Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)

The 2019 Professional Qualification continues to bridge the skills gap of newly qualified finance professionals worldwide, meeting the employability needs of both business and people.

In an increasingly digital world, it is imperative that finance professionals not only possess sound technical accounting and finance skills, but can also understand how digitalization and rapid changes in technology are creating challenges, and opportunities, for organisations.

The updated syllabus includes how the digital world affects finance; this can be seen through the introduction of digital costing and digital strategy. Topics such as cybersecurity and business models have also been incorporated. Existing areas, such as integrated reporting, have been expanded to reflect their growing prominence.

Syllabus

• The syllabus is split into three pillars and three levels and comprises 12 exams: nine Objective Tests, and three Case Study exams.
• Objective Tests are 90 minutes long, computer-based and available on-demand at over 5,000 Pearson VUE assessment centres worldwide.
• Case Study exams are 3 hours long and available in four windows throughout the year, also computer-based and available at over 5,000 Pearson VUE assessment centres worldwide.

• The first level of the Professional Qualification consists of three computer-based Objective Tests and one Case Study exam. The Operational level focuses on the short term and the implementation of decisions. Candidates will be able to work with others in the organisation and use appropriate data and technology to translate medium-term decisions into short term actionable plans. After successfully completing this level, students will receive the CIMA Diploma in Management Accounting (CIMA Dip MA).
• The second level of the Professional Qualification consists of three computer-based Objective Tests and one Case Study. The Management level focuses on translating long term decisions into medium-term plans. Candidates will be able to use data and relevant technology to manage organisational and individual performance, allocate resources to implement decisions; monitor and report the implementation of decisions; as well as prepare and interpret financial statements to show performance. On completion, you receive the CIMA Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting (CIMA Adv Dip MA).
• The third level of the Professional Qualification consists of three computer-based Objective Tests and one Case Study exam. The Strategic level focuses on long term strategic decision making. Candidates will be able to support organisational leaders to craft strategy; evaluate and manage risks that might prevent organisations from successfully implementing strategy; value organisations; and source financial resources required to implement the strategy.