Training event: Tackling the political context and peculiarites of local government accounting.
Negotiating the move from private sector to local government accounting can be daunting. But, according to one expert, there is much private sector accountants can bring to councils, especially as the sector goes through significant change.
Ian Fifield, a specialist in training those making a move from the private sector, says: “There’s nothing particularly difficult about local government accounting but it can seem full of oddities to the uninitiated or those trained and experienced in company accounts.”
Ian says key areas to grapple with include working in a political environment and familiarisation with the peculiarities of local government accounting.
“A guide to the nature of working in a political environment and the unique features of accounting for local government can ease the way for those who have recently joined a council or are about to,” he says.
Room151 has teamed up with Ian to offer specialist training—a Local Government Finance Conversion Course— to our readers. In two one-and-half hour workshops, the course aims to help private sector accountants understand the role of finance professionals inside councils, how to offer financial advice in a political context, and navigate financial statements and the role of auditors.
The political context is a key feature of working in a local authority. “Council accountants will meet elected councillors and this is a very different relationship to ones encountered by colleagues in the private sector,” says Ian. “Guidance can really help accountants understand and navigate those relationships.”
Training can also shine a light on the eccentricities of council accounting. “Accountants from the private sector,” Ian says, “are more used to dealing with profits and loss so there is a lot of knowledge to acquire about local government finances.
“Its a blend of of accounting rules, customs, law, politics and practice. A route map through that mix can be a real advantage.”
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That being said private sector accountants have much to offer councils. “People experienced in working for companies have essential skills councils need in the current environment. Local government has become increasingly commercial which draws on the skills and knowledge of the private sector.
“There is much councils can gain from those willing to transfer their skills.”
The Conversion Course workshops take place on the 3 & 10 November. To read more about the course and book a place click here.
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