CIMA - Make an impact

What is a management accountant?

Historically, the finance professional was all about numbers. Now, it’s so much more. Finance professionals drive impact, deliver solutions and create value – in a world where businesses are being redefined by new technology, data and digital platforms. It’s these people who define what success looks like for businesses across industries worldwide. Big or small, public or private – you will find a CIMA qualified management accountant at the centre of it all.

Where does CIMA fit in?

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants® (CIMA) is the world’s leading body of management accountants and finance professionals, delivering the most relevant qualification for a career in business. When you join CIMA, you invest in your career development and learning – and we become your life-long partner through it all. Once you qualify with CIMA you’ll also become a member of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, powered by CIMA and our partner, the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA).

What is the CIMA advantage?

CIMA has always been the qualification designed by business, for business; it combines financial accounting and management accounting with relevant business expertise. Now with a strong focus on digitalisation and technological skills blended throughout the qualification, you will see how mastering these will allow you to interact with all business functions, adding value and improving decision making to drive businesses forward.

Feature
Behind every World Cup
there's a great
management accountant

Entry routes into CIMA

Whether you're new to business and accounting or an experienced professional, we have you covered.

For more information about your entry route and where you'll begin studying please see the links below.

School leavers

You don't need a degree to start a successful career after school or college. By training with CIMA you can bypass university and head straight for the world of business.

You'll start with our entry-level qualification, the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting (Cert BA). this will help you build your business and financial knowledge. it's a recognised qualification in its own right and a great introduction to the world of business, whether you're looking to secure a top job or run your own business. once you've qualified, you can use the letters CIMA Cert BA after your name.

Undergraduates and graduates

Are you a university student or recent graduate looking to start your career in business or finance? Graduates in any degree discipline can study CIMA and get a head start in the job market.

In an industry first, we've removed exemption fees for new students. This means that if you have a relevant qualification, you will pay nothing to have your prior learning recognised.

MBA and Masters in Accounting holders

If you hold an MBA or Master's in Accounting, you can take the accelerated Master's Gateway route to the CGMA Professional Qualification. You'll just need to pass the Management Case Study exam, which is a three-hour computer-based case study exam available four times a year.

Once you've passed the Management Case Study exam, you'll be exempt from 11 exams, and can progress straight to the strategic level of the CGMA Professional Qualification, the final step towards CGMA status.

Students or members of other professional bodies

Whether you're still studying or you've progressed to membership at a recognised IFAC body, it's important to think about what you want to achieve next. As a member of another professional body, you may be eligible for a fast track route into the CIMA qualification.

Working professionals

Anyone can study with CIMA, whether you already work in business and finance, want to change career or even hope to run your own business. Whether you already work in business and want a professional qualification to help you get further, or you have no business or finance background and want to make a change, becoming a CGMA designation holder could be the best career decision you ever make.