AROUND THE WORLD WITH CIMA

Razib Hassan is the Finance Adviser, Strategy & Performance Unit at the DFID (Department for International Development), which is the UK government Ministry/Department, responsible for international development. 

According to Hassan, emerging markets in Bangladesh, just like any other emerging markets in a developing country has the need to match existing resources against delivery points to ensure resources are available at its most strategic direction. "CIMA is a unique professional accounting body that trains its members to ensure that such mapping is done in a controlled environment. The Institute goes beyond traditional bean counting techniques and continuously explores value generating options as in risk and control management to make sure that its products (members) are fit for purpose to emerging markets," he says.

CIMA has taken Hassan from Afghanistan to Zurich for work. "I have worked in fast paced private sector companies like Mercedes Benz in UK to a world leading  management consultancy practice based in London and finally to a UK government department (public sector)," he adds. "CIMA helped me to make these transitions in a very smooth and rewarding manner. CIMA was valued along with my professional experience and I could use progression in my qualification to take up increasing challenges and enhanced positions. I became a Finance Director aged 25 for Maxwell Stamp PLC in London and when decided to jump fence from private to the public sector, I could secure a band A finance advisory position in DFID."

University finance qualifications provide a good background for would be finance professionals, but a professional qualification provides the deep dive that employers are searching in a specialist role, he says. "CIMA being a professional accounting qualification with strong emphasis on management and controls will ensure that students can take the escalator instead of the stairs in their pursuit of a professional finance career."