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So, which Accounting Certification is for you?

-What’s coming to Asifism.com?
-Certified Accountant Vs. Chartered Accountant
-UK Accounting Certifications vs US Accounting Certifications

With the plethora of accounting certifications and qualifications out there today, no matter what country you are in, it can be a daunting task to choose which certification is right for you. Gone are the days when if you were a young fellow who aimed toward getting the Certified Public Accountant Certification (CPA) issued by the AICPA in the US; gone are the days when you could just become a Chartered Accountant (CA) in the UK, or for that matter anywhere else in the world.

The typical certified public or chartered accountant today is just one of the many recognized, approved and qualified accounting certifications today. There are numerous others, irrespective of where you are: the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA, International) Certification, the Association of Accounting Technicians Certification (AAT, UK), the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) & the Certified Financial Manager (CFM) Certifications issued by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA, USA), the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants Certification (CIMA, UK & International) which is totally a tier based certification, starting with entry, managerial, strategic and TOPCIMA. If you dig deeper into the US & UK Markets, you’ll see many others, and each of them has their own following. I recently found out that there was an Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA) in the UK, and it’s a pretty major organization. Interestingly enough, I’ve never seen ANY job advertised asking for a certification from the IFA. Questionable? Who in the hell knows.

But here is what I can tell you. Accounting has become a diversified field. The certifications mentioned above are only some of the management/financial/public accountant type, and there are other new accountant types, which come with some fascinating certifications of there own. The upcoming accountant job titles you will come across now are forensic accountants, environmental accountants, project accountants, systems accountants, etc. etc. The list is never ending. Gone are the days when you trained to be a Director of Finance/CFO, Financial Controller, or simply strived to become an auditor in a public accountancy firm. However, in today’s competitive world, no matter what country you are in, it is VERY important to pick the accountancy field that you want to go into. Since each of these fields/job titles in accounting has its own relevant certification or qualification, it can sometimes be difficult to trespass from one into the other. Also note that some of these are not multinational certifications, and when going cross border, especially between 2 first world countries (the US & UK, for instance), having one kind of a background or certification can cause you quite the grief.

Take, for instance, the simple line of Financial & Management Accounting. There are people out there, and particularly recruitment consultant characters, who will try to convince you that there is a LOT of difference between Financial & Management Accountants. Well, I’m here to tell you: bull-fecking shit. Management Accountants are for incompetent business owners; financial accountants are for compliance. That statement is true, but what good is a financial accountant who can only comply? That’s no accountant; he’s a simple instruction taker.

Back to the topic at hand. If management or financial accounting is the field you want to pursue, well, CIMA is your certification for Europe and most parts of Asia. If you are in the US, CMA or CFM from the IMA is the direction you should be headed in; and despite the common ground between the two, do NOT be confused or deceived. One will not co-operate with the other. The two are essentially competitors, with the IMA fighting for international recognition alongside CIMA. But get this, the AICPA feels so threatened by the IMA in the US, primarily because they are rightly carving our a different role/job description for financial managers in firms (a very niche position that CPA/CA types aren’t meant for), that they went out of the way to cut a deal with CIMA, saying that CIMA is indeed a decent certification, and that CIMA is an institution they recognize. There was an entire article in the IMA Magazine regarding the issue, and the problem is, the AICPA cannot risk losing the value of its members within the US, so it refuses to accept the separate role or importance of Financial & Management Accountants.

But the US is not a country where all is lost. Quality matters. America is probably the only place in the world where at some level, it’s not who you know, but what you know, with the result that even today, you can succeed in industry/private sector in the US without any certifications, but only if you know what the hell it is that you’re doing. Ideally, if you are going into industry, stick to the IMA Certifications: CMA & CFM. They are relevant! AICPA has become bloated and extremely political, and let’s face it, most Certified Public Accounants really can get dull. It’s not their fault. If you sole purpose in life is to assure the work of others, your existence falls into the misery of being second for good! AND, due to the tactics and acts of Certified Public Accountants, today, if we creative financal & management accounting types get creative with our work, we get penalized. Way to go, AICPA!

Now, if you’re in the UK, CIMA is the way to go. I have seen, with my exposure to this market, and some Asian & Middle East ones, that being a Chartered Accountant always helps. It looks good, no matter what job you apply for, but it is not always relevant. Being a CA does by no means make you good at management or financial accounting; it just means you can dig yourself in papers for hours and hours and not get fed up, which, on a whole different level, is something admirable since I myself have difficulty with that. Certifications for Private/Industry Accountants in the UK with value are the ACCA, the AAT, and CIMA. Note that if you come to the UK with other certifications from other countries (other than a CA which is issed by an Institute which is authorized/accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales [ICAEW]), like the ICMA you can get in India and Pakistan, which is the Istitute of Cost & Management Accountants, you won’t get too far over here.

For some reason, the ACCA is considered a medium level certification over here. I’m not sure why; maybe they haven’t advertised or marketed enough, but ACCAs are for some reason not given executive treatment, especially not to the level of the CIMA qualified personnel. CIMA, in the UK, is considered an executive level certification, and passing it in this country means that you have stood the accounting test of time, and deserve salary, whether or not you know anything is irrelevant. Although the basic content in ACCA & CIMA is comparable, as is the basic content of the CMA and CFM in the US (with an exception ot the differences between US GAAP, UK GAAP & IFRS/IASB), CIMA has marketed themselves well, and has forged business alliances that have given them the executive reputation. So, if you want to make it big in industry as a Controller, Director of Finance, VP of Finance, or a CFO, CIMA is the Certification you should be looking that. Correct me if I am wrong, but I think you will get there with the ACCA too. It will just take longer than with CIMA. AAT, on the other hand, has been coming up with all the positive marketing they’ve been doing lately. However, I think AAT is still considered an entry level professional certification for non-accounting degree holders, and it makes you familiar with some of the technical aspects of accounting in the UK: VAT, PAYE, NI, etc. etc. Hence, the name Accounting Technician.

Let’s be honest, interesting or not, right or wrong, there is a big following that goes with the CPA and CA Certifications. So you’re always playing it safe by aiming for one of those. They may not be relevant for industry, but they will and have always held their importance, since auditing has become a vital part of big corporate money. Of course, if it has been your lifelong dream to become a public accountant, to project your affairs into other people’s business, and spend the rest of your professional life assuring others that their work is upto par, well, what can I say, by all means, go ahead. No offence meant. I have nothing against Certified Public Accountants or Chartered Accountants. I just think the role of Auditor is boring. I could never do it. I barely got through Auditing Class. Unto each his own, eh!

This article is written courtesy of VAFTA Solutions Limited.

This entry was posted on Friday, March 14th, 2008 at 2:00 am and is filed under Accounting, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

  • Ziad

    Hummm very interesting article indeed… well i am a business administration with an enphasis on accounting graduate, and i am not interested in financial accounting nor auditing, i am looking for a management accounting role so i am considering two professional certifications, either the US CMA sponsored by the IMA or the UK ACMA / FCMA sponsored by CIMA. which one is more powerful and internationally recognized? and how can you compare their level of difficulty to eachothers? your prompt feedback on that matter would be extremely appreciated. thanks and best regards.

  • http://www.asifism.com Asif

    Well, seeing as how you’re writing the comment from Dubai, my first question is where are you getting your degree from, and the second is where do you intend to practice as a Management Accountant. If you intend to stay in Dubai,it doesn’t really matter, because from CPAs to CAs to CMAs to CIMAs to FCMAs, nobody really knows what the hell they’re doing.
    On an international level, and that excludes the USA, the CIMA has a much stronger hold and stands on much stronger ground than US based IMA does.

    I think the CMA from the IMA may actually be a more mature certification. When appearing for CMA exams, you are expected to know basic accounting, you are basically being prepped for professional, practical, on the job kind of work, more, so to say, professiona/executive management/financial accounting type work. In essence, I think CMA or CFM from the IMA is what is guaged for accounting majors in university, and having seen through and read almost all of these books, I think the CMA makes for a mature accounting certification.

    CIMA sponsored Certifications, however, cover both accounting and non accounting majors. They start with the basic, with the idea of converting all the jobless into some kind of accountants, and are much more commercial, which means they market at a much larger level, and are, therefore, better in the international recoginition department. I haven’t invested in upper level CIMA books yet, so I’m not sure how challenging they really are. With their syllabus, however, it seems like the last 5 CIMA papers are pretty much an IFRS version of the CMA/CFM exams, which would make it relatively similar.

    However, if you ask me, I think the CMA is more respectable, because the IMA is more of an accounting club; CIMA markets to invite everyone. But then, marketing is king.

    Ultimately, it depends on WHERE you are looking to work. Inside the US, definitely IMA based certifications. Outside the US, preferably CIMA. In neutral ground like Dubai, where the public arena sees both CPAs ad CAs, it’s a hit or miss, because as the economy develops, the success of the IMA or CIMA path will depend on the route the government takes towards formulating laws pertaining to businesses and financial reporting. But given the global switch to IFRS, even in the US, CIMA may make for a much safter bet. But you can’t rule IMA out, because since the US is trying to bridge the gap between US GAAP and IFRS, IMA will also offer continuing education to make you IFRS compatible as a CMA or CFM.

    The choice, my friend, is a personal one.

  • Tobias

    That’s the question I carry on my monkey back for almost 6 months now. You look to me that you got all those CMFCACIPC certificates? Wow!

