Latest news with #CGMA
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
Accountancy profession central to Malaysia's economic resilience and future growth: Lim
KUALA LUMPUR: The accountancy profession is central to Malaysia's economic resilience and future growth, particularly in embedding sustainability into business models, said Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying. She said accountants are no longer 'mere number keepers' but 'guardians of integrity', upholding trust and transparency across both public and private sectors. 'With sustainability now a central pillar of corporate strategy, accountants are uniquely positioned to embed environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles into reporting and decision-making,' Lim said in her keynote address at the inaugural Engage Asia Conference 2025 today. She said that this strengthens transparency, drives climate action and positions Malaysia as a low-carbon, resilient economy. Her remarks aligned with Malaysia's National Energy Transition Roadmap and New Industrial Master Plan 2030, both of which aim to accelerate green growth and industrial transformation. Lim commended the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) for spearheading sustainability initiatives, such as their partnerships with global business schools on ESG courses, the Sustainable Mindset learning pack, and the Fundamentals of ESG Certificate. According to her, this would help equip professionals to integrate sustainability into their work and champion green financing. Lim also highlighted Malaysia's collaboration with AICPA and CIMA to expand the pool of chartered global management accountants (CGMA). She noted that nearly 250 CGMA have been developed within key government ministries through partnerships with the Accountant General's Department, representing 60% of all globally qualified accountants in Malaysia's public sector. Meanwhile, collaboration with the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) has facilitated the largest-ever conversion of members into CGMA, while partnerships with government agencies such as Yayasan Peneraju and MyPAC, as well as employers like Shell and FGV, continue to strengthen the profession's talent pipeline. 'In today's rapidly changing environment, what we know today may not suffice for tomorrow,' Lim remarked. 'Continuous learning is not optional, it is essential to staying relevant, competitive and impactful.' She called on accountants to embrace lifelong learning, collaborate across sectors and uphold the highest standards of professionalism. Lim positioned the profession as an essential partner in realising Malaysia's Madani vision of inclusive and sustainable development. 'By championing lifelong learning and embedding sustainability, accountants will help shape not only a prosperous Malaysia, but also the future of finance globally,' she said. AICPA and CIMA chief executive of management accounting Andrew Harding cited the need to close the talent gap in digital finance skills, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics and sustainability reporting. 'We are currently seeing a war for talent, with demand outstripping supply, particularly for those with digital skills and new expertise in areas such as AI, data analytics and sustainability reporting,' he said. 'Compounded by an ageing workforce, the profession risks being outpaced by digitally savvy competitors if we fail to act.' Harding urged finance professionals to view disruption as opportunity rather than threat. He noted that the profession has repeatedly adapted throughout history, evolving alongside technological and regulatory changes. 'No one knows what the future holds, but our ability to think critically, transform and grow places us in a strong position. We are not just responding to change, we anticipate it, shape it and use it to create lasting value,' he said. Harding underscored the rising importance of management accounting, which he said now ranks among the most in-demand finance skills globally. 'Technology does not replace us, it enables us,' he added. The two-day Engage Asia Conference 2025 themed 'Empowering Finance Leaders in a Transforming World' will see participants discussing topics ranging from digital disruption and regulatory shifts to leadership evolution and sustainability in finance.
