CGMA designation: Maria Black’s path to success

As employers focus on talent for business growth, management accountants who hold the internationally recognised Chartered Global Management Accountant^® (CGMA^®) designation and CIMA^® membership are leading the profession.

If you are studying for the CGMA designation or are considering enrolling in CIMA’s CGMA Professional Qualification, look no further for inspiration. Maria Black, ACMA, CGMA — Management Reporting Manager for the UK government, Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, shared an inspired journey to gaining her designation. She discussed her perspectives at the new members celebration ceremony in London.

CIMA’s CGMA Professional Qualification is more than technical knowledge

If you have a passion for data as you carve out your career path, you are in good company. Black knew from an early age that she loved numbers and had a passion for data. After graduating from university in economics, she went on to achieve a master’s degree, also in economics. Progressing to studying with CIMA shaped her career.

Black highlighted that the CIMA qualification was key to her career advancement because she learnt a lot more than technical knowledge. The CGMA Professional Qualification has been specifically designed to transform accounting professionals from technical specialists into strategic business partners and trusted advisers who can drive value through financial leadership and risk management. The CGMA designation holder extends their capabilities beyond technical accounting to develop as well-rounded business leaders.

Black completed the CGMA designation equipped with essential skills including financial management, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

Reflecting on the reason she chose CIMA, Black said that ‘having studied economics, my background was more on the digital, data side, and how that linked with business, so I was really excited to be able to bring that into the accounting qualification as well’, said Black.

Studying with CIMA prepares candidates for leadership roles in business. The CGMA designation gives management accountants the ability to combine accounting with business strategy and leadership expertise — positioning them with unique skills to secure pivotal roles in organisations.

Achieving the CGMA designation requires hard work and commitment. As one of the keynote speakers at the new members celebratory event, Simón Bittlestone, FCMA, CGMA, recent CIMA President and co-chair of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, expressed his admiration for the new CGMA designation holders in successfully juggling studying, their daytime jobs, and life’s challenges to succeed.

In a keynote speech on self-belief, Bonita Norris, bestselling author and record breaking adventurer, acknowledged the enormous achievements and sacrifices made by the participants to gain their CGMA designation. Norris observed that self-belief meant having discipline, making sacrifices, and taking risks to achieve goals.

Paul Turner, FCMA, CGMA, Regional Vice-President, UK & Ireland, applauded the new designation holders for their achievements, their skills and hard work, and added, ‘Your supporters — your family, your friends, your colleagues — they’ve contributed significantly to your success. They know the sacrifices that you’ve made’.

‘My friends and family were super proud. I was so excited when I found out that I had passed my final exam’, Black recalled. Black had advice for anyone who feels they are struggling with their exams. ‘It’s not a matter of if you pass, it’s a matter of when you pass. Focus on the end goal and stay driven. You can do it!’.

If you’re looking to enhance your skills and expertise with a top-ranking management credential, the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation and CIMA membership, demonstrate advanced proficiency in the field. And with the CGMA^® Finance Leadership Program, study is flexible and at your own pace, supported by on-demand learning modules.

Listen to Maria Black tell her story at the new members celebration ceremony in London.

CGMA designation: Maria Black’s path to success

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CIMA’s CGMA Professional Qualification is more than technical knowledge

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