CIMA, ACCA, ACA, CIPFA, the list goes on .....

brett316

Since I started AAT I thought I want to get into CIPFA or ACA, which I still do. I had a chat with the finance director at work (university) today about what to do after AAT and I already really knew the asnwer but they are trying to push me towards CIMA. The reason for this is they already teach it in house so it wouldnt cost anything and its relevant to the work we do within the Uni.


ACCA is also possible but more difficult to get into as it will cost the uni more and the training/mentor work may not be as relevant to my studies. CiPFA is also similar to ACCA but the director also said it would mean narrowing my fields already to just public finance. ACA is almost definately a no go as training/mentor work would be to difficult to do.

I really wasnt planning on doing CIMA as it didnt sound like it would interest me as much and Australia dont regonise any qualifcations apart from ACA and part CIPFA really and I plan to move there one day. I enjoy working in this job and would like to stay and CIMA would be an almost definate thing for me which also would cost me anything, should I just forget the others and stop being silly and just take such a good offer? Or should a try and put a case up for doing something different which could or couldn't pay off?

I know this topic always comes up but any views would be good.

Thanks

Brett

Luflux

Personally I'm going on to do CIMA, so below may be CIMA biased.

Just look at the pro's;

-They are willing to pay
-It will keep your boss happy in a job you like
-from what you say ACCA is more difficult to get into
-You might be able to progress to ACCA after 2 years of CIMA (Might want to look into this http://forums.aat.org.uk/showthread.php?t=20870)
-Relevant to your work.

Also do you know what the tutoring is like there? Is it any good?

Cons;

- May take longer to achieve your goal (ACCA qual in OZ)
- You may have to pay part of the fees
- Possible commute?

axl2derv

CIMA is highly recognised in Austrailia as with all countries. ACCA & ACA will give you membership after 5 years of being CIMA qualified without having to do the exams.

Dean

axl2derv wrote: »

ACCA & ACA will give you membership after 5 years of being CIMA qualified without having to do the exams.

I find that highly unlikely.

Regards

Dean

axl2derv

http://www.icaew.com/index.cfm/route/125720/icaew_ga/en/Home/Join_us/Join_as_a_CCAB_member/Follow_pathways_to_the_ACA

Theres the proof Dean.

mowzer

If you read the details about this, you still have to do an exam, similar to the Advanced study required to pass ACA, which is a really horrible exam

Bluewednesday

mowzer wrote: »

If you read the details about this, you still have to do an exam, similar to the Advanced study required to pass ACA, which is a really horrible exam

Good I'm really pleased about that!

How pointless to qualify with one and then be able to walk into another, ridiculous!

I'm glad you have to at least do something to get the letters.

AdamR

For ACA, you also need to be sponsored by two ICAEW members who have known you for three years - when I was looking to study after AAT, I had to convince my bosses to sign up with the Institute to become a training practice as they were both members of ACCA so I knew I could never get ACA qualified by transferring across at a later date.

Dean

axl2derv wrote: »

http://www.icaew.com/index.cfm/route/125720/icaew_ga/en/Home/Join_us/Join_as_a_CCAB_member/Follow_pathways_to_the_ACA

I thought that link might come up. As already pointed out to you, the devil is in the detail.

I would also add; even if a CIMA qualified passed the final admittance examination they would not be granted a Auditing practicing certificate.

Regards

Dean

NeilH

mowzer wrote: »

If you read the details about this, you still have to do an exam, similar to the Advanced study required to pass ACA, which is a really horrible exam

Although referred to as an "examination", it isnt an exam in the traditional sense of the word. You have to complete a detailed work experience record that shows how the work you have carried out since qualifying covers the same general issues and outcomes required by the Advanced Case Study. You complete this in your own time and then submit it to ICAEW for assessment. They then "examine" it. I believe there are application windows and deadlines for this and (at least at first) not many people have actually taken up the chance.

ACCA dont require any assessment,the main criteria being that you have held your existing membership qualification (CIMA etc) for at least five years (think it used to be two), unless you are employed by the ACCA, in which case its just one year.