Accountant - Public finance
Help manage finances in a public sector organisation so taxpayers money is spent properly.
About the job
What it's like
This is a career that's about more than just being good with numbers. It's also about doing a public service.
You'll work in the public sector and make sure taxpayer money gets spent properly and fairly. This includes organisations such as:
government departments
local councils
housing associations
charities
NHS boards
universities
It's a role where you'll do things by the book. You'll need to be thorough and follow financial policies, laws and regulations. Managers and board members will rely on your expertise. You'll explain financial figures in a simple way and offer advice about budgets and spending.
Your tasks might include:
preparing financial records and statements
estimating costs and allocating funds for projects and departments
reviewing budgets and investments
checking spending and cash flows
managing financial systems
carrying out internal audits
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) – explore accounting and finance jobs in Scotland
Audit Scotland – trainee programme for school and college leavers
Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies CCAB – explore accounting member organisations
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Select qualification level(s)
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Finance, law and professional services
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- understanding
- analysing
- time management
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- observation
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- working with technology
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Accounting
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Business
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Economics
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Skills for Work: Financial Services
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Financial Services
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Accountancy
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Applications of Mathematics
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You can get into this career by:
getting professional qualifications
studying at university or college
completing an apprenticeship
getting a trainee role
Explore some of the routes you could take to become an accountant in public finance.
Professional qualifications
Employers often look for a professional accountancy qualification, accredited by the industry. These are particularly important for progressing into more senior positions.
For public finance, the main professional body is The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA).
You can sit exams online to work towards the overall qualification. You may need to pay for these yourself but apprenticeships and trainee jobs often cover the cost.
Having a degree or other qualifications may give you exemptions for some exams.
University
A degree can help you get into graduate schemes or trainee roles. Some degrees are accredited by industry bodies and may give you exemptions from parts of professional qualifications.
You can study Accountancy or Accounting.
Other useful subjects include:
Business Studies
Economics
Finance
Mathematics
Use the My World of Work course search to find degrees.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you get into a trainee role or progress to more advanced study.
Useful subjects include Accounting or Business Studies.
Use the My World of Work course search to find college courses.
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You can get a MA in Accounting.
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry. You'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni. You'll have a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You can get a GA in Accounting.
Trainee roles
You can apply for a paid trainee role, where you learn on the job without needing previous experience.
You can use the My World of Work job search to look for trainee roles.
Qualifications or membership with other accounting industry bodies may be helpful, these include:
Work experience in finance, administration or customer service can help when applying for trainee or graduate roles.
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