PrintFrequently Asked Questions
FAQs:
1. What is CIPFA?
2. What is the difference between CIPFA and other accountancy
institutes?
3. Who does it represent?
4. What does CIPFA do for its members?
5. What level qualification is CIPFA?
6. What are the benefits of CIPFA?
7. Where can I buy CIPFA publications?
8. What is the link between CIPFA and IPF?
9. What sort of events does CIPFA host?
10. What is CIPFA’s involvement with council
tax?
11. Where can I find details about council tax rates?
12. Does CIPFA produce any other figures/statistics?
13. Can you tell me about CIPFA's history?
14. What is the role of CIPFA's Panels?
15. Who are CIPFA’s spokespeople?
CIPFA is the leading professional accountancy body for the public services. It offers students studying the professional qualification unrivalled preparation for working either in the public sector or for an accountancy firm with public sector clients. As a membership organisation, CIPFA is also concerned with keeping its members up to date on the latest developments in the profession.
2. What is the difference between CIPFA and other accountancy institutes?
CIPFA is the leading commentator on managing and accounting for public money. With an active involvement in local government development and current affairs, CIPFA's top-class policy and technical output has positioned the institute as the voice of authority on public finance, accountancy and audit.
The CIPFA qualification equips students with the specific financial management skills required in the public sector as well as a respected accountancy qualification which gives the opportunity to move between the public and private sectors. CIPFA is also the only institute among the Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies (CCAB) to hold a standard for excellence in its student services.
It is the voice of over 13,500 members and over 2,500 students and represents finance managers, chief executive officers and finance directors across the spectrum of public services, including local and central government.
4. What does CIPFA do for its members?
CIPFA is very committed to supporting its members. A wide range of initiatives and resources are available to members to encourage and support their working lives. They are encouraged to regularly check the CIPFA website, read the members’ publication Spreadsheet, and take note of the regular e-newsletter for the latest information on member support.
CIPFA's commitment to supporting its members is embodied in its members’ charter that promises to:
- Provide and maintain a high quality, relevant and practical qualification;
- Maintain a leading position within the accountancy profession and be the leading authoritative commentator on issues relating to public finance;
- Promote openness and corporate governance in its external and internal affairs;
- Act as an information resource and deliver high quality services within set standards to support members, in their professional role and in meeting their professional needs; and
- Promote a culture that values its members, actively involving them in its development, whether by their participation or by listening to their views.
5. What level qualification is CIPFA?
CIPFA is a fully modular post-graduate qualification. Exemptions are awarded for relevant qualifications, and for senior entrants and members of the other CCAB institutes and relevant accounting organisations. For further details, click on the education & training website or call one of CIPFA’s trained advisers on 020 7543 5671.
6. What are the benefits of CIPFA?
There are a number of benefits to being a CIPFA member:
- Specialist training for a specialist market place: CIPFA's unique final test of professional competence makes CIPFA accountants the natural choice for the highest level jobs in the public services;
- First rate support services: CIPFA provides cost-effective and relevant support services; and
- Member participation: Member involvement in institute activities is exceptionally high - a reflection of the quality and standard of CIPFA's programme.
7. Where can I buy CIPFA publications?
CIPFA produces a wide range of publications covering diverse subjects such as Best Value, Prudential Code, financial management, health, housing, capital finance, IT and many more. These can be purchased on-line at www.cipfa.org.uk/shop or by calling the information line on 020 7543 5605.
Members of the press interested in specific publications should contact the press office on 020 7543 5712/5687 or email: pressoffice@cipfa.org.
8. What is the link between CIPFA and IPF?
IPF, formerly known as the Institute of Public Finance, is the management support services company of CIPFA. The public sector is changing rapidly, with increasing focus being placed on customer services and Best Value. IPF provides a comprehensive range of management and training services that are used by organisations with an interest in the public sector, including local and central government, health sector, private sector and international clients.
Visit www.ipf.com for more information.
9. What sort of events does CIPFA host?
Throughout the year CIPFA holds a variety of seminars and conferences on crucial issues that affect the local government and health sector.
The CIPFA Annual Conference is a key event in the public sector calendar that attracts high profile speakers and delegates. Find out mnore from the CIPFA conference section.
Listings of other CIPFA events and courses can be found at www.cipfa.org.uk/shop or www.cipfa.org.uk/events
CIPFA regional offices also host a number of events, listings can be found at:
Northern Ireland: http://www.cipfa.org.uk/regions/ni/branch.cfm
Scotland: http://www.cipfa.org.uk/scotland/events.cfm
Wales: http://www.cipfa.org.uk/wales/
IPF events are listed at www.ipf.com/events/
10. What is CIPFA’s involvement with council tax?
CIPFA is responsible for conducting an independent and authoritative annual council tax survey of council tax figures from local authorities across Great Britain. Average rises for ‘band D’ properties are calculated and announced in Spring each year.
11. Where can I find details about council tax rates?
The latest council tax figures can be found at: www.cipfastats.net. Please contact the press office with any further queries.
12. Does CIPFA produce any other figures/statistics?
Visit www.cipfastats.net for the full range of surveys available, and contact the press office with any queries on them.
13. Can you tell me about CIPFA’s history?
It was in Manchester in 1885 that the inaugural meeting of the Corporate Treasurers’ and Accountants’ Institute, as CIPFA was first known, took place. The institute, which has its origins in local government, recognised the need for recruitment to the profession through a form of test in 1901 when it established a two-tier examination in municipal finance, accountancy and law. The first examination was held in May 1903 at Caxton Hall in London and the Town Hall in Leeds. Over the years the role of its members changed. To reflect this, a petition was approved in 1973 and the Institute changed its name to the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy.
14. What is the role of CIPFA’s Panels?
CIPFA has 19 technical panels, which undertake a range of activities in relation to each panel’s specific area of expertise:
- Considering finance and policy issues;
- Responding to consultation/discussion papers and exposure drafts issued by the government, professional and other bodies;
- Developing, promoting and maintaining best practice, standards and guidelines and producing and disseminating relevant advice and material for members and employers, on issues falling within the Panel's areas of responsibility; and
- Establishing positive and productive professional relationships with government, government departments and agencies, the national audit bodies, professional regulators and other bodies falling within the Panel's areas of responsibility.
To find out more, go to http://www.cipfa.org.uk/panels/index.cfm.
15. Who are CIPFA’s spokespeople?
Please contact the press office for further details or to arrange an interview.