CIPFA's flagship accountancy qualification has been refreshed and updated. After a detailed review and consultation process, the CIPFA Professional Accounting Qualification (PAQ) update delivers a new syllabus to help the public finance professionals of tomorrow better address the complex issues of today and in the future.
The PAQ builds on the legacy CIPFA Professional Qualification (PQ), but features new areas of study including sustainability, green finance, climate change, new and emerging technologies, fraud and cyber security.
The refreshed study programme is designed to be global in its reach and outlook. The CIPFA PAQ will be an internationally recognised qualification, regardless of where it is studied.
Rob Whiteman, CIPFA CEO said: "At the heart of our mission to build trust by strengthening public financial management is CIPFA's Professional Accountancy Qualification. The updated syllabus and global PAQ has been designed to ensure CIPFA students are enabled to maximise their own potential and deliver better outcomes in the modern public sector.
"Digital technologies, highly charged political contexts, regulatory reform, climate change, increased service demand and the COVID-19 pandemic are just a few examples of the contemporary issues impacting the accounting profession today, which will now be covered in greater detail in our flagship qualification.
"Skilled and specialist finance professionals are needed across all areas of government and public services. Students will find that the CIPFA qualification gives them the strongest foundation possible on which to build their public sector careers."
Notes to the editor
The new CIPFA PAQ will in time replace the current Professional Qualification. Enrolment for the CIPFA PAQ is now open. The first course will begin in March 2022.
For any enquiries please contact the CIPFA press office on +44 20 7543 5885 or email mark.davey@cipfa.org
About CIPFA
CIPFA, the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, is the professional body for people in public finance. CIPFA shows the way in public finance globally, standing up for sound public financial management and good governance around the world as the leading commentator on managing and accounting for public money.