    Perhaps you can turm my head in the right direction. I would like to make a certificate but I am by far no accountant. I have a finance degree and worked in controlling and in finance, and I like to keep it that way. But, my intention is some sice Finance Director in Asia or UAE. I like to read the accountants work, I like to discuss with them on a professional level, but I don’t want to be the bookkeeper who is discussing whether one bill goes down this account or the other. I already got sweet with the CFA, but its said that there is not much financial planning in there. It would be more for analysts in the outside world who consider a buyout…

    So what certificate you would suggest?

    Thanks, Tobi

  • http://www.asifism.com Asif

    Tobias,

    You’re stuck upon a question that many people in the business world who deal with finance are.

    I don’t have any certifications. I’ve been practicing corporate accounting for over 7 years (seeing as how I’m 25, that’s just about a third of my life), and I can tell you something that not many others can: the certifications, for the most part, are superficial qualifications. I own the books for the CIMA and CMA both. I have decided that I’m going to do them both, because in the world east of the United States, it is not what you know, it is who you know and what you can flash, i.e., it is not a matter of how good you are, it is a matter of showing professional qualifications.

    That said, you have been working in controlling and finance, and you want to work toward moving up as a Finance Director, and for that, you need to have some sort of an accounting background, which means you would possibly need CIMA, given the fact that you’re chosen location is Asia or the Middle East.

    You see, no matter what, every accountant needs to understand the concept of bookkeeping. Ultimately, in many ways, double entry bookkeeping exists to provide accountants job security, to cloud and confuse the books so much that it takes an accountant to decode them and “present” them to the rest of the business management team. Therefore, you don’t have to be a bookkeeper to do something like this, but you need to know how to do it.

    The thing is, the typical finance director does not do bookkeeping for a living, but it is his job to make sure that the right bill goes under the right classification, because if it doesn’t it could throw off your entire basis of discussion with a Managing Director or Executive Director. So, you’ll need to make sure that as a Finance Director, your underlings are doing the right kind of work.

    Now, what is it that Finance Directors see on the job, and how key is CIMA or IMA to it? Well, not much, but these courses are so wide in the ground that they cover, and they are capable of giving you some of the tools that you may need on the job. But nothing prepares you for it.

    I’ve worked for about 20 different companies, and I’ve typically worked with upper management or MDs who had a difficult time dealing with accountants or bookkeepers. CIMA will not prepare you to deal with the job practically, neither will CMA. I now have a client who has a problem that neither of the certifications resolve. Party X did a management buyout of Company Y two years ago. Company Y owned Party Z 80,000 pounds sterling at the time of the buyout, but no payments were being made. The loan had been on the books for a couple of years. After Party X completed the buyout and the Company was renamed Company O, the loan was moved onto the books of Company O. After three years, Party Z decides that they never wanted the money back. Now, Company O is expanding, but the loan of 80,000, which has gone on all the tax returns, and has been on the books for years, is hampering Company Os plans for growth, because when investors and lenders look at that loan, it’s a big flag of the company’s existing liability, which really doesn’t exist. You are the Finance Director, and the MD tells you to get rid of this problem.

    Now, how do you do it? This is not a simple matter of making a journal entry and writing it off. The government will be involved (come tax time), as are financial institutions (come loan time). How do you deal with it?

    This is part of the slightly dirty work senior accountants / FDs have to do. If you read the latest version of Financial Management & other such magazines, the dirty work for FDs has gone up; it has become a diverse field.

    One thing is for sure, and you’re right, the CFA is not for where you are headed. If I were you, I would stick to CIMA for Asia or the UAE. But looking at the mentality in that market, you could get a CMA and CFM with 6 exams from the US based IMA, and the CIMA with 15 exams from the UK. Two look more flashy than one; that’s why I am now seriously looking into do doing all of them. But, start with CIMA. East of the US, go for CIMA; it is considered the Financial/Accounting Executive’s qualification.

    And as an FD, I have to say, that you cannot escape accounting or bookkeeping. There may be less of it at the FD level, but it will come to you in spurts.

  • Vorster Swart

    Hello there,

    I’m qaulifying to become a CA in South Africa at the end of the year. I feel the CA qaulification is over rated here. I want to come to the US and hopefully make a life for myself. Will my CA certification hold up in the US? Is there some sort of bridging necessary to CPA? Will I one day end up in an executive position only having the CA certification? To be honest I feel auditing firms only train accountants to be auditors – and in the end that is the only thing you are good at. Am I wrong in saying that you need something else (different work experience) to make it in the business world?

    Thanks

  • http://www.asifism.com Asif

    Vorster,

    Yes, bridging will definitely be required to bridge the gap between your CA and the CPA. You will have to sit for a couple of exams depending on the US state that will issue your CPA license, and that really is totally upto you.

    Assuming that you are currently a Deloitte & Touch employee, yes, auditing firms on train their employees to become accountants.

    You are right in saying that the experience required to make it as a successful finance executive in industry is very different from the experience required to make it as an auditor. That said, audit experience is useful experience. Make no mistake, a finance executive is a challening job; it can be very lucrative at times, but can be followed by extremely boring periods of time, and like all well paying jobs, it requires a lot of political evils, ones that many good people are not capable of.

  • lin

    hi,

    i’m going to finish my high school this year. Now i’m wondering if i should go for ACCA or taking an accounting degree. Is ACCA very hard to pass? Should i take a degree first then only take ACCA while i’m working?

    What is CPA? And what’s the difference between ACCA and CIMA? Which qualification is more demanded in the accounting field now? Is CIMA more to finance? I knew finance jobs are not that boring, but i’m not a smart person, so i scared i can’t make an important decision rightfully and can’t manage my job well.

    Which route should i take to have a better achievement in my future career?

    Thanks.

  • Sibani

    Hi asif,

    I’m currently in my last year of A levels. I intending to go to university next year where i will be taking an undergraduate degree in Accounting and finance. I was never quite sure on what the difference is between a certified accountant and a chartered accountant. From reading you other artical on this i have learnt the difference. I am confused about what qualification i would need to do after uni. To be honest i knew nothing about these qualification frm CIMA to ACCA, it was only a month ago when i was attending a uni open day that i learnt of the different qualifications.
    I am thinking of a CIMA qualification but im not sure. I am actually not evn quite sure what type of accountant i want to be a chartered or a certified accountant. What area of accounting do you think is the most interesting and not borin? I was thinking of chartered accountancy but i am not sure.
    I am very confused!
    All i know is i want to become a successful accountant minus the long long amounts of paperwork and auditing. Really i would want a role of an accountant where the job is interesting and lively everyday!

    Your help help on this matter would be very very much appreciated,
    Thank you

  • http://www.asifism.com Asif

    Lin,

    An Accounting Degree should always be your preference. What you’ll gain from a degree you will never learn from the ACCA, CPA, CMA or CIMA. Plus, University life brings memories that always stay with you.

    However, after a degree, it’s good to get a certification, and given the fact that you’re in the Far East, CIMA or ACCA are your best bet. the CPA is the US equivalent of a Chartered Accountant. ACCA is also a form of financial accountants, and the CIMA Certification is guaged toward management accounting.

    Now, Financial Accounting requires less imagination and is more about compliance; so if you can read and understand english and can be careful, you can well in this field. Management accounting, on the other hand, requires lots of imagination and business acumen, and can be very difficult for some.

    Finance Directors are made up of a mixture of both materials. Ultimately, you must decide. I wouldn’t mind giving you more advice, but you’ve got be specific on what you want to do as an accountant.

  • http://www.asifism.com Asif

    Sibani, an accounting degree is definitely the right start.

    The question you need to ask yourself is, if you don’t want to be an auditor, whether you want to pursue Financial Accounting or Management Accounting.

    The difference is quite simple: Financial Accountants report on activity in a business that has already taken place. The work has more to do with financial reporting according to IAS, FASB, SEC, etc. laws, standards and regulations, and the primary function is preparing and managing the preparation of books, internal controls, etc. in a business with a view to be compliant with the requisite standards.

    A Management Accountant, on the other hand, typically is the one who gets to plan for the future, and prepares numbers, books, statements etc. baed on judgment, prediction and the understanding of business. These accountants are typically more engaged in the business, need a better understanding of how businesses work and business management, and typically require much more thinking than the role of a Financial Accountant, which in my opinion, can be a brain dead job at times.

    Ultimately, though, a mix of the two makes for a good accounting position.

    The Chartered Accountant or Certified Public Accountant (CA, ACA, CPA in the US) certifications are aimed at those who want to become auditors. The ACCA, you could say, is aimed at Industry Financial Accountants. The CIMA is aimed at Management Accountants. To make it to the top, you’d better have an understanding of and be damned good at both. The reason? Because for a business, the truth in numbers lies somewhere between the numbers required for compliance and the numbers required to please the management.

  • Abid

    Hello,

    I have done my MBA finance from IBA and wanted to acquire a further certification. I don’t want to pursue a career in some financial institution and therefore CFA doesnt seem to be a viable option. After some research , I have found that CIMA seems to best complement an MBA Finance. However, I am still confused and seek guidance as to if CIMA is the way to go or not.

  • siva

    hi
    i did my mba (finance&IT)in Nagarjuna university.i want do certification on accounteny exept CA.i am notable to decide which one is preferble, could you suggest me which accountensy certification is useful for me.i want do the course as distence mode because i am doing a job in one of reputed company.

