Does a responsible finance officer have to be a chartered accountant

Question

Our Clerk/RFO has resigned and we are looking to replace both roles, however a member of staff has told us that due to recent changes all RFO's must be qualified chartered accountants, please can someone advise as we have been unable without a Clerk to verify this claim.

Answer 1

No, there is no legal requirement for a RFO to be a chartered accountant.
Some councils may ask for an accountancy qualification in their job specification when recruiting a RFO or Proper Officer/RFO.

Comments

Crumbs!  I can't imagine a qualified accountant working for the kind of money we pay our clerk/rfo!

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It seems to vary wildly doesn't it. I see town clerk roles advertised with salaries ranging from £35k to £70k.

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No the RFO does not need to be an accountant - its often the Clerk.
But - the Auditor who goes through the Parish Council accounts every year probably should be an accountant - or retired accountant!

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What do you pay your clerk? Looking at the average salary of a qualified accountant it strikes me there are many town clerks getting similar, or greater remuneration.