CIMA opens door to CIPFA members

AN ACCELERATED entry route for CIPFA members towards qualification with CIMA has been agreed by the two bodies.

Discussions about a ‘gateway’ to CIMA membership for CPFAs was revealed in July.

The fast-track path is open to qualified UK and international CIPFA members, enabling them to gain full CIMA membership and the ‘global’ CGMA designation.

Andrew Harding (pictured), chief executive at CIMA, said: “This is an important step to strengthen our partnership with one of the most respected professional bodies in the public sector. We are delighted to share our expertise and knowledge and for CIPFA members to gain our globally-recognised qualification.”

Last month it was announced that the CIMA president, Andrew Miskin, would become the first chair of a new international body in association with US institute the AICPA, early next year.

The CIMA gateway route will provide CIPFA members with up to 14 exemptions and give access to a wide range on student support and benefits through CIMA Connect, its online study community.

After passing the gateway exam (management case study exam), a strategic case study exam follows, bypassing the three strategic level objective tests.

Rob Whiteman, chief executive at CIPFA, concluded: “This landmark offering provides CIPFA members a fantastic opportunity. With the reconfiguration of public services, our members are increasingly working across public and corporate environments and require multiple specialist skills. The new route promises to boost capacity and thereby maximising value for employers.”