Introduction
Accountants must ensure that the council's financial
management is effective and efficient, making the best use of
public money. About 18,000 accountants are employed in local
government throughout the UK. They are employed in all types
of local authority. A significant number of the current chief
executives are trained accountants.
Work Environment
Most of the work is undertaken in an office setting.
Some travel to attend meetings is required.
Daily Activities
Sound financial management is central to the efficient
running of local authority services. Consequently,
accountants must be rigorous in monitoring the use of public funds.
This responsibility extends from departmental budgeting to
preparing recommendations on large projects such as the building of
roads. They are also responsible for the effective management
of resources and to ensure that financial risk is recognised and
managed.
- Assessment and advising on estimates forproject funding and
continuing running costs.
- Overall control of capital and revenue budgets forall
departments.
- Preparation of annual accounts for the auditor.
- Internal audits working on wage reviews, for example, or
checking that authority funding is properly apportioned.
- Point of contact between the relevant services and the Finance
Division.
Skills & Interests
Excellent numerical and communication skills are
essential, as is the ability to organise and analyse information
and data. Accountants need good interpersonal skills to allow
them to work with a wide range of people such as fellow
professionals, elected members and support staff etc.
Accountants also need to be creative, diplomatic with an enquiring
mind. The ability to offer detached advice when dealing with
confidential information is a further requirement.
Entry Requirements
There are three main routes into accountancy:
- With two A-levels/Higher grades and GCSEs/Standard grades
(grades A-C) in five subjects, including English and maths.
- Entrants forCIPFA are required to do a foundation course before
starting their professional examination studies.
- With a relevant degreeormembership of the Association of
Accounting Technicians (AAT). AAT membership permits
exemption from CIPFA Foundation course.
- With a degree in a non-relevant subject. Such entrants
are required to do parts of the foundation course before starting
their professional examination studies.
For mature candidates (over 21) there are no minimum academic
qualifications required. The Association of Accounting
Technicians' entry and training scheme is open-entry and usually
takes two years full-time or three years part time. There are
S/NVQs at Levels 2, 3 and 4. Most accountants study for the
professional examinations of the Chartered Institute of Public
Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) or the Chartered Association of
Certified Accountants (ACCA).
Future Prospects & Opportunities
Councils are large employers of accountants (and
accounting technicians). Opportunities exist to become
senior/principal accountants, then assistant director of finance
and finally, director of finance. A significant number
progress to chief executive level. To advance most
accountants move from one council to another but as accountants are
employed in all types of councils its possible to limit mobility to
a particular area or region.
Further Information & Services
Association of Accounting Technicians www.aat.co.uk
Chartered Institute of Management Accountantswww.cimaglobal.com
Institute of Chartered Accountantsin Englandand Waleswww.icaew.com
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants www.acca.co.uk
The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy www.cipfa.org.uk
Careers Wales have produced a Spotlight article on
careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and
maths): https://www.careerswales.com/en/spotlight-on-stem/
You may find further information about this area of work through
Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/)or in your
local library, careers officeor school careers library.