Chartered Public Finance Accountant
- Regulators
-
- Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy
- Nations
- United Kingdom
- Sectors
-
- Finance
Regulatory or professional bodies
Chartered body
- Regulatory authority
- Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy
- Address
-
77 Mansell Street
London
E1 8AN - Email address
- hello@cipfa.org
- Website
- https://www.cipfa.org
- Phone number
- +44 (0)2075 435 600
Regulation
Regulation summary
Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) is a UK-based international accountancy membership body responsible for awarding the Chartered Public Finance Accountant (CPFA) designation. CIPFA is also a Recognised Qualifying Body, regulated by the Financial Reporting Council, in its awarding of the Local Auditor qualification.
Regulation type
Reserved activities
None - restrictions apply to use of title only
- More about regulated activities and titles
- https://www.cipfa.org/qualifications/professional-accountancy-qualification/diploma-in-public-financial-management-reporting-and-advanced-audit
Qualifications and experience
New professionals
- Routes to qualification
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The CIPFA Professional Accountancy Qualification (PAQ) is made up of 12 modules which are completed in four stages: a certificate and three diplomas, which is offered as both a UK and International route.
Those looking to complete the UK Audit pathway will complete the Diploma in Public Financial Management, Reporting and Advanced Audit (UK), this pathway is suitable if you:
- work as an experienced auditor and wish to formalise your CIPFA qualification
- wish to be a registered local auditor according to the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 - More about qualification
- https://www.cipfa.org/qualifications
Professionals from outside the UK
- Recognition for professionals outside the UK
- All - there are routes to recognition for professionals from all countries
- Summary of routes
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The qualification towards the CPFA designation is open to professionals in all countries.
Members of another accountancy body (including international applicants)
may be admitted as a full member via this route, but you must demonstrate at least 5 years relevant post qualification public sector experience and be a full, current member of good standing with another accountancy body, as recognised by CIPFA. - More about recognition for professionals outside the UK
- https://www.cipfa.org/join/joining-from-another-membership-organisation
Registration
- Registration requirements
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To gain entry onto the Professional Accountancy Qualification, you must:
- Satisfy the academic criteria or if you do not meet the academic requirements, you can still study if you are 21 or over and have your employer's support and defined relevant work experience.
- Register as a student
- Pay the student registration fee
Following the successful completion of exams and evidence of work experience portfolio, then you can apply for full membership via an online application form.
To remain in the profession, CIPFA members must ensure they adhere to the following requirements:
- Pay annual membership fees
- Complete an annual member's statement
- Fulfil the requirements of CIPFA's Continuing Professional Development scheme - More about registration
- https://www.cipfa.org/qualifications/register-as-a-student
Legislation
- Title of relevant act or charter
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The CIPFA Institute is a charity, constituted by Royal Charter. The affairs of the CIPFA Institute are managed and regulated in accordance with its charter and bylaws, most recently revised in 2018 with privy council approval.
The four principal charitable objects and purposes can be summarised as:
1. advance the science of public finance and accountancy
2. promote public education therein
3. disseminate knowledge and best practice
4. advance and promote co-operation between accountancy bodies - Website link to legislation
- https://www.cipfa.org/about-cipfa/cipfas-governance-structure