The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) has signed a deal with Manipal University Dubai which will allow students to gain CIMA’s global certification and title alongside their graduation degree.

Founded in 1919, CIMA is the world’s leading and largest professional body of management accountants, with over 218,000 members and students operating in 177 countries, working at the heart of business.

With this agreement, Manipal students will be able to fast track their professional development with CIMA and accelerate their progression starting straight from CIMA’s Diploma in Management Accounting Level.

CIMA’s professional qualification aims to equip students with business knowledge that is beyond just financial accounting, it offers an insight into how the different areas of an organisation can be integrated to provide better decision making and performance across the board.

Geetu Ahuja, the head of GCC at CIMA said: “There’s a growing emphasis on recruiting not just skilled but all-round professionals who understand the ins and outs of running a successful business, the CIMA qualification aims to address this need. By working closely with local universities such as Manipal University Dubai we will allow students to fast track their careers as soon as they graduate, as the qualification sets this foundation.”

CIMA, she stated, offers the most relevant globally recognised business and finance qualification. The qualification focuses on business performance, management and finance, giving students an advantage to be placed across any business function, added Ahuja.

"By the time the students graduate, they are not only financially qualified but also professionally trained in business management, capable of advising on business strategy and risk management," she said.

Dr SV Kota Reddy, the academic president, Manipal University-Dubai said: “The transition from the classrooms to today’s business environment can be very challenging. Bearing this in mind, we at Manipal University, Dubai, strive to give our BBA and MBA students a strong foundation to excel as leaders in their chosen fields. Our partnership with CIMA will enable our students to pursue new opportunities in business, finance and accounting and build a successful career as soon as they graduate.”

Dr Nilanjan Chattopadhyay, the chairperson, School Of Business and dean (Executive Education) Manipal University-Dubai, said the CIMA-Manipal University association will go a long way in making a perfect balance of managerial skills with competence and confidence of management accounting professionals, and thereby nurturing managers who can guide and lead their organisations to sustainable success.-TradeArabia News Service