:
You'll usually need:
Many public finance accountants qualify with The Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy (CIPFA). You'll need to complete the CIPFA Professional Qualification (PQ).
You can take the CIPFA PQ if you're:
You could also do the CIPFA PQ if you're in a senior public finance role but don't yet hold a professional accountancy qualification.
You may be able to claim exemptions from some exams if you already have relevant qualifications.
CIPFA also work with the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) to produce a specialist apprenticeship scheme.
You may be able to join some larger employers directly through a finance management training scheme. You'll usually need at least A levels or equivalent, though some employers may ask for a degree.
You can find out more about careers in public finance accountancy from The Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy.
With experience you could move into management and progress to director of finance.
You could also move into private practice or management accountancy.
You could also teach in a further education college.
Find out more about teaching in further education from Teach in further education.
You can find out more about careers in public finance accountancy from The Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy.