CIMA TRAININGsupporting employer training of CIMA students

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)is the voice of over 77,000 students and 59,000 members in156 countries, and in addition to its headquarters in the UKhas eleven offices internationally.

CIMA (The Chartered Institute ofManagement Accountants) is the voice ofover 85,000 students and 65,000 membersin 156 countries around the world.

CIMA is the fastest growing UK basedaccountancy membership body in terms ofmembers in both the UK and worldwide.1

1 Key Facts and Trends in the Accountancy Profession, published by the Professional Oversight Board for Accountancy (POBA) in February 2005.

CIMA’s core strength lies in providing a gold standard in the qualification and supportof management accountants. In an age of globalisation and intensified competition,the Chartered Management Accountant is fully prepared to meet the needs of thebusiness and ultimately add value to the bottom line.

We are the only professional body delivering an employer driven qualification for management accountants, working in business and the public sector. We consultextensively and regularly with employers to meet the changing demands of business, and reflect these demands in our syllabus.

The key aspects of the CIMA Professional qualification include:

• Increased management content designed specifically for accountants in business.

• Major focus on practical skills development in the workplace.

• Providing a consistently global syllabus,examined in the same way everywhere and combining the core qualification with life long learning and development for membersthrough CIMA Professional Development.

Today’s fast moving environment demands you have the right people to differentiate your business and deliver value to your bottomline. Chartered Management Accountants havethe skills and competencies to deliver on this requirement.

We pride ourselves on the commercial relevanceof the CIMA qualification in reflecting the latestdevelopments in business, providing the financialqualification for business.

Supporting employer trainingof CIMA studentsWe were granted a Royal Charter status in1976, in recognition of CIMA as being amongstthe top professional bodies, which allows us toaward professional membership.

CIMA has more members in the public sectorthan any other UK based body.

CIMA has also been voted the ‘Best StudentBody’ by readers of Pass student magazine,recognising the commitment we place on thetraining of students.

To earn the right to achieve ‘CharteredManagement Accountant’ status students mustqualify through a combination of exams andpractical experience. CIMA Training is a qualityassurance scheme that supports you in helpingyour students reach this goal.

CIMA realises the commitment your staff havemade in studying the CIMA qualification. Tobuild on the quality and success of youremployees, CIMA offers you the opportunity tobecome accredited to CIMA Training – offeringsupport to your students and recognition toyour organisation of providing a high standardof training. CIMA Training will help you develop leading business managers within your organisation.

about CIMA

CIMA Training

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In today’s fast moving business environment, well qualified staff are an importantasset, whatever the size of your business.

CIMA provides an internationally recognised accountancy qualification, which is unique inits focus on accounting for business. CharteredManagement Accountants provide commerciallyrelevant expertise across many managementfunctions, and develops the skills and competencies required to be the financialqualification for business.

CIMA Training is a quality assurance scheme,designed to ensure that the training of chartered management accountants is deliveredeverywhere to the same consistently high standard.

It sets out quality standards that enable you to:

• Help your trainees get the maximum benefitfrom the CIMA courses.

• Integrate the needs of your business with CIMA’s training requirements.

• Tailor the work experience offered to your trainees so that they understand the practicalimplications of what they learn.

• Plan, monitor and improve your training programme against established benchmarks so that it matches or surpasses the best on offer elsewhere.

• Benefit from the independent assessment and help that CIMA provides to participatingorganisations.

CIMA Training accreditation demonstrates how serious you are about training, and assistsin recruiting and retaining the most talented and ambitious finance trainees.

If you would like to be recognised as an employer that can demonstrate their training is adequately financed, well planned,well managed and actively supported by management, then CIMA Training provides the recognition you need.

Setting the standard

There are two levels of recognition in the scheme that reflect the two stages of progression:

• CIMA Training Partner levelThis represents the minimum level of support that should be provided by employers of CIMA students.

