Skip to main content

This is a new service - your feedback will help us to improve it.

Chartered Public Finance Accountant

Regulators
  • Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy
Nations
United Kingdom
Sectors
  • Finance

Regulatory or professional bodies

Chartered body

Address

77 Mansell Street
London
E1 8AN

Email address
hello@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

Accreditation

Reserved activities

None - restrictions apply to use of title only


Qualifications and experience

New professionals

Routes to qualification

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

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

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


Legislation

Title of relevant act or charter

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

Licence Finder

You may need licences and permits to carry out certain activities in the UK. These are called authorisations. Use the licence finder to find what you need.