Meet Fatima: ‘There’s so much more to being an accountant’

You may be considering management accounting as a potential career but want more insights to make informed decisions. You have questions — What’s enjoyable about the profession? Do accountants focus on technical skills or is there more?

Fatima Baig, FCMA, CGMA, Head of Strategy & Development, Group Finance, at Network Rail, shared her career experience at the ENGAGE 2024 UK & Ireland conference.

‘There’s so much more to being an accountant. I really enjoy not just the technical stuff but being able to challenge and ask the right questions of business partners’, Baig said.

After graduating with distinctions from undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in economics and international finance, Baig earned the Chartered Global Management Accountant^® (CGMA^®) designation and gained Chartered Institute of Management Accountants^® (CIMA^®) membership — which she credits for her strong finance and people skills. Her extensive competencies combine accounting and business management.

A key strength as a CGMA designation holder is ‘being able to effectively forecast and budget and think about efficiencies along the way as well’, Baig added.

Accountants combine technical skills with strategy and analytics

Baig leads a finance strategy and development team in the transport sector. Her accounting skillset is substantial after studying with CIMA. Her expertise includes financial analysis, risk management and talent management. She delivers people initiatives for the finance community at Network Rail, comprising learning and development and communication and engagement.

Baig’s talents are in demand. She works with government organisations including HM Treasury, the UK government’s economic and finance ministry, the Department for Transport, and financial bodies. For instance, she advises CIMA on Level 4 and 7 apprenticeships schemes. Her achievements were recognised with a CIMA prize for running one of the best managed and structured Finance Graduate schemes in the United Kingdom.

Studying with CIMA fosters long-term value creation

The CGMA designation has provided Baig with the expertise to think creatively, use analytical and programming skills to tackle organisational issues, solve problems, and plan for the future.

Strategic thinking

— Baig is able to help individuals and organisations navigate complexity and achieve long-term success. She can look beyond immediate concerns to anticipate future trends, challenges, and opportunities and make sound judgements despite incomplete information.

Influential leadership

— Baig has developed the abilities to inspire, motivate and guide others effectively. The capacity to communicate purpose that resonates emotionally, be skilled at reading group dynamics and interpersonal situations, and have resilience in the face of setbacks are key attributes.

Strong business partnering

— This is a strong focus for Baig. She can create a shared understanding of business goals and challenges for strategic alignment and decision-making, while she and her team build trust between departments and reduce organisational friction.

Proficiency in trend analysis and financial planning

— This has provided Baig with a data-driven foundation for critical business and investment decisions, allowing for proactive rather than reactive financial strategies, as well as building financial stability through consistent forecasting for long-term growth.

If you’re looking to enhance your skills and expertise in management accounting, the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation and CIMA membership demonstrate advanced proficiency in the field. The CGMA^® Finance Leadership Program offers an online pathway to achieving the CGMA designation. With on-demand learning, you can study at your own pace, supported by on-demand learning modules. A CIMA emphasis on ongoing education will keep you up-to-date and relevant in a fast-moving operational landscape.

Hear Fatima Baig talk about her career experience with the CGMA designation.

Meet Fatima: ‘There’s so much more to being an accountant’

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Accountants combine technical skills with strategy and analytics

Studying with CIMA fosters long-term value creation

Strategic thinking

Influential leadership

Strong business partnering

Proficiency in trend analysis and financial planning

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