Make a difference

This content is brought to you by CIPFA.

There has never been a better moment to embark on a career in the public sector. The COVID-19 pandemic took us all by surprise and sent shockwaves through the sector like nothing we had seen in our lifetimes. Many public services are still dealing with the after effects today.

Local businesses and communities suffered greatly amid the economic fallout of the pandemic. Unemployment skyrocketed, and local authorities faced significant financial difficulties as they continued to provide vital services to their local areas.

In response to the crisis, frontline workers such as NHS staff, care workers and police officers responded heroically to the new challenges that they were dealt. Behind the scenes, public finance professionals also offered incredible support to ensure that money was managed effectively and public services were delivered to those who needed them.

Now we find ourselves in the midst of another crisis. As the cost of living increases and inflation soars, both fuelled by the terrible war in Ukraine, millions of people across the UK will be feeling the pressures. The public sector will also be trying to cope with these challenges as they try and deliver ever more with budgets that stretch nowhere near as far as they used to.

The work that we do in the public sector is both rewarding and at times heroic. The individuals who work in public finance have the responsibility of managing the deployment of resources to support the vulnerable. In many respects, public finance professionals can also be considered key workers.

If your career goals are rooted in making a difference and helping the people who need it most – now is the time to work in public sector finance. The impact you could make on the lives of the most vulnerable has never been greater than it is right now. As public finance professionals continue to tackle the aftermath of COVID-19 and the new economic challenges caused by rising inflation, there is so much that can be brought to the table by bright, new minds with a fresh take on how to get things done.

Finance professionals are needed in all areas of the public sector. You might choose to embark on a career in health sector finance by undertaking an NHS Professional Accountancy Apprenticeship.

Housing is another area of focus for the public sector and one that is crucial to helping those in need. Even before the pandemic, the UK was facing a housing crisis. CIPFA’s data shows upwards of 17 years to work through. With so many families facing evictions and homelessness in this country, the need for public finance professionals to work in and in support of the housing sector is high.

Another group of frontline responders who keep our communities safe are police officers and firefighters. They too need dedicated public finance professionals to manage their resources and ensure that they have the equipment to carry out their vital duties.

The co-ordination and hard work exhibited by members of the public sector to fight the pandemic was nothing short of incredible. In just a short time, we were able to respond with speed and resolve to change our ways of working and tackle new challenges. This time around, with the cost of living crisis affecting us all, we will have to do the same again.

If you are considering a career in the public sector, now is the time to do so. You have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on local communities at a time when so many are struggling. The shockwaves that are being felt around the sector will have an impact for years to come, and the decisions that we make now will change people’s lives. You could be part of the next generation of public finance leaders that bring the country through whatever challenges lay ahead, and also shape the future of public service delivery.

Next steps

If you’re thinking about a career in public finance, explore some of our member case studies or learn more about our Professional Accountancy Qualification. CIPFA is the only accountancy body to provide exemptions to AAT members at no cost.

This content is brought to you by CIPFA.

CIPFA is a UK-based international accountancy membership and standard-setting body..