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ICAEW public sector

Local government finance: skills for the future

Local authorities manage tight budgets against increasing demand for services.

Improving financial skills is critical in balancing the books and delivering value for citizens. As backstop dates for audited accounts come into force, ICAEW explores how local authorities can strengthen their approach to financial management.

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Alison Ring OBE FCA, Director, Public Sector & Taxation at ICAEW
Thought leadership

Strengthening financial expertise across local government

  • Article
  • 25 Oct 2024
  • Alison Ring OBE FCA CPFA, ICAEW Director of Public Sector & Taxation
Marking the launch of a series of best practice case studies, Alison Ring OBE FCA CPFA, ICAEW Director of Public Sector & Taxation, shares the vital role that finance teams play in local government.
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Case study

How successful finance business partners work at local authorities

  • Article
  • 25 Oct 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
Finance business partners play a vital bridging role between the finance team and the wider organisation.
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Case study

Leading data-led decision making in local government

  • Article
  • 25 Oct 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
Finance professionals are pivotal in ensuring local authority decisions on service delivery are grounded in robust data analysis. CIPFA’s Iain Murray outlines the role of finance teams in ensuring data-led decision-making and the skills required for success.
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Image of hand pointing with a pen to a line graph onscreen.
Case study How to ensure colleagues understand financial information
  • Article
  • 25 Oct 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
With local government budgets under pressure and more councils adopting commercialisation strategies, key stakeholders must have a strong grasp of financial information to aid sound decision-making.
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Case study How to prepare for an external audit in local government
  • Article
  • 25 Oct 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
The mounting backlog in the publication of audited council accounts has shone the spotlight on external audit processes in local government.
Close up of bottom half of sand timer
Insights One in four councils foresees emergency government bailout
  • Article
  • 23 Oct 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
A quarter of councils in England say they are likely to have to apply for emergency government bailout agreements to stave off bankruptcy in the next two financial years, a Local Government Association survey finds.
Mid-shot of group of people in office clothes, one with a laptop, talking.
Insights Demystifying the role of NEDs in the public sector
  • Article
  • 21 May 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
Chartered accountants possess many of the skills required to be an effective NED in the public sector. We explain what the role entails, how interested members can find vacancies and why they are so desperately needed.
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Insights “Smarter government” could secure billions in savings
  • Article
  • 22 Jan 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
The National Audit Office chief highlights areas of opportunity for government, but warns savings could only come from more innovation, better data and tighter governance.
Public sector conference
event

Public Sector Conference 2024

  • Event
  • 06 Dec 2024
  • ICAEW
Our conference returns, supporting all finance professionals in the public sector. Join us to explore the future skills needed for the central and local government finance profession.
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Join the Public Sector Community

For accountants and finance professionals working in or with the public sector, this Community is the go-to for the key resources and guidance on the issues affecting practitioners like you. With a range of dynamic services, we provide valuable tools, resources and support tailored specifically to your sector. Membership is free and open to everyone, including non-ICAEW members.

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