Name: Claire Gravil
Job title: Management Accountant
Employer: Doncaster & Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
University: Bangor University
Degree: BSc (Hons) Chemistry

Claire always knew that she wanted to work in the public services: “I wanted a career where each day was different and a challenge. I thought it would be interesting to work within the public services because I wanted to feel that the job I was doing actually made a difference to people. I’m glad to say it does.”

Claire started studying for the Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy qualification when she joined the NHS Financial Graduate Scheme as a trainee in 2000. ‘My employer had already chosen CIPFA as the qualification route I would take. But looking back, I can appreciate the relevance of the qualification and training to the public services.”

As a recently qualified CIPFA member, Claire now works as a management accountant and is directly responsible for budgetary control and the financial management of several clinical areas of her NHS Trust. She works closely with medical and nursing staff to deliver a quality service to patients and it’s her responsibility to ensure resources are effectively used.

Looking back at her studies, Claire says: “I really value the immense amount of practical help and support CIPFA offered me while I studied. The colleges offer excellent training and expert tuition from tutors with practical public sector experience. Other really welcome support includes access to examiners on the website, the online student discussion forum, telephone helpline and the regional student events.”

While Claire is a newly qualified accountant, she has her eye on the top of the profession: “I’d like to stay working in the NHS moving up to financial manager and having a team around me.”

For further information including video case studies of CIPFA members – students and qualifieds visit; http://www.cipfa.org.uk/students/prospective/casestudies.cfm