19 November 2004
Senior civil servants will be able to gain a professional finance qualification within two years under a fast-track scheme launched this week by CIPFA and Warwick Business School.
Potential candidates include central government finance directors and those with significant financial management responsibilities. They will need to pass a postgraduate diploma in public finance and leadership, plus CIPFA's final test of professional competence, to become full members of the institute.
The programme has been developed in response to government concerns about professional standards throughout Whitehall. Cabinet secretary Sir Andrew Turnbull has said that he wants more professionally qualified finance directors.
The Treasury has already announced its support for the scheme. Permanent secretary Gus O'Donnell said: 'Taking such a qualification will help overcome some of the difficulties faced by non-accountants in finance posts.'
Ken Gill, CIPFA's education and training director, added: 'The programme will accelerate the essential accountancy and management skills needed by senior civil servants in their new role.'
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