Chartered accountants can now take advantage of an offer from The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and save up to 544 pounds and enhance their profile by qualifying as a Chartered Management Accountant.

CEO of CIMA Sri Lanka Bradley Emerson and President of CIMA Sri Lanka Aruna Fernando explained that CIMA has signed an MOU with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka, and is open to all its qualified members.

The offer is valid until April 30, and those interested can register during this period but need not sit the exam during the period.

Fernando stated that CIMA has long had a close relationship with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka, and has been working closely with the institute for many years adding that this special offer will only complement relations between the two institutes.

Fernando said, “Though both institutes are all about accounting, we are very different, but I think that is what makes our relationship so special, this special package will only go on to strengthen out ties.”

Nishan Fernando, the President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka expressed his thanks to CIMA for the kind offer which would be very valuable to the members of ICASL especially at a time when exchange rates are very prohibitive and doing foreign examinations are becoming increasingly difficult for Sri Lankans. Nisahan also added that being the premier National Accounting body, it is paramount that the Institute work closely with all other accounting bodies and that throughout the years, the two organisations have had a long and cordial relationship, with many Accountants being members of both bodies. He stressed that initiatives such as this, would help in further strengthening the relationship.

Meanwhile Emerson stated that CIMA is looking at a large number of applicants in the coming months as the country currently has a whopping number of 3400 chartered accountants.

Emerson said, “Going for an MBA is another option of climbing the ladder for most professionals but this is far more easier, plus it allows chartered accountants to venture into other areas like business management and even marketing, so it widens their scope.”

He explained that the normal procedure would include paying registration costs, submission and exam fees as well as exemption fees, and that CIMA was cutting out the exemption fees which amount to 544 pounds.

Both Fernando and Emerson stressed the importance of having an internationally recognised qualification, stating that CIM is a global product that is accepted in over 100 countries.

CIMA is a leading membership body that offers an internationally recognised professional qualification in management accountancy, which focuses on accounting for business.

As an organization CIMA is committed to constant improvement, and its reputation as a professional and regulatory body has never been stronger, as it is increasingly the first choice for students and employers.

At present, CIMA Sri Lanka has over 1,800 members and 12,000 students, making it the largest concentration of members and students outside the UK. In addition there are around 1700 Sri Lankan members and students living and working outside the country, principally in countries like New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Middle East and the United Kingdom.

CIMA is the only international professional qualification with a sole focus on accounting for business. The institute educates trains and qualifies first-class professionals – people with financial prowess who also understand the intricacies of management.

CIMA people go way beyond accountancy – by using finance skills to focus on future success rather than past performance, they are helping to drive the world’s successful organizations.