How to get started with CIMA
The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA for short) is the world’s largest professional body of management accountants. And CIMA is ideal if you’re looking to develop your accountancy skills to lead finance departments or provide management accounting consultancy.
CIMA is split into Certificate, a standalone qualification for those just starting out, and Professional, which is split into three levels: Operational, Management, and Strategic.
What to expect on your CIMA journey
Anyone can start studying CIMA, regardless of background, experience or qualifications. As you progress from level to level, you’ll notice that each course has different entry requirements, so it’s worth checking the eligibility criteria before signing up to a course.
Whilst you’re studying, you must register to become a CIMA member, and once qualified, you’ll benefit from a designation that is globally recognised. You’ll also have access to information to keep you up to date with the latest developments and news affecting the management accounting profession. Throughout the qualification, you’ll learn everything you need to know about becoming a management accountant.
CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting
This is the entry level to CIMA and will give you the fundamental knowledge of business and accounting.
Entry requirements:
No formal requirements, but good maths and English skills equivalent to GCSE grade C/4 or above.
Modules:
Fundamentals of Business Economics (BA1)
Fundamentals of Management Accounting (BA2)
Fundamentals of Financial Accounting (BA3)
Fundamentals of Ethics, Corporate Governance and Business Law (BA4)
Potential job roles after completing this level:
Sales Ledger Clerk
Accounts Assistant
Length of study:
Around 9-12 months to complete and pass exams.
CIMA Professional Operational Level
This is the beginning of the CIMA professional qualification. It focuses on the short term and implementation of decisions. You’ll learn how to work with different areas of the business and use data and technology to translate medium term decisions into short term plans.
Entry requirements:
You’ll need to have completed CIMA Certificate, AAT Professional (Level 4), or have an accountancy or finance degree.
Modules:
Managing Finance in a Digital World (E1)
Management Accounting (P1)
Financial Reporting (F1)
Integrated Case Study
Potential job roles after completing this level:
Junior Financial Analyst
Financial Analyst
Accounts Assistant
Length of study:
Around 12 months to complete and pass exams.
CIMA Professional Management Level
This is the second of three professional CIMA levels, where you’ll build on previous knowledge and focus on translating long term decisions into medium term plans. You’ll learn how to use data and relevant technology to manage organisational performance, how to allocate resources, monitor and report decisions, as well as preparing and interpreting financial statements.
Entry requirements:
You’ll need to have completed CIMA Operational Level to start Management.
Modules:
Managing Performance (E2)
Advanced Management Accounting (P2)
Advanced Financial Reporting (F2)
Integrated Case Study
Potential job roles after completing this level:
Fund Accountant
Financial Accountant
Management Accountant
Length of study:
Around 12-14 months to complete and pass exams.
CIMA Professional Management Level
This is the final level of the CIMA Professional qualification. It focuses on long term decision making, and you’ll learn how to craft strategy, evaluate and manage risks, and how to source financial resources to support strategic implementation.
Entry requirements:
You’ll need to have completed CIMA Operational and Management.
Modules:
Strategic Management (E3)
Risk Management (P3)
Financial Strategy (F3)
Case Study
Potential job roles after completing this level:
Financial Controller
Financial Manager
Finance Director
Management Accountant
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Length of study:
Around 12-14 months to complete and pass exams.
Interested in CIMA?
If CIMA seems like something you’d be interested in, and you’d like more information, check out our CIMA pages for details.