Inverclyde accountant is number 1
An Inverclyde Council accountant has been chosen for a top Scottish award.
For the Chartered Institute for Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) has announced that Inverclyde Council’s principal accountant, Bert Allison, has scooped one of the top awards after being chosen as Public Finance Professional of the year.
Achieving the award, Bert said: “I’m delighted for our Council. It allows me to replay a little bit of the kindness I’ve been shown here. For me, Inverclyde is a ‘goldilocks’ council, just right, and I’m not at all surprised that my colleagues are happy to work here. I would also like to thank Alan Puckrin, Chief Financial Officer, who nominated me for the award which allowed me to receive this very public compliment. This means a lot to me as much as the award itself.”
Inverclyde Council’s Chief Executive, John Mundell, said: “Bert is a thorough professional and he deserves this recognition. It is fair to say that my colleagues working in accountancy and finance aren’t ones to push themselves into the limelight which makes Bert’s award all the more satisfying that his colleagues across Scotland have recognised the work he does. Bert and his colleagues work hard every day of the year looking after public money. I am delighted that CIPFA have chosen Bert as the public finance professional of the year in Scotland.”
CIPFA, the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, is the professional body for people in public finance. It has 14,000 members work throughout the public services, in national audit agencies, in major accountancy firms, and in other bodies where public money needs to be effectively and efficiently managed.
It is the world’s only professional accountancy body to specialise in public services.
In their award announcement, CIPFA, said: “Bert’s drive and enthusiasm to improve financial reporting and technical understanding amongst local government over a long career was considered to be unparalleled in Scottish local government.
“His legacy is the West of Scotland Finance Officers Forum which comprises senior accountancy staff from around 15 councils and meets formally on a quarterly basis. The group shares good practice around Scotland on emerging technical issues and works closely with CIPFA.
“Bert is recognised as always being available to dispense his knowledge to others and has been a valued supporter of CIPFA’s technical work in Scotland.”