The global body for professional accountants

Sectors, industries and roles

What is a public practice accountant?

Help businesses, governments and individuals with a wide range of financial and business issues.

What is public practice?

Going into public practice means joining an accountancy or professional services firm that provides services to a broad range of businesses, governments and individuals - and other organisations such as charities and public sector bodies.

The opportunities in public practice are extensive. You could be preparing their accounts, handling tax issues, undertaking audits, or providing specialist advice and support on financial and business matters.

Accountancy and professional services firms can range in size from the ‘Big Four’ to mid-sized practices such as BDO and Grant Thornton. They also include many small high street practices and self-employed consultants.

Roles in this sector

Read about some of the roles you could undertake

  • External auditor
  • Forensic accountant
  • Compliance/governance officer
  • Financial accountant
  • Partner
  • Business adviser
  • Tax accountant 
  • Insolvency practitioner
  • Payroll

By All Accounts...

‘Is accountancy boring?’

Join us for our brand new podcast series to explore this and other topics.

By All Accounts logo

All accounts receivable roles contribute to strong customer relationships, but also ensure that money is coming into the business in a timely mannery.

Ready to begin your career journey?

Person looking skywards in urban setting

Direct to your inbox

Stay up to date with our industry newsletter