APU Signs New Digital Self-Paced Learning Programme MoU with CIMA

Shorter time frame and minimum subject requirements to become a Certified Accountant with CGMA designation

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Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) in a virtual signing ceremony early this month for a new remote, digital self-paced learning programme — the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)® Finance Leadership Program (FLP).

The CGMA® FLP programme will be available for APU’s Accounting and Finance students and is a new guided learning and assessment route to completing the CIMA professional qualification and earning the CGMA designation.

With traditional in-person tuition and examination methods being challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic and digital acceleration, this new e-learning and assessment platform provides instant online access for aspiring business and finance leaders to learn finance skills needed in business to the equivalence of a Master’s Degree level of education. 

Students can start their learning journey at an appropriate entry-level, building on existing education qualifications, achievements, credentials, and practical experience. 

The employer or university will be able to monitor and support these students as they progress. A major advantage is that they need to only complete three exams — operational level, management level and strategic level to obtain the CIMA professional qualification.

Upon completing the programme, participants will earn CIMA membership at either the ACMA or FCMA level, in addition to the prestigious CGMA designation.

This initiative will also connect APU’s students and the university with the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA), the global accounting organisation formed by CIMA and the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), and its 696,000 students and members worldwide.

APU Vice-Chancellor Dr Hari Narayanan said, “It is a privilege to be a partner with CIMA that will benefit APU students. It is a testament that our syllabus and delivery is at par with reputable global professional bodies. Real-life simulations infused within the various subjects/modules such as finance, accounting, business, people, leadership, and digital skills, will help students enhance their knowledge and build successful careers.”

Explaining the outlook for the largest management accounting body, CIMA Head of South East Asia Ms Ginny Lim said, “We take our role seriously to fulfil the needs of members and future accounting professionals. Flexible learning options such as this self-paced CGMA® FLP online digital learning programme enables us to further reach out to our professionals in this pervasive digital world.”

“We have similar goals and directions in providing education for our professionals and connecting them with the real world and workplace,” she said.

APU and CIMA have been working together since 2013, and with the CGMA® FLP program, our students will be able to become Chartered Accountants in a shorter time, depending on their ability.

“The CGMA® FLP programme will boost our students’ competencies beyond technical accounting and provide them with an opportunity to take on strategic and management roles in the financial services sectors. This partnership will further accelerate their career growth and increase their employability,” added APU’s Head, School of Accounting and Finance, Prof Dr Nafis Alam. 

During the virtual signing ceremony via Zoom on 6 August 2021, all students participating in the event were briefed on CGMA® FLP online platform by CIMA Malaysia Country Manager Mr Rushdan Rozlan.

CIMA is a UK based professional body offering training and qualification in management accountancy and related subjects. It is focused on accountants working in the industry and provides ongoing support and training for members.