Both CIMA and ACCA are professional bodies for accounting professionals. CIMA is the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, while ACCA is the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. CIMA and ACCA both have qualifications in accounting and finance. ACCA focuses mainly on financial accounting, whereas CIMA is more diverse, and deals with financial accounting as well as other business-related functions. In addition to accounting, CIMA qualifications equip students with the skills to manage businesses and to make important management decisions. Management skills and strategic thinking form an important part of the CIMA qualification.
Below you will find a brief comparison of between CIMA and ACCA.
CIMA | ACCA
Courses/Qualifications:
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Possible Career Choices:
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Scope:
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CIMA qualifications are aimed at teaching candidates how to manage a business properly. The qualification covers various aspects of accounting, finance and management. Management Accountants should be able to take on the planning and management of the financial affairs of a business, and should be competent in assisting with the development of business strategies. |
ACCA qualifications are aimed at equipping students with the skills that they will need in order to run a financial department of a large organisation. These qualifications place a particular emphasis on accounting and tax. |
How long does it take to obtain a qualification?
Take note: Students are required to complete the courses in the order in which they are listed. Each course builds on what is covered in the previous course. You need to pass all of the exams in order to become a Chartered Management Accountant, unless you have been granted exemptions. |
The courses can be completed at your own pace, but you must keep in mind that you need to pass all of the exams within a period of 10 years from the date that you first register with ACCA. |
Where can you study?
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You can enroll for CIMA courses through Skills Academy, or through any other provider that is properly accredited. Skills Academy is a distance-learning institution, that affords you the opportunity of studying at a pace which is comfortable for you, and you also do not need to worry about extra transport or accommodation costs. Another advantage of distance-learning is that you are able to study part-time while you are working.
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You can enroll for ACCA courses through any provider that is properly accredited.
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Entrance Requirements:
ü No formal academic requirements ü Ability to read and write in English ü Ability to do basic mathematics
ü Completed CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting
ü Completed CIMA Professional Qualification: Operational Level
ü Completed CIMA Professional Qualification: Managerial Level
ü Completed all three CIMA Professional Qualification Levels |
ü No formal academic requirements ü Need to be 16 or older
ü No formal academic requirements ü Need to be 16 or older
ü No formal academic requirements ü Need to be 16 or older
ü Completed Introductory Certificate in Financial and Management Accounting AND ü Completed Intermediate Certificate in Financial and Management Accounting AND ü Completed Diploma in Accounting and Business
ü Completed Introductory Certificate in Financial and Management Accounting AND ü Completed Intermediate Certificate in Financial and Management Accounting AND ü Completed Diploma in Accounting and Business AND ü Senior Certificate with Matric Exemption
If you already have certain relevant qualifications, you may be given exemption from some of the exams/modules. |
Exemptions:
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You can apply for exemptions once you have registered as a CIMA student. CIMA makes the decision s to whether or not a student meets the requirements for an exemption and whether or not an exemption will be granted, and CIMA’s decision is final. You will be charged an exemption fee for any exemptions that are awarded.
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You can apply for exemptions once you are registered as an ACCA student.
Exemption fees may be charged.
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