Amy Crowson

Employer: Buckinghamshire County Council
Qualifications: BA accounting with law, University of Exeter

I applied for a trainee accountant scheme in local government because I felt the roles available provided more varied work than in traditional accounting firms. I also wanted to be able to give something back and make an impact on my community. The application process for my current role involved numerical and verbal reasoning tests and an interview, during which I made a presentation.

Becoming a chartered professional

As part of the scheme, I’m training to become a chartered accountant with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy (CIPFA). I have had to undertake two blocks of day-release study per year followed by exams; having a couple of days a week devoted to studying for the exams during these blocks means I don’t have to do all the work in my spare time. I’m going to be taking my final exams in December this year – it’s taken me two and a half years rather than the usual three as I had some exemptions due to my degree.

The variety of experience I’ve been able to gain as I’ve been training is definitely a highlight.

You also have to gain a certain level of work experience in at least four out of eight specified areas. I therefore get to move around quite a lot! My first placement was with Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, assisting the budget holders in budget monitoring, and I then moved to internal audit. I carried out general systems audits across the County Council and organisations such as Wycombe District Council and the Thames Valley Police Authority.

The finance of outsourcing

I’m currently working with the projects team on the council’s shared services project, which involves outsourcing back office functions including finance, HR, property, facilities management and ICT. Outsourcing is becoming more common in local government. I’m working alongside two other accountants and various consultants on a number of these projects – it’s demanding but this keeps the job interesting.

Part of my role involves financial modelling. For example, for a car parking project, I might have to model how much we’d charge per vehicle and how much revenue this would create. I also carry out financial evaluations of companies before we enter into contracts with them.

Building up experience

The variety of experience I’ve been able to gain as I’ve been training is definitely a highlight. I’ve enjoyed working with the council’s partners and with other local government organisations: at the fire and rescue service, for example, I had the chance to experience a different working environment and culture. The studying is a lot of hard work but the day-release scheme has been a real help. I’m looking forward to becoming chartered and preparing for my next step up the career ladder within local government.

Are you adaptable and focused?

If your career path will require you to combine work and study you need to be organised and focused: it takes hard work to balance the two. In the public sector, it’s a real time for change – so you also need to be able to adapt to new situations and demands. Be prepared to move around to build up your experience early on in your career. Whether you’re applying for a job or you’re already in one, you need to make sure you’re aware of what’s affecting the public sector as a whole. In interviews, you need to know what you’re talking about – keep tabs on the news and you’ll be able to talk knowledgeably about the events affecting the employer.