IOL News
08-08-2025
- Business
- IOL News
The future of finance has arrived with the latest CIMA CGMA Professional Qualification upgrade
The upgraded CGMA Professional Qualification syllabus enables students to develop critical thinking skills from day 1, Image: Supplied Image: Supplied To succeed in a digitally enabled business world, finance professionals must not only possess sound technical accounting and finance skills but also be able to combine them with critical thinking, technology, and high-performance business partnering skills. This is the future of finance. The good news? The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) CGMA Professional Qualification has been upgraded to help finance professionals do just that. Even better, we're introducing skills most in demand by employers earlier in your learning journey—without increasing the difficulty of the exams. CIMA's commitment is to continuously evolve the syllabus, keeping you aligned with the latest professional standards and business practices. And there's no need to worry about disruptive changes. As it rolls out the 2026 syllabus or future upgrades, you won't be required to take additional modules or meet tight deadlines to complete your qualification. So why the upgrade? Just five years ago, most finance teams operated within a traditional pyramid structure: a broad base of entry-level roles narrowing toward senior leadership positions like Finance Director or CFO. But in 2019, its landmark Future of Finance: Reinventing finance for a digital world report predicted a technology driven shift that would fundamentally reshape this model. What CIMA didn't fully anticipate was the speed of this transformation. Fast forward to 2024. The world has changed—and so has the finance profession. CIMA's follow-up global report, Future of Finance 2.0: Re-defining finance for a sustainable world, published last year confirmed that transformation is well underway. Many finance functions are already leveraging AI to automate routine tasks, freeing up time for professionals to focus on higher-value activities like problem solving, analysis, decision support, and strategic recommendations. This evolution made the mission for the upgraded Chartered Global Management Accountant Professional Qualification (CGMA Professional Qualification) clear: to accelerate the development of high-performing finance business partners. That means embedding critical thinking skills earlier in the learning journey and expanding the syllabus to cover areas such as sustainability and generative AI (GenAI). Developed by finance professionals for finance professionals, the CGMA Professional Qualification equips learners with the knowledge and capabilities to drive strategy, support decision-making, and deliver value across both private and public sectors. It opens doors to countless career opportunities for CGMA designation holders. In this new era, finance is no longer just about reporting the numbers. It's about shaping the future. Finance roles are being refined to meet the future demands of business and economies. Finance professionals need to be equipped with the right technical and critical thinking skills, a strong understanding of their organisation, and the ability to analyse, assess, influence and lead. They must be capable of providing the insights their organisations need to craft and successfully execute their strategies. The CIMA Qualification Framework – accelerating capabilities for the future of finance The CGMA Professional Qualification consists of three levels - Operational, Management, and Strategic levels – culminating in a Case Study business simulation exam. The syllabus is a blend of accounting, finance, and management content essential business leadership. It covers areas such as strategy, performance and financial management, resource allocation, corporate reporting, risk management and sustainability. The qualification prepares individuals for diverse roles and levels across various sectors, including careers in finance, marketing, IT, operations, sustainability and business management. To keep pace with the rapid transformation of business, the 2026 upgrade to the CGMA Professional Qualification introduces a bold new professional educational approach to developing the skills modern finance professionals need. CIMA's moved beyond the traditional, linear model of learning. Instead, it's adopted a spiral curriculum—a dynamic framework that builds and reinforces interrelated skills at every stage of the qualification. This means students don't simply accumulate knowledge level by level—they revisit and deepen their ability to solve increasingly complex business problems and add value as they progress. From day one, learners begin developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills—no longer waiting until the final stages of their qualification. The result? They're equipped to tackle real-world business challenges early in their journey and deliver meaningful value to their employers from the outset What does this mean in practice? At the heart of the 2026 CGMA syllabus upgrade is a shift in focus—from simply acquiring knowledge to demonstrating real-world competencies. The syllabus is now structured around the roles and responsibilities found in today's modern finance functions, ensuring that what students learn directly aligns with what employers need. In a world where information is readily accessible, technical knowledge alone is no longer a differentiator. What sets finance professionals apart is their ability to apply that knowledge—accurately, effectively, and strategically. This is where true professional value is created. Today's finance leaders must become T-shaped professionals—combining deep technical expertise with a broad set of complementary skills such as communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. The T-shaped finance professional, Image: Supplied Image: Supplied One of the most powerful tools in this transformation is CIMA's Case Study exams. These are not theoretical exercises—they're grounded in real world job roles and responsibilities across all levels of an organisation. Students are challenged to solve real-world business problems, starting with well-defined scenarios at the Operational level and progressing to increasingly complex and ambiguous challenges at the Management and Strategic levels. Through this problem-based learning approach, students develop essential skills like critical thinking, decision-making, and finance business partnering. They learn to solve problems through practical simulations, preparing them to deliver value from day one—and to grow into the strategic finance leaders of tomorrow What will you learn and what is new? For those unfamiliar