Difference Between CPA and CIMA

CPA vs CIMA

CPA and CIMA are terms used in the field of accounting and finance and refer to certifications provided by these organizations. While CIMA is the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants that is a professional body in UK providing qualification and training in the field of management accountancy, CPA refers to Certified Public Accountant, which is a designation that a candidate earns after qualifying United Certified Public Accountant Examination in the US.

CIMA

Founded in 1919 as the Institute of Cost and Works Accountants (ICWA), CIMA is a professional body based in UK that is involved in developing management accounting in UK and worldwide. It is in fact the largest management accounting body in the world today with more than 172000 members in all parts of the world.

CIMA提供的资格等同于硕士学位，该资格与有资格的15项考试资格的准候选人相当。要成为CIMA的正式成员，候选人必须通过CIMA的所有考试，并且必须完成至少三年的管理会计实践。CIMA每月发布和季刊，并免费向其成员提供费用。如今，CIMA被英国和世界上许多其他国家公认为专业会计机构。

CPA

CPA is the title that is conferred upon an individual who has passed the examinations conducted by UCPAE and is considered eligible to carry on practice in his state in the US. Thos who have qualified the exam but do not have required on the job training are allowed to keep CPA Inactive certification to practice. Many states have a lower designation called Public accountant (PA) to start practice as an accountant. It is necessary to be certified in the state you are practicing to be a certified CPA. CPA’s can start their own practice or can be employed by various organizations. A vast majority of CPA’s are working in insurance and income tax organizations as chief financial officers.

Whether practicing on their own or as employed professionals, CPA’s can perform a lot of activities in the areas of estate planning, financial accounting, financial planning, corporate governance, forensic accounting and corporate finance.

CPA’s are required to take continuous education to renew their license. This education is in the form of attending seminars and self study.

概括 • CIMA and CPA are respectable and highly recognized names in the field of finance and accounting. • CIMA refers to the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants that is an organization based in UK; CPA refers to Chartered Public Accountant, and is a certification that allows one to practice as a professional accountant in US.