The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Ghana (UG) for the CGMA Finance Leadership Program, a new, remote, digital, self-paced learning programme that will be available for all of UG’s business, accounting, and finance students.

Traditional in-person tuition and examination methods are being challenged by digital acceleration and the Covid-19 pandemic.

The CGMA Finance Leadership Program enables instant on-line access for aspiring business and finance leaders to learn finance skills to the equivalent of a master’s degree. It also provides a new guided learning and assessment route to completing the CIMA Professional Qualification and earning the CGMA designation.

With the help of real-life case simulations, it teaches a mix of finance, accounting, business, people, leadership and digital skills that are needed to build successful careers. 

Students can start their learning journey at an appropriate entry level, building on existing educational achievements, credentials, and practical experience. Their employer or university is then able to monitor and support students as they progress.

Students will need to pass only three exams – operational level, management level and strategic level, to obtain the CIMA Professional Qualification. 

On successfully completing the programme, students earn CIMA membership at either the ACMA or FCMA level in addition to the prestigious CGMA® designation. CGMA designation holders are in demand from the world’s leading companies and offer a route to a varied career, supporting both national and global economies.

The CGMA Finance Leadership Program also connects students and universities to the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the global accounting organisation formed by CIMA© and the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), plus its network of almost 700,000 members, students and engaged professionals.

The MoU signing ceremony was attended by Paul Aninakwah, Country Manager – Ghana at the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (the Association), representing AICPA & CIMA, and Prof Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana.

Paul Aninakwah ACMA, CGMA, Country Manager – Ghana at the Association said: “I am really excited about this partnership with the University of Ghana.

“This will enable many undergraduates to complete the CIMA Professional Qualification and earn the prestigious CGMA designation. Having both will enhance the employability of the graduates, clearly demonstrating the value they can add to a business.”

Prof Justice Bawole, Dean of the University of Ghana Business School said: “The University of Ghana Business School is excited at the opportunity to work with CIMA to provide excellent professional training to our students.

The collaboration will contribute to making our students globally competitive professional management accountants.”

To mark the launch of this new partnership, CIMA is offering University of Ghana students who graduated after 2016, a 75% discount on the cost of the CGMA Finance Leadership Program.