MyCIMA

How do you become a Finance Director {Public/Charity)...?

Posted: Friday 30 December 2011 by James B
Replies : 2
Keywords: Finance Director, Private Sector, public sector

One day in the very distant future [15 - 20 years] I would like to become FD of a charity, independent sector or public organization.

I just would like people's thoughts on how to achieve this goal...? Obviously it would take a number of steps over many years.

After 3 years at Deloitte LLP, the crash of 2008. I have spent 3 years working for an NHS Trust and will shortly be starting work for a University. During this time I have sat and passed all my CIMA exams.  Some of my accounting friends in Industry said I am killing any hope of achieving anything as I am now in the "lazy public sector."

 

 

Why you care?

Posted by Kean C on Friday 30 December 2011 21:59

Why you care what other people perceive or talk about you...if you have a plan to succeed your goal?

 We may lose the battle but importantly we will win the war. I will not care what other people think or say.

Why Care?

Posted by Anthony Ashworth on Monday 02 January 2012 00:46

He will care what people perceive because it may well be some of these same people who are recruiting for jobs in Industry - therefore if the perception is that a lot of public sector experience = lazy and not worth hiring, then it matters. 

I'm unsure what the friends mean exactly by "achieving nothing".  If they mean you will have problems breaking into Industry then they're probably right.  

If on the other hand you are certain the public sector is what you want, then you are probably on the right path already.  The 3 years at Deloitte will be good for the cv wherever you end up wanting to go.   

Some NHS experience and then moving to another public sector (Education) is good as you are getting broad early experience.  After 2-3 years at the University you may want to seriously start to consider which bit of the Public sector/Charity you prefer because in order to advance to more senior positions you will need to build up some time in the specific sector. 

For more specific advice I would suggest finding a good recruitment consultant who may be able to advice what skills/experience are key to each sector. 

Best of luck