There will be four stages in the Graduate Member programme,
each stage requiring the passing of four subjects. A detailed
list of the subjects is provided in Figure 2, and Figure 3
shows the articulation process with each stage leading
naturally to the next one, and building on what has been
learnt in previous stages. Students completing the Graduate
Member programme become Graduate Members of the ICMA, and
could apply for Associate membership once they have acquired
the 3 years experience levels required by the Institute. The
Graduate programme has five "competency" areas as
follows:
Area 1 - Basic Accounting
This area focuses on the application of fundamental accounting
concepts and techniques within basic accounting systems. Such
knowledge and training is required throughout the accounting
profession and can be gained in any accounting environment.
Students are required to be competent in the
following :
-
understanding the accounting system used in an organisation
-
designing, operating and modifying where appropriate the input
processes and outputs of financial and cost accounting systems
-
recognising the nature and purpose of different basic
recording techniques available, whether manual or computerised.
Area 2 - Management Accounting an Control Systems
Significant knowledge and training must be gained in this
area. Management accounting concepts and techniques are the
specialisation of the Institute’s members which, together
with participating in the decision making process, distinguish
them from other members of the accounting profession.
Students are required to be competent in the
following :
-
applying appropriate costing and management accounting
techniques to accounting and other data
-
structuring and preparing reports for effective communication
with managers and employees at all levels and functions of the
organisation
-
advising and recommending alternative courses of action based
on analyses undertaken
Area 3 - Financial Management
This area requires more direct involvement in the management
of the organisation’s resources. The level of decision
making and involvement with other functions is likely to be
more substantial. This area acts as a platform from which many
Certified Management Accountants progress to senior financial
and general management levels.
Students will normally be required to gain exposure to the
following :
-
the more routine and short-term financial management
functions that are relevant to the needs of the organisation
-
the longer term and more strategic financial and business
planning processes within the organisation.
Area 4 - Information Management
As organisations move from the industrial era to the
informational era, more and more organisations are using
information technology as a source of competitive advantage.
Students are required to be competent in the
following :
-
using spreadsheet and data-base software for the
construction of financial and cost models
-
understanding financial information systems, including
accounting packages
-
executive information systems and the use of information for
strategic purposes
Area 5 - Business Management
As organisations become more competitive, a wider focus on
strategic, marketing, legal and taxation issues will be
required, especially from a globalised viewpoint.
Students are required to be competent in the
following :
-
Understanding an organisation’s strategic aspects, and
the implementation of strategies and structures to meet
organisational objectives
-
The link between marketing and strategy in ensuring and
organisation’s competitive positioning
-
The importance of legal and taxation issues in managing a
world-class organisation
|
