The newly appointed President of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), Andy Burns, Director of Finance and Resources at Staffordshire County Council, has called on public sector finance professionals to focus on better medium term financial planning, alignment of public services and a willingness to embrace new technologies.
Andy, who officially took up the role during the CIPFA’s Annual General Meeting yesterday, begins his year’s presidency presiding over the 2017 CIPFA Conference. He takes over from Brian Roberts.
During his opening address to the conference, which is taking place in Manchester today and tomorrow, Andy said that regardless of the challenges of the day, it was CIPFA’s role to support and champion all those working in public sector finance.
Speaking of public sector finance professionals, Andy said: “We must balance the demands of the day, while readying ourselves for the future. We must be measured, clear-headed, ready to absorb unexpected shocks.
“These are times of challenge, but for all the difficulties we face in delivering the best public services, there are just as many exciting opportunities to improve lives of people, the places they live and their prosperity. “
ENDS