• CIMA Training Quality Partner levelThis is the recommended level of supportadvocated by CIMA to enable students to successfully progress through the exams andachieve full professional membership.

CIMA Training – an assurance of quality

CIMA Training

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As a CIMA Training employer your students are guaranteed to receive a high standard oftraining support. The benefits of this include:

• An enhanced ability to attract and retain the best students will lead to improved staff competence levels.

• Rapid progress of students through the CIMA qualification which means you have trained competent managers delivering relevant business decisions.

• Improved pass rates of your students will also mean a better return on investment onyour training and development costs.

CIMA TrainingPartner

The CIMA Training scheme offers employerswho achieve Partner status the following:

• Recognition for being associated with CIMA.

• The opportunity to run in-house computer based assessment for the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting.

• Up to date and relevant information via a bi-monthly e-newsletter,including editorials on business/training topics, advance notice on exam rules, fees,exemption policy and information on CIMA Professional Development.

• Access to a password protected area of the CIMA website which contains downloadablepresentations on key topics, and guidance materials.

• Access to additional fee chargeable training and support services.

Quality Control for CIMATraining PartnersAccreditation as a CIMA Training Partner lastsfor two years. After this you will be requiredto confirm continued adherence to CIMATraining standards and to advise CIMA of anychanges to key staff, organisational policies,training developments, and numbers of studentsemployed.You can update your accreditationduring this time to Quality Partner status, asand when you meet the requirements.

CIMA TrainingQuality Partner

As an employer who has achieved CIMATraining Quality Partner status you will gainadditional benefits which include:

• Use of the CIMA Training logo to attract higher quality students.

• Certificate of Quality Partner status.

• Publicity from CIMA through the promotionof the concept of quality assured training via CIMA recruitment literature, Regional Development Managers and CIMA advocatesin universities.

• Promotion of your brand on the CIMA website and inclusion in web based listing ofQuality Partners which can also include hyperlinks direct to your company website.

• Ongoing support to help you maintain the CIMA Training quality standards.

• An assurance to your students that you areserious about their training, making them feelvalued and more motivated to achieve.

• More chance of helping your students to achieve success in exams and help themgain their professional membership.

• Considerable added value to organisations seeking IIP accreditation.

Quality Control for CIMATraining Quality PartnersYour Quality Partner status will run for a periodof two years. After this you will be required toconfirm continued adherence to CIMA Trainingstandards and to advise CIMA of any changesto key staff, organisational policies, trainingdevelopments, and numbers of studentsemployed. This information may give rise tofurther CIMA contact.

A sample of organisations will be selected eachyear for a formal monitoring visit in order toensure CIMA Training standards are being maintained. A review of your training policywill form an important part of this process.

CIMA Training

the benefits are clear

The business benefits of becoming a part of CIMA Training are substantial atevery level.

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CIMA Training

There are five benchmark standards that relate to different activities within the training process:Plan | Finance | Support | Communicate | Review

The standards are sub-divided into two levels of accreditation: CIMA Training Partner and Quality Partner, representing the level of support and assistance given to students. CIMA quality standards provide a tried and tested framework for the ongoing professional development of CIMA students.

The tick boxes should be completed to indicate that your organisation is able to offer specific requirements. To become a CIMA Training Partner youneed to be able to tick each box in the CIMA Training Partner section.

If you are interested in achieving Quality Partner status contact the CIMA Training Co-ordinator on +44 (0)20 8849 2434or email: cima.training@cimaglobal.com, to arrange a consultation with an experienced training advisor.

Training StandardsStatements

CIMA TrainingQuality Partner 3

PlanEstablish policies and planswhich support students in acquiring the CIMA qualification and developingtheir career within the organisation.

CIMA TrainingPartner 3

matrixTraining standards for employers.

FinanceIdentify and commit the financial resources required to underpin training plans formanagement accountants.

SupportProvide a structured and supportive environment inwhich CIMA students can take responsibility for theirown training.

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You have a written training policy specifically for CIMA students,(your CIMA Training Plan), from which individual development plans are derived.

