Milpark Education Achieves CIMA Recognition

Academics & Programmes

18 Sep 2026

Milpark Educations’ partnership with CIMA creates more flexible pathways for aspiring accounting, finance, and business leaders to earn the globally recognised CGMA designation.

Milpark Education has partnered with The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), the world’s leading body for management accounting professionals, creating new opportunities for its students to pursue the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation.

The CGMA designation is highly respected, recognised globally, and valued by employers across accounting, finance, business strategy and leadership roles.

Graduates of Milpark’s Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Accounting and the Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA) are now eligible for exemptions from selected CIMA’s CGMA qualifying exams, providing a faster route towards earning the CGMA designation.

Designed for an evolving profession

CGMA qualified professionals play a pivotal role in analysing an organisation’s performance, evaluating opportunities, managing risk and supporting strategic decision-making. Milpark Education’s partnership with CIMA comes at a time of rapid technological change and the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI), when employers are increasingly seeking professionals who can combine technical accounting expertise with strategic insight.

For Johnathan Dillon, CA(SA), Head of Milpark's School of Professional Accounting (incorporating CA Connect), the partnership, which entailed a rigorous review of Milpark’s accounting programme content, learning outcomes and module design, recognises Milpark’s commitment to preparing students for a changing profession.

"We operate in a volatile and changing world, and CIMA is at the forefront of understanding how professional finance and accounting are evolving. Its focus on business acumen, strategy and leadership aligns closely with the core competencies embedded in our programmes.

“One of the strengths highlighted during the partnership process was how well Milpark incorporates strategy and leadership into both our BCom in Accounting and PGDA programmes. They loved that it’s there from the outset.”

Real-world learning for business today and tomorrow

According to Milpark’s senior lecturer Michelle de Lange, who holds both the CGMA and CA(SA) designations, the emphasis on practical application prepares Milpark students for the realities of today’s workplace and success in CIMA’S CGMA qualifying exams.

“When we developed our BCom in Accounting, which now has streams specialising in Chartered Accountancy and Management Accountancy, we deliberately incorporated real-world scenarios to expose students to strategic tensions, decision-making and business performance challenges from day one.

“By the time they graduate, they are already comfortable applying knowledge in realistic business contexts, which positions them well for work and the practical, case study-based format of CIMA’s CGMA qualifying exams."

Tariro Mutizwa, FCMA, CGMA, Vice President – Africa at CIMA, commented that the partnership creates a valuable pathway for Milpark Education students to progress through CIMA’s CGMA qualifying exams and earn the CGMA designation – one of the most respected management accounting credentials in the world.

"By combining their academic studies with a globally recognised professional credential, Milpark Education’s students can develop the competencies needed to succeed in modern finance and business roles. As employers increasingly seek finance professionals who can combine technical expertise with strategic insight, the CGMA designation provides a powerful differentiator and opens doors to opportunities across industries and international markets.”

A globally recognised designation with real-world flexibility

For de Lange, one of the most exciting aspects of Milpark Education’s partnership with CIMA is that it strengthens access to a globally recognised designation that students can pursue while they are building their careers.

"Students pursuing the CGMA designation can complete their Practical Experience Requirements (PER) while working in relevant finance and business roles, rather than through a formal training contract with a specific organisation. Earlier work experience may also count towards those requirements."

This flexibility with rigor is one reason the designation is gaining momentum in South Africa. “Students value the flexibility, while employers increasingly recognise the broader business capabilities CGMA professionals bring to the workplace.”

Expanding opportunities for accounting professionals

For Dillon, Milpark Education’s partnership with CIMA is ultimately about expanding opportunities for current and future accounting students.

"Students today need flexible, professionally aligned learning experiences that prepare them for the realities of modern business. We're proud to be able to offer students access to another highly respected professional credential."

Offered through Milpark’s Immersive Online (IO) Learning model, with part-time and full-time study options, the BCom in Accounting Specialising in Chartered Accountancy, the BCom in Accounting Specialising in Management Accountancy and the Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA) are designed to support school leavers and working professionals alike, through a flexible, connected and supported online learning experience.

Learn more about Milpark's School of Professional Accounting’s BCom in Accounting and Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting.

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