CIMA
Chartered Institute Management Accountant
Overview
CIMA is the largest and most prominent global professional body for management accountants. Its distinctive combination of management accounting, financial accounting, and business-oriented subjects equips individuals with the skills and expertise to become competent and confident Chartered Global Management Accountants (CGMAs), capable of driving sustainable success within their organizations.
What you’ll learn
Throughout your studies, you’ll build the acumen to lead businesses. You’ll understand how things work and combine that with leadership skills to create a vital role. You’ll know how to adapt and innovate to drive success, and have the tools to build forecasts that drive decisions to pursue business success.
- CIMA Strategic Level/CGMA Qualification NQF L8
- CIMA Management Level NQF L7
- CIMA Operational Level NQF L6
- CIMA Certificate In Business Accounting NQF L5
To practice as a management accountant, obtaining a relevant professional qualification is essential. Among the various providers, CIMA stands out as the global leader in management accountancy training. The CIMA Qualification is both current and innovative, culminating in the prestigious Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation.
This is the ONLY globally recognized designation for management accountants, affirming its significance and credibility in the field.
The first step is to register as a CIMA student, which costs GBP90. No pounds, no problem, we can assist you pay the fees in ZAR.
Exemptions Enquiry Grid
| PQ/ Traditional Route | FLP Route | |
| Matric / O level | Certificate Level | Foundation Level |
| Bachelor’s Degree NON-Accounting | Operational Level | Operational Level |
| Bachelor’s Degree Accounting | Operational Level | Managerial Level |
| Honors Financial Management | Managerial Level | Managerial Level |
| MBA / SAIPA | Managerial Level | Managerial Level |
| SAICA | Strategic Level | Strategic Level |
If you would like to check which exemptions you would most likely qualify for before registering as a student, you can email a copy of your academic transcripts to Exemptions Africa Exemptions.Africa@aicpa-cima.com
info@graduatesa.co.za and we will advise you accordingly.
Note – Above is a general guide, exemptions vary and are awarded at CIMA discretion.
Choose your Level
CIMA Examinations - Self Tailored Route
Objective Tests
Each paper will be assessed by an Objective Test. This is a computer-based exam which will be available on-demand. Students will be able to attempt these in any order and write whenever they are ready. Once you have attempted an OT the results will be available immediately.
More information about the OT
- On PC
- 90 minutes long
- Marked by computer
- Short questions, including multiple-choice, multiple response, data entry, fill-in- gaps, etc.
- On demand – can be sat at any time with immediate results
- Students must complete 3 OTs at each level before they can attempt the ICS
- Pass score is 100
Integrated Case Study – ICS
The Integrated Case Study combines the knowledge from each of the subjects within each respective level. Students can only attempt the ICS once they have successfully completed each OT from within the level. After completing the three OTs and ICS for a level, students can progress to the next level.
More information about the ICS:
- On PC
- Three hours long
- Marked by an examiner
- Long questions – like the previous written exams
- Integrated case study covers all subjects within the level
- Exams available quarterly (Feb, May, Aug and Nov)
- Pass mark is 80
CIMA Case Study Examination
Technical Skills:
Apply accounting & financial skills
Financial accounting and reporting; cost accounting and management; business planning; management reporting and analysis; corporate finance and treasury management.
People Skills:
Influence; negotiation and decision-making, communication; and collaboration and partnering.
Business Skills:
Strategy; business models; market and regulatory environment; process management; business relations; business ecosystems management; project management; and macroeconomic analysis.
Leadership Skills:
Team building; coaching and mentoring; driving performance; change management; and ability to motivate and inspire.
CGMA Designation
Upon successful completion of all the exams, students must have a minimum of 3 years of relevant, work-based, practical management accounting experience. The CGMA Designation. Chartered Global Management Accountant™ (CGMA®) is the global designation for management accountants. It’s powered by the resources and expertise of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and CIMA, two of the world’s leading accounting organizations.
CIMA Lecture Sample
High-Quality Study Material
CIMA levels
Certificate in Business Accounting
Your starting point if you’re new to accountancy. You’ll learn the fundamentals of business economics, financial accounting, management accounting, and the legal, ethical and governance considerations of commercial activity. Certificate in Business in accounting is a qualification in its own right, and also forms a formal entry route to the CGMA Professional Qualification. Most students take around 12 months to
CGMA Professional Operational Level
Teaches you about how finance interacts with the rest of the organisation, costing and analysis used in production, and financial reporting and taxation. You’ll take
CGMA Professional Management Level
Equips you with the skills to perform advanced management accounting and advanced financial reporting tasks. You’ll also learn about business ecosystems, managing people and projects. You’ll take around 12 months to complete the level.
CGMA Professional Strategic Level
Develops your leadership and strategic management abilities, as well as your risk management and financial strategy skills. You’ll take around 12 months to complete the level.
Benefits of studying CIMA
Globally recognized qualification
Develops strategic decision-making and leadership skills
Increases career opportunities in finance and management roles
Offers competitive earning potential with high-demand expertise
Need help with your CIMA Course?
Our course advisors are here to assist you in selecting the perfect course to match your goals and support your career path.