FAQs about careers in finance
How much do finance professionals earn in the public sector?
Public sector finance salaries vary by role and seniority. Based on roles advertised on Jobs Go Public:
Entry-level: Finance Assistants typically earn £24,000-£27,000.
Mid-level: Finance Officers average £33,000-£37,000, while Accountants range from £44,000-£50,000.
Senior roles: Finance Managers and Finance Business Partners typically earn £52,000-£59,000, with Heads of Finance and Directors exceeding £70,000.
Public sector roles also include generous pension schemes (usually Local Government Pension Scheme), which adds significant value beyond base salary. London weighting applies to many roles in the capital.
What does a finance officer do?
Finance Officers handle day-to-day financial operations within public sector organisations. Typical responsibilities include processing invoices and payments, maintaining financial records, preparing budget reports, reconciling accounts, and supporting month-end and year-end closing processes.
They often work closely with budget holders across departments, answering queries and ensuring spending stays within approved limits. Many Finance Officer roles involve using financial systems like SAP or Oracle.
It's a solid mid-level role, sitting between Finance Assistant and Finance Manager, suitable for those with some accounting experience or relevant qualifications like AAT.
What qualifications do I need for a finance career?
Requirements vary by role level. Entry-level positions like Finance Assistant often require GCSEs in maths and English, with AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) qualifications welcomed but not always essential.
For Accountant and Finance Manager roles, employers typically seek professional qualifications such as ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, or ACA. CIPFA is particularly valued in local government as it specialises in public sector finance.
Many employers accept part-qualified candidates and support further study. Some roles accept qualified by experience (QBE) applicants. Graduate and apprenticeship routes also provide pathways into public sector finance careers.
What does a finance manager do?
Finance Managers oversee financial operations for a service area, department, or organisation. They're responsible for budget planning and monitoring, financial reporting, forecasting, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards and audit requirements.
The role typically involves managing a finance team, advising senior leaders on financial decisions, and presenting reports to committees or boards. In local government, Finance Managers often support service directors in understanding their budget position and identifying savings.
Most Finance Manager roles require a professional qualification (ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, or equivalent) plus significant post-qualification experience.
How do I get into a finance career?
There are several routes into public sector finance:
Apprenticeships: Many councils and government departments offer finance apprenticeships, combining work with AAT or professional qualifications. These provide entry without prior experience.
Graduate schemes: Some larger organisations run graduate programmes in finance, particularly central government.
Entry-level roles: Finance Assistant or Accounts Assistant positions often accept candidates with GCSEs and basic numeracy skills, providing on-the-job training.
Career changers: Relevant experience in administration, banking, or numerical roles can transfer well, especially combined with AAT study.
What are the different types of finance jobs?
Public sector finance encompasses various specialisms:
Transactional roles: Finance Assistants, Accounts Payable/Receivable Officers, and Purchase Ledger Clerks handle day-to-day processing.
Management accounting: Accountants, Management Accountants, and Finance Business Partners support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
Technical specialists: Payroll Officers, Treasury Officers, Pensions Officers, and Tax Officers focus on specific functions.
Audit: Internal Auditors and Counter-Fraud Officers ensure financial controls and compliance.
Leadership: Finance Managers, Heads of Finance, Finance Directors, and Section 151 Officers hold strategic responsibility.
Each specialism offers distinct career pathways within the public sector.
Is finance a good career?
Finance offers strong career prospects, particularly in the public sector. Key benefits include:
Job security: Every public sector organisation needs finance professionals, creating consistent demand across councils, government departments, housing associations, and charities.
Clear progression: Structured pathways from Finance Assistant through to Finance Director, with professional qualifications supporting advancement.
Competitive salaries: Senior finance roles command salaries exceeding £70,000, plus generous public sector pension schemes.
Transferable skills: Finance experience transfers across sectors and organisation types.
Work-life balance: Many public sector finance roles now offer hybrid or flexible working arrangements.
What does a finance business partner do?
Finance Business Partners bridge the gap between finance teams and operational service areas. Rather than focusing purely on transactions or reporting, they work alongside service directors and budget holders to provide strategic financial advice.
Key responsibilities include analysing financial performance, identifying efficiency opportunities, supporting business cases for investment, and translating complex financial data into actionable insights for non-finance colleagues.
It's a senior role requiring strong communication skills alongside technical finance knowledge. Most Finance Business Partner positions require professional qualification (ACCA, CIMA, or CIPFA) plus experience in management accounting or similar advisory roles.
What skills do I need for a finance career?
Successful finance professionals combine technical abilities with interpersonal skills:
Technical skills: Numeracy, attention to detail, proficiency with spreadsheets (particularly Excel), and familiarity with financial systems. Understanding of accounting principles and public sector financial regulations.
Analytical skills: Ability to interpret data, identify trends, spot errors, and draw meaningful conclusions from financial information.
Communication: Explaining financial concepts to non-finance colleagues, writing clear reports, and presenting to senior stakeholders.
Organisation: Managing deadlines, particularly during busy periods like month-end and year-end.
Problem-solving: Investigating discrepancies and resolving queries efficiently.
