Chartered public finance accountant: Job description

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Audit assistant: Charlotte Pitts-Humphries

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A chartered public finance accountant is responsible for ensuring the effective operation of accounting and financial activities within public sector organisations. While many work for public bodies, such as local and central government and publicly funded organisations, an increasing number are employed in industry and in private accountancy firms.

Roles within private sector companies that provide services to the public or not-for-profit sector on a consultative basis tend to focus more on reviewing financial systems and efficiency than on central accountancy activities.

The role varies widely from general financial administration to management accounting. Whether employed directly within the public sector or working within it on a consultative basis, chartered public finance accountants focus on ensuring that public services are provided as effectively as possible with the limited resources available.

Typical work activities

Tasks may include:

developing and managing financial management systems and policies;
ensuring the effective financial management of public money by supporting the planning and implementation of policy objectives;
making financial decisions and advising key bodies and individuals, such as management boards and budget holders, using financial management information;
preparing and monitoring budgets and accounts;
controlling expenditure and cash flow;
undertaking financial administration;
preparing reports on annual accounts and budget information for the auditor;
controlling the overall capital and revenue budgets for departments;
assessing and advising on estimates for project funding and continuing running costs;
preparing recommendations on large-scale projects;
checking that funding is properly apportioned;
conducting internal audits, e.g. working on wage reviews;
checking creditors' invoices;
charging customers for services;
liaising with managerial staff, colleagues and clients;
examining financial records and statements and checking them for accuracy;
balancing the costs of specific public services against income;
keeping up to date with developments in public sector financial and management accounting practices;
managing and training staff, when employed at a senior level.