Dubai, UAE, 21 May 2014: The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and Manipal University Dubai signed an agreement which will allow students to gain CIMA's global certification and title alongside their graduation degree.

Students will be able to fast track their professional development with CIMA through the MOU, 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, Head of GCC, 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 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. 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.

Dr. S. V. Kota Reddy, 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, Chairperson, School Of Business and Dean-Executive Education, Manipal University-Dubai, also echoed the views of Dr. Reddy and expressed confidence that 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.

For press enquiries please contact:
Priscilla Stanley
Ketchum Raad Middle East
T: + 971 (0)4 425 8888                                                          
E. priscilla.stanley@ketchum-raad.com

About CIMA
The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), founded in 1919, 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. CIMA members and students work in industry, commerce, the public sector and not-for-profit organisations. CIMA works closely with employers and sponsors leading-edge research, constantly updating its qualification, professional experience requirements and continuing professional development to ensure it remains the employers' choice when recruiting financially-trained business leaders.

Professionalism and ethics are at the core of CIMA's activities with every member and student bound by robust standards so that integrity, expertise and vision are brought together.

CIMA has formed a joint venture with the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) to establish the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation. CGMA is the global quality standard that further elevates the profession of management accounting. The designation recognises the most talented and committed management accountants with the discipline and skill to drive strong business performance.

© Press Release 2014