FINANCE

CIMA training involves two stages:

• CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting – an entry-level qualification, with five exams
• CIMA Professional Qualification – the second stage of training, with ten exams

your starting point will depend on your previous qualifications and work experience.

You do not need any set qualifications to begin studying for the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting, although you'll need a good standard of maths and English. You can study full time, part time or by distance learning.

see CIMA for more dertails about the certificate.To move on to the professional qualification, you'll need to complete the certificate or already hold relevant qualification, recognised by CIMA, which gives exemptions to some of the exams. Relevant qualifications include:

• an accountancy or business-related degree or postgraduate qualification
• Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Technician level
• a professional qualification from another accountancy body

You can find out more about qualifying routes, training providers and exemptions from CIMA.Some management accountants choose to train with the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA), taking the business management modules instead of audit and taxation options in the final part of their training. The ACCA has more details.The Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA) offers training in financial management. Training is at Technician, Associate and Fellow levels, but not to chartered level. The IFA has further details.

Ideally you'll need knowledge or experience in the following:

• knowledge of economics and accounting
• maths knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• administration skills
• analytical thinking skills
• the ability to work well with others
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• the ability to use your initiative
• This job requires a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

• preparing financial statements and accounts
• monitoring spending and budgets
• analysing the company's financial performance
• forecasting and planning future spending and profits
• recommending ways to reduce costs and increase profits
• making business decisions
• auditing departments in your company
• preparing company reports for outside organisations
• managing a team of accountants
• overseeing the company's payroll, credit control and bookkeeping systems

You could work in an office for a builders merchants or a building materials supplier.