Roles include accounts assistant, management accountant, financial accountant, internal auditor, budget officer, and finance manager. Many organisations also hire specialists in grant management, fund accounting, or performance reporting.
What is public services and not for profit?
The public services and not for profit sectors cover a vast range of government-funded and charitable organisations that deliver essential services to communities and individuals.
Accountancy professionals are critical to these organisations because good money management means more people can be helped, or a more beneficial service provided to them. Furthermore, these sectors are funded through people’s taxes and charitable donations so they need to be accountable and provide excellent value for money.
This sector can involve big numbers, large workforces and huge budgets. Organisations you could work for include the police, central and local government, national health services and charities. You could be formulating and controlling budgets, tracking costs and overseeing major cost-related projects.
Roles in this sector
Read about some of the roles open to you in the corporate sector, and why you should choose ACCA to learn the skills required for each role:
Frequently asked questions
Public and not-for-profit accounting focuses on accountability and stewardship of funds rather than profit generation. There is often more emphasis on budgeting, regulatory compliance, and reporting to stakeholders like government bodies, trustees, or donors.
A degree in accounting, finance, or related fields is typically required. Key skills include financial reporting, budgeting, auditing, and performance management. Strong communication and analytical skills are also important, as accountants often report to non-finance stakeholders.
ACCA equips you with technical accounting knowledge, ethics, and strategic skills relevant to this sector. Its global recognition helps you pursue roles in government, charities, NGOs, and other public service organisations.
Exams such as Strategic Business Leader (SBL), Performance Management (PM), and Financial Management (FM) are particularly useful, alongside the Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM), which emphasises governance and accountability.
Internships, volunteering, or graduate schemes in charities, local councils, or public service organisations provide valuable hands-on experience. Working on budgeting, fund management, or reporting projects is especially useful.
Salaries vary by role and organisation. In the UK, entry-level positions typically start around £22,000–£28,000, with mid-level roles earning £30,000–£45,000. Senior finance managers or directors can earn £50,000–£70,000 or more, depending on the organisation.
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