Gary Bandy has been a chartered public finance accountant since 1990. His career until 2005 was mostly in local government finance but he spent 2 years as a public sector auditor in a Big 4 firm. This period included 3 years as the chief finance officer of a city government with annual spending of more than £600m.
Since becoming an independent public financial management consultant in 2005 he has advised organisations in the charity sector, education, policing, local government and the private sector. He has particular expertise in outsourcing and partnerships.
Gary has an MPA from Warwick Business School and has taught public financial management at several universities as well as delivering week-long courses in Juba, South Sudan and in Dubai for Ethiopian government officials. He has also spoken to audiences in South Africa and Sri Lanka.
Gary is an Visiting Fellow of the Open University where he has done some research and also wrote a MOOC (massive open online course) about managing public money.
Gary’s book, Financial Management and Accounting in the Public Sector, was first published by Routledge in July 2011 and the second edition was published in November 2014. One reviewer said that, "it is a wonderful and innovative addition to the literature on public management." The third edition was published in March 2023.
His second book, International Public Financial Management: Essentials of Public Sector Accounting, was published by Routledge/CIPFA at the tail-end of 2018. “Gary writes clearly, coherently and concisely—and the fact that he practises what he teaches (in several countries including South Sudan) gives this book real practical clout.”
If you want to get in touch with him please use the form on the contact page or click the LinkedIn icon to connect with him there.
Here are some of the great things people have said about Gary's work
My sincere thanks for your contribution to the programme to date – it's been invaluable.
Any task or piece of work was delivered on time and to a very high standard. Technical advice was explained simply and effectively.
Gary Bandy unlocks the secrets of budgeting and reveals the mysteries of financial management, in a plain, intelligible language which even non-financial managers can understand. The explanations of complex concepts and procedures are clear. It is a long overdue resource for public leaders and managers.
His experience working in the public sector as an accountant and auditor gives an insight into managing public money. He's creative! His Powerpoint presentation is fantastic!
Gary’s lectures were good in the way he delivered and used videos. It made it easier to digest and comprehend. His style was good. The hand-outs were very good, far better than just giving slide copies.
It was clear and not too scary for people who stay away from finance.