Introduction
The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accounting (CIPFA) is the professional accountancy body for people who work in or study accountancy or financial management in the public sector in the United Kingdom.
History
The CIPFA was founded in 1885 as the Corporation of Accountants for the Public Services. It existed to certify the accounting, auditing and financial management competencies of Civil Service accountants and to advise Civil Service departments as to best practice in public finance and money management. The Institute was granted its Royal Charter in 1956 and in 1975 effectively abolished the Corporation and replaced it with a new body called the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy.
Membership
Membership of CIPFA is divided into two classes: members, entitled to use the credentials CIPFA, MBA, BEcon(Hons) or ATC, and students, entitled to use the credentials AAT, PGDip(Accounting) or DipFM. Membership offers recognition of qualifications and professional experience, exclusive discounts on CIPFA courses, access to common professional development courses and study materials, membership of a professional and ethical accountants body, e-newsletter and alerts concerning topical developments, access to a range of knowledge networks including the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accounting Network, and access to the industrys premier job board.
Qualifications
The CIPFA is recognised in the UK as the professional body for people working in accountancy and financial management in the public sector, and its qualifications and training programmes are designed to ensure that its members have the technical knowledge and professional competencies necessary to perform public service roles. It offers three primary professional qualifications, the CIPFA Professional Qualification, the CIPFA International Qualification and the CIPFA/Feathers Qualification. It also offers two further qualifications: The CIPFA/McKenzie Education Programme, a self-study qualification, and the CIPFA Student Qualification.
Careers
The CIPFA offers a range of career pathways to its members. These include roles in government and public organisations, the voluntary sector and in industry. CIPFA qualifications are respected around the world and its members work in a variety of roles from audit and assurance, investment and financial management, through to risk and performance management.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accounting (CIPFA) provides members with recognition of their qualifications and experience, exclusive discounts on professional development courses and study materials, access to a range of networks and job opportunities, and a suite of qualifications for people working in accountancy and financial management in the public sector. CIPFA qualifications are respected around the world and its members work in a variety of roles from audit and assurance, investment and financial management, through to risk and performance management.
