By Vivienne Russell | 23 June 2014

CIPFA has hailed the rapid growth in the number of its international students, with more than 1,000 people now studying for its international public finance management qualification.

The institute has been working to expand its global reach in response to worldwide demand for PFM training. Training partnerships have been struck with international bodies like the United Nations Development Programme and bilateral training agreements are in place in Bangladesh and Nigeria.

Adrian Pulham, CIPFA’s education and training director, said: ‘This growth in student numbers demonstrates that CIPFA offers a truly global qualification, relevant to the needs of government and the public services worldwide.

‘Our continued international growth is helping make sure that the next generation of public sector leaders and managers across the world have the skills and expertise necessary effectively to lead and manage their country’s public finances.’

Other international initiatives taken forward this year include a new accredited training partner scheme, which licenses experienced training bodies to deliver CIPFA’s PFM courses. The first of these was launched in Dhaka in April, with backing from the Office of the Auditor and Comptroller General of Bangladesh.