CGMA qualification builds confidence and career momentum

Kal Ali, FCMA, CGMA, wanted to harness his passion for business and make a difference within organisations. He sought a qualification because of the skill sets it would teach and opted for the Chartered Global Management Accounting (CGMA®) qualification from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants® (CIMA®).

Kal’s choice aligns with a growing demand for management accountants who can translate financial insights into strategic action. Management accountants provide valuable insights on forecasting, cost analysis, target setting, and more — helping leaders make stronger decisions.

Pairing your accounting skills with business acumen — and earning a qualification — does more than strengthen your contribution to organisational performance; it opens the door to dynamic careers in finance whilst elevating your competitive advantage and confidence.

The qualification was really life-changing for me … University, for example, never really felt within reach for me, said Kal, commercial manager at Ramboll UK&I, in a video interview. CIMA opened doors that I never really thought I’d get to walk through.

How management accountants amplify business strategy

Finance careers are diverse — roles go beyond bookkeeper, tax adviser, or analyst. What sets management accountants apart is the focus on business that enables them to shape strategy, influence behaviour, and ensure resources flow to the right department.

Business acumen combined with digital fluency and leadership skills help professionals stay effective and relevant.

The CGMA qualification is built around the idea that management accountants are strategic partners — enabling them to look beyond spreadsheets and connect to a bigger picture.

Kal opted for the apprenticeship pathway, one of three pathways to earning the CGMA qualification. It’s a route for England residents to gain both relevant work experience and a salary whilst studying.

“I had the opportunity to study [for the CGMA qualification] through an apprenticeship, which really removed some barriers for me for studying. Things like price and time,” said Kal.

Through the deepened understanding of business, Kal knows he’s “really supporting the business to flourish” through his work with bid support and business partnering.

Professional development that strengthens confidence and credibility

Whilst the work of management accountants is deeply strategic and technical, the confidence to influence and lead doesn’t always come automatically.

Even if you’re qualified for your role, you may still feel self-doubt in certain situations. Across professions, industries, and sectors, low confidence is common among professionals — with 70% citing self-doubt, according to a study from the International Journal of Behavioral Science. But confidence is not a static trait; it’s a skill you can develop.

Strengthening your confidence changes how you participate, influence, and lead in your workplace. When you invest in your own professional development, like earning the CGMA qualification, you’re solidifying your skill sets and increasing your credibility. A qualification is a signal to your managers, and yourself, that you’re capable and prepared.

Kal felt a positive transformation in his confidence after completing his qualification, and that set him up to advocate for apprenticeships in front of CIMA leaders.

“I was invited to a meeting, and I sat there talking about my experience with apprenticeships. I felt really heard and … it showed me how important the apprenticeship scheme was to the leadership team at CIMA.”

With growing confidence and advanced skills, you can progress into a career that offers greater challenges and momentum.

Confidence + capability = career momentum

You can channel your career potential and passion into real impact. The CGMA qualification doesn’t just advance technical accountants — it develops strategic thinkers, confident contributors, and adaptable professionals who can shape both their organisations and their own futures.

“CIMA is really a foundation for lifelong learning,” said Kal. “You’ll get so many skills out of it, and you’ll gain so much knowledge. What you do with [the qualification] and what direction you take — it is really up to you.”

Ready to launch into a career that intersects technical knowledge with business strategy? The MyFuture career platform connects you to first-person stories, insights into accounting roles, guidance on building in-demand skills, and so much more.

Where confidence meets career momentum

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How management accountants amplify business strategy

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Confidence + capability = career momentum

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