  • raja

    hi

    i am icwa, having 7 yrs. of experience in accounts going to do CMA, from IMA(USA). i am from INDIA so i will do through distance learning through (ruskhi careeer Academy). my question is can anybody plese guide about rukhsi course materials ? is that really good to pass IMA in 1 shot?

    secondly , is CMA qualification is getting recognized by Indian Companies also?

    thanks
    subhankar

  • Areej

    hi,
    i am currently studied accounts as an advanced level student and i want tu pursue my carreer in this feild….after reading ur article i am particularly very confused about Whether i shud do ACCA or CIMA…
    i am currently in pakistan and as u sed ACCA is a just certification!
    would it b wrong if i go for a certification and not for a Degree?
    i really need yur advice on this
    plzz reply soon.
    –>Areej

  • S/J.A

    I have a few doubts…

    I don’t know why you are saying that ACCA is considered a middle tier qualification. It has the largest following, much more than CIMA. My question is if it is not well recognized will all these people start to do it?

    I agree that CIMA is marketing well, much better than ACCA. Because I have seen CIMA ads in local magazines here, but I knew that they don’t have considerable presence in my country. At the same time I see nothing from ACCA.

    I am a student of ACCA myself, so a bit disappointed myself, reading your comments.. because I am thinking I have no w chosen something that is second grade.. if that is so, I am thinking of doing CIMA after finishing this one..I hope there are some reciprocal agreements… lol

    Please do comment back :)

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    A degree is vital for proper understanding and education, I think. Certifications are just a piece of paper, but in the fast approaching communist world certifications are important, and in Pakistan, ACCA over CIMA any day.

  • Rhea

    Hi,

    I am currently conducting extensive research on the various certifications offered by IMA. Here is my dilemma- I am neither a CPA nor have an undergrad or masters in accounting. Zero accounting background. However, I have been working as an Associate in Structured Finance (specifically Commercial Real Estate Lending for a public Real Estate Investment firm). I do have to deal with some accounting issue in my current position but they only require very general understanding of accounting principles.
    I am quite certain about which direction I want to take my career in and it’s not public or private accounting, which rules out the desire to go through the grueling process of obtaining a CPA. I have reviewed the curriculum for the various cert. very carefully and feel that a CMA most appropriately fits my aspirations; moving into a strategic position of managing/planning finance (debt/equity) functions for a firm. In lending as well, I would like to improve my skills in analyzing the financial strength, business model etc for someone I decide to lend to.
    That said, I would like some blatant realty check on whether it is even feasible for a non-accountant to pursue a cert. like CMA. I know that majority of CMA aspirants already have CPA’s or accounting backgrounds. The CPA vs. CMA curriculum and job function seem to be very diff, but is there even a market out there for non-accountant CMA’s?
    Is there any CMA here who was not already an accountant, and can share some of their experience with me? I would be very grateful.
    Thanks
    Rhea

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    You may have to double check with the IMA, but I beleive for the CMA you need an undergraduate in accounting, whereas you don’t for the CFM. The curriculum is virtually identical, with only ONE differing paper.

    I don’t think the market in the States is very big for non-accountant CMAs; probably not if accounting is where you are headed. if it is relevant to your current position, it may very well help you out.

    From an academic standpoint, yes, CMA would be useful in terms of managing and planning the finance functions of a firm.

  • Rhea

    Thanks so much CommieB. I really appreciate your response. I did check with IMA and they didn’t require an accounting degree. Thanks again.

  • john

    hi

    i have done accountancy in my ug and lookin to do a professional degree in accountancy
    i am confused btw acca or cima and cma

    which is the best in all this

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    Well, what do you want to do in accounting? There is no best. They’re all rubbish.

  • forex75

    Hi friends

    plz i strongly need your advice, I live in Kuwait, I’m getting confused, which certificate is more marketable in Kuwait & Arabian Gulf (CMA or ACCA) regadless the field i would like to work in, i’m asking about the certificate that can easly find a job & shift my carrer through it, which of these 2 certificates is worth the time & effrots will i pay to get it?

    thank you all.

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    Given that the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) have now had 3 of their annual conferences in Dubai, I would say they’re pouring some money into the Gulf Market. I’d say CMA, but I may very well be wrong.

  • forex75

    thank you commie B, appreciate your reply, but your answer did not satisfy my need, i’m still waiting for answers

  • richard

    Hi,

    My name is richard. I would like to find out this: I have a degree in accounting and finance from manchester university. I want to get qualified as AAT. Do I need to do some exam or it will be automatic for me If I applied for AAT qualification.

    Thanks

  • tony

    hi, just wondering if iam not wasting my time with CFA certifications, i am a practicing accountant with 6 yaers experince from the homble begining of a bookkeeper to the position of Finacial Accountant,3 years as an external auditor and i feel i just need to go inti ivestment managment & portfilio Mgt just for the money! so what gives ??????

    give me something

    many thanks

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    Hey Tony. What I can tell you is that if you pursue accounting and make it to a Controller or CFO level, you’ll make more money than the portfolio managers do, unless of course you’re working for Warren Buffet.

    If you don’t want to do it because it’s boring, then that’s a different story. That’s the only reason I’d suggest leaving the accounting profession. In terms of job safety and long term career prospects, if you are good, there is certainly money to be made in accounting.

  • Irene Wairimu

    Very interesting discussion,. I’m doing a CMA passed two parts, working on the next two. Good to see folks who are discussing real issue with those certification. Glad to see CMA is relevant despite my CPA friends telling me it is irrelevant.

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    Hi Irene,

    All over the world public accountants try to convince their industry counterparts that their certifications are superior than theirs. Why, then, audit partners suck up to CFOs and director level Controllers to get the audit engagement signed remains a mystery to me.

    In essence, CPAs in the US or CAs in Europe and Asia are simply reading the law and regulation and following it. Any daft can do that. It doesn’t require thinking and it is brain-dead work.

    In industry, you’re actually required to apply your brain to come up with solutions and solve business problems.

    You decide who is useless: the one swelled up by bureaucracy or the one who discusses how to run business.

  • Irene Wairimu

    Commie,
    Thanks for the feedback and this is very true CPA just follow rules and guidelines and barely go beyond confirming somebody else’s data. Try dealing with Auditors and throw in a question that requires critical thinking. I know that CMA is relevant and very useful for someone who need strategic thinkers and those who can rescue the ship/corporation or steward it to safety and the time has never been more appropriate i.e economic downturn times..

  • Alyan Shail

    hi,
    i have recently completed my A-levels with Accounting and Business studies from Pakistan and now i am planning to start CMA(US). the reason of choosing CMA is this that it will take about one year and it will gave me exemption in first 9 papers of ACCA. but some of my friends say that in this way i cant get strong base.plzz guide me that which is better for me now CMA(US) or ACCA. plz reply me on my this I.D:”alyanbahrian001@yahoo.com”
    thanks
    waiting 4 ur reply..

  • Dawood

    Thank you very much!! I’d also recommend the following article for those who are interested in becoming a qualified accountant:

    http://www.myhowtoos.com/en/at-work-howtoos/66-how-to-become-a-qualified-professional-in-accounting

  • Lee

    Hi,

    This is not relevant with the question people raised here, but I like to take this opportunity to ask the following:

    1) What masteral program/course fits for an Auditor (who holds CPA/CIA) that is available here in Dubai?
    2) What other certification I can pursue aside from CIA?

    I want to study further and comfused what to do next.

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    Lee,

    CIA is for Internal Auditors. If that’s what you want to become, CIA is the way to go. If you want to become a public accountant / external auditor, CPA would be preferred amongst the 2.

    What you ultimately want to pursue for that part of the world for becoming an auditor is the Chartered Accountant Certification, the equivalent of an ACA issued by the ICAEW here in the UK. Each country usually has its own institute of chartered accountants (not sure if the UAE does yet). But, for instance, India and Pakistan have their own, and both are equivalent to the one issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

    CPA is the American version of this CA/ACA.

  • http://mursalen@swissmail.org ahmad

    o God…am really shouting..what the hell i should do…recently i’ve done A-LEVELS {business studies/accounting}frm pakistan..in ur general views… would u pls clearify that should i go for ACCA or CIMA…i want to have job in UK or in MIDDLE EAST…pls pls reply me on mursalen@swissmail.org…

  • Huzayf

    I have completed CMA from IMS-US… I am confused on way forward for ACCA or CPA… I plan in a long run to be in Middle East, what is better between ACCA and CPA considering middle east market… I believe all CFO’s and equivalent level is dominated by CPA’s in middle east… Correct me if I am wrong… Thanks, Huzayf

  • Huzayf

    IMA – US

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    I don’t know Huzayf, to be honest. CPA is an American thing, and the Middle East’s love for America in some fields is unquestionable. You’re probably best of with CA or ACA as opposed ACCA or CPA out there I would think.

  • Fatma

    @ forex75 , i’d like to ask about what did you do about the CMA and ACCA ? because am a fresh graduate and am facing right now the same problem you have faced .. Let me know ASAP . Thanks

  • Rajni Dholariya

    i am accountant i give certificate what i do.

  • http://www.asifism.com/accounting-finance/so-which-accounting-certification-is-for-you/ Afsheen

    I have currently finished CAT in Karachi,Pakistan and want to continue my studies in the US. I would like to the theequivalent course which I can opt for and how I would be able to transfer my credits. Reply as soon as possible.

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    Not sure if you would get much for the CAT in the US – you could get some credit for ACCA. You could, perhaps get some credit towards your accounting degree with the CAT but I highly doubt if you’ll get anything for the CPA or CMA.

  • CAESAR

    I AGREE WITH YOU
    I WANT TO TRAVEL TO LONDON TO EARN A LOT OF MONEY
    AS ACCOUNTANT
    WHAT LONDON ENTERPRISE GIVES ME THE CHANCE?

