Public finance accountant

Career path and progression

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.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of economics and accounting
• maths knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• administration skills
• analytical thinking skills
• the ability to work well with others
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• the ability to use your initiative
• to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Accounting - Public finance accountants prepare financial records and statements, conduct internal audits, and monitor spending and cashflows. This is an accountancy career at its core, so understanding financial reporting, double-entry bookkeeping, and auditing principles is essential to the daily work.
• Mathematics - Public finance accountants work with numbers constantly – calculating budgets, analysing spending patterns, and forecasting cashflows. Strong mathematical skills are needed to interpret financial data accurately and advise on investments and borrowing.
• Economics - Public finance accountants need to understand how government spending, taxation, and economic policy affect public sector organisations. They advise treasury departments on investments and borrowing, which requires a solid grasp of how markets and the wider economy work.
• Business - Public finance accountants manage financial systems and processes within organisations, present reports to boards, and help with strategic decision-making. Understanding how organisations are structured, managed, and governed is central to this work.

Also relevant

• Law - Public finance accountants must ensure that financial records meet legal and ethical standards. They work within a framework of public sector regulations and accountability rules, so understanding legal principles helps them ensure compliance.
• Politics - Public finance accountants work within government bodies, the NHS, police authorities, and other public sector organisations. Understanding how political decisions shape public spending priorities and how public institutions are governed gives useful context for their work.
• English Language - Public finance accountants write detailed financial reports and present findings to boards and budget holders who may not have a financial background. Being able to communicate complex information clearly and persuasively – both in writing and in person – is an important part of the role.
• Computer Science - Public finance accountants need a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications, including financial management software and data analysis tools. While not all will write code, understanding how databases and digital systems work helps them manage and interrogate large volumes of financial data effectively.