Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)

CIMA is the chartered professional institute for accountants and senior finance professionals in industry, commerce, not-for-profit and public sector organisations. 

CIMA's key activities are related to Business Strategy, Information Strategy and Finance Strategy, and as such, anyone carrying an ACMA or FCMA qualification has in addition to their professional qualification, a sound background of practical financial management gained in a commercial environment.  This is in contrast to some other accounting bodies, where the experience and training is focused more towards audit work.

CIMA's focus is to qualify students, support members and employers, and protect the public interest. It represents the voice of over 80,000 registered students and 62,000 members in 155 countries.

CIMA's focus on management functions makes it unique, and it is internationally recognised as offering the financial qualification for business.

CIMA is 'rapidly becoming the chartered qualification of choice' according to recent independent research*, and the Institute works with leading employers in the UK and around the world to train and qualify financial managers. It prides itself on the commercial relevance of its syllabus, which is continually enhanced to reflect the latest developments in business. In an age of growing globalisation and intensified competition, the Chartered Management Accountant is fully prepared to meet the need for timely and accurate financial information.

CIMA members work across all business sectors throughout the world, demonstrating the flexibility of the qualification.

*source: Robert Half survey 2003