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    If you want to earn money don’t travel to london.

  • Jarmi

    Hi all,

    I need your advice. I have a degree in Banking, Finance and Accounting, specialization Taxation in Slovakia and also a degree in Finance and Accounting in London. I`ve been working in finance and accountancy for more than six yaars now. Recenly deciding between ACCA and CIMA as I`d like to move back to London in the future and work there as a Financial/Business Analyst. Still not 100% sure which one to choose and would like to apply soon.

    Thanks in advance!

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    If corporate finance is where you want to go (it appears that is your interest), I would suggest CIMA over ACCA.

  • Jarmi

    Thanks a lot!

  • Luke

    Hello, I hope you are still reading this page…

    I have a bit of a problem. Coming from non-EU Balkan country, I did my University degree in economics here + 3y of accounting experience (well, it’s more like mix of accounting and bookkeeping => BORING). I do have a motivation and perspective to be in other field (Finance, but far from paperwork I am doing right now), although I am aware I have to have knowledge in the area.
    I am considering ACCA and CIMA, having in mind moving to New Zealand afterwards. The problem here in these countries, like anywhere else, is that I cannot find another job more closer to the area of my interest and field. People are loosing jobs, and qualifications are not recongnized and appreciated very much, especially economy based degrees, to be honest.
    Now, I’ve read that CIMA could be a door opener for me. Can you give me a thumbs up for this one? Maybe also to your experience or your readings how long do the candidates spend time to acquire these degrees.

    P.S. I am aware of importance and some preferences of ACCA, but I am trying to run far from paperwork, bookeeping and entering tables and fugures through balance sheets.
    P.P.S. Very confused about what road to take

  • DAMIAN

    hI,

    IS really interesting about the topics you are talking about. Im ex auditor of kpmg for 4 years, actually i work like CFO of a medium company, but im organizing move from italy to london, and im trying to find and understand what i will nead in london to find a good job. I wanna work like financial/Business Analyst, and i dont know exactly if i will need some certification or is something “more” that increase your salary. Could you give me some tips, to understand what i have to do??? thanks a lot and sorry for my english.

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    Hi Damian,

    If you’d like to work on the corporate finance side, which is similar to the CFO type work you may be doing in Italy, in my opinion the certification to go for is CIMA.

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    Luke,

    CIMA is the best choice if you want to take the Corporate Finance route. Although all the certifications essentially train you in accounting with aim to giving you business knowledge, I think CIMA is better marketed as the right certification for a management accountant. There is still a lot of paperwork here, but it requires more insight than foresight than what being a corporate or statutory accountant might get you. However, I don’t know how much weigh CIMA carries in New Zealand – that’s something you will have to check.

    Either certification has 13-15 papers. If you’re good with accounting, I think it can be done 2-3 years, but most people take 4 years. Some take their whole life. It’s all a matter of how quickly you want to get it out of the way.

  • Luke

    Commie B,

    Once again thanks plenty for your response. I’ve been reading and exploring various internet sources about this, but I don’t find answers I would want to hear…When New Zealand is concerned, I’m affraid it’s not so much well recognized there. On the other hand, I see it is more appreciated (in terms of reciprocal agreements with Institutes in the field) in Australia. I see usual advices such as “go to AUS for 5 years and attain citizenship which allows you to live in NZ”, but I see no one decided to go that way.
    I tried to search job vacancies worldwide aiming at CIMA candidates, but unfortunatelly, results are currently not as it should be. On the other hand, ACA qualification, even in these wicked times, is very well recognized, payed, and wanted. But, this qualification is not close to Corporate Finance…
    Furthermore, I was searching for a possibility of taking CF qualification through ICAEW…as an entry requirement they demand experience within this field…no good i.e. how can you get an experience if you never had a chance to have it anyways.

    Once again, coming back to New Zealand case. There is reciprocal agreement between NZICA and ICAEW (and ICAS, ICAI), but only for ACA qualification. Which means, if I was to go for Corporate Finance qualification in ICAEW, it would not be rocognized as reciprocal for membership in NZICA. Very clear case, isn’t it? Coming to the fact that every qualification demands years of your time, you are always in big dilemma what to do. I don’t know yet…
    Don’t want to be an auditor, want to be involved in business, would like to go to New Zealand (personal reasons)…maybe, just maybe, in future NEw Zealand will make some sort of agreemtn with NZICA and in that way make my path more promising?
    On the other hand, CF or ACA (ICAEW)…

  • Luke

    reading and correcting the last paragraph:

    “maybe, just maybe, in the future CIMA would make some sort of reciprocal agreement with NZICA and in that way make my path more promising?”

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    They will probably try anyway, Luke. CIMA’s primary motivation is money, not standard or quality of education, so they will eventually get to it. The question is whether or not NZICA has similar goals too.

  • Luke

    If I choose CIMA or CFq, I’m just affraid if I would be less wanted. Would I be left with “leftowers”…
    To be accepted anywhere in the world, you have to adopt something (in terms of qualification) from that country. Otherwise you won’t be (let’s say) recognized. Out of various forum user’s experience, people are not so into worldwide qualifications if they are not interested to be involved themselves. That means they don’t know what qualities could their potential colleague have from these certificates they own.
    Individual should be rated by his knowledge and experience, but often, recruiters and human resources staff are searching for a certain qualification, no matter the candidate real perspective and some experience he already owns (as well as some other qualification, different from the one wanted).

    I wouldn’t want to choose qualification that would get me in roundabout, that’s what I’m affraid of.

  • Dalibor

    Hello everyone,

    I´ve completed management level of CIMA studies and starting preparation for strategic level papers.

    I have been working 9 years for multinational company. I started as accountant, through my career I was also working jobs connected to infromation system development and in last four years I am Head of Controlling. I am in Western Balkan region.

    Reason why I approached CIMA is that through sylabus analyse I realized that through it I can confirm my current knowledge and also build some missing knowledge.

    Can anyone let me know something about CIMA recognition in Central and Eastern Europe? How is it recognized by employers and by the market in this region?

    Regards and many thanks

  • ASIF

    I am Asif from Lahore-Pakistan, i need to ask you something about the suitablity of CMA for me. I have completed M.COM and working on the post of Accountant in a Public sector organization. please tell me something about its suitablity and viability in quality & monetray terms.

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    Luke, I am afraid you are right. You have to be qualified from where you want to work, or it may amount to nothing much. Every country blows its own trumpet in this arena and recruiters are generally the quite incompetent in the accounting and finance industry. Qualifications generally don’t mean anything (except that you know how to sit tests) because at the end of the day many of these institutes are businesses – not educational institutions.

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    Hi Dalibor,

    I’m afraid I don’t know a whole lot about CIMA marketability in eastern europe, but I’m sure they’ve got some kind of a name in the European market. I would try the CIMA website or CIMA forums for more detail.

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    Asif,

    The US CMA issued by the IMA will really only have an impact in Pakistan by virtue of its being a US certification. I think Pakistan’s ICMA issues a Cost and Management Accounting Certificate but this has no correlation with the US CMA.

    In terms of the US CMA, it tests practical knowledge of decision making in scenarios more than it does your ability to do any calculations. It’s more of a management accounting strategy course rather than a hands on lower level accountant course – that’s why they used to require that you have technical accounting education (in the form of an accounting degree) before joining the CMA program.

    Hope that helps!

  • Dalibor

    Thanks Commie for your comment.

    I can agree that CIMA is still acquiring its reputation in Central and Eastern Europe.

    ACCA has still higher popularity in this region, but there is logical explanation. At the begin of transition, the first foreign companies that came were Audit companies. As precondition to build carrier in those companies is ACCA diploma, staff from those companies was pushed for it.

    With development of corporate business CIMA will be probably getting higher popularity.

  • Luke

    Hey, Dalibor, I am from Croatia. This comment of yours is correct. We’ll see what happens once Croatia enters EU, but as far as Human Resources or employees are concerned, they are not recognized at all with these certificates, and therefore don’t know what kind of knowledge (could) they represent.
    Unfortunately, employers seek for a (so to say) completed product i.e. a person, with high level of knowledge in various sectors and industries. Because of that you see people (like myself) handling vast majority of issues, apart from formal obligations attached. This is fine for me, but the job title cannot officially verify that fact.
    That’s why I believe some certification should put weight on my name and status in the future.

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    Thanks for the feedback, Luke.

    One thing to note is that from a legislative standpoint, perhaps ACCA will always carry more weight than CIMA. CIMA aims to be more of a substitute to university education for people who want to work in industry (and that’s just bad news in my opinion). ACCA (also offering a really wide range of coursework), on the other hand, is for public practice. At the end of the day, accountants are associated with audits and public accounting practice – ACCA allows you to sign and authorise documents in this regard, so it will always carry more, shall we say, figurative value.

  • Luke

    Hey, Commie, I’m glad to see your opinion…

    I understand CIMA as a substitute, but it is officially recognized as a Management Accountant position, decision making involvement. So, if you want to work in industry and escape from piles of paper, you will (I’d say) choose CIMA over ACCA. As far as ACCA knowledge and area of proficiency is concerned, I agree with you also.
    It’s sometimes just all about the money, but certification could land a job offer in way more attractive labour market than you are currently involved in (more attractive salary, more attractive area).
    What do you think about IMA CMA in the U.S. labour market? Can a European candidate refer to this certificate and plan future based on it?

