Accountant - Public finance
Help a public organisation manage its finances so taxpayers know their money is being spent properly.
About the job
What it's like
You would help a public organisation to manage its finances so taxpayers know that their money is being spent properly.
You would work for organisations like:
Government departments
Local councils
Housing associations
Charities
The NHS
Universities
Your key tasks would be financial reporting and control. You’d need a logical and methodical approach.
You would:
Prepare financial records and statements
Estimate the cost of new projects
Review budgets and investments
Check spending and cash flows
Allocate money to projects and departments
Analyse the effectiveness of services to the public
Manage the organisation's financial systems
Do internal audits
You would also do presentations to managers and the board that runs the organisation to explain more about its financial situation and management.
It would be useful to know about public policy and business.
Hours
You would typically work standard office hours, Monday to Friday, although you may need to work later at busy times such as the end of the financial year. Part-time work and job sharing may be available.
Environment
You would be office-based, and the dress code is usually formal.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Financial and professional services
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- understanding
- analysing
- time management
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- observation
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- working with technology
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Accounting
Business
Economics
Maths (Mathematics)
Skills for Work: Financial Services
Foundation Apprenticeship: Financial Services
Foundation Apprenticeship: Accountancy
Applications of Mathematics
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Most entrants have a degree (SCQF level 9/10).
Entry to an accounting degree requires a minimum of four Highers at BBBC or relevant HNC/HND or work-based qualifications.
You can also get in to the role by obtaining work-based qualifications such as a Modern Apprenticeship in Accountancy (SCQF level 5/6/8).
Some companies run accountancy trainee programmes; entry requires qualifications at SCQF levels 4 to 6 to include at least three Highers (SCQF level 6).
With a degree in accountancy, economics, mathematics, business, finance or law you can get exemptions from some parts of the professional qualifications.
Some accountants start their careers as Accounting technicians.
Once in the job you must gain professional qualifications and register with one of the accountancy professional bodies.
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