Fawcett joins CIPFA this week from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, where she was head of public sector policy. She will lead a team to develop CIPFA’s policy and support for finance professionals across the world.

Speaking on her appointment, Fawcett said CIPFA was uniquely placed to help governments develop stronger financial management practices.

“That’s why I am determined to build on CIPFA’s influence in the global government sector to ensure that we provide the very best guidance and support for public finance professionals in the UK and abroad to help them deliver excellent public financial management and governance,” she added.

Chief executive Rob Whiteman said that Fawcett would have a pivotal role.

“Gillian’s extensive experience and expertise across accountancy, public sector policy, audit and governance will be invaluable as we work to maximise CIPFA’s reach and effectiveness with governments around the world.”

Fawcett’s experience includes work with the Office for Public Management and the Audit Commission, and from 2009 to 2015 she was a member of the Federation of European Accountants and the Confederation of Asian and Pacific Accountants public sector committees.

She has also advised the House of Commons’ communities and local government select committee on audit policy.