Your CIMA Training Plan offers a broad spread of business experience,which will develop the skills and competencies required of a CMA.

Your Training Plan addresses the need for ‘soft’ skills and personal and professional development.

Roles and responsibilities within the Training Plan have been identified and agreed by staff allocated to them.

You offer a comprehensive induction programme. Topics might include an introduction to the organisation’s training policies and the details of the CIMA Training Plan; key staff; performance reviews and rewards; structure of the business; its markets and competitors.

You encourage your CIMA members and students to continue their own personal and professional development post qualification.

Your organisation makes a significant contribution to meet all essentialcosts on a first time basis:• Study manuals, electronic study systems.• Tuition fees.• Exam/exemption fees.• Cost of a revision course for home study students.

Your organisation facilitates an effective framework of support for CIMA students, for example through study network schemes,mentoring, internal and external courses.

A mentoring/coaching system (formal or informal) is in place.

You encourage students to take responsibility for their own training within this supportive environment.

Your students follow a formal study programme, ideally with a CIMA approved tuition provider.

Your students receive a minimum of 1.5 days paid leave per subject per year, plus time off for the exam sittings.

Where practical, you provide regular contact between your organisation and the tuition provider to ensure satisfactory progress.

Your organisation has general training policies and plans covering students training to be management accountants.

You have a CIMA TrainingCo-ordinator, a named contact,for CIMA students who takes responsibility for overseeing their progress.

Your organisation can provide a range of financial experience.

You discuss the scope of this experience, and the job roles whichprovide it, with the students.

You have secured the financial support available to CIMA students.

You offer CIMA students and line managers access to relevant CIMA information e.g. Syllabus and Practical Experience Requirements,and time off to attend the CIMA exams.

Your CIMA Training Co-ordinator offers practical support.

CIMA Training

Training StandardsStatements

CIMA TrainingQuality Partner 3

CommunicateEstablish effective communications between students, manager/Training Co-ordinator/mentors,including objectives andexpectations regardingprogress on the training plan.

CIMA TrainingPartner 3

Your students, managers and CIMA Training Co-ordinators are aware of expected outputs and achievements.

You formally review and record each student’s progress at least once per year.

ReviewReview and record progressagainst agreed objectives;revise future plans as necessary.

The CIMA Training Standards are underpinned by a series of Practice Points which offer additionaltips on implementation of the standards. The Practice Points are for information only; but youshould find them a useful resource, particularly when setting up your CIMA Training Plan.You can download these Practice Points from www.cimaglobal.com/cimatraining, click on My CIMA and log in with the password we will provide.

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Your training policy has been communicated to students and line managers.

Objectives have been set and agreed for the different roles and placements within the training programme.

Students, managers and your Training Co-ordinator know what the students must achieve in terms of knowledge and skills.

Students know what they can expect in return, for example,financial reward for passing exam papers and appropriate career opportunities.

Your organisation offers a variety of communication channels for keeping staff informed of relevant developments across a range of business areas, for example training policies, competitor and market developments, progress against business plans and budgets.

You provide each student with structured planning and review,

and record their progress at least twice a year.

Progress reviews cover:

• Exam performance.

• Acquisition of practical experience, (as cross referenced against

Practical Experience Guidelines).

• Recording of practical experience gained.

• Personal and professional development.

• Career progression.

Tuition progress is monitored and reviewed with students

using feedback reports from the tuition provider.

Students undertake to give feedback on and to their

tuition provider.

Records of CIMA exam results are maintained in order to monitor

each individual’s progress and evaluate the success of both study

methods and the training scheme.

The CIMA Training Plan itself is reviewed annually with feedback

sought from students, managers and mentors.

CIMA Training

• If you are able to meet the standards required for CIMA Training Partner recognition, you will receive confirmation from CIMA dependent on the completion of the attached form and completed matrix.

