The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) is the only professional accountancy body and member of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) that specialises in the public sector. Our strategic purpose is “Working in the public interest, to promote high standards and deliver excellence in governance and financial management throughout the public services”. CIPFA’s role is to advance public financial management and promote best practice.
Internationally, CIPFA strengthens the performance of public services around the world to increase the effective and efficient use of public money. CIPFA is the awarding professional body for CPFAs (Chartered Public Finance Accountants), the global gold standard for professional public financial management (PFM). We also award qualifications in PFM, including our International Certificate and Diploma as well as specialist qualifications in areas like internal audit, treasury management and IFRS/IPSAS, to students around the world.
CIPFA celebrates its 125 anniversary in 2010. From our beginning we have advocated excellence in financial management as a lever to improve public sector performance. Now on a global stage we promote sustainable holistic approaches to developing capacity in public financial management (PFM) based upon a proven model of professionalisation. We recognise the potential for sustained improvements in PFM through strong relationships between professional bodies, training providers and governments. To achieve that we work closely with donors and international accounting bodies.
CIPFA is currently working to promote stronger PFM in a number of countries around the world, including in Africa (Lesotho, Tanzania, South Africa and Nigeria, among others), South Eastern Europe (Serbia, Kosovo and Slovenia), Canada, Australia and New Zealand. We work in partnership with a wide range of organisations and would welcome discussions with parties interested in developing stronger PFM around the world.
BUSINESS SERVICES
Corporate Services Benchmarking
CIPFA has launched its Corporate Services Benchmarking Clubs 2011. We are the market leader in local government benchmarking. Our in-house experts can help you to measure performance and drive efficiencies.
Training and Development
CIPFA has extensive experience of designing bespoke training courses for Public Sector finance and non-finance topics. Our training courses are accessible, relevant and deliver high quality value for money.
Guidance and Information
CIPFA publishes a range of financial management titles and online information streams to provide you with good practice, guidance, commentary and the latest information on the standards, codes and legislation.
CIPFA integrated networks and events
Public service professionals get up to the minute information and practical support from public sector experts and fellow practitioners. Get fast access to know-how which will help equip you to effectively respond to current public service reforms.
Placements
CIPFA Placements are experts in finding the best interim and permanent people for public sector positions. From HR directors to finance directors, we use our specialist finance and accountancy knowledge to source the right candidates for any needs. Find out how we can help you.
Property Management
CIPFA Property understands that managing public sector property estates effectively delivers value for money, enhances public services and creates wider economic, environmental and social outcomes for local communities. With a track record of delivering first-class services that spans over ten years, CIPFA Property is well suited to provide effective asset management. We have a history of working closely with many leading agencies and partners to influence policy on asset management within the public sector, and we continue to do so today.
The CIPFA Property website is a key information source for those responsible for the management of their organisations' property portfolio.
