CIMA Salary Guide: What Can CIMA Qualified Professionals Earn?

CIMA is one of the world's most respected management accounting qualifications, and it leads to some of the highest salaries in the accounting profession. Whether you are just starting out or considering the investment in CIMA qualification, understanding the salary landscape will help you make an informed decision.

CIMA Salary in the UK

Part-Qualified CIMA Students

Students who are working through the CIMA qualification while employed — often in management accounting, FP&A or finance analyst roles — typically earn between £25,000 and £40,000 in the UK. Those in London or in financial services roles tend to sit at the higher end of this range.

Newly Qualified CIMA Members (ACMA)

Upon achieving the ACMA designation and meeting the practical experience requirements, most newly qualified CIMA members earn between £45,000 and £65,000 in the UK. Finance managers, senior management accountants and commercial finance analysts at this level command strong salaries, particularly in larger organisations.

Senior CIMA Professionals (FCMA)

Experienced CIMA members who progress to senior roles such as Finance Director, Head of Finance or CFO can earn £80,000 to £200,000+ depending on the size and sector of the organisation. The CGMA (Chartered Global Management Accountant) designation, held jointly with AICPA, adds additional credibility at this level.

CIMA Salary by Sector

The highest CIMA salaries are typically found in financial services, private equity, technology and large multinationals. Management accounting skills are in high demand across all sectors, but those with CIMA qualifications in commercially focused roles — business partnering, FP&A, strategic planning — command premium salaries. Manufacturing, retail and FMCG companies also offer competitive packages for CIMA-qualified finance professionals.

CIMA Salary vs ACCA Salary

CIMA and ACCA qualifications lead to broadly comparable salaries at most career stages, but in different roles. CIMA-qualified professionals tend to concentrate in industry and commerce, where senior finance roles carry very high salaries. ACCA-qualified professionals often work in public practice or audit, where partnership-level earnings can also be very significant. At mid-career, both qualifications typically lead to similar compensation.

CIMA Salary Internationally

CIMA's CGMA designation is globally recognised, with strong employer recognition in the US, UK, Ireland, Australia, South Africa and across Asia. In Ireland, CIMA-qualified professionals typically earn €50,000–€85,000. In Singapore, salaries range from SGD 70,000 to SGD 140,000 for senior management accounting roles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does CIMA significantly increase your salary?

Yes. Research consistently shows that CIMA-qualified professionals earn significantly more than their non-qualified counterparts in equivalent roles. The qualification also unlocks senior roles that are often unavailable to those without a professional accounting designation.

Is CIMA worth doing for the salary benefits alone?

The salary premium from CIMA qualification typically delivers a strong return on investment over a career. Beyond salary, CIMA also provides job security, career flexibility and access to leadership roles — all of which contribute to long-term financial wellbeing.