• If you are able to meet all or most of the additional recommended standards for recognition as a CIMA Training Quality Partner, we will contact you to discuss how we can work with you to help you achieve CIMA Training Quality Partner status. Please note as this is our quality assured level,we will look for verification that your organisation can meet our standards, which may include a visit from a CIMA Training expert.

how to apply

Online

Register your details at www.cimaglobal.com/cimatraining and we will be in contact with you about your application.

By post

You can also send your completed application by post. Please complete and return the following:

• The enclosed application form.

• The Training Standards Matrix. Please tick against each element of the standards you are able to meet.

To assist your application please complete the Practical Experience Guidelines enclosed by placing a tick against each area of experience you are ableto offer your CIMA students in your organisation.

Once these have been received and reviewed, you will receive feedback on your application by email. We will send you a unique reference number to enable you to access the closed area of the website, click on My CIMA to log in, and benefit from a valuable range of web based training resources,including PowerPoint presentations on key topics.

If you would like to know more about any aspect of the support offered by CIMA Training please contact us:

T. +44 (0)20 8849 2434F. +44 (0)20 8849 2456E. cima.training@cimaglobal.com

For more information on CIMA Training Standards and how to maximise your training support, visit the CIMA website at:

www.cimaglobal.com/cimatraining

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‘As a CIMA accredited Quality Partner we can attract the right calibre of people into our business. We need people who can demonstrate a flexible approach, have the ability to critically analyse business issues and act as business consultants to a wide range of customers ranging from engineers, designers, manufacturing staffs through to marketing and sales staffs.I know of no other qualification which meets these needs so well.’Derek Barnes FCMAFinance Director, Heritage Motor CentreJaguar Land Rover 'CIMA Employer of the Year’ 2004

‘CIMA training contributes to the vibrant atmosphere in our company, created by young people who are empowered to take charge of their career development.’Johan van RensburgGroup Leadership and Development ManagerSiemens, Southern Africa

‘We consider providing access to a professional qualification as essential for the development of our finance staff.CIMA is a broadly based qualification which we find prepares our staff well for the challenges that they face in an organisation like ours.’Michael TaylorFinance DirectorShell Malaysia Ltd.

‘We recognise that a key component of a successful training scheme is our relationship with CIMA. We highly value our CIMA Quality Partner status, and believe a forward thinking professional body, such as CIMA, enhances our training capability and quality of people in our business. The CIMA qualification has the commercial breadth to provide a strong foundation for the type of financial leader we look for.’Neil Taylor ACMAProducts, Mobile & Strategy Finance DirectorBT

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants

26 Chapter Street London SW1P 4NP United Kingdom

T. +44 (0)20 8849 2434 F. +44 (0)20 8849 2456 E. cima.training@cimaglobal.com

www.cimaglobal.com

CIMA Training

The CIMA website will provide regular updates on developments in training, benchmarking and any relevant additions or changes in Best Practice.

The Training Standards are divided into five different sections: Plan, Finance, Support, Communicate and Review. Each is subdivided to reflect the minimum requirements to achieve Best Practice within each section.

best practice guidelinesTraining standards for employers.

These Best Practice Guidelines are advisory standards that provide an additionalbenchmarking and development tool for CIMA Training Partners and Quality Partners.They are based on Best Practice in many of the world’s leading firms and are designedfor employers who want to offer training support beyond that required for QualityPartner accreditation.

Best Practice(Advisory standards for those seeking to maximise their training support)

• Each student has an individual training plan designed to help them achieve full professional qualification and desired career progression (e.g. first line management role) within the shortest possible time.

• Plans include specific targets for exam progression, obtaining experience/knowledge in both technical and ‘soft skills’, personal/professional development and career goals.

• Targets for achievement are realistic and have been agreed by students, manager/s, Training Co-ordinator and mentor.

• All passed finalists are expected to apply for membership within three months of attaining three years relevant experience (not passing the exams).

• The organisation has a formal policy on continuing professional development and offers resources (time, courses, finance) to support ongoing staff development.

