1. Take advantage of career placements — no matter the company.
Whilst many CGMA journeys are choreographed and planned out, Craig discovered his calling at a prominent food and beverage company by accident.
‘My fourth-year graduate experience in global procurement and global real estate finance really kick-started my financial career. I learnt about the different accountancy qualifications available to me.
‘In global procurement I realised it just wasn’t for me. But they offered me a nine-month placement within finance.’
Whilst the placement failed to make an indelible impression, Craig soon found himself on a new career trajectory.
‘During my grad position, I remember one particular employee [who] previously had made the jump from global procurement into finance, and then he went on to study CIMA. I decided that I wanted to do exactly what he had done because I was able to witness firsthand the experience that he was having in a global procurement finance team.
‘I knew immediately this was for me. Realising this, I applied for a job at the same company and got it.’
2. Use CIMA’s learning tools and qualifications.
Craig’s goal was — as for many in the fast-paced world of finance — to rise up the corporate ladder. However, his journey was by no means plain sailing.
‘It took me two and a half years to gain my qualification and become a full CGMA designation holder.’
Like that of his inspirational colleagues, Craig’s hard work eventually paid off, and it wasn’t long before he realised what the world-renowned designation could offer.
‘I like to think of CIMA as the plane ticket for your career,’ Craig said, before reminiscing about passing one of finance’s most esteemed and challenging courses.
‘It’s the mark of high achievers. The prestige and recognition of CIMA is huge. And you get access to an influential community. It’s superb for networking and growing your contacts.’
Years on, Craig is still applying his CIMA knowledge at one of the US’s biggest corporations.
‘One of the key benefits to me of studying CIMA is that I can take a look at the bigger picture.
‘[I take] a more holistic approach [to business situations], and ensure I put a plan in place that will enable me to reach the goal of a particular task or project.’
3. Reap the benefits of investing in your career.
Craig is responsible for managing the commercial spending. He ensures that the financial close is finalised accurately and on time. He’s also responsible for checking that any price changes are up to date across the entire business.
Most importantly, Craig enjoys what he does.
‘Working in the finance department at such a globally recognised brand is great.
‘The fast-paced nature of the food and beverage industry gives me a real buzz and keeps me motivated. On a daily basis, I’m challenged to work hard, take on new responsibilities and achieve. I’m constantly learning and building new skills.
‘It just made sense that CIMA was the qualification for me to choose to study in order for me to enable that career.’
As a CGMA designation holder, Craig sees an endless road of opportunities.
‘By holding the CGMA designation, I provide myself with frequent opportunities.
‘The CIMA qualification has given me a set of techniques and skills and knowledge on the finance industry that I can take and apply to each role or project that I take on.’
