CIMA for Software professionals.

craig2020

Hi guys,
I am a software professional with 3+ years of experience. I thought of doing MBA, but restrained from doing it as of now as I dont want to take a break at this recession prone time.

I came to know about CIMA/ACCA through internet and thru my friend who is doing CA. Now I am thinking about doing CIMA.

Could you guys suggest me if it is worth doing CIMA.

What is the average timeline within which one can complete the introductory course(Certificate in Business accounting) and also the manegerial level, strategic level and TOPCIMA exams?

MacAttack79

Hey,

I am from an IT background also and began the CIMA ceritifcate exams after Christmas. You can sit the exams anytime.
I am using the text material and CD-ROM with sample questions to study.
So far, I have completed the Managerial Accounting only.
But i am by no means killing myself studying and just covering bits at the wkends.
I would see no reason that you could not complete the 5 of them within 3 - 4 months if you wanted.

But don't be too decieved. The exams are difficult enough!

I said I would add my piece here as I posted up about the certicate exams on here a while back but noone replied.

Go for it anyway. 75euro to sit the exam. 30euro for the book and 15 for the CD-ROM. It's not too expensive to get the qualification.

Collumbo

Hi,

I had exactly 3 years work as a software engineer under my belt when I started studying CIMA. I didn't really kill myself along the way, although I did seriously put the head down last term when I sat the Strategic Level and passed it. I sat TOPCIMA on PC 3 weeks ago. As of now, I'm an IT consultant / programming about half the time. Still haven't worked as an accountant as I kind of enjoy what I'm at, but I've done bits of it here and there.

You wouldn't be the first techie to study CIMA. There were at least 2 others in the finals class in BPP last November. It's definitely worth broadening your knowledge, even if you aren't going through the stated CIMA work experience plan by the letter.

I would highly recommend it. It will also give you wings to jump into something else should you ever wish to move on from software. The only downside is cost... but then if it was free and easy everyone would be doing it. You could definitely study for Cert level on your own...but make sure you do some practice exams.

Courses are expensive, and once you are beyond the certificate level and start study for the managerial level exams, you really are better off going to lectures - It requires real discipline to do it alone I think after Cert. level. You can claim 20% back on course fees through end of year Tax returns so remember that too.

And as MacAttack says, the exams are difficult enough. Wait 'till you get to the Financial Reporting (now called Fin. Analysis I think)... that should properly crack you up :-) I failed several along the way... but as I said, I didn't screw myself. As a result, it has taken me 7 years (including a 2 year complete break from studying) to get to TOPCIMA. If you apply yourself, it is possible to be completely finished in 2.5 years.. I actually found that certain subjects at Managerial Level were a bit more tricky to get through than finals.

Check what exemptions you are entitled to - if you have a degree in Computer Science, you should be exempt from one of the Managerial level papers (can't remember the name of it but it's IT related and complete pain in the arse of a subject to pass, so I hear).

Any more questions I'd be happy to answer... PM me or just use this board.

Good luck!

dudara

I completed the CIMA cert last year (paid for by work). You won't get any exemptions at Cert level, but the subjects aren't too hard.

As there was a group of us sitting it from work, BPP organised a time table for us, so I sat Management and Financial Accounting in May, Mathematics and Economics in October with Ethics, Law and Governance in November. You could definitely complete the exams quicker than that if you wanted.

The subjects aren't too hard, and if you use the practice exam questions that come on the CD and exercise book, you'll be well prepared. There's a bit of study involved but if you put down the head, it's very doable.

I considered doing the next level, but I feel that it won't be of any huge benefit to me. The cert was well worth doing though.

BTW. I'm a consultant working in ERP systems and Data Management.

Plodman

Hi Dudara,

I am an accountant thinking of getting into ERP systems & databases. Are there any courses you would recommend or how did you go about getting into this area.

dudara

Plodman wrote: »

Hi Dudara,

I am an accountant thinking of getting into ERP systems & databases. Are there any courses you would recommend or how did you go about getting into this area.

I didn't deliberately get into this area. I have a degree in Physics and a PhD in Electrical Engineering and I started as a graduate analyst with a management consulting firm. I got assigned ERP/database work and that's how I ended up where I am now. This kind of work is a nice mix of technical and business.