• Additional financial support is offered, for example:

> Revision courses (for non home study students).

> On site mock exams.

> Provision of in house library/learning resource centre.

> Reference books (in addition to main study manuals).

> Cost of exam resit (subject to counselling).

> Travel costs to tuition centres and/or exam hall.

Training Standard

PlanEstablish policies and plans which supportstudents in acquiring the CIMA qualification and developing their career within the host organisation.

FinanceIdentify and commit the financial resourcesrequired to underpin training plans for management accountants.

Best Practice(Advisory standards for those seeking to maximise their training support)

• The organisation can demonstrate commitment to training from the top of the organisation down.

• Where required, mentors/mentorees have received appropriate mentor training and/or briefing in specific CIMA requirements.

• CIMA recommend a maximum student to member ratio of 2:1.

• The mentoring system itself is reviewed annually.

• Success, for example in the CIMA exams/admission to membership, is recognised and rewarded.

• Students are encouraged to contribute ideas and suggestions both regarding their own training and development and broader departmental/business issues.

• Communications between partners in a training plan are effective and appropriate to the organisation/information to be communicated. For example, communication may be formal/regular (reviews/appraisals); informal/ad hoc (meetings with mentors). They might also include senior staff briefings; peer group networking; meetings between graduate trainees/HR staff and might be regular or ad hoc as driven by business needs.

• The organisation itself values communication and seeks to keep staff informed of broader business developments via a range of media e.g. intranet, staff newsletters, briefing papers/meetings, cross departmental working parties, senior staff clinics, suggestion boxes.

• In addition to formal reviews/company appraisals, students meet with managers, mentors,on an ongoing basis to discuss progress and plan any necessary adjustments to individual plans.

• Mentors meet with students at least three times per year to discuss long term personal plans and career options and try to help identify strategies for achieving these.

• Study strategies and options are discussed between students, manager/s, tuition providers and Training Co-ordinator to identify the most effective study routes for both individual students and the overall training plan. For example, the number of papers to attempt at each sitting, preferred format for revision courses, best study provider.

Training Standard

SupportProvide a structured and supportive environment in which CIMA students cantake responsibility for their own training.

Communicate Establish effective communications between students/managers/Training Co-ordinator/mentors, including objectivesand expectations regarding progress on the training plan.

ReviewReview and record progress against agreedobjectives; revise future plans as necessary.

CIMA Training

best practice guidelines

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, 26 Chapter Street, London SW1P 4NP, UK

T: +44 (0)20 8849 2434 F: +44 (0)20 8849 2456 E: cima.training@cimaglobal.com www.cimaglobal.com/cimatraining

CIMA Training

For your information tick which of the areas of experience are available to CIMA students in your organisation.

Area 1: BASIC ExperienceExperience gained in this area should be at a ‘hands-on’ level. Examples of suitable experience in this area are listed below:

1A. Preparing and • Updating the organisation’s ledgers accounting records.maintaining accounting • Maintaining payroll procedures.records • Preparation of trial balance.

• Reconciliations of debtors, creditors and bank balances.• Computation of depreciation charges, VAT returns, accruals and pre-payments.

1B. Statutory and • Preparation of annual or interim financial accounts, regulatory or compliance information regulatory reporting for the organisation.

• Consolidation of the results of subsidiary organisations.• Preparation and review of other Government financial returns.

1C. IT desktop skills • Developing computer literacy using proprietary software packages, including spreadsheets and databases.• Use of the internet and corporate intranets.

1D. Systems and procedure • Involvement in the design, development and implementation of new or replacement development systems and procedures.

• Review of existing systems and processes as part of an internal or operational audit.

Area 2: CORE Experience (minimum of 18 months)

Experience gained in this area should be ‘hands-on’ as much as possible. Students may be contributing to the activities without necessarily having ultimate responsibility for the output. Examples of suitable experience in this area are listed below:

2A. Preparation of • Preparation, presentation and interpretation of regular management accounts and related reports.management accounts • Comparison of actual performance with budget and/or forecast; analysis and interpretation of variances.

