CIPFA launches updated qualification: CIPFA Professional Accountancy Qualification
The CIPFA qualification has always offered the best foundation for developing public finance professionals and leaders.
In 2021, we are pleased to present a fresh and updated syllabus – the CIPFA Professional Accountancy Qualification, or CIPFA PAQ.
As the world changes, so must we.
The new syllabus now places more of an emphasis on the important issues of today, which the accountants of tomorrow will have to tackle, including sustainability and green finance, climate change, technology, big data, ethics and cyber security. The redesigned course also features a new structure comprising a certificate and three diplomas, which, when completed, will result in being awarded the full CIPFA PAQ.
As CIPFA are the experts in public finance, the PAQ will continue to be tailored specifically to the unique challenges and demands of the public sector, enabling our students to achieve their maximum potential for a successful career in the modern and diverse public sector.
Rob Whiteman, CIPFA CEO says:
“Digital technologies, highly charged political contexts, regulatory reform, climate change, increased service demand and the COVID-19 pandemic – these are all impacting how public financial management, reporting and audit are conducted now and in the future.
At the heart of our mission to build public trust by strengthening public financial management is CIPFA’s Professional Accountancy Qualification.”
Reflecting CIPFA’s status as an international institute based in the UK, the PAQ is a truly global qualification and will increase CIPFA’s reach. Wherever our students are located, they will be studying for the PAQ.
Students who are currently enrolled on one of the pre-2022 courses will not be affected by this, as they will continue their studies on the course they initially signed up for and will be awarded either the PQ or IPFM at the end of their studies. This is to ensure there is little to no disruption for them. They will also have access to all the new material introduced in the new syllabus through optional CPD courses, as well as access to the new e-learning platform to ensure they don’t miss out.
Enrolment for the new CIPFA PAQ is now open, with the course commencing in early 2022. For more details, please visit the Professional Accountancy Qualification page.