  • Dalibor

    Hi Luke,

    as I am from Serbia, I am very happy to hear opinion from Croatia, as our job markets are somehow similar.

    As I said earlier, the main reason why I choose CIMA is that I have experience in industrial multinational company, and I think that CIMA is really better option for the people who want to build career as Financial directors or Controllers in industrial companies, and have no ambitions to work in audit or to go deeper into accounting. So, I fully share your opinion.

    Combination of accounting with the management and strategy really can broad knowledge which can open road to a higher positions.

    By the way, I read on ACCA site that after completed CIMA you can get exemption for 9 exams from ACCA, so there is then 5 exams in addition. So I am thinking maybee after completition of CIMA to continue with ACCA.

  • Luke

    Dalibor, considering excemptions, this is a variable thing. Current situation does not necessary mean it will remain parmanent i.e. once you obtain CIMA qualification. Of course, this is advantage if your goal is to further pursue another professional qualification. But, you have to have in mind what would this aditional qualification bring you in your career. One thing is for sure – it will cost you money and time.
    ACCA is an accounting qualification. It is widely recognized, but it all depends whether it is necessary for you to obtain it as well.
    Hey, can I PM you somehow, I would ask you some details, and I don’t want to spam this article needlessly.

  • Chris

    Hi everyone, Ive been searching everywhere for a place to ask this question I hope I can get it answered. I’m currently pursuing a Master’s in Accounting and am studying for the CMA exam. Since I only have several months experience as an audit intern, I fear that even if I study hard (and spend money) to pass the CMA exam, as a new graduate I’ll never be able to get the work experience to get licensed. The accounting jobs I can think of that new grads can get that may fill the experience requirement are usually in auditing for public accounting and this is a route I do not really want to go based on my intern experience. A lot of my recently graduated friends are auditors in public accounting but I know none in management/cost accounting.

    I want to start my job search as soon as I pass the exam but I have no clue as to what types of positions I should try to apply for. Can anyone give me some suggestions?

  • Carla Matthews

    Hi

    Presently i am an Internal Auditor and have acquired a BSc (Hons) Applied Accounting and ACCA Fundamental Level. I’ve decided not to continue ACCA, but to pursue my MBA, as i want a carear that would incorporate both auditing and administration. Can you tell me what type of carear requires the two combinations and what is the best studies one should pursue. Should i continue pursuing ACCA eventhough the passion for it has gone?

  • Robert

    Hi all,

    I am a British business graduate, who studied a part of my degree in California. I currently work in the UK and I am undertaking a MSc International Management course this year, with the hope of moving into a very international management/commerical accounting career…

    My main aim is to work and live back in California, what is the fundemental difference the CMA (IMA) and CIMA? From working in recruitment I know that the right certification is everything in landing a role, but how can I get a CMA woring in the UK?

    Kind regards,
    Rob

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    Robert, that would depend on how you define fundamental. If you have an acceptable degree / education, CMA will now only require 2 courses under the new curriculum. Whilst I haven’t seen the new course, previous CMA material was, in my experience, very practical – but very specific to the US market. CIMA is quite generic and covers a whole spectrum of education, primarily for non degree holders.

    For the US, I would always suggest CMA. Even though the AICPA has informally joined hands with CIMA, the US is home to IMA, not CIMA.

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    Chris, you need to find jobs in industry. Think about companies you might want to work with – they all have accounting departments and they’re all relevant. You might start off as a corporate accountant, doing GL or AP/AR related stuff, but it can quickly get interesting.

  • Robert

    Hi Commie B,

    Thanks for your previous comment. Much appreciated, as you can imagine it is very hard to have such a decent conversation about such a subject and get the specific answers I am looking for!

    Just another point though, I have heard that the MBA is of course “thee” business qualification in the USA and that CMA jobs are hard to come by? (as opposed to CIMA who market themsleves very well and have dozens of agencys who recruit CIMA jobs around UK and ASIA), my question to you is if I complete my MSc, get a role in europe or asia to complete my CIMA, will I then be able to get it translated into a “CMA” quaification and find similar roles in the USA?

    Kind regards,
    Rob

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    Hi Rob,

    MBA is indeed a very important qualification in the US. Bare in mind, however, that there is a substantial difference between a US MBA and UK MBA. The US culture generally looks upon entrepreneurial education and experience (which in many ways an MBA preps you for) as a good thing; in the UK, they actually think of that a a problem when you go and look for a job. That said, I think a US MBA will give you a lot more in terms of relevant education than a UK MBA would, that is primarily due to the difference of educational culture in both countries. The Americans believe it is all about getting involved, doing projects and delivering work. The UK is big on final papers (which is pointless if you ask me).

    Now I don’t think there is any such thing as a CIMA job or CMA job. A job is an accounting job, how you choose to approach and where you intend to go from it is up to you. If you know how to upsell yourself, you can leverage either of those qualifications to your advantage. If you want to stick around in the UK and Asia, CIMA is definitely better, but note that Asia does think very highly of US qualifications, so the clout the CMA would be carry may be enough to act as a differentiator when approaching jobs in that market.

    To answer your question, at a certification level, having a CIMA qualification will not translate into a CMA qualification. They’re essentially rival institutes and do not give any credibility to each other when it comes time to getting ‘licensed’. You can always find relevant jobs in the US though. Every multi national company headquartered in the US needs accountants who understand overseas accounting because everyone has to consolidate financial statements – whether this will get you a great job in the management accountant side of things or not is a different question, but a job you will get.

    Lastly, although I have been out of the job market for quite a while now, many of the really good CFOs or equivalent that I came across in the UK don’t really have any qualifications. They generally only had an MBA or Bachelors – some thought CMA (or when CFM was around) were decent qualifications to give you some fine tuning. But remember, that the top accountant jobs have little accounting, more about understanding the impact of it all. So no matter what you do, decide where you want to end up in an organization first – then make a decision around certifications.

  • Carla Matthews

    Hi Commie B

    Presently i am an Internal Auditor and have acquired a BSc (Hons) Applied Accounting and ACCA Fundamental Level. I’ve decided not to continue ACCA, but to pursue my MBA, as i want a carear that would incorporate both auditing and administration. Can you tell me what type of carear requires the two combinations and what is the best studies one should pursue. Should i continue pursuing ACCA eventhough the passion for it has gone?

    Read more: So, which Accounting Certification is for you? http://www.asifism.com/accounting-finance/so-which-accounting-certification-is-for-you/#ixzz1GDDWT8De

  • Carla Matthews

    Hi Commie B

    Presently i am an Internal Auditor and have acquired a BSc (Hons) Applied Accounting and ACCA Fundamental Level. I’ve decided not to continue ACCA, but to pursue my MBA, as i want a carear that would incorporate both auditing and administration. Can you tell me what type of carear requires the two combinations and what is the best studies one should pursue. Should i continue pursuing ACCA eventhough the passion for it has gone?

    I noticed that you did not respond to my email, so i would appreciate your advise, thank you!

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    Hi Carla,

    Let me start by saying that accounting is not a field that involves passion, of any kind. Whether you do ACCA, CIMA, CMA, CPA, ACA or whatever, it is all plain boring and mind numbingly, well, simple and procedural.

    An MBA is definitely the right step in the business administration department, but I think the qualifications you need to get will be driven by what your ideal job title is. ACCA is financial accounting based, which should be the right choice for a combination of auditing and administration (coupled with an MBA) alongside the ACA or CPA (in the US). Management accounting designations like CIMA don’t give you auditing credentials, so they would be out of the question. Really, I would think back from what your ideal job is – then look at the appropriate job title and reverse engineer that profile to qualify yourself for it.

  • Carla Matthews

    Hi Commie

    To be honest i Love auditing and would stick with this as my carear choice, however i donot want to do financial, taxation and anything other than auditing so do i still need to finish ACCA?

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    To do auditing, you need either an ACCA or ACA from ICAEW if you are in Europe / UK and CPA if you are in the US. Any other certification would be useless for a licensing / legal standpoint.

  • Louise L

    Hi Commie

    I wonder if you can help. I am currently studying my BCOMPT degree through UNISA in South Africa. I have worked for a small accounting firm and am now with a SBE managing their finance(bookkeeping, accounting, cashflow, budgets etc).

    The BCOMPT is basically a bachelor degree in accounting science, you only do first year business management and econcomics, 2 years commercial law and the rest of the subjects comprise of auditing/accounting/tax etc.
    Once I have finnished (I am in year 2 of 3) I will then do my Honours (an additional year). So I will have a 4 year degree. In South Africa the general next step would be to register for three year articles either in public or private(accounting firm)industry. During which I would register with SAICA and become a CASA.

    Now the complication comes in as I would perhaps like to do my articles abroad (UK, Canada, Australia) or if that is not possible then emigrate once I have qualified as a CASA. What do you advise? Trying to find info on bridging courses,converting CASA to another organisation or doing articles oversees is more difficult that finding the holy grail! Any info you may have or sources you could refer will be greatly appreaciated!

    Thanks
    Louise

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    Louise,

    If I were you, I would leave South Africa as a qualified, licensed accountant. What you need to do is check with ACCA and / or ICAEW (UK) or their equivalent in Canada to see if they will accept the CASA qualification. Chances are that if the ICAEW does recognize CASA, they will only ask you to sit for exams specific to the UK (like tax, for instance). If they don’t you’ll have to resit them all.

    The same applies to ACCA. Only wait to find out is to send them an email or give them a call.

    When I had to get my US stuff converted to UK, they responded to emails quickly. However, the answer was a flat out ‘no’ we won’t accept anything American. Of course, there’s good (they think so anyway) reason for that. It may be different for SA.