• Preparation of regular reports on capital expenditure, outstanding debtors/creditors, inventory.

2B. Planning, budgeting • Preparation, in conjunction with line management, of annual budgets and forecasts.and forecasting • Preparation of departmental budgets and forecasts.

• Working with other departments to develop corporate budgets and forecasts.• Preparation of business plans, balanced scorecards, capital expenditure budgets and forecasts, and

‘zero based’ budgets.

2C. Management reporting • Preparation of non-routine reports that analyse and interpret financial/numerical data.for decision making • Evaluating alternative courses of action and making specific recommendations; following up results of reports.

• Preparation of briefing papers for management.• Oral presentation of reports using visual aids.• Assisting with the drafting of expert witness reports.

2D. Product and service • Application of appropriate principles and techniques e.g. overhead allocation, marginal costing,costing break-even analysis and ABC, in order to establish the current and future costs of the organisation’s

products, services and activities.• Identification of costs and revenues relating to specific business decisions e.g. the introduction,

amendment or deletion of a product or service; pricing; make or buy comparisons.

practical experience guidelines

These Practical Experience Guidelines have been put together to make it easier forstudents and their employers to plan training. Under each heading are examples ofthe activities in which students will be expected to gain experience. Although it isnot expected that students will work in all areas, they should be given the opportunityto gain a broad balance of experience across the different areas.

2E. Information management • Defining the information requirements of the organisation.• Identifying and evaluating appropriate information systems. Managing the process of information

gathering, processing, storage and retrieval.

2F. Project appraisal • Using investment appraisal techniques for the evaluation of capital expenditure and other projects.• Evaluating other investments or acquisitions using appropriate techniques.• Post completion audit of projects and investments.

2G. Project management • Management of a project or working as part of a project team e.g. the introduction of a new system or procedures to the organisation, business process re-engineering or quality improvement, capitalexpenditure projects.

• Any other non-routine activity with a defined output, such as the launch of a new product or an office move.• Internal or external consultancy assignments.

2H. Working capital control • Debt collection, inventory control, recording and forecasting foreign currency transactions, payment ofcreditors and expenses, cash flow forecasting and monitoring.

• Periodic stock takes, the identification of slow moving and redundant stock, negotiation of credit termswith customers, suppliers and bankers.

• Supply chain management.

Area 3: SUPPLEMENTARY ExperienceExperience gained in this area might include responsibility for research, analysis and evaluation of activities, assisting with activities or contributing as part of a team. Examples of suitable experience in this area are listed below:

3A. Financial strategy • Identifying the organisation’s funding position, future funding requirements, costs and sources of funds, options for investment, cost of capital and leasing decisions.

• Contributing to longer term balance sheet and capital structure management.• Involvement with distribution of earnings policy.

3B. Corporate finance • Involvement with company acquisitions, disposals, management buy-outs or buy-ins and corporate restructuring.

• Involvement with take-overs of public companies and defence against unwelcome bids.

3C. Treasury management • Negotiation and management of bank accounts and loan facilities.• Management of foreign exchange and currency exposure.• Dealing with export finance e.g. documentary credits, bills of exchange.• Valuation of financial instruments.

3D. Taxation authorities • Establishing the organisation’s liability for corporation tax and other obligations to revenue authorities e.g. VAT in UK.

• Establishing, planning and applying the impact of other taxes and charges such as sales taxes,regional taxes and employee taxes and state insurances collected by the employer.

3E. Business evaluation • Review of other organisations’ performance based on published accounts and other available and appraisal information e.g. competitor review, potential investment or customer creditworthiness.

• Review of subsidiary or associated company performance.

3F. Business strategy • Contributing to the establishment of the organisation’s long term business objectivese.g. identifying and evaluating external factors which may impact on the organisation.