with the it, the CGMA syllabus consists of three levels, compromising of nine subjects organised across three pillars. These levels provide a scaffolded approach to qualification progression, building students' knowledge and technical skills as they advance. Each level introduces increasingly complex problems and scenarios, helping students develop the power skills necessary for professional success. CIMA's redrawn the CGMA Professional Qualification to reflect the changing roles of finance professionals, Image: Supplied Image: Supplied This structure aligns learning and Case Study business simulation exams at the Operational, Management, and Strategic levels to roles that reflect the shape and evolution of the modern finance function. The Operational level focuses on the short term and the implementation of decisions. Students learn to work collaboratively across the organisation and use relevant data and technology to translate medium-term decisions into actionable short-term plans. The Management level focuses on translating long-term decisions into medium-term plans. Students develop the ability to manage performance, allocate resources, monitor and report on decision implementation, and prepare and interpret financial statements to evaluate performance, using data and relevant technology throughout. Students develop the ability to manage performance, allocate resources, monitor and report on decision implementation, and prepare and interpret financial statements to evaluate performance, using data and relevant technology throughout The Strategic level focuses on long-term strategic decision-making that drives value creation. Students will be able to support organisational leaders to craft strategy, source financing to implement the strategy, perform valuations, and manage the risks that might prevent the successful implementation of strategy. The three pillars represent specific areas of knowledge. The content of each pillar develops as students move up the qualification. The three pillars are interlinked to provide a coherent body of knowledge that will equip successful students with the competencies they require. The Enterprise pillar Focuses on the role of the finance function and its interaction with the wider organisation through the use of data and technology. It explores business models, as well as the management of people and projects to achieve organisational goals. The pillar also addresses the formulation and effective implementation of strategy. The Performance pillar applies the tools and techniques of management accounting and risk management assess the feasibility of strategy and monitor its execution. Students learn how to apply cost understanding to budgeting, pricing, capital expenditure decisions, cost control, and performance management. Digital costing is introduced alongside traditional costing techniques and cost management is expanded to reflect its growing importance in an increasingly competitive environment for organisations. Students also progressively develop the ability to identify, classify, and evaluate risk, including enterprise, strategic, and cyber risks and manage them primarily through internal controls. The Financial pillar focus is the financial accounting and reporting obligations of the organisation. This includes an understanding of the regulatory framework and external reporting requirements, including integrated reporting. The ability to construct and evaluate complex financial statements, including those relating to group accounts to show the financial position and performance of an organisation is essential. The pillar also includes principles of taxation, the tax implications of financing decisions, and the formulation of financial strategy linking to strategy development in the Enterprise Pillar and risk assessment in the Performance Pillar. Each pillar's subjects follow a structured learning path from Operational to Strategic level, ensuring a continuous and practical development of knowledge, tools, and capabilities aligned with the evolving demands of the finance profession. What's new for 2026? Starting with the May 2026 Case Study exams, the CGMA Professional Qualification has been enhanced to reflect the evolving demands of the finance profession, with a stronger emphasis on sustainability and technology. —particularly in sustainability and technology. Key updates include: Expanded sustainability content : All subjects now feature extended coverage of sustainability topics, such as environmental costing, green financing, and the latest IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards (S1 & S2). Enhanced technology focus : Building on existing tech content, the syllabus now incorporates GenAI and explores how AI-driven transformation is redefining working practices across finance functions. Evolved Case Study exams : The Case Study business simulation exams have been updated to reflect real-world challenges, including current and emerging issues particularly those related to sustainable business practices. These simulations are designed to assess students' ability to apply their knowledge in dynamic, practical scenarios that mirror the complexities of modern finance roles. To help students and educators navigate these changes, CIMA's provided a summary table below outlining the key enhancements and clarifying what's expected at each level of assessment. Flexible routes to earning the CGMA designation CIMA is not only leading the future of finance through its upgraded CGMA syllabus—it's also reimagining how students can become CGMA designation holders. Today, there are four flexible routes, each designed to suit different learning styles, career stages, and levels of experience: Traditional exam route This well-established path combines structured objective tests with Case Study exams, allowing students to progress at their own pace. It's ideal for those who prefer a self-directed, exam-focused approach. CGMA Finance Leadership Program Launched in the UK in 2023, the CGMA Finance Leadership Program offers a digital-first, subscription-based learning experience. It features continuous assessment and Case Study exams, making it perfect for learners who thrive in a more flexible, interactive environment. Experiential routes for experienced professionals For seasoned finance professionals, CIMA offers tailored pathways through the Professional Gateway, Senior Executive, and CFO Programmes. These routes recognise prior experience and focus on completing Case Study exams to earn the CGMA designation. Apprenticeship pathways We also support Level 4 and Level 7 Apprenticeships, delivered in partnership with employers and training providers. These programmes allow students to earn while they learn, gaining practical experience on their journey to becoming Chartered Global Management Accountants. CGMA is the future of finance Since its founding in 1919, CIMA has been at the forefront of advancing management accounting. With its singular focus on finance and business, the CGMA Professional Qualification continues to prepare future-ready professionals to meet the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly evolving financial landscape.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AICPA and CIMA revise CGMA syllabus for 2026
