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Why a career in public finance ? 

With a public finance career, your work is vital to public services that change and improve lives.

Public finance and accountancy roles are well-paid and rewarding. Work you’ll lead on could include:

  • Monitoring major budgets and accounts
  • Controlling cash flow and organisational spending
  • Developing and managing organisation-wide financial management systems
  • Preparing financial reports
  • Assessing funding estimates for projects
  • Auditing accounts
You could work in:

  • Civil Services - transport and emergency services
  • Local Government - working within key departments such as education, leisure, environment and housing services
  • Central Government - Home Office, HM Treasury and Ministry of Defence
  • Healthcare and the NHS
  • Charities and social enterprises
  • Major private sector audit firms working with public sector clients

In this section

myth vs fact

 
  Accountancy is a solitary role, dealing with only numbers
   You could be managing a team, working across a range of departments with external clients.
   Public service pay is low
    Starting salaries range from £18,000 to £30,000.  Two years after qualifying, you could earn between £32,000 and £65,000.  Senior level post holders can earn upwards of £80,000.
   There is a lack of career progression
  
  Public accountants can progress quickly and move across to the private sector.
   Jobs are insecure and hard to find
    Recruitment in public and not-for-profit sectors is buoyant, according to Hays.
   These are no bonuses or added benefits
    Public sector organisations have great benefits packages including: public services pension, bonuses, health insurance and excellent annual leave.

Related case studies

Neil Sartorio

Neil Sartorio
Director – Lead for England Local Public Services
EY (Ernst & Young LLP)

‘I was presented with a choice of accountancy qualifications and due to my passion for the public sector I was only interested in the CIPFA qualification that was most relevant and respected to that.’

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Jayne Stephenson

Jayne Stephenson 
Chief Finance Officer
Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Greater Manchester

 'Working in the public sector is incredibly rewarding, there is a real sense that you are making a positive contribution to our communities. The responsibility for stewardship of public monies should not be underestimated.'

Read more

Aziz Ali

Aziz Ali
Service Accountant
London Borough of Tower Hamlets

‘The CIPFA qualification is providing me with the comprehensive accounting skills to become a successful public finance accountant’.

Read more