The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants was founded in 1919 and is the world's leading and largest professional body of Management Accountants with 183,000 members and students operating in 168 countries. CIMA members and students work in industry, commerce and not-for-profit organisations. CIMA works closely with employers and sponsors leading-edge research, constantly updating its qualification, professional experience requirements and continuing professional development to ensure it remains the employers' choice when recruiting financially-trained business leaders.
CIMA is committed to upholding the highest ethical and professional standards of members and students, and to maintaining public confidence in management accountancy. CIMA is proud to be the first professional accounting body to offer a truly global product in the fast-moving area of Islamic Finance.
According to independent research conducted by the University of Bath School of Management, CIMA's syllabus and examination structure are the most relevant to the needs of business of all the accountancy bodies assessed. See the CIMA Difference report for further information at .
For more information about CIMA, please visit .
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Ask any finance professional why they chose a career in management accountancy and it's likely they will tell you that it's because they want to make an impact on the business world. Choosing a career as a management accountant is a great way to get to the heart of business. Financial literacy is increasingly becoming one of the key skills required to reach the top of the business ladder and chartered management accountants are well equipped to forge a rewarding and successful career.
Unlike other types of accountants, finance professionals who have qualified with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) are uniquely trained to use their financial skills to add value to an organisation and help drive it towards greater success.
Many people are attracted to management accountancy because it is forward-looking. Rather than just studying how an organisation has performed in the past, chartered management accountants are geared towards analysing performance, assessing business possibilities, grasping opportunities and shaping the future.
The CIMA syllabus is designed to deliver a strong understanding of all aspects of business and it is the best route for those looking to develop a business career via an accountancy qualification.
Once qualified, all CIMA members must take part in our scheme for continuing professional development. This ensures that they keep up-to-date with the latest technical and commercial developments in their field. CIMA members must also comply with the Institute's code of ethics. With all these factors combined, it is no surprise that CIMA members are the first choice for a growing number of employers around the world.
One of the aspects of the CIMA professional qualification that makes it so attractive is its flexibility. The syllabus is designed to fit an individual's lifestyle. If you are working, you can study for the qualification in your spare time, either independently or with a training provider. If you are fortunate, you may be able to persuade your employer to help you cover the costs of your studies. Or you may find an employer who provides a full graduate training programme which includes the CIMA qualification. Whichever method you choose, you can adapt your studies to suit any changes in your personal circumstances.
Another very attractive element of the qualification is its global reach. Once qualified, chartered management accountants can take their knowledge and skills anywhere in the world and utilise them in many different types of organisation. In short, the CIMA professional qualification is a passport to a global career.
Another attraction of management
accountancy is career flexibility. The skills
acquired by CIMA members are not limited
to the finance function. Career opportunities
can be found in a variety of 'business partner'
roles including, project manager, business
analyst, forensic accountant, director of change,
director of operations, director of business
planning, group treasurer, chief executive
officer and company chairman. It also
provides an excellent financial foundation for
anyone wanting to start up their own business
ventures.
To excel in any financial management role, you will need to have certain talents. Excellent communication skills are essential. A management accountant's function is not only to interpret complex business data but to discuss it clearly with finance and nonfinance professionals alike.
You will also need to be comfortable dealing with uncertain, qualitative or future-orientated information. Unlike financial accountants who generally follow the methodology laid down by accounting standards or Generally Accepted Accounting Practices (GAAP), management accountants choose the solutions to their technical problems from a range of academic or commercial approaches. To sum it up, management accounting offers an attractive career for problem-solvers who enjoy combining a certain amount of imagination with strong analytical skills.
In today's marketplace, qualified finance professionals are more in demand than ever. This should be an encouragement to anyone who is considering the next step in their career development.
The CIMA professional qualification comprises four levels - operational, management, strategic and professional competence. Students who successfully complete the operational level will be awarded the CIMA Diploma in Management Accounting. Upon completion of the management level, they will be awarded the CIMA Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting. After completing the strategic level, students will sit for the Test of Professional Competence in Management Accounting. This exam paper brings together practical experience and education and qualifies you to be a chartered management accountant.
CIMA has a flexible entry policy. If you have a relevant degree, you may get some exemptions and progress more quickly through the qualification. However, if you are new to accounting or business, you will first need to work towards gaining the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting before moving on to the CIMA Professional Qualification. The entry requirements to the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting are a minimum of five credits at SPM/O-level (including English and Mathematics).
Students can register online at or call CIMA Malaysia at 03-77 230 230 (Marini, Norzaitolcima, Ho Li Li and Rickkee Sim) for more information.
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