H.M. TREASURY

The Government Accountancy Service (GAS) was established in 1982 when all professional accountants in government were brought together into a single functional specialism. The GAS is currently made up of about 1750 trained accountants and 800 trainees together with around 1600 accounting technicians holding various levels of NVQ and 400 ACCA Diploma holders (including qualified members and trainees). GAS members are employed by central Government Departments and related agencies. There is no central government management function within the Government Accountancy Service, so all recruitment and career development issues concerning accountants and technicians are dealt with by individual departments and agencies rather than a specialist management unit for accountants.

The objectives of the GAS

To help departments to improve financial management in Government by the best use of professional accountants, and in doing so to move to common standards in the application of good accountancy practice.

To provide departments and members with information on best practice for accountancy and the use of accountants in government and to help match accountants and accountancy posts.

To provide members with information on employment opportunities and developments in accountancy practice.

Definitions and coverage

Financial management

Financial management covers the financial aspects of stewardship and of improving efficiency and effectiveness in government.

Accountancy

Accountancy is a sub-set of financial management which includes planning and budgeting, financial aspects of policy, financial analysis, financial control, internal financial management, performance measurement, financial reporting and audit and forensic work. (Accountancy is not the same as accountability, which is the main focus of 'Government Accounting'.)

Departments

Departments, including their agencies

Members

Qualified members and trainees of the 6 professional bodies covering the UK and Ireland which make up the Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies or members and trainees of the Association of Accounting Technicians.

If you have any comments, suggestions etc on any of the GAS information here - please e-mail Kevin Ross, Communications Manager, DART, email to rossk@hm-treasury.gov.uk.

Tel: 020 7270 1747 (GTN 270 1747)
Fax: 020 7270 1744 (GTN 270 1744)

Roberta Woodcock, Financial Training Co-ordinator, DART, email to roberta.woodcock@hm-treasury.gov.uk

Tel: 020 7270 1746