CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting

What job could I get with a CIMA Qualification?

One of the most important factors of business success is sound financial management. As such, CIMA graduates add value to any organisation around the world.

At the Certificate level, you will be able to apply for job roles in Management Accounting and Business Finance. A starting salary of around £25,000 to £32,000 is realistic, and once you have taken your CIMA Professional Qualifications, you could double that starting salary.

Once you have successfully completed the BA1, BA2, BA3 and BA4 exams, you will gain the designatory letters CIMA Cert BA.

Why CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting

As the world’s leading and largest professional body of Management Accountants, CIMA has built an outstanding reputation in the professional world of accounting. With over 100 years of experience, they leverage their heritage and history, to provide excellent training for professional accountants.

CIMA benefits include:

• There are no prerequisites to start studying a CIMA qualification
• The CIMA qualification is recognised across 179 countries, enabling delegates to have plenty of opportunities to work abroad
• CIMA is highly recognised by employers, with 96% of FTSE 100 firms employing CIMA qualified individuals
• CIMA graduates enter the industry with access to a wide range of opportunities, which include Finance, Consultative and Management roles
• CIMA boasts a global network of over 650,000 current and next generation finance professionals*
• CIMA members (CGMAs) earn average of £66,000**
• 63% of CIMA students expect to receive a bonus within 12 months of qualifying*

*Source - CIMA
**Source - 2019 Association of International Certified Professional Accountants Salary Survey

Why study a CIMA qualification with e-Careers?

• We have trained over 575,000 delegates
• We only use training materials which have been officially approved by CIMA
• Study at your own pace, where and when it suits you
• This course includes eLearning, Study Books, Exam Preparation Guides, Pocket Revision Kits and Unlimited Tutor Support
• We offer Interest-Free Payment Plans
• Exceptional Pass Rates

CIMA Syllabus

Fundamentals of Business Economics (BA1)

A. Macroeconomic and Institutional Context of Business (25%)
B. Microeconomic and Organisational Context of Business (30%)
C. Informational Context of Business (20%)
D. Financial Context of Business (25%)

Fundamentals of Management Accounting (BA2)

A. The Context of Management Accounting (10%)
B. Costing (25%)
C. Planning and Control (30%)
D. Decision Making (35%)

Fundamentals of Financial Accounting (BA3)

A. Accounting Principles, Concepts and Regulations (10%)
B. Recording Accounting Transactions (50%)
C. Preparation of Accounts for Single Entities (30%)
D. Analysis of Financial Statements (10%)

Fundamentals of Ethics, Corporate Governance and Business Law (BA4)

A. Business Ethics and Ethical Conflict (30%)
B. Corporate Governance, Controls and Corporate Social Responsibility (45%)
C. General Principles of the Legal System, Contract and Employment Law (15%)
D. Company Administration (10%)

CIMA Exams 

The CIMA exams for the Certificate in Business Accounting can be taken at any one of the 5,000 Pearson Vue Test Centre’s, across 178 countries around the world. Upon completion of your exam you will immediately receive a provisional pass or fail grade.

• BA1 – 60 multiple choice questions, 2 hours.
• BA2 – 60 multiple choice questions, 2 hours.
• BA3 – 60 multiple choice questions, 2 hours.
• BA4 – 85 multiple choice questions, 2 hours. 

There are CIMA exemptions for those who have accounting experience, completed AAT level 4 or who have already completed some CIMA training, so speak to an advisor today to discuss your specific requirement in more detail.

As you progress through your CIMA qualification journey you will gain the following:

Certificate in Business Accounting

Once you have successfully completed the BA1, BA2, BA3 and BA4 exams, you will gain the designatory letters CIMA Cert BA.

Professional - Operational Level

After completing the tests and Case Study exam, you will receive the CIMA Diploma in Management Accounting and will gain the designatory letters CIMA Dip MA.

Professional - Management Level

After completing the tests and Case Study exam, you will receive the CIMA Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting and will gain the designatory letters CIMA Adv Dip MA.

Porfessional - Strategic Level

On completion of the Strategic level tests and Case Study exam, you will be eligible to submit your practical experience for assessment.

The practical experience requirement (PER) is an essential part of the CIMA Qualification and CIMA’s application process. It complements assessments and demonstrates your ability to apply knowledge and skills in the context of your professional experience.

Your PER application will be assessed to determine whether you have gained sufficient experience to be awarded Associate membership – giving you the Associate Chartered Management Accountant (ACMA) and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designations.

In order to become a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), you require a minimum of three years verified relevant work-based practical experience.