Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy

Survey of Directors of Finance

A major survey was commissioned by CIPFA and undertaken by YouGov during April and May 2008 looking at how directors of finance across the public services view their role and the leadership challenges they face. The top level findings were presented at the 2008 June CIPFA Conference.

Powerpoint presentation of CIPFA conference choice stream - [944KB]

The heart of the role means achieving excellent financial management in public bodies. The survey included questions to get a picture about how well Finance Directors can drive improvements in financial management in their organisations. In addition to fact finding, this research included in depth interviews with Chief Executives and organisations’ leaders to gain a view from around the role at the top level, seeking to understand how others perceive financial leadership. Crucially it sought to identify what is the essence of financial leadership in a political environment.

This research supports CIPFA’s drive to develop tailored support for aspiring and current Finance Directors across the public services.