The AICPA and CIMA have introduced a major enhancement to the CGMA Professional Qualification syllabus, which will be implemented in 2026. This update is intended to equip accounting and finance students with the necessary skills to meet the evolving requirements of the contemporary workplace. The revised syllabus centres on strengthening the role of finance professionals as 'high-impact business partners' within businesses. It underscores the importance of utilising technology and employing 'critical thinking' to generate value for organisations. These modifications are based on insights from AICPA and CIMA's Future of Finance 2.0 research, as well as findings from CFOs of Fortune 500 companies and the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025. The focus is on merging technological expertise with human insight to effectively navigate the knowledge economy. During the recent Gartner CFO conference, it was reported that 79% of CFOs feel that employees need to reconsider their approach to their roles. This highlights the necessity for finance professionals to adapt to the shifting landscape of their responsibilities. Significant updates to the syllabus include improved competencies in business collaboration, strategic planning, and the incorporation of financial technologies such as generative AI. A novel problem-solving methodology will enable finance professionals to offer expert guidance and assist in strategic decision-making. Crucially, these syllabus revisions will not affect students who are preparing for CGMA examinations in 2025. This ensures a seamless transition for current students while aligning future professionals with industry demands. AICPA and CIMA External Relations - Business Engagement and Growth director Barry Payne said: 'This syllabus update represents a major shift from traditional accounting education, which has long focused on information preparation, controls, and compliance—areas now increasingly automated by technology. 'The CGMA Professional Qualification empowers professionals to redefine their identity and enhance their value, while also helping employers build a more agile talent pipeline. 'It supports career development through a lattice of experiences, aligning with both succession planning and evolving business needs.' "AICPA and CIMA revise CGMA syllabus for 2026" was originally created and published by The Accountant, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
IOL News
06-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
CIMA enhances CGMA Professional Qualification syllabus to align with modern finance
Craig Henery, ACMA, CGMA, CFO at DHL Express South Africa; Tariro Mutizwa, ACMA, CGMA, Vice President at AICPA & CIMA; Catherine Chettiar, FCMA, CGMA, Finance Senior Manager for Business Reform at Toyota South Africa; Stephen Flatman, Vice President of Education and Professional Qualifications, Management Accounting at AICPA & CIMA; and Grant Driver, Founder of Captivate International. Image: Supplied The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) has unveiled its CGMA Professional Qualification syllabus for 2026. This upgrade is designed to prepare students for the future of work and meet the growing expectations of modern finance professionals to be high-performance finance business partners capable of utilising technology and applying critical thinking skills. The emphasis on finance business partnering and applied problem solving aligns with AICPA and CIMA's Future of Finance 2.0 research and the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025, which predict that combining technology and human insight will be crucial for career success in the knowledge economy and essential for future accounting and finance roles. The upgraded syllabus enhances key competencies and behaviours such as finance business partnering, analytical thinking, and strategic planning while broadening its scope to include sustainability (e.g. green finance, environmental costing, and disclosures under IFRS S1/S2) and cutting-edge financial technologies (GenAI) content. "With a focus on finance role simulations embedded in our Case Study exams, the CGMA Professional Qualification allows finance professionals to quickly develop and apply cognitive, digital, and technical skills needed as finance business partners. Our unique problem-solving educational approach helps them provide expert advice, support decision-making, and create value for organisations." commented Stephen Flatman, Vice President of Education and Professional Qualifications, Management Accounting at AICPA and CIMA. 'This year's update to the CGMA Professional Qualification syllabus sets it apart from traditional accounting and finance education, which still focuses heavily on preparing information, controls, and compliance – tasks increasingly automated by technology. The CGMA Professional Qualification is designed for the future of finance; created by finance professionals to equip future finance professionals with skills they need to be value creators,' added Andrew Harding, FCMA, CGMA, Chief Executive – Management Accounting at AICPA and CIMA. 'The updated CGMA Professional Qualification syllabus represents a significant advancement in the development of finance and accounting professionals across Africa. By integrating key competencies such as business partnering, analytical thinking, strategic planning, and sustainability, it ensures that our members and candidates are equipped with the expertise required to navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape. This evolution aligns with global industry demands, reinforcing our commitment to fostering highly skilled professionals who drive economic growth and corporate resilience' said Tariro Mutizwa, ACMA, CGMA, Vice President, Africa at AICPA and CIMA. These changes do not impact learners taking CGMA exams in 2025. A Case Study and Objective Tests study support materials pack will be launched in October to help students prepare for the May 2026 CGMA exams. CIMA has also created over 50 hours of free study support materials to help candidates progress through exams and their journey to becoming CGMA designation holders. Full details can be found on the CIMA website.
