We’re coming to the final quarter of 2019 and the end of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) centenary year. Since our inception in 1919 a lot has happened in the world of business and no less in the last decade – we’ve had a global financial crisis and the UK may potentially leave the EU without a deal.
So it goes without saying, disruption is now the norm and these are uncertain times for all of us, no matter if you’re a student at the start of your career journey or, you’re part way through it.
At CIMA, we have always recognised the need for change and evolution to ensure our members and students have all they need to thrive and build a successful career. Over the years we’ve led the way to unlock the world of business for students and members and ensure employers are supplied with a pipeline of skilled professionals.
This year has been significant, backed by the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (the Association), we have updated the CIMA syllabus to help prepare future and current generations of finance professionals and give them the tools to thrive in the digitalised world.
The syllabus now includes trending and future-focused topics such as digital strategy, blockchain and artificial intelligence – all areas finance professionals will need to understand to navigate a business world in constant flux.
The changes to our syllabus come just seven years after CIMA and AICPA first joined forces to create the Chartered Global Management Accountant designation in 2012, there are now more Time to broaden those horizons than 150,000 designation holders across the world and it has become recognised as the global passport that extends the reach of our qualification and leads to a diverse career.
And this year, through an independent valuation by UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre) – the National Agency responsible for providing information, advice and opinion on academic, vocational and professional qualifications from all over the world – the CIMA qualification has been recognised as equivalent to a Master’s Degree for holders in UK, France and South Africa.
This recognition marks a great step for CGMAs and shows the level of learning finance CIMA qualified finance professionals have.
To date, CGMAs can be found working in 179 countries and across all sectors including some exciting and cutting edge industries such as sustainability, motor racing, broadcast and the arts.
We have also taken steps to make sure finance professionals from many different backgrounds and countries, continue to have access to the world of business and develop into business leaders of the future by studying for the CIMA Professional Qualification.
No exemption fees
As of August 2019, CIMA no longer charges new students studying with us exam exemption fees. This is a first for a professional body in the UK accounting sector and we hope the changes will encourage more students to start their studies and further support their career development.
Building on our 100-year heritage and the global reach provided by the Association, we are setting a new standard for the accounting profession, and will continue to make sure the CIMA professional qualification meets the needs of our students, members and employers.
To learn more about a variety of roles held by CGMAs around the world visit https://tinyurl.com/y5twjwoo
Next month, we will be sharing strategies and tips to help you prepare for the new CIMA exams on the 2019 Syllabus.
• Paul Turner, Regional Vice President, UK & Ireland, Association of International Certified Professional Accountants