Re: CIMA in NZ
 

Sorry. I think I've misread the info. They did mention that you could do with an associate degree, thats more like its lower than a bachelor's degree. But licensing wise, they are not as liberal as Colorado and they require a course to be done in US federal taxation before being allowed to sit for the exams. But I don't suppose the'd be prepared to consider Oxford Brookes degree program would they?

Re: CIMA in NZ
 

You can become a Delaware CPA with an associates degree, which is about the same as a U.K. diploma (although whether a HND would be assessed the same way is another question).

That said, Delaware's work experience requirements are overall somewhat tougher than Colorado and especially where only an associate degree is held.

Delaware used to be a "choice" state as prior to 2006, they offered a "certificate only" CPA status with no work experience required. This is now closed to new applicants.

Would Delaware accept the Oxford Brookes degree? Probably not, as the Delaware State Board insists on classroom taught degrees (although they will apparently accept correspondence for the U.S. Federal Tax element). Many other states, even those which do accept distance learning, won't accept a 3 year U.K. bachelors degree to equal a U.S. bachelors. Normally a degree + ACCA = a U.S. bachelors degree for equivalency purposes.

Maybe not fair but a general principle is that qualifications do lose some value when transported across national borders.

It's still possible to become a New York CPA without a degree if you have 15 years public accounting experience but that will be closed to new applicants on 1 August 2009. Vermont had until recently a rule that only required 2 years higher education (no actual degree or diploma necessary) but that changed on 1 July 2007. I'm not aware of any other U.S. states/territories that require less than a 4 year degree.

So the trend towards higher academic requirements is clear.

Re: CIMA in NZ
 

As a general rule, the U.K. professional accounting qualifications (ICAEW, ICAS, CIMA, ACCA) etc should all be accepted in Australia as at least equivalent to an Australian bachelors degree.

The country education profile for the United Kingdom states this clearly and most AEI-NOOSR accredited skill assessing authorities will accept this.

Except where that skill assessing authority has special rules against accepting non-degree qualifications. CPA Australia is one of these (they want at least a degree in any subject, plus professional qualification), although they do offer alternative pathways towards membership for ACCA/CIMA qualified persons without a tertiary degree.

Out in the employment marketplace it's another story and is really up to the employer. One thing to bear in mind is that a local qualification will always impress upon an employer that you are serious and committed to Australia.

Re: CIMA in NZ
 

Thanks for the info Jeremy. I have seen for CPA Australia that they have a MRA with CPA US but one of the requirements would be to have 3 years experience in the US supervised by a US CPA. I don't suppose they would be prepared to consider experience gained elsewhere other than the US would they? Will they be rigid when it comes to this requirement? Australian CA might not be but how about CPA Australia?

Re: CIMA in NZ
 

You will have to ask CPA Australia. But don't be surprised if they are inflexible. Often those with "non-standard" education or work experience do not come within the ambit of a mutual recognition agreement.

Re: CIMA in NZ
 

Thanks Jeremy. Have asked them and you are right. They are fixated on the experience being in the US and supervised by a US CPA. At least CA is more flexible when it comes to MRA but you've just got to find 2 chartered accountants to sign off your application. If you can do that, I think it should be fine.

Re: CIMA in NZ
 

[QUOTE=Hellboy663;5794868]Hi:

Hi Hellboy

Having just moved to NZ and secured a decent job despite being "disadvantaged" by being a CIMA member ( no Uni degree either shock, horror!) I feel that you are being overly negative. There are over 3,000 CIMA members and students in NZ(not my figures but two agencies) and whilst the qualification is admittedly not universally known it caused me no problems getting interviews at all.

Over here at the moment the jobs market for accountants is booming and whilst it does make sense to consider NZICA long term I could not envisage decent CIMA accountants being held back. The above is just my experience but I am sure others could vouch for it too.

Mark

Re: CIMA in NZ
 

To add to Mark's sensible comments, as the person who originally started this thread and who doesn't have an undergraduate degree, I start work in NZ in Feb, and have been approved in principle for permanent residence. Just goes to show that CIMA people can do anything if they put their mind to it.

Alison:thumbup:

Re: CIMA in NZ
 

I can't speak for him but I don't think he was being as negative as you suggest. All I think he was trying to say is that a local qualification & a university degree may at a particular point in time open doors that would otherwise be closed.

Re: CIMA in NZ
 

[QUOTE=mark and kim;5862907]Hi Mark:

Thanks for your reply. I think you've missed the point I'm trying to make here. I'm not trying to be negative or belittle the CIMA qualification in any way. What I'm trying to point out is the point that Jeremy is making, I feel that he's got a valid point in saying that a local qualification is much better known and would put you at a much better platform as compared to a foreign one. This is regardless of where you are in the world.

Like American CPA for example may propel you to great heights in the US but how much of value do you think it might have in the UK as compared to ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA? If you are an employer in the UK and have advertised for say an accountant,would you rather offer the job to someone having an American CPA or someone holding a British qualification (ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW or CIPFA), assuming every other thing i.e. experience etc is the same?

Sure, CIMA, ACCA, CIPFA and some of the other qualifications can get you interviews and jobs if you are a new migrant but a migrant who has been around for say 10 years in a country without a local qualification would surely get employers scratching their heads.

You may do ok with CIMA, ACCA or some other foreign qualification initially but at the end of the day, if you want to go far, the only wise thing to do is to have a local qualification which is known to more people in the market.

Re: CIMA in NZ
 

Thanks Jeremy. Precisely what I was implying.

Re: CIMA in NZ
 

Hello. There is a very useful UK website that might be able to answer your questions called . It has all sorts of information about accounting and audit and various different qualifications. Good luck!

I've tried to put this in htmp - but this is the best I can do!...

Re: CIMA in NZ
 

Incase you wanted to know, CIMA's website address is;

www.cimaglobal.com !! :thumbsup:

Re: CIMA in NZ
 

Try this page to get more info:

http://www1.cimaglobal.com/cps/rde/x...t.xsl/2029.htm

Re: CIMA in NZ
 

An update for anyone interested - I am now living in NZ and have paid NZICA to have my overseas qualification assessed. For CA status, I have to do 4 papers before I can sit the 2 professional papers to become a New Zealand Chartered Accountant. This may vary for others depending on their marks in individual papers and whether they have a degree, relevant or otherwise.

CIMA's presence in NZ is less than their website may suggest. However the qualification is certainly recognised and appreciated by larger organisations. I am studying NZ tax and will do NZ law next and feel these are important to help me work as an accountant here. The other papers I need to do to qualify with NZICA would be updating existing knowledge.

I can't even remember what my original question was, but am happy to share experiences if anyone is going through similar situations.