• Identifying and appraising the organisation’s skills and resources.• Identifying and defining business options; evaluating these options, performing risk

assessments and recommending strategies for adoption.• Analysing the economic impact of environmental change upon the organisation.• Analysing market and competitive developments in relation to marketing strategy.• Advising managers on critical economic and financial developments.• Contributing to the development of the organisation’s information systems strategy

as a complement to its business strategy.

3G. External relationships • Dealing with the organisation’s customers, suppliers, external advisors, auditors, bankers and investors.• Dealing with representative bodies and trade associations e.g. CBI, ABPI, Chambers of Commerce,

Government departments and other regulatory authorities, stock exchange and receivers or administrators.

CIMA Training

practical experience guidelines

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, 26 Chapter Street, London SW1P 4NP, UK

T: +44 (0)20 8849 2434 F: +44 (0)20 8849 2456 E: cima.training@cimaglobal.com www.cimaglobal.com/cimatraining

There are five benchmark standards that relate to different activities within the training process:Plan | Finance | Support | Communicate | Review

The standards are sub-divided into two levels of accreditation: CIMA Training Partner and Quality Partner, demonstrating the level of support andassistance given to students. CIMA Quality Standards provide a tried and tested framework for the ongoing professional development of CIMA students.

The tick boxes should be completed to indicate that your organisation is able to offer specific requirements. To become a CIMA Training Partner youneed to be able to tick each box in the CIMA Training Partner section.

If you are interested in achieving Quality Partner status contact the CIMA Training Co-ordinator on +44 (0)20 8849 2434or email: cima.training@cimaglobal.com, to arrange a consultation with an experienced training advisor.

Training StandardsStatements

CIMA TrainingQuality Partner ✓

PlanEstablish policies and planswhich support students in acquiring the CIMA qualification and developingtheir career within the organisation.

CIMA TrainingPartner ✓

matrixTraining standards for employers.

FinanceIdentify and commit the financial resources required to underpin training plans formanagement accountants.

SupportProvide a structured and supportive environment inwhich CIMA students can take responsibility for theirown training.

CIMA Training

You have a written training policy specifically for CIMA students,(your CIMA Training Plan), from which individual development plans are derived.

Your CIMA Training Plan offers a broad spread of business experience,which will develop the skills and competencies required of a CMA.

Your Training Plan addresses the need for ‘soft’ skills and personal and professional development.

Roles and responsibilities within the training plan have been identified and agreed by staff allocated to them.

You offer a comprehensive induction programme. Topics might include an introduction to the organisation’s training policies and the details of the CIMA Training Plan; key staff; performance reviews and rewards; structure of the business; its markets and competitors.

You encourage your CIMA members and students to continue their own personal and professional development post qualification.

Your organisation makes a significant contribution to meet all essentialcosts on a first time basis:• Study manuals, electronic study systems.• Tuition fees.• Exam/exemption fees.• Cost of a revision course for home study students.

Your organisation facilitates an effective framework of support for CIMA students, for example through study network schemes,mentoring, internal and external courses.

A mentoring/coaching system (formal or informal) is in place.

You encourage students to take responsibility for their own training within this supportive environment.

Your students follow a formal study programme, ideally with a CIMA approved tuition provider.

Your students receive a minimum of 1.5 days paid leave per subject per year, plus time off for the exam sittings.

Where practical, you provide regular contact between your organisation and the tuition provider to ensure satisfactory progress.

Your organisation has general training policies and plans covering students training to be management accountants.

You have a CIMA TrainingCo-ordinator, a named contact,for CIMA students who takes responsibility for overseeing their progress.

Your organisation can provide a range of financial experience.

You discuss the scope of this experience, and the job roles whichprovide it, with the students.

You have secured the financial support available to CIMA students.

You offer CIMA students and line managers access to relevant CIMA information e.g. Syllabus and Practical Experience Requirements,and time off to attend the CIMA exams.

Your CIMA Training Co-ordinator offers practical support.

