CIMA partners with the University of Wollongong offering professional qualifications for students

Dubai, UAE, and 22 April 2014: As part of its ongoing initiative to expand its presence and reach out to larger student groups in the UAE, the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD), one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the UAE.

The globally recognised CIMA qualification allows graduates to become part of a global network, improving their employability and earning potential across the world.

Geetu Ahuja, Head of GCC, CIMA said:

"With over 4,000 students from almost 100 countries across the world, the University of Wollongong in Dubai, has a large talent pool of ambitious, high calibre students. At CIMA we recognize (UOWD) as being a key strategic partner in improving the employability and success of students and graduates within the finance and accounting profession. The CIMA programme, empowers graduates, builds up their confidence, boosts their CV, and enhances their professional skill set, thereby adding value to employers".

CIMA has also developed professional qualifications relevant to the Middle East, allowing prospective students to specialise in niche professional sectors such as Islamic finance. The implementation of the CIMA course, as part of the UOWD programme, means that students will now have the chance to be professionally qualified, and have the option to fast track their career. The introduction of the CIMA programme will enrich career prospects for UOWD graduates.

Professor Valerie Lindsay, Dean of the Faculty of Business at UOWD, stated that: "As one of the leading providers of education in the UAE, we want to assist students beyond the classroom. At UOWD, our goal is to help students become better prepared for a challenging and rewarding career. We understand that the transition from university life to the business environment can be challenging and intimidating, which is why we partnered with CIMA. We wanted to give students the opportunity to develop skills beyond the classroom, and advance the communication skills, competencies and skill sets that are essential for a career in business, finance and accounting.

For press enquiries please contact:
Nesreen Bakheit
Ketchum Raad Middle East
T: + 971 (0)4 425 8991                                                            
E. Nesreen.bakheit@ketchum-raad.com

About CIMA
The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), founded in 1919, is the world's leading and largest professional body of management accountants, with over 218,000 members and students operating in 177 countries, working at the heart of business. CIMA members and students work in industry, commerce, the public sector and not-for-profit organisations. CIMA works closely with employers and sponsors leading-edge research, constantly updating its qualification, professional experience requirements and continuing professional development to ensure it remains the employers' choice when recruiting financially-trained business leaders.

Professionalism and ethics are at the core of CIMA's activities with every member and student bound by robust standards so that integrity, expertise and vision are brought together.

CIMA has formed a joint venture with the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) to establish the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation. CGMA is the global quality standard that further elevates the profession of management accounting. The designation recognises the most talented and committed management accountants with the discipline and skill to drive strong business performance.

The University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the UAE. Founded by the University of Wollongong Australia, UOWD was the first overseas campus to be set up in the UAE. Now in its 21st year of operation, UOWD offers 25 undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral degree programs in the fields of Business and Management, Finance and Accounting, and Computer Science and Engineering, and also provides degrees in Arts and Humanities disciplines at Masters level. The university hosts more than 4,000 students and has a global network of over 7,000 graduates.

© Press Release 2014