Bury’s finance chief leads the country

One of Bury Council’s most senior officers has been appointed leader of the world's top public sector finance professionals.

Mike Owen has just been installed as the new president of CIPFA, the Chartered Institute for Public Finance and Accountancy.

Currently executive director of resources and regulation, Mike has been with Bury Council since 1986, starting as deputy group accountant. He also served as chief financial services officer on coming back from a one-year stint at Oldham Council in 1999 where he was deputy treasurer.

He previously worked with the NHS in the North West Regional Authority in 1979 as a finance trainee, before joining Trafford Council in 1984.

Originally from Sale, Mike (aged 52) said: “CIPFA plays a major role in leading the debate on public finances, working with politicians and those in the public sector. It’s a great honour to be its president, and I’ll be doing my bit to let the world know what we’re doing in Bury.”

Mike says that devolution of more financial powers will be one of the main areas of political discussion in the year ahead, along with continuing high cuts in public spending.

Councillor Mike Connolly, leader of Bury Council, said: “It’s a thoroughly deserved appointment, and reflects very well on Bury and this council.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 15 July 2014.

Picture attached: Mike Owen.