Finance & accounting

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• training with a professional body

University

Training in public finance accountancy is open to graduates of all subjects, though some employers may prefer you to have a degree in:

• accounting and finance
• business and management
• maths
• economics
• public administration

Look for work experience opportunities during your studies, as these can give you an advantage when applying for jobs.

Opportunities include:

• insight days
• virtual and in person work placements
• Easter and summer vacation schemes
• internships

After your degree you could join a structured graduate training scheme. Many employers will help you to gain the Professional Accountancy Qualification (PAQ) with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA).

There may be some exemptions for the certificate level of the PAQ, depending on your degree.

You can find graduate training schemes with:local and central government; housing associations and charities; the NHS and other healthcare bodies; police authorities and the military; private sector accountancy firms that offer services to public sector organisations

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

Apprenticeship

You could take your first steps into an accountancy career by applying to do a Professional Accounting Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship. This can take up to 2 years.

You might then use this as entry onto the Accountancy Professional Level 7 Apprenticeship, or an accountancy degree at university.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Other routes

You could study with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) to qualify.

You would complete the Professional Accountancy Qualification (PAQ).

You can apply to take the CIPFA PAQ if you're:

• over 18 and have at least 3 GCSEs, grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), and 2 A levels - including English and maths at either level
• a graduate with an accountancy related degree
• an accountant qualified with a different professional body
• a part-qualified accountant
• a chartered internal auditor
• a graduate with the Association of Accountancy Technicians

You could also do the CIPFA PAQ if you're in a senior public finance role but don't yet hold a professional accountancy qualification.

Further information

You can find out more about careers in public finance accountancy from the Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy.

More information

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With experience you could become a senior accountant, move into management or progress to a director of finance position.

You could also move into private practice or management accountancy.

You could use your skills and experience to work in higher education or teach in further education.

You can find out more about careers in public finance accountancy from The Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy.