CIMA Student Profiles

CIMA Student Profile - Sam

Name: Sam

Qualifications: CIMA passed finalist and AAT qualified (MAAT)

Method of study: Mainly day release

Job title: Senior Finance Manager - NHS

Career and studies to date

1998 - started as a finance assistant for local council which was a junior role mainly coding invoices and expenses etc

2000 - started AAT which was initially paid for by my employer but with no time given for courses, revision or exams

2001 - promoted to run finance office in a different area for the council. Granted day release for AAT intermediate onwards

2003 - completed AAT in August. Moved to NHS as a project accountant in September and at the same time started CIMA. Initially studied at local college and then moved to BPP after first set of intermediate exams

2005 - completed CIMA in October and at the same time promoted to current role of Senior Finance Manager

Description of current role

My role includes the preparation of management accounts for various directorates, supervising one management accountant and three assistants together with giving advice to budget holders on various aspects of our business etc

Best and worst bits?

I love the variety and feeling that I’m a key part of our business and that I make a difference to the areas I work in. Worst bits - not many but sometimes things take a while to change in the NHS

Why did you choose to study AAT and then CIMA?

Chose AAT initially because I didn’t have the confidence to start CIMA and hadn’t ever thought about being an accountant. Studied CIMA because AAT tutor suggested it and work were prepared to pay for it, plus it was fairly easy to study locally

Would you recommend other students to follow this route?

Yes, I believe AAT is a really good grounding for either ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA, in fact a better grounding than the first level of those qualifications (e.g. CIMA certificate level)

How do you see your career progressing?

With the NHS constantly changing I would expect to have different things to do in the next couple of years even if I stay in my current role

What advice you would give to current or prospective students?

If you possibly can afford taught and revision courses with a good provider do. I passed every paper first time and I believe that’s largely for that reason. Be as committed as you can be - be prepared to put a lot of your life on hold and don’t book holidays near exams or on course days. For instance, I missed a few family events close to exam time and when I moved house in 2004 it was timed for after the May exams and before courses started again. Have an understanding partner! Mine was very supportive but did say when I got my TOPCIMA results “you’re not going to study anything else for a while are you?”

Any other comments?

Don’t be afraid to start late and start in a junior role. If you’re good it is likely to be recognised, but if not don’t’ be afraid to move on. Try the public sector it’s a great place to work!