CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting

The CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting, delivered by the esteemed Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), stands as a beacon of learning for those individuals who find themselves at the outset of their journey in the realm of accounting. Crafted meticulously to cater to learners with varying degrees of familiarity with the subject matter, this comprehensive program serves as an invaluable stepping stone into the dynamic worlds of business and finance.

Designed to accommodate individuals with limited or no prior accounting knowledge, the curriculum of this certificate program is robust and all-encompassing. It goes beyond merely imparting theoretical concepts, instead providing hands-on practical experiences that equip students with a deep understanding of the intricacies of financial management, budgeting, and decision-making processes within organizational contexts.

CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting 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 Certificate in Business Accounting Exam Details

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.

CIMA - Chartered Institute of Management Accountants

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), founded in 1919, is the world’s leading and largest professional body of management accountants. CIMA helps individuals and businesses to succeed by harnessing the full power of management accounting – not just accounting for the balance sheet, but accounting for business.

CIMA offers numerous advantages, such as:

• No prerequisites are necessary to commence studying for a CIMA qualification.
• The CIMA credential holds recognition in 179 countries, providing ample opportunities for international employment.
• Employers highly value CIMA, with 96% of FTSE 100 companies employing CIMA-certified professionals.
• Graduates of CIMA gain access to diverse career paths in Finance, Consulting, and Management.
• CIMA boasts a global network exceeding 650,000 current and future finance professionals.
• CIMA members (CGMAs) typically earn an average of £66,000.
• Within 12 months of qualifying, 63% of CIMA students anticipate receiving a bonus.

(Source: CIMA and 2019 Association of International Certified Professional Accountants Salary Survey)