  • Wing

    Hi Louise and Commie

    According to what I understand, SAICA is part of GAA Accounting, all members (except the US – AICPA) will recognized CA(SA) without any Exam, as long as you keep CA(SA) and SAICA will give you a letter of good faith.

    Because US use US GAAP, it is totally impossible to gain advantage to(/from) the US system. But employer will look at your CA(SA) and treat you as a well qualified person.

    As you only mentioned UK, Canada, Australia then yes, the list of recognition is as follows with SAICA

    ICAEW – UK
    ICAS – UK
    Ireland
    Canada
    Australia
    New Zealand
    Hong Kong

    CA(SA) is very international don’t worry, but to get there is very tough, I personally asked SAICA whether you can do article in SADC region instead of South Africa, the answer is no. Therefore you can’t do your article outside South Africa.

    Wing

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    Thanks Wing. Helpful stuff!

  • Louise

    Hi Wing

    Thank you very much! That was very helpful…

    It’s a long time to stay in S.A. unfortunately but hopefully it will be worth while in the end!

    Thanks again.
    Louise

  • WAHAB

    asif
    iwants to do CMA USA in pakistan lahore
    so can u plz provide me a teacher..??

  • WAHAB

    i am in big trouble since i have decided to start cma of usa no one is here to guide me even few peoples know about cma
    could u plz help..??

  • Saad

    Hi,
    I have done my MBA in Banking & finance from a Pakistani university with coordination Institute of Bankers Pakistan. I want to settle in UK. so please tell me is
    1)Pakistani certificate ICMA is equivalent to CIMA?
    2)Due to MBA can i get exemption?
    3)How much CIMA will help me to settle down in UK?
    plz inform me on my id if you can
    firdos070@gmail.com
    Hopefully you will answer me.
    Have a nice Day.

  • massy

    Hi,
    i have Master degree in accounting and more than 20 years experiences in accounting and auditing also i am student of
    cima.
    i am going to immigrant to canada.if someone has useful information to help me to find job there please tell me.
    it is better to continue cima or study in another field like
    MBA.
    thanks

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    @Wahab – like you menton, there are no teachers. Just order the books online from Gleim or Kaplaan. That’s the best way to study.

    @Saad – 1. No. 2. No. CIMA can be quite helpful if you want to work in indsutry but it isn’t for accountants in practive.

    @massy – All depends on what you want to do.

  • Carla Matthews

    Hi Commie

    You stated previously that for a person to be an auditor they need to do ACCA or ACA. My question is, if a person only want to be an internal auditor and not an external auditor, what qualification should they pursue. Another question, if a person is an internal auditor what other carear path can they take stemming from an auditing background?

  • Carla Matthews

    Hi Commie

    You stated previously that for a person to be an auditor they need to do ACCA or ACA. My question is, if a person only want to be an internal auditor and not an external auditor, what qualification should they pursue. Another question, if a person is an internal auditor what other carear path can they take stemming from an auditing background? Thanking you in advance!

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    @Carla – For an internal auditor, either of those would suffice, but what you want is the CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) designation. See http://www.theiia.org/certification/certified-internal-auditor/. As for a career path, I think you could eventual drift into policy and become Controller – but that’s just my guess. It would depend on the character and preference of the person hiring.

  • abhi

    Hi
    I have recently completed my high school. I’m confused whether to do acca or cima and also would like to know which one is having more scope in the middle east.
    thanks

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    Abhi, I suggest you get a degree first. Then if you want to go into public accounting, do ACCA. If you want to go into industry, do CIMA.

  • Carla Matthews

    Hi Commie

    My last question is, if a person has a BSc (hons) Applied Accounting, ACCA and CAT and is presently an Internal Auditor, and also have an administrative background.

    In addition,wants to pursue a MSc in Strategic Leadership and Management and does not want to continue in the accounting avenue, what carear path can this person take?

  • Carla Matthews

    Hi Commie

    My last question is, if a person has a BSc (hons) Applied Accounting, ACCA Level 2, CAT and is presently an Internal Auditor, and also have an administrative background.

    In addition,wants to pursue a MSc in Strategic Leadership and Management and does not want to continue in the accounting avenue, what carear path can this person take?

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    Carla, I think you are asking the wrong question. The question you need to ask yourself is “What career path do I want to take?”

    That is the million dollar question. If what you are after is a ‘job that just pays good money’ get yourself a technical skill. In the UK, that would mean completing your ACCA. An MSc in Strategic Leadership and Management does not give you any concrete skills, so really, from a job standpoint, it is not relevant.

    If you don’t want to do accounting, what do you want to do? Sales, marketing, IT? Accounting is a broad division, so you need to think hard and fast before you will write it all off.

    With the education you have so far and if you have the right experience, you can do anything, from being a Financial Controller to a CEO – they are, after all, only job titles. You need to know what it is that you want to do – you can then use your credentials and your experience and write your CV to take that career path.

    NEVER go out looking for a path or a job asking ‘what you should do’ or you’ll do anything but ‘accounting’. If you don’t know what you want, you’ll get what nobody else wants in the job and career pool – so, what do you want?

  • Carla Matthews

    Dear Commie

    What I basically want is to be an Operational Manager or Procedural Manager one day. Hence the reason why I am desirous in pursuing the MSc. In addition, as an Internal auditor my strong point is compliance and operational auditing and I donot have experience as a financial auditor. In addition, my past work experiences was administration, Procedure Development assistant and a Clerk.

  • Abdullah

    Hi asif , you web is very usuful ,
    My question Is which one will take short time ACCA or CIMA
    I live in Dubai so which one you will suggestion for me

  • shotha

    Dear Commie,

    I am a CIMA passed finalist. Now I plan to move to UK in end of the year. I want to be a Financial analyst so I plan to study ACCA as well. Will there be a demand for CIMA or do I need to have a ACCA qualification as well for me to compete with others in job interviews in London? Thank you.

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    @Carla – my 2 cents worth would to be complete your ACCA. The MSc does not carry any concrete value. An ACCA with your past experience, if pitched correctly, can give you the basis to build on the operational manager platform.

    @Abdullah – They will both take the same amount of time. You just need to decide which easier for you – financial or management accounting.

    @Shotha – Having CIMA and ACCA probably doesn’t have too many pros. For being a Financial Analyst, CIMA should be just fine.

  • manal

    You have been a very helpfully to other,So I want to try my luck with you,
    I Graduated in 1999 in Uk,in Business information system.I did not use my degree,my accounting is very basic,it’s what I studied in the course long time ago. Now I’m in USA and want to do my CPA,but first I want to
    -Work and get some experiness before applying to do my CAP.
    to do that I need to do some type of course like Associated or Graduate certificate in accounting.

    my question is What qulification will benefit me in term of finding a job and for helping me later on when it comes to do my CPA.

  • shotha

    Thank you Commie…
    Could you please tell me which qualification has more demand in London, UK in Finance/Accounting segment?

  • manal

    I have No Idea which Qualification has more demand in london,I was away for sometimes,then I became a housewife and have no clue.
    Now I’m in USA and trying to use my Bachelor degree to get me to accounting.

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    @Manal, to do the CPA you’ll have to meet the degree requirement too. A certificate will not work (unless they’ve dropped their standard). You will need an undergraduate degree in accounting with the correct amount of accounting course credits or equivalent to start with.

  • Bingbing

    It is really a great website.
    I hope some of you can give me some advices on my career path.
    I have my bacholer degree in accountancy and master degree in knowledge management. I am currently in singapore and have one year experience as external auditor.
    My career goal is to become CFO or financila control.
    I find work as auditor is quite tiring , espeically in singapore. I have to work till 2 am in the peak period. but everyone around me said auditor is the best choice if I want to become CFO .

    What should I do now? should I continue to be auditor , or work as account exective in a company?

  • Tauseef

    Commie B,

    i have Qualified my ACCA exams. in june 2009 after that i spent 1 year in small size audit firm, then since August 2010 i m working in dubai as accounts manager in a security company.i also got exemption professional stage of ICAEW on the basis of ACCA exams, but to be a qualified ACA i need 3 years audit experience of ICAEW recognised audit firm. so no for me to be an audit trainee its quite difficult as audit firm pay less as compared to my current package.
    i want to pursue my career somwhere in mulutinational company at management level. i m in great dilema what to do or not.
    please advise me what certification further i should pursue to be on desired psotion in ommings years.
    i m looking forward for your response.

  • millicent adams

    hi i am a girl of 16 years and my desire is to be an accountant how can i get there ,but when i read this inscription i was very over whelmed,please help me work out my solution please

  • paul

    I school at Nigeria, in our school we are meant to graduate with an ICAN certificate ie Institute of chartered accountants Nigeria its a mandatory in my school, i wanna work at d UK is it possible to convert the certificate to ICAEW ie institute of chartered accountants of england and wales, thanks..

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    @Bingbing, I don’t know what an account executive is in Singapore, but that’s a sales job in the US and UK. I would look more for a corporate finance role in industry if you’re aiming for CFO and auditor is perhaps OK if you are after a Controller role.

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    @Tauseef, unfortunately all certificate issuing authorities will require you train under existing certificate holders before you will get your license. This applies to the CPA, ACA, CIMA, etc. too.

    So really, if you want to be a licensed ACA, yes, you need that experience and you’ll have to take a pay cut. It’s the penalty you pay for following a dudd system. You’re still qualified, though, even if you are not licensed.

