CIMA - Diploma in Management Accounting - Operational Level

The Chartered Institute of Management Accounting (CIMA) is the world’s leading, and largest, professional body of management accountants.  Their unique blend of management accounting, financial accounting and business-focused subjects produces competent and confident Chartered Graduate Management Accountants (CGMAs) who can lead their organisations to sustainable success.  CIMA ensures that you’re studying the most relevant qualification for a career in finance and business and they are with you every step of the way as you work towards gaining the globally recognised CGMA designation.

The Professional Qualifications focus on employability – bridging the skills gaps of newly qualified finance professionals worldwide, meeting the needs of both business and people.  The syllabus is truly competency based, enabling you to develop the skills employers are really looking for, including technical, finance and business skills as well as people and leadership skills. Our industry leading assessments test your application of knowledge in real world business situations.

Passing all CIMA exams is a demonstration to employers that you not only have the knowledge, but also the competencies and skills of a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA). Passing the CIMA Diploma in Management Accounting - Operational Level is the first part of this process before you progress to higher levels to become fully qualified.

Why come to Blackburn College?

• Teacher trained and sector specific qualified tutors
• Class sizes that allow you to discuss topics with your peers and gain quality time with your tutors
• Renowned for providing an excellent student experience with an emphasis on pastoral care throughout
• Excellent library facilities
• Pay NO VAT. You will find our fees could be up to 20% cheaper than private training providers.

Why this level?

The Operational Level is the first level of the Professional Qualification suite and consists of three computer-based Objective Tests and one Case Study exam. The Operational level covers the implementation of strategy, as well as reporting on the implementation of strategy.  

Operational level is the first level of the CIMA Professional Qualification and consists of three subject areas and a Case Study.

Students will learn how to:

• Prepare financial statements
• Provide management accounting information
• Use appropriate tools for decision making through a broad understanding of business

After successfully completing this level, students will receive the CIMA Diploma in Management Accounting (CIMA Dip MA).

E1: Managing Finance in a Digital World (formerly Organisational Management)

• Role of the finance function
• Technology in a digital world
• Data and information in a digital world
• Shape and structure of the finance functions
• Finance interacting with the organisation

 P1: Management Accounting

• Cost accounting for decision and control
• Budget and budgetary control
• Short term commercial decision making
• Dealing with risk and uncertainty in the short term

 F1: Financial Reporting (formerly Financial Reporting and Taxation)

• Regulatory environment of financial reporting
• Financial statements
• Principles of taxation
• Managing cash and working capital

For the three main modules you will be assessed by a 90 minute computer-based examination test which will be held at Pearson VUE Centre rather than on campus at Blackburn College. There are test centres in Bolton, Salford and Manchester. You will be responsible for your organisation of travel to a test centre. 

These tests are comprised of a range of items including short multiple choice questions, number entry questions, drag and drop questions and other formats. 

The Case Study Examination is also a computer-based test. This lasts 3 hours. The Case Study test is used to test a variety of skills including research and analysis, how to present information, persuasion and communication skills. Case Study exams reflect a real life business scenario, comprising a series of time bound tasks set for students to complete based on pre-seen material.

To attend this course, you must have one of the following qualifications:

• Chartered Institute of Management Accounting (CIMA) Certificate in Business Accounting
• Degree in Business or Accounting
• Association Accounting Technicians Diploma - Level 4

Evidence of previous qualification must be provided with your application for you to be accepted onto the course.

As regards working experience, CIMA do not have requirements by year of study, but once studying you will need to gain as many of the criteria as possible stated at the link below, throughout your studies at this level and through the full professional tier of qualifications: https://www.cimaglobal.com/Studying/Becoming-a-cgma/Practical-experience-requirements/

If English is not your first language, evidence of achieving one of the following English Language qualifications within the last two years is also required: IELTS Academic Module with an overall score of 6.5 (each component pass mark must be 6.0 or above), or Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (grade B or above is required). CIM will consider other equivalent alternatives.

It is our intention to offer  the next CIMA Level (Advanced Diploma) following completion of the Operational Level.

After successfully completing this level however, you will receive the CIMA Diploma in Management Accounting - Operational Level and be able to use the following designatory letters after your name (CIMA Dip MA). You may choose to use this qualification to increase your chance of promotion or move into an Accounting role. Typical roles that students studying the CIMA Diploma go on to achieve include Junior Financial Accountants and Junior Management Accountants.

For more information about this course, contact our specialist team on 01254 292500 or email business@blackburn.ac.uk