Tapiwa Nyakudya, CGMA, excelled in finance during university. Realising her interests matched her ability, she continued her studies and majored in financial management with honours. Her BCom Honours degree in Financial Management from the University of Johannesburg led to her being exempt from two levels of the CGMA® syllabus, which put her goal of achieving the CGMA qualification clearly within sight.
Studying with CIMA was the ideal next step
Tapiwa viewed studying CIMA’s CGMA Professional Qualification as ‘a natural progression’ to further her knowledge of corporate finance, risk mitigation, and strategy.
The journey was not an easy one, but she appreciated the flexibility of studying with CIMA, noting that the experience ‘strengthened my resilience, time management, and ability to balance multiple priorities effectively, skills that continue to shape my professional growth.’
After completing her exams, she submitted her practical experience requirements (PER), demonstrating her technical and professional excellence and leading her to receive the CGMA qualification.
Theoretical knowledge becomes business practice
Tapiwa noted that, whilst studying, she was developing stronger ability ‘to interpret financial data, support investment decisions, and contribute more effectively to business performance.’ She applied what she learnt throughout the CGMA syllabus to her work.
And her managers noticed. Her employer recognised her strategic and analytical skills and, shortly after she earned the CGMA qualification, she was promoted.
Among her responsibilities as a fund accountant – Private Equity at Ocorian, Tapiwa ensures annual financial statements comply with International Financial Reporting Standards® and generally accepted accounting principles; oversees monitoring fees, transaction reconciliations, and the timely delivery of reports; and contributes to process enhancements to maintain robust financial controls, confirming accuracy and transparency to support effective fund management and preserve investor trust.
Tapiwa’s advice for future CGMA candidates
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Create a study structure that includes realistic goals.
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Professional and personal demands will continue whilst studying, and work/life balance is imperative. Plus, incremental achievements encourage you to keep going.
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Stay disciplined to be consistent with study habits.
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Consistency not only increases the likelihood of reaching milestones it reduces the likelihood of burnout.
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Lean on systems and others for support.
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CIMA readily provides support for CGMA candidates, especially ahead of a CGMA case study examination. ‘Make use of CIMA’s study resources and practice materials — they build both confidence and exam technique’, Tapiwa shared.
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And with gratitude for her spouse and employers who supported her, Tapiwa offers this advice, ‘Surround yourself with a good support system, whether it’s family, colleagues, or fellow students.’
Tapiwa encourages anyone with a passion in finance to pursue the CGMA qualification, noting: ‘The effort is demanding, but the reward is truly worth it.’
Hear more insights from CIMA members, including this LinkedIn post from Rachel Daly, CGMA, Commercial Finance Manager, and learn more about CIMA’s CGMA Professional Qualification.
