Training future finance chiefs

AN innovative co-operative training scheme has been launched to help train the next generation of public sector financial managers in the North West.
The cost-saving programme has been developed by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) jointly with the Greater Manchester Association of Metropolitan Treasurers (GMAMT).
Its aim is to ensure that the public sector can continue to attract and train talented graduates in public financial management despite tight budgets.
The scheme will see five graduate trainee finance managers – including one from Warrington – learning on the job while they rotate across roles in five local authorities.
The public bodies involved will work co-operatively to share the cost of the training and provide on-the-job learning. It’s hoped that the varied experience will also boost the trainees’ employability by giving them a wide range of skill sets for different public finance roles.
Mike Owen, president of CIPFA and executive director of resources and regulation, said: “One of the biggest challenges facing the public sector is ensuring that despite austerity we continue to train the next generation of leaders to an excellent standard. Despite economic pressures, CIPFA and GMAMT’s innovative scheme means employers can continue to recruit the UK’s top graduates to enter public financial management, ensuring that communities can continue to benefit from
excellent candidates.
The scheme has proved to be incredibly popular, with over 200 applying for five positions, proving CIPFA’s professional qualifications is continuing to appeal to graduates.”