Find your pathway to a career in finance

Management accounting is where critical thinking meets business strategy.

Reviewing financial transactions and generating financial reports has always been a core part of accounting, but management accountants take that task to a new level by advising leadership teams on strategic decision-making.

Check out this Instagram reel that explains management accounting in football terms.

‘CGMA’ stands for Chartered Global Management Accountant® — a globally recognised standard that marks achievement at the highest level of management accounting. The CGMA qualification demonstrates that professionals have (1) completed rigorous learning; (2) proven they can apply knowledge through case study exams; and (3) submitted practical experience requirements.

Once they have earned the CGMA qualification, they may place the designatory letters — CGMA — after their surname.

CIMA’s Apprenticeships are available to anyone residing in England aged 16 or over. Apprentices enrol in either a Level 4 Professional Accounting Technician Apprenticeship or Level 7 Accountancy Professional Apprenticeship, depending on their employer. From January 2026, learners must start a Level 7 apprenticeship between the ages of 16 and 21. Upon completion, apprentices progress to CIMA’s CGMA Professional Qualification (CGMA PQ) at the appropriate level.

Yes, if a person is interested in a finance career but has little to no accounting education or experience, they can study with CIMA to first achieve the Certificate in Business Accounting. Upon completion of the programme, the person is ready to progress to studying the CGMA syllabus — most likely through the CGMA Finance Leadership Program or the Self-Tailored Learning Pathway.

CIMA students have access to benefits such as study materials, learning communities, career insights, and professional development tools.

Becoming a CIMA student is an important first step, giving you access to the professional network, support, and skills that set you up for success. Once you’ve become CGMA qualified, you’ll be eligible to use the CGMA qualification and enjoy the full suite of member benefits.

Price points differ based on the learning pathway and location.

• The CGMA FLP is subscription based: Skills Core is a 12-month term; Skills Plus and Skills Premium are a 12-, 24-, or 36-month term.
• For the Self-Tailored Learning Pathway, the CIMA student pays for materials as they go.

CIMA students pay via self-funding, governmental funding (CIMA’s Apprenticeships), or employer funding. Your current employer may sponsor your professional development. It’s worth asking. Some tuition providers may also offer a payment plan for the CGMA FLP.

And remember that you could be exempt from specific exams due to your previous qualifications or experience.

For example, a person may join the CGMA syllabus at the Management Level or Strategic Level, rather than at the Operational Level, thereby reducing costs.

Yes. Having the letters CGMA after your surname and CIMA membership on your LinkedIn profile and CV will get noticed by hiring managers.