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    @Millicent – Finish High School, go to university and get an accounting degree. Then get your license from the AICPA (if you’re in the US, of course) or equivalent. Happy days!

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    @Paul, couldn’t tell you. Nigeria is way out of my realm. I suggest looking at the ICAEW website to see if they will accept anything from ICAN.

  • starsays

    @commie B:
    so where could i earn alot of money as an acca or an accountant……mean at which region in the world

  • starsays

    and what is best certification for me after acca, as i love financial accounting and investment appraisal and hate auditing and cost,managment accounting,

  • MAK

    Hi!
    I am done my MBA in finance and currently working as an assistant to the finance & admin manager. I want to go for CPA or CMA. I need your help in this regard. I need to know “where to start from”?

    Thank you.

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    @Starsays – I would just stick to ACCA and then work. Whilst your accounting certification can tie you down to a particular line of work, it doesn’t have to! Find the job that you want – it’s all about applying your accounting knowledge! CIMA or ACCA or ACA won’t tell you how to make the right decision at work – you’ll have to do that part on your own. SO focus on working after the certification, not getting more. That would be my advice, anyway.

    @MAK – If you want to continue down the corporate finance line, I would do CMA. Less exams, perhaps more realistic and relevant education and less statutory nonsense. Of course, CPA is CPA – but it’s as boring as it gets.

  • Yousuf

    Hi,
    I did my B.Com in 2005 & know working in UAE as an accountant. I would like to enhance my accadmic qualification along with my job.
    Please advise me, which ceritification is suitable & worth for me.
    I am also in immigration process to USA.

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    Yousuf, if you are going to go to the US, just prepare for the CPA

  • Leonardo Calderone

      Dear Commie,may I ask you some questions very challenging about my future professional development?I would like become an entrepreneur in the future, so I think and i have read that a career in Accounting could help:1)Do you agree with this statement?2) I think that in particular, within Accountancy, the Insolvency /Business Recovery/Business Advisory track could help have an all round view of business in general, am I wrong?3) I have read that ACCA/ICAEW could be suitable for that: do you agree? 4)Do you think that the Business Recovery pathway be close to Corporate Finance?On the basis of some thread of yours I see that you state CIMA as good to develop Corporate Finance skills, don’t you? If it’s so, at the end it’s better CIMA or ACCA/ICAEW for both Business Recovery and Corporate Finance?5)I am interested in Financial markets too, in particulat in the Financial Analyst role, not necessarily as employed, let’s say I’d like to acquire the skills to perform this activity, even as free lance in the future or even onmyself, for example if I want to do some investments for myself.:Do you think that there could be an intersection between the skills of an Accountant involved in Business Recovery and/or Corporate Finance and the skills of a Financial Analyst?6)For the job title “Financial Analyst ” that I see in job advertisement addressed to Management Accountants/Accountants are requested the same skills as for the Financial (markets) Analysts role or the skills are different?Sorry for all these questions and for my ignorance, but as I see you have a lot of experience and you like to use your brain trying to be the most objective way possible, I’de be delighted to be answered by a person competent like you.Anwer me where you prefer, here or at my address l.calderone@yahoo.co.uk
    Dear Commie,
    may I ask you some questions very challenging about my future professional development?
    I would like become an entrepreneur in the future, so I think and i have read that a career in Accounting could help:
    1)Do you agree with this statement?
    2) I think that in particular, within Accountancy, the Insolvency /Business Recovery/Business Advisory track could help have an all round view of business in general, am I wrong?
    3) I have read that ACCA/ICAEW could be suitable for that: do you agree?
    4)Do you think that the Business Recovery pathway be close to Corporate Finance?
    On the basis of some thread of yours I see that you state CIMA as good to develop Corporate Finance skills, don’t you? If it’s so, at the end it’s better CIMA or ACCA/ICAEW for both Business Recovery and Corporate Finance?
    5)I am interested in Financial markets too, in particulat in the Financial Analyst role, not necessarily as employed, let’s say I’d like to acquire the skills to perform this activity, even as free lance in the future or even onmyself, for example if I want to do some investments for myself.:
    Do you think that there could be an intersection between the skills of an Accountant involved in Business Recovery and/or Corporate Finance and the skills of a Financial Analyst?
    6)For the job title “Financial Analyst ” that I see in job advertisement addressed to Management Accountants/Accountants are requested the same skills as for the Financial (markets) Analysts role or the skills are different?
    Sorry for all these questions and for my ignorance, but as I see you have a lot of experience and you like to use your brain trying to be the most objective way possible, I’de be delighted to be answered by a person competent like you.
    Anwer me where you prefer, here or at my address l.calderone@yahoo.co.uk
    Thank you very muchLeonardo

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    Leonardo,

    1) It depends. Whilst the knowledge is helpful, the frame of mind an accounting education gives can be disastrous for an entrepreneur. It trains you to think in terms of things always going wrong, and for an entrepreneur, that’s doomed to invite failure.

    2) Business Advisory, perhaps, but I don’t see the others being of any assistance. The most important skills in business are multi-tasking, vision, and the ability to network. Of course, knowing about the business you are getting into is also good.

    3) ACCA and ACA from the ICAEW are technical certifications. Whilst they may give you some technical skill in terms of dealing with regulations, knowing how to draw up your own financial statements is only going to take away valuable time from an entrepreneur, which can be better spent on building your business.

    4) No. To me business recovery is different from Corporate Finance. CIMA is definitely good for Corporate Finance as it explains accounting concepts in the context of industry as opposed to public accounting. The ability to apply accounting in a corporate environment makes for good Corporate Finance – and the only way to do it right is with experience or practical training. Unfortunately, none of the certifications give you any of this.

    5) A Financial Analyst on Wall Street is different from a financial analyst in a manufacturing or service industry. The former probably has little or nothing to do with accounting – in the latter scenario, the term financial analyst is often used interchangeably with Corporate or Management or Financial Accountant.

    6) Different.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_ZCNYYP25IJUV4LBKWH7BNOYAME Lila

    Those are some harsh words you written in regard to managerial and financial accountants and their “incompetent” bosses.  Some business owners are fantastic salesmen but not very good with money, and their acknowledging they need help does not make them incompetent.  In my opinion it is the smart business owner who knows his or her weaknesses.

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    Lila,

    Since when does everyone get so easily offended by harsh words?

    Nonethless, you are correct – a good businessman is not one who tries to do everything on his own, but employs those who knows things and surrounds himself with people who can get things done. Real knowledge, after all, is to know the extent of one’s own ignorance.

    But small businessmen don’t hire ‘financial’ or ‘management’ accountants, only big businesses do. In big businesses, bosses are typically hierarchical, and especially in finance departments, generally, but not always, incompetent.

  • Leonardo Calderone

    Dear Commie,

    thank you very much for your answers.

    QUESTION A:
    In order to acquire entrepreneurial skills, and be exposed to commerce environment, maybe it would be better CIMA among the Accountancy qualifications?

    1) Indeed, each Accountancy professional body claims great skills as a foundation for an entrepreneurial life, in particula those whose members work in Accountancy firms: ICAEW for example supports this statement referring to the vast experience that accountants in accountancy firms acquire by staying at contact with a lot of small and medium businesses in every sector.

    2) An other reason for the entrepreneurial skills owned by Accountancy firms’ accountant could be that managing an accountancy firm is in itself an entrepreneurial work.

    Nonetheless, as I can understand, you don’t think  all that is enough to gain skills as an entrepreneur.
    Is it correct?

    3) So, I’m thinking that maybe a third input for gaining entrepreneurship is the kind of approach in the job and  CIMA approach towards strategies is more suitable to an entrepreneurial business, maybe?

    4)Apart the strategic view, there is the problem solving skill, and a range of subjects, that is  wider in CIMA programme than in ACCA or ICAEW, do you agree?

    Or Taxation and Audit, not present in the CIMA programme, are a part of skills needed to lead a company that cannot be underestemated?

    QUESTION: B
    As to the international financial career in the industry as an employee, do you thing that CIMA is more portable than ICAEW ACA and ACCA? It seems to me, that even though ACCA claims itself international, and that ICAEW, on his side claims that they’re international, maybe CIMA presence is more homogeneously distributed throughout the globe, isn’t it?

    Thank you very much for your attention.
    Regards,
    Leonardo

  • Rasiche

    Hi Commie,

    I am an Associate member CA from ICAP (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan) currently working in Abu Dhabi, UAE. I plan to continue working in UAE and I am planning to get a foreign certification. Can you advise whether I should go for CPA, ICAEW or ACCA considering the job market in UAE.

    Regards,
    Rasikh

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    Leonardo,

    In answer to A – yes, I don’t think accountancy experience or accounting certifications are enough to give you the skill set needed to become good, successful entrepreneur. Sure, accountancy skills are useful, but by no means enough.
    CIMA has its plus points with business strategy, but bare in mind that much of the strategy in these courses geared towards helping you gain employment – so much of it talks about integrating into big business. Increased salaries and better jobs make up the majority of the claim to legitimacy of almost all accounting institutes and certifications. That is not to say that strategy is not important as an entrepreneur, it is very important. And yes, I agree, CIMA’s scope is certainly wider than ACCA or ICAEW – hence, I would consider it a better fit or potential entrepreneurs. Taxation and audit are never important in leading a company. Part of becoming an entrepreneur is knowing what functions to delegate – an accountant gets tied up with audit and taxation at a level more than the bare minimum will only waste valuable time – the important skill is to know who to designate these tasks too.

