An interview with Ms Arati Porwal Chief Representative CIMA India Liaison
Q. Briefly tell us about CIMA and its success stories?
CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) is a leading membership body that offers a globally recognised professional management accounting qualification. The CIMA professional qualification has an emphasis on accounting for business. CIMA’s success is exemplified in the recognition and partnership it has built with businesses around the world. CIMA is committed to uphold the highest ethical and professional standards of members and students, and to maintaining public confidence in management accounting. This is visible in the global imprint that CIMA has been able to create with 171,000 students and members in 165 countries. CIMA today conducts exams in over 240 exam centers in these 165 countries. Q. What are the courses offered under the roof of management? The CIMA professional qualification in management accountancy is three- tiered, with a qualification built in at each level. These provide stepping off points to students and make the progression modular and flexible. A big advantage to students is that they can phase out the exam levels to suit his personal needs and constraints and on passing each level, the student is awarded a qualification from CIMA. Following are the levels that form the CIMA professional qualification, as per the new syllabus that comes into effect from 2010: CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting is a pre-qualification. It consists of five modules that lay the foundation for the professional qualifications. Examinations are computer based and can be taken at any time of the year. Diploma in Management Accounting: Consists of three modules. Written examinations can be taken in May and November. Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting: Consists of three modules. Written examinations are held in May and November Member of Chartered Institute of Management Accountants: To reach this award after completing the Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting, students need to complete the three modules of the strategic level and the TOPCIMA examination. The Test of Professional Competence in Management Accounting (TOPCIMA) exam. The TOPCIMA examination is completely a case study based paper, where the case study is given to students six weeks in advance and students have to solve it at the examination.In addition to be a member of CIMA a student has to have 3 years of relevant work experience, acquired during, before or after pursuing the qualification.  Q. What kind of background and profile does your institute look for in new students? A student who has completed class XII, and has a fundamental knowledge of English and Mathematics, can pursue the CIMA qualification. CIMA believes that going through the qualification equips students with relevant skills. Q. Tell us the prospects on completing a course from CIMA? Chartered Management Accountants are financially qualified business leaders. The industry in India and around the world faces a shortage of such skilled leaders and managers. The qualification will therefore add value to all students who aspire to be business leaders.CIMA works with a number of organizations to build awareness about the relevance of management accountants and their role. It supports them in recruiting qualified management accountants also. This helps build career prospects for many qualified students. Q. When does CIMA invite application for entrance/ online examination? Computer based assessment - CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting Exams - We use computer based assessments for our Certificate level. Examinations for this level can be taken any time of the year at the specified assessment centre. Paper based Assessment - We hold two paper-based exam sittings a year, in May and November, for the professional qualification. Exam entry takes place online from February to mid-March for May exams and August to mid-September for November exams. Q. Does it offer distance programme? What specialization is allowed? The CIMA qualification allows flexibility to students to choose their learning methodology and support. Students can complete the qualification through self study, using text books and guides. Students, who wish to avail of face-to-face tuition support, can attend classes at CIMA study support centers. There are 6 CIMA study support centers in India now. A person completing the qualification is a qualified management accountant. Q. What are the future plans for the organisation? The CIMA India Liaison office aims at supporting the growing numbers of CIMA students and members in India. CIMA believes in continuously supporting the relevance and growth of management accountancy. CIMA also sponsors and publishes leading edge research in the area of management accountancy. CIMA works with students to build relevant business skills in these future business leaders. The CIMA Global Business Challenge, a global case study presentation competition for undergraduate students, was held for the first time in India this year and plans are on for the next year’s competition. Add Comment CommentsYou may also like to read
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