Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy

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Name: Elizabeth Ewins
Job title: Finance and Monitoring Officer
Employer: Bristol City Council – Regeneration Finance

Why did you choose to study the CIPFA qualification?
I have been working in public sector for five years and would like to pursue a career in public finance. Obtaining CIPFA in addition to my CIMA qualification enables me to work either in a management accounting role or in a technical corporate finance role as it has given me knowledge of the SORPs and accounting and regulatory requirements of public sector organisations.

How has it benefited your career?
Many public sector finance jobs specifically require a CIPFA qualification, therefore it has widened my career options.

What has impressed you most while studying your CIPFA qualification?
The study material produced by CIPFA is comprehensive and contains sufficient worked examples and exam practise questions that I was able to self-study without attending college. This enabled me to fit study around my job and other commitments.

What hints and tips would you pass on to prospective students/postgraduates?
I found that the key to success was careful time management. As I self-studied I planned when I needed to complete each chapter to ensure I covered each one and had time remaining for exam question practise in time for the exam. Given the complexity of some of the materials smaller chunks are easier to learn and digest.

What are your career ambitions?
I would like to progress to a senior technical accounting role within a corporate finance function, working on the organisation’s statutory accounts and other regulatory reporting requirements.