The institute said that, having qualified as a CIPFA accountant more than 30 years ago, Burns’ experience will allow him to champion domestic policy issues that have been drowned out by Brexit.
Burns was CIPFA president in 2017-18 and was most recently director of finance and resources at Staffordshire County Council, where he led the council’s transformation agenda.
CIPFA chief executive Rob Whiteman said: “Andrew’s broad experience in public services will be an asset to CIPFA’s work across all parts of the public sector.
“At a time when service demand is high, resources are more stretched than ever, and the political agenda is dominated by Brexit, Andrew will support us to cast much needed light on domestic policy that’s falling by the wayside.”
Burns is also the former chairman of the Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies and past president of the Society of County Treasurers.
Speaking on his new role, he said: “I’m thrilled to be supporting CIPFA at such an important time for public services.
“When the political contexts are changing so quickly, strong public financial management and robust governance are key to ensuring transparency and accountability.
“I look forward to getting stuck in to my new role with CIPFA, and having the opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the institute and the sector it serves.”
Another former CIPFA president, Grenville Folwell, passed away last month at the age of 76.