The collaboration between UTAR and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) was strengthened with the launching of the Chartered Global Management Accountant Finance Leadership Programme (CGMA FLP) virtually on Zoom on 10 November 2021.

Present at the virtual launching event were UTAR Vice President for R&D and Commercialisation Prof Ts Dr Faidz bin Abd Rahman, Faculty of Business and Finance Dean Assoc Prof Dr Au Yong Hui Nee, Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM) Dean Dr Sia Bee Chuan, heads of departments (HoDs), and staff of FBF and FAM.

The FLP agreement between UTAR and CIMA was established on 2 August 2021, with the aim to enable students majoring in business, accounting or finance to enrol in CGMA FLP to obtain a CIMA qualification. As the digital-first learning and assessment platform, CGMA FLP will offer practical case studies and real-time learning on advanced finance, management, digital, people and technical skills, which students can access through an interactive online dashboard. Upon completion of the CGMA FLP, students will graduate with both UTAR degree and the globally recognised CIMA qualification.

CIMA Head of Southeast Asia Ginny Lim and Country Manager Rushdan Rozlan further elaborated on the nurturing of finance leadership among students who enrolled in the programme, on top of acquiring knowledge and skills on strategic management, risk management, financial strategy, performance and project management, advanced management accounting, advanced financial reporting, digital finance, management accounting, and financial reporting and tax.

The duo also highlighted that the programme will offer graduates competitive advantages by developing their skills that companies need now and in the future; adding to their strong academic preparation; enabling them to earn professional qualification at the same time as their degree; strengthening their resume to secure potential employment; making them stand out among other potential candidates; broadening career options, and providing access to global and local networks, communities and resources. Students enrolled in the programme can expect to secure potential positions as Finance Manager, Management Consultant, Business Analyst, Accounts Assistant, Financial Accountant, Finance Business Partner, and Management Accountant.

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. Together with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), CIMA established the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation in 2012 to provide members with a new level of resources and recognition. The CIMA syllabus draws on the unique CGMA Global Management Accounting Principles and CGMA Competency Framework to empower individuals with high-level abilities to help them achieve sustainable success in both business and finance. CIMA provides continuing professional development services, fund academic research, develop thought leadership, monitor professional standards, maintain a code of ethics for members, and work with external tuition providers and assessment services to provide the best study and examination experience.