CIMA works with some of the world’s leading employers and course providers to educate, qualify and support first-class financial managers.
With its emphasis on strategic business skills, a CIMA qualification widens your career options, in and outside of finance.
CIMA is the only accounting body that focuses primarily on business needs.
As a Chartered Management Accountant, you’ll be at the forefront of business planning, strategy and change across the sectors - industry, commerce, and the public sector and not-for-profit organisations.
A CIMA qualification will give you fantastic career prospects and high earning potential. It could be your passport to global employment opportunities. Go to CIMA and me to see where the qualification could take your career.
What is a management accountant?
Chartered management accountants evaluate and interpret financial information to make strategic decisions that shape an organisation.
Chartered management accountants are qualified to engage in a wide variety of activities:
-advising managers about the financial implications of project management
-explaining the financial consequences of management decisions and suggesting actions
-making strategic decisions and formulating business strategies to create wealth and shareholder value
-monitoring spending and financial control
-managing risk and business assurance
-cost determination and financial control
-evaluating existing financial information systems and suggesting improvements
-conducting internal business audits and preparing periodic financial statements for managers
-explaining the impact of the competitive landscape.
Qualification process
If you are new to accounting, you must complete the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting before moving to the next stages of the qualification.
The certificate will introduce you to management accounting and give the basics of accounting and business.
If you have already studied a relevant qualification - like a degree or a professional qualification in accounting or business - we may grant you exemptions from some (or all) of the five papers at the Certificate level. This will allow you direct entry to the Professional Qualification.
The CIMA Professional Qualification
This specialises in accounting for business and is recognised by employers around the world. There are three learning streams:
- management accounting
- business management
- financial management
You will need to have completed the CIMA Certificate in Business Account for direct entry to the CIMA Professional qualification, unless you have been awarded exemptions from the five papers at Certificate level.
You must complete all exams and at least three years’ relevant practical experience to qualify as a Chartered Management Accountant.
Some highly relevant degree programmes and other qualifications are eligible for exemptions from the Professional Qualification. Find out more about entry to the qualification and look up your qualification on our accreditation database.
The professional qualification
The CIMA Professional Qualification is highly regarded and recognised by business around the world. The syllabus is made up of three elements:
The Managerial level – six exams
The Strategic level – three exams
The Test of Professional Competence in Management Accounting (TOPCIMA) – one exam based on a case study.
All the exams are three hours long and have a pass mark of 50%.
It is essential that you read the subject syllabus before starting your studies.
CIMA Website
