Already in the workplace
Are you already working in accounting or finance, and keen to build on your skills with a respected professional qualification?
Are you considering a complete career change into business, management, accounting or finance?
Studying to become a CIMA chartered management accountant could be the best career decision you make.
You’ll acquire a great range of business and management skills, and very flexible career options. Our members have diverse careers that go well beyond a speciality in finance. They are successful in all kinds of areas, including marketing, IT and operations.
Your employment prospects
Employers regard the CIMA qualification highly. As a CIMA member, you will raise your professional status, and improve your employment prospects and earning potential.
How do I start?
To get you started, you will need to complete our Certificate in Business Accounting.
The Certificate in Business Accounting is our entry qualification. It will introduce you to the world of finance and is a stepping stone to the CIMA professional qualification.
The CIMA qualification is open to everyone, regardless of educational background. All you need is a passion to succeed in business and the desire to take your career to the top.
AAT and Open University exemptions
If you have successfully completed the AAT Accounting Qualification, or the Open University Certificate in Accounting, you will be exempt from taking the CIMA entry qualification. This means you can begin studying the managerial level of the CIMA professional qualification.
Most AAT technicians will have already acquired the three years' relevant practical experience you need to become a CIMA member.
You can find out more by visiting our AAT or Open University exemptions page.
Visit AAT Gateway for news, job vacancies, events and careers tips for AAT students.
You can also find out more by downloading our AAT fasttrack information brochure (PDF 1.5MB).
'I did the CIMA qualification and I’d take people from CIMA anytime. They’re basically business people with a finance orientation, not just accountants.’ Andrew Higginson, Finance and Strategy Director, Tesco plc.