Zawya
03-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants' (CIMA) Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) Professional Qualification receives upgrade to meet expanding scope of modern finance
Today, the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) unveiled its CGMA Professional Qualification syllabus ( for 2026. This upgrade is designed to prepare students for the future of work and meet the growing expectations of modern finance professionals to be high-performance finance business partners capable of utilising technology and applying critical thinking skills. The emphasis on finance business partnering and applied problem solving aligns with AICPA&CIMA's Future of Finance 2.0 ( research and the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025 ( which predict that combining technology and human insight will be crucial for career success in the knowledge economy and essential for future accounting and finance roles. The upgraded syllabus enhances key competencies and behaviours such as finance business partnering, analytical thinking, and strategic planning while broadening its scope to include sustainability (e.g. green finance, environmental costing, and disclosures under IFRS S1/S2) and cutting-edge financial technologies (GenAI) content. Stephen Flatman, Vice President of Education and Professional Qualifications, Management Accounting at AICPA&CIMA, commented:"With a focus on finance role simulations embedded in our Case Study exams, the CGMA Professional Qualification allows finance professionals to quickly develop and apply cognitive, digital, and technical skills needed as finance business partners. Our unique problem-solving educational approach helps them provide expert advice, support decision-making, and create value for organisations." Andrew Harding, FCMA, CGMA, Chief Executive – Management Accounting at AICPA&CIMA, added: 'This year's update to the CGMA Professional Qualification syllabus sets it apart from traditional accounting and finance education, which still focuses heavily on preparing information, controls, and compliance – tasks increasingly automated by technology. The CGMA Professional Qualification is designed for the future of finance; created by finance professionals to equip future finance professionals with skills they need to be value creators.' Tariro Mutizwa, ACMA, CGMA, Vice President, Africa at AICPA&CIMA, said: 'The updated CGMA Professional Qualification syllabus represents a significant advancement in the development of finance and accounting professionals across Africa. By integrating key competencies such as business partnering, analytical thinking, strategic planning, and sustainability, it ensures that our members and candidates are equipped with the expertise required to navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape. This evolution aligns with global industry demands, reinforcing our commitment to fostering highly skilled professionals who drive economic growth and corporate resilience.' These changes do not impact learners taking CGMA exams in 2025. A Case Study and Objective Tests study support materials pack will be launched in October to help students prepare for the May 2026 CGMA exams. CIMA has also created over 50 hours of free study support materials to help candidates progress through exams and their journey to becoming CGMA designation holders. Full details can be found on our website ( Distributed by APO Group on behalf of AICPA&CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. About The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants: Founded in 1919, The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants® (CIMA®) is the world's leading and largest professional body of management accountants. As part of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, CIMA and its members and candidates operate in 188 countries and territories, working at the heart of business — in industry, commerce, the public sector and not-for-profit organisations. CIMA works closely with employers and sponsors leading-edge research, constantly updating its professional qualification and professional experience requirements to ensure it remains the employer's choice when recruiting financially trained business leaders. About AICPA&CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants: AICPA®&CIMA®, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (the Association), advance the global accounting and finance profession through our work on behalf of 597,000 AICPA and CIMA members, candidates and registrants in 188 countries and territories. Together, we are the worldwide leader on public and management accounting issues through advocacy, support for the CPA license, the CGMA designation and specialized credentials, professional development and thought leadership. We build trust by empowering our members, candidates and registrants with the knowledge and opportunities to be leaders in broadening prosperity for a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient future.
