Ian Perkin, financial director at St George's Health Care NHS Trust, believes the public sector accountancy body is faced with 'terminal decline' if it continues to promote its qualifications as 'portable' to the private sector.

His move to stand for the CIPFA council, and against Gren Folwell, deputy chief executive of Halifax Building Society and current incumbent of the position, is intended to highlight his call for the body to do something about the flight of students from CIPFA to other bodies such as CIMA. Perkin has even launched a website to promote his view.

He said: 'It is disingenuous for CIPFA to suggest that a CIPFA qualification suits the private sector.'

Perkin claims CIPFA should stop promoting its qualifications as 'portable' and begin marketing by 'extolling' the virtues of working in the public sector.

A spokesman for CIPFA said it would be 'inappropriate' to comment on individual candidates but confirmed the election for treasurer would be a two-horse race between Perkin and Folwell.

This is not the first time Perkin has taken this stand. He was elected to council in 1998 and served on the education and training committee before losing his place the following year. He has, however, remained vocal and criticised CIPFA fervently.

Ballot papers went out on December 10 and polls will close on January.

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