To build a secure, rewarding career in finance, you need more than technical know-how. Professional development is vital as you set your eyes on a fulfilling finance career.
Imagine your career in 5 or 10 years from now. Where do you see yourself? What role are you aiming for, and how do you want your life to look? Maybe your ambition is to move beyond number crunching, to have a say when it comes to crucial business decisions, lead teams, and make an impact in your organisation.
According to research commissioned by CIMA® and conducted by Randstad Poland, certified finance professionals in Poland earn up to 25% more than their non-certified counterparts. For example, chief accountants with a professional qualification earned a median salary 25% higher than those without, and CFOs earned over 21% more.
The trend of higher earning potential for finance professionals with professional qualifications is not limited to one country. Global salary data from CIMA's Salary Insights consistently shows that CGMA® professionals outpace unqualified peers, with the gap often widening as careers progress.
The CGMA qualification: An investment in your future
Hays UK Salary & Recruiting Trends 2026 reported that those with a professional qualification received pay rises of around 4.6%, which is double the overall UK average of 2.2%. PQ Magazine cited the report, noting that employers are facing skills shortages and are placing greater emphasis on professional development.
According to the GAAPweb Salary Survey 2025 , the average salary in finance rose by 24% in the past year to £74,100, and 65% of finance professionals received a pay rise. Still, with 52% of professionals actively seeking new opportunities and nearly half in their current jobs for less than 3 years, salary alone isn’t enough.
Professional qualifications like the CGMA qualification offer a key advantage for those who want to stand out and take charge of their future.
The benefits of the CGMA qualification go far beyond a higher pay slip. CGMA professionals are often trusted with greater responsibility earlier in their careers. Employers know that CGMA qualified professionals bring a balanced skill set: you can handle the technical side of finance while keeping the bigger picture in mind. You’re the person people turn to when a business challenge needs solving, or when a team needs clear, confident leadership.
Magdalena Batogowska, Senior Branch Manager, Finance & Legal, Randstad Poland, echoed the sentiment and said that ‘professional qualifications like the CGMA [qualification] or the statutory auditor title today attest not only to technical knowledge, but also to a strategic mindset and strong communication skills. A modern finance professional is a business partner — providing analysis, supporting decision-making, and having a real impact on the company’s growth trajectory’.
According to CGMA professional Thomas Draggon, the CGMA qualification has opened doors he once thought were out of reach. As a management accountant, he now delivers month-end reports, manages working capital, and monitors cash flow, and is thriving on the challenge of ‘bringing clarity and value to complex financial data’. Read his full story:‘A career reimagined through CIMA: Thomas Draggon’s CGMA story’.
Career security in a changing world
Technology, automation, and new business needs are changing what employers look for. To succeed in the knowledge economy, finance professionals must have a blend of technical skills and human insight, including critical thinking, adaptability, and communication.
The fastest-growing finance roles require practical skills, as well as business acumen and big-picture thinking.
CGMA qualified professionals stand out because they can:
- Understand and explain complex financial data to others
- Solve real business problems, not just crunch the numbers
- Spot risks and opportunities before they become issues
- Communicate clearly with teams, leaders, and across departments
CIMA members like Wanshi Withanage Dona, ACMA, CGMA, say that having the CGMA qualification made it easier to pivot into new roles. You can read her story on how she went from ambition to achievement with CIMA and now leads financial planning and reporting for Virgin Media O₂’s extensive property portfolio, supporting decision-making across a complex, high-value estate.
Beyond the payslip: Lasting professional value
Resilience, discipline, and a lifelong learning habit are valued and sought-after qualities in finance professionals. Building a professional network, finding mentors, and gaining the confidence to step up when new opportunities arise are ways you can hone and showcase those core skills.
The CGMA Professional Qualification equips you with practical expertise that employers value, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and strong technical skills. Because of these skills, CGMA qualified professionals often move up faster, enjoy more job security, and step into leadership roles sooner.
While you consider your next steps and the skills you want to build, you can explore your options and glean insights from CIMA members like Thomas Draggon, who shared that earning the CGMA qualification has had a significant impact on his career.
When the time is right, you’ll be ready to take your career to the next level. Whether you’re aiming to increase your salary, broaden your career options, or build job security, CIMA will support you in achieving your ambitions, on your terms, and at your pace.
Explore the steps you can take to begin your CGMA journey, the CGMA Professional Qualification, and how the CGMA qualification can empower you to achieve your dreams.
