In a bid to remain relevant in today's fast-paced world of business, the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) has updated the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting (Cert BA) in accord with global standards. Zahra Cassim (pictured), Head of CIMA South Africa, says the qualification is designed to help people develop their skills and potential, and elevate them to success. She said:
"It's a standalone qualification designed to give anyone - not just those in a finance role - a solid grasp of the fundamentals of business and finance. By equipping people with the knowledge and skills that employers need, we can help them further their careers."
According to Cassim, the Cert BA update is based on extensive research and consultation with employers and educators worldwide to ensure that the syllabus adequately reflects the emerging issues faced by businesses and responds to their need for competent, confident and skilled professionals.
Earlier this year, CIMA introduced an updated syllabus and computerised assessments for the CIMA Professional Qualification, based on rigorous global research and the newly-created Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) Competency Framework. The update consolidates the five subjects of the existing syllabus into four. The former standalone Business Mathematics subject is now integrated across other subjects, allowing for contextual practical application of maths.
While the updated Cert BA is a standalone qualification, it continues to serve as a prerequisite to the Professional Qualification. The update now aligns the Cert BA more strongly with the Professional Qualification by embedding the CGMA Competency Framework. Assessments under the updated syllabus will commence in January 2017.
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