One of the public sector's top finance experts, Steve Freer, has announced he will step down from his post in the next 12 months.

Mr Freer has held the post of chief executive of the Chartered institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) since 2000.

Prior to joining CIPFA Mr Freer was county treasurer at Warwickshire CC. He qualified with CIPFA in 1976, and also held posts with Coopers and Lybrand, Nottingham CC and Birmingham City Council.

CIPFA president Sir Tony Redmond paid tribute to the chief executive.