The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) is a worldwide professional body for management accountants. Its qualifications are internationally recognized and widely respected.
Once you have successfully completed the Professional Qualification and obtained three years of relevant practical experience, you are allowed to apply for CIMA membership, and you can then use the letters ACMA after your name. This indicates that you’re a recognised Associate Chartered Management Accountant.
CIMA courses are open to all, regardless of previous education, as long as you are competent in English and Mathematics. CIMA has certain exemption policies that you might qualify for depending on your previous experience and qualifications.
Refer to this link to see which exemptions are available if you are already a chartered accountant – CA(SA). As a CA(SA) you will enter the CIMA program at the strategic level and as you also need 3 year’s work experience to become a CIMA member, having completed your articles as part of your CA qualification would then cover that requirement as well.
CIMA courses can be completed from anywhere in the world – there are accredited assessment centres across the country.
To get an idea of salary expectations as a qualified ACMA, refer to the below 2011 Salary Survey for South Africa as published by CIMA:
For further information on CIMA and the benefits of becoming a management accountant, refer to the useful links below:
