It is a new, remote, digital, self-paced learning programme that will be available for all of UCC’s business, accounting, and finance students.

A media release issued in Accra said the signing ceremony was witnessed by the Country Director, Ghana at the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, Mr Paul Aninakwah, who represented AICPA & CIMA, and the Vice Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong.

“I am really excited about this partnership with the UCC. It will enable many undergraduates to complete the CIMA© Professional Qualification and earn the prestigious CGMA® designation. Having both will enhance the employability of the graduates, clearly demonstrating the value they can add to a business,” Mr Aninakwah said.

For his part, the Dean at the UCC School of Business, Prof John G. Gatsi, lauded the MOU and said it will allow current students and alumni of the School of Business to benefit from CIMA FLP.

“The School of Business will work closely with CIMA and other professional bodies to help students benefit from skills development, professional experience and take advantage of the course materials to enhance students’ ability to pass professional examinations,” Prof Gatsi said.

Digital learning

The release noted that traditional in-person tuition and examination methods are being challenged by digital acceleration and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thus, the CGMA® FLP enables instant online access for aspiring business and finance leaders to learn finance skills to the equivalent of a master’s degree. It also provides a new guided learning and assessment route to completing the CIMA© professional qualification and earning the CGMA® designation.

“With the help of real-life case simulations, it teaches a mix of finance, accounting, business, people, leadership and digital skills that are needed to build successful careers.”

“Students can start their learning journey at an appropriate entry level, building on existing educational achievements, credentials, and practical experience,” the release said.

Also, their employer or university is then able to monitor and support students as they progress.

Students will need to pass only three exams – operational level, management level and strategic level, to obtain the CIMA© professional qualification.

After successful completion, students earn CIMA© membership at either the ACMA or FCMA level in addition to the CGMA® designation.

“CGMA designation holders are in demand from the world’s leading companies and offer a route to a varied career, supporting both national and global economies,” it said.

The CGMA® FLP also connects students and universities to the AICPA, the global accounting organisation formed by CIMA© and the American Institute of CPAs, plus its network of almost 700,000 members, students and engaged professionals.

To mark the launch of this new partnership, CIMA is offering University of Ghana students who graduated after 2016, a 75 per cent discount on the cost of the CGMA® Finance Leadership Program