    In answer to B – this is a difficult question. Irrespective of where you are, ICAEW has its clout – that is because it may very well be the original Chartered Accountant certification. CIMA and ACCA both have quite a big presence, but there are parts of the world (and big parts) where both these certificates are considered rather weak (without any valid reason, of course).

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    I think you’ll be able to port out many of your ICAP credits to the ICAEW. Unless you plan on working in the US – ICAEW would probably be the most efficient way ahead.

  • Grace

    Hi Commie,

    I just graduated with a BBM degree and started working in finance of a consumer goods MNC in Singapore.

    I like analysis and strategy and aspire to be involved in strategic management eventually.

    I am considering between CIMA and CPA but am in a dilemma due to the 2 following concerns.

    1. CIMA seems more relevant for my aspirations but according to feedbacks, it is not as recognised in asia as compared to CPA. Most of the upper management in my company holds a CPA but my peers are increasingly taking CIMA instead. Is CIMA gaining ground rapidly in Asia?

    2. In addition, CIMA doesnt really touch on taxation and auditing which i am not sure if these knowledge are necessary for progression in my area of interest. I am afraid that CIMA might appear as too generalist next to CPA and CPA will provide more opportunities in comparision.

    Thus, should i take CIMA or CPA? Please advise. Thank you.

    Regards,
    Grace

  • Manjjs

    Hi Commie,

    I need your advice, am a B’com graduate with 10yrs of banking experience. now am looking at doing CPA mainly due to demand for CPA’s in here. I had made up my mind to do it. But my bro suggested CIMA instead now am confused as to which one would be a better choice. Am in Abu dhabi currently managing my hubby’s business.

    appreciate your response.

    Manjjs

  • Murtaza Usman

    Hi Commie,

    I’m surprised by your commitment to answering peoples queries efficiently..nice one..

    I scrolled down through all the posts but can’t find the answer to what I am looking for..If you can answer i’ll be thankful.

    Q. ACCA or ACA (ICAEW) ?

    I am a Pakistani living in Ireland with a Bachelor’s degree but I do not know for sure where I will be in the coming future..might be Dubai/UK/Canada/Australia/Pakistan (wherever I find work basically) but I want to start pursuing either qualification now. So keeping in mind this uncertainty regarding my location and that I will be financing myself personally for the time being atleast, which qualification would you recommend ? I have done some research myself but you know yourself every where you find people just promoting what they themselves have done. And can you tell me what qualification/background (in a nutshell) do you have just to judge your answers better. Please do respond as it will be really helpful. Thanks

    Regards,
    Murtaza

  • Guest

    i am currently doing acca 

    now , which beautiful country to immigrate , & what relevant certification to do , to have big salary in short time … plz plz ,,, do  replythanks

  • Yemna Moh

    hi I am yemna I have got bachelor in accounting since 2004 I have no experience I need to get job in audit or accounts which international certificate can helpe me to have job in short time please do reply thanks 

  • Utsav

    Hi Commie, im from India. I read your lines on CA, and its so true. Don’t know why i picked it..cause im totally opposite of a person who can spend lots of time in books and still not get frustrated.
    I have reached Inter CA and am so tired of studying for the Final CA exam that i have started to look to pursue CPA(USA) and quit CA. Do you think its a good idea ? Even after CA people aren’t getting good jobs here in India.
    Will CPA be apt for me if im good at understanding and studying, but not good at constantly staring into books and mugging formulas and just using theoretical stuff rather than actual practical things ? Another thing im confused is whether i’ll be able to get any good jobs in the US after doing CPA due to the whole Indian nationality and Visa processes that an employer will have to fulfill to hire an Indian ? I was also looking at the entry level degrees of CIMA & ACCA that are available to me due to exemptions in all papers cause of my Inter-CA degree. Will these entry level degrees be of any help also ?
    Looking forward to your guidance and suggestion..thanks

  • Anonymous

    Hey im Zack And im Currently Studying For CAT and i was wondering that if i could Transfer from CAT TO CMA is that possible and i need more info on other Options After Doing CAT and i’ve decided to Settle in US so what would be the best Options for me after doing cat Just mail me somebody please
    zackeatsyourcookies@gmail.com

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    For Strategic Management, I would suggest CIMA in terms of content. I can’t really say much for Asia, but my view had been that CPA is really generally an American thing. Countries that aspire to American standards will like CPA.

    For Singapore, if that is there you plan to say, CPA may be better. You see, CPA is less strategic or business related, sure, but it certainly covers more technical ground, especially when it comes to matters of tax and audit. Go with what will get you a job if that is what you are after.

    Unfortunately, relevant education does not translate to a better job - individual preferences do.

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    Banking – I’d go for the CPA. It also depends on where you want to go ultimately. In Abu Dhabi, CPA is OK. If you’re going to come to Europe, I’d do CIMA.

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    Murtaza,

    I’d go for the ACA – it may not be superior content wise or by ‘legislature’ but it is certainly better respected everywhere.

    As for me – I do not have any valid qualifications anymore. I now run a software company. I got bored of accounting and all the regulation and bullshit they tried to feed me and just wasn’t satisfied with the dull lifestyle.

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    big salary, short time.

    This does not happen in a job, so don’t travel banking on that.

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    Where are you based?

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    Utsav,

    CA and CPA are essentially the same thing. They’re both public accounting certificates and are equally mundane. In India, I think CA would be the right choice.

    For the US, of course CPA. But just because you have a CPA doesn’t mean you will get a visa to enter. That’s a whole different game. Unless you have that solved, I wouldn’t do a CPA.

  • http://www.asifism.com Commie B

    No, I don’t think you can get any CMA exemptions if you are a CAT.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_3YFJJHH3M6BEJMIPQTUA2HXYNU u p

    Oh but i hate CA and being in India. You slog for 4-5 years for the degree, and the jobs pay nothing. Even a simple entry level accountant in US makes more than a qualified CA in India..that sucks here.
    Am planning to do CMA now..seems to be achievable faster. And the entry level degrees of CIMA & ACCA.

  • Mohsin

    I am an ACCA student. Whats the scope of ACCA in the UAE job market ? has it got saturated with so many acca qualifieds…?

  • bobby

    Hello, what is the difference between the Australia CMA and the IMA’s CMA?  Are they the same thing?

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  • Thilini1 Pathirana

    if i need to do banking,what should i follow…CIMA or CIM?

  • Lyn_kl

    Hello,

             I am an exerienced Internal Auditor, and I am currently sitting for the U.S CPA.  After, I have considered pursuing a second Masters in Tax.  Due to family reasons, I may return to south africa, an I have concerns about the value of a U.S CPA or the benefit of a Macc in Tax to work in tax related fields in SA.  

             Should I continue with the U.S CPA and then CIMA?  And, would a Macc US/Tax help while in SA?  Thanks

  • Lan

    Hi, I am LAN from china. I think you could just come here, you know, more multinational companies are coming here, this emerging market may offer you a great job. On condition that you enjoy living here.

  • mizzqha

    Hi Commie. I got my bachelor degree in management accounting in the Philippines on 2008, and moved to US after i graduated.
    I haven’t worked in any related job ever since. I even tried to offer myself as a volunteer in CPA firm just to get an experience in the field, but there was seem no luck for me.
    So currently i’m working as a sales rep.
    Now i’m afraid that i’m beginning to forget what i’ve learned. What is the best way to do? Any advice from you?

  • Faiyazahmed666

    Hi Faiyaz Ahmed Chartered Accountant from india, If i do CIMA, is there any possibility to get job in Kuwait or Bharain? 

  • Michael

    Hello, I am a graduate of a business admin degree. I ama veteran and I can go to any public school tuition free. I am looking into getting a Master’s of Accountancy, Master’s in Finance or an MBA-Accounting/Finance. I would like o be a business analyst but I am not sure which direction to take. Most of my experience has been lower-level accounting. (accounting clerk/accounts payable/accounts receivable) Please help me choose the correct path.

  • Tanim6774

    Hi Commie!

    I need some advice from you. I have completed my ACCA from UK and recently moved to USA. I got few questions for you…

    a)  What should i do to start a career in accounting? Because  ACCA is not recognised in USA and I dont have much working experience as I was a full time student in UK. Just after achieving my ACCA degree I move to USA.

    b) If I want to do CPA than do i need to take additional courses? Or my ACCA will allow me to sit for the CPA exam.  I also need to inform you that i did not take the OXFORD BROOKS DEGREE from Uk and just pursued the ACCA QUALIFICATION.

    I searched many websites and spoke to many people. But the information i got is very confusing. As some people are saying that i need to join any University to get Bachelor Degree first as my ACCA qualification will not let me sit for the exam.

    Please let me know.

  • akansha

    Hii! commie 
     i am akansha from india pursuing C.A. i really find it interesting but i m confussed regarding  certification courses to go for after completing C.A. can u plz suggest me any couse???

  • JS

    I believe the CIMA JV with the AICPA combined with their gateway program to let MBA’s complete the gateway test and final three strategic exams to obtain the ACMA or FCMA is a solid plan.  There are many versions of MBA’s and the CIMA standardized exam series could become the capstone certification around the world for MBA’s.  The CISA should not worry about the CPA add-on designation (GCMA).  It should be glad the AICPA has welcomed them into the US and the CIMA should easily outmanuever the US IMA for top world position in management certifications. All they have to do is push their capstone program for MBA’s and get the word out to MBA granting institutions. 

  • Stoneburst

    adeel….
    commie i am doing CA from pakistan…….to get job in europe or us…. which degree should i go for….?
     





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