Training StandardsStatements

CIMA TrainingQuality Partner ✓

CommunicateEstablish effective communications between students, manager/Training Co-ordinator/mentors,including objectives andexpectations regardingprogress on the training plan.

CIMA TrainingPartner ✓

Your students, managers and CIMA Training Co-ordinator are aware of expected outputs and achievements.

You formally review and record each student’s progress at least once per year.

ReviewReview and record progressagainst agreed objectives;revise future plans as necessary.

The CIMA Training Standards are underpinned by a series of Practice Points which offer additionaltips on implementation of the standards. The Practice Points are for information only; but youshould find them a useful resource, particularly when setting up your CIMA Training Plan.You can download these Practice Points from www.cimaglobal.com/cimatraining, click on My CIMA and log in with the password we will provide.

CIMA Training

CIMA Training application form

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, 26 Chapter Street, London SW1P 4NP, UK

T: +44 (0)20 8849 2434 F: +44 (0)20 8849 2456 E: cima.training@cimaglobal.com www.cimaglobal.com/cimatraining

Your training policy has been communicated to students and line managers.

Objectives have been set and agreed for the different roles and placements within the training programme.

Students, managers and your Training Co-ordinator know what the students must achieve in terms of knowledge and skills.

Students know what they can expect in return, for example,financial reward for passing exam papers and appropriate career opportunities.

Your organisation offers a variety of communication channels for keeping staff informed of relevant developments across a range of business areas, for example training policies, competitor and market developments, progress against business plans and budgets.

You provide each student with structured planning and review,

and record their progress at least twice a year.

Progress reviews cover:

• Exam performance.

• Acquisition of practical experience, (as cross referenced against

Practical Experience Guidelines).

• Recording of practical experience gained.

• Personal and professional development.

• Career progression.

Tuition progress is monitored and reviewed with students

using feedback reports from the tuition provider.

Students undertake to give feedback on and to their

tuition provider.

Records of CIMA exam results are maintained in order to monitor

each individual’s progress and evaluate the success of both study

methods and the training scheme.

The CIMA Training Plan itself is reviewed annually with feedback

sought from students, managers and mentors.

CIMA Training application form

CIMA Training

Organisation details

Organisation name (should be the same as name for certificate, list for publicity etc):

Parent company name (if applicable):

Postal address:

Town/City: Postcode/Zip: Country:

Main switchboard number:

Please state the nature of your business:

Number of employees:

Website address:

CIMA will include your organisations website address on www.cimaglobal.com. We may also use your organisations name in future marketing ofCIMA Training. If you have any queries about this please email the CIMA Training Co-ordinator at: cima.training@cimaglobal.com

Name of senior financial person within organisation:

Position:

Scheme Co-ordinator personal details (regular contact regarding training arrangements)

Title: First name: Surname/Family name:

Honours (e.g. ACMA): Position:

Direct telephone number: Fax:

Mobile number:

Email address (address to send e-newsletter, updates etc):

Postal address (if different from address above):

Town/City: Postcode/Zip: Country:

Are there other Scheme Co-ordinators/Managers CIMA should note? Yes NoIf so, please give all the details as above on a separate sheet.

Student information

How many students are on this scheme?

Are there other CIMA students within the organisation? Yes No

If so, how many are not on this scheme?

Does this scheme cover students at more than one site? Yes NoIf so, please give details of these sites separately.

CIMA Training

Other finance training

Do you train students who study for any other accountancy/finance qualifications?

Qualification Approximate number of students Accreditation scheme

ACCA

CIPFA

Chartered Accountants

AAT

Other

Do you have any other staff who may be eligible for the new CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting? If so, how many?

Name of person completing the form:

Signature: Date:

Please tick if you do not want to receive information about other CIMA activities

For CIMA use only

Date of confirmation of registration:

Level of Registration: Partner/Quality Partner:

CIMA Training number:

Authorised by:

Area/country code:

Key Account Manager:

BDM responsible: