Did you ever think if you picked the wrong finance career?
Yup, that tiny voice hits almost every student at some point. You start preparing for Chartered Accountant. You’re all in. And then someone says, “Bro, have you heard of Chartered Institute of Management Accountants? It’s global and allows you to work abroad too.”
And suddenly your brain goes: Wait… did I choose wrong?
Been there, done that. And trust us, the internet does not even help. Google says one thing, YouTube says another, too many articles, too many opinions. So let’s clear it up in a simple way to decide without scrolling for hours.
First Things First: They’re Not Enemies
Chartered Accountant and CIMA are not fighting cousins. They’re actually like two different flavours:
- Chartered Accountant is about the details = deep accounting, tax, audit, and following the rules.
- Chartered Institute of Management Accountants is about the direction = growth, strategy, business decisions, and leadership.
One keeps the numbers right, the other keeps the business growing.
That’s why a lot of Indians do Chartered Accountant first, then add Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. It feels like moving from a strong base to the boss’s chair.
Real-life story: Meera, an Indian CA who added CIMA said after finishing the strategic level, she moved from reporting numbers to leading digital transformation. Salary hike? 30%. Not bad, right?
Where CA Rules the Game
Want to make it big in India? This is your best shot.
- The roadmap is clear: Chartered Accountant Foundation → Chartered Accountant Inter → CA Final.
- And of course, you need a killer study plan + discipline, no shortcuts will work here.
- It opens doors to opportunities in audit firms, taxation, and following financial rules.
And the respect? Huge. In India, being a Chartered Accountant is like wearing a medal of respect. If your dream is core finance, doing this alone does the job.
CIMA: Opens Global Doors
If you want to go global? Chartered Institute of Management Accountants is your ticket.
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants is accepted in the UK, EU, the Middle East, and top MNCs everywhere.
It’s not just about numbers; it’s about business analysis, risk, and leadership. So if you dream of roles like CFO, consultant, or business partner, this is the road.
To pass the exam for this, you just need two things:
- A solid Chartered Institute of Management Accountants study plan (technical prep).
- Smart Chartered Institute of Management Accountants case study preparation (thinking like a business leader).
So get the right tools + mindset, and boom!, you pass the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants exam without stress and you will move into roles where strategy becomes your playground.
In short: Chartered Accountant = strong base. Chartered Institute of Management Accountants = big picture.
Salary Talk: Chartered Accountant vs Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
- In India:
- Chartered Accountant: Most CAs take home about ₹7–25 lakh a year. The seniors in top firms? They earn way more, no surprise there.
- Chartered Institute of Management Accountants: Usually starts from ₹6 to 21 lakh. But if you land senior roles, ₹40 lakh+ is possible.
- Chartered Institute of Management Accountants Abroad: As Chartered Institute of Management Accountants works in 170+ countries, jobs in MNCs or abroad often pay higher, especially for leadership or strategy roles.
Think of it like cricket: Chartered Accountant is like the Ranji Trophy, huge respect and a strong job prospect in India. Chartered Institute of Management Accountants is like the IPL, it opens global doors and big paychecks if you want to play on the world stage.
So… Which One’s Better?
Here’s the truth:
- If you want to work in India → Chartered Accountant alone works, it’s strong and respected.
- If you want to go global → Chartered Institute of Management Accountants opens those doors to work in MNCs and abroad..all that good stuff.
- And if you want the leadership roles fast → Chartered Accountant + Chartered Institute of Management Accountants is a powerful combo. Like, CFO vibes, consultant roles, business boss moves.
More than marks
See, exams are not just exams. Whether it’s your Chartered Accountant inter exam or Chartered Institute of Management Accountants exam, the point is simple: Learn to Earn.
What you learn today is how you earn tomorrow, so don’t study only for marks… they come and go. Learn the stuff that actually pays you back.
One Last Thing
Look, both Chartered Accountant and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants are excellent courses, okay, there’s no “better” or “bad”. Each one has its own benefits. In the end, it’s all about what each path gives you, who it’s best for, and how you prepare without stressing yourself. So instead of asking “Which is better?”, ask “Which is better for me?”. As exams will pass, but the knowledge you build is what help you in long run..
And hey, if you enjoyed this, then you should check out our detailed blog, What is CIMA: Guide for Indian Professionals Planning to learn how to better prepare for it.
And if you ever choose Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, know that The WallStreet School’s CIMA (US) Coaching Classes have your back. It makes prep simple with real cases and smart strategies, so you stress less and learn more.
No big sales pitch here, just sharing what works. Because with the right guidance, you cut stress and gain success.
FAQ’s
Q. Is CIMA worth it in India?
Yes. Chartered Institute of Management Accountants is worth it in India for jobs in big companies (MNCs), banks, and consulting. It gives global recognition, a high salary (₹8–40 lakh), and roles like Finance Manager or CFO.
Q. Is CIMA is better than Chartered Accountant?
No one is “better.” Chartered Accountant is strong in India for accounting, tax, and audit. Chartered Institute of Management Accountants is global, focusing on business, leadership, and strategy. Choose based on your career goals.
Q. Who earns more, CA or CIMA?
Both earn well. In India, a CA earns about ₹7–25 lakh in accounting and finance jobs. Globally, CIMA earns ₹8–40 lakh in leadership roles. Doing CA + CIMA boosts growth faster.
Q. Is CIMA tougher than Chartered Accountant?
Chartered Accountant is tougher with long exams and many attempts. Chartered Institute of Management Accountants is shorter, focused on strategy and case studies. With a good study plan, passing the CIMA exam is easier.
Q. Is CIMA higher than Chartered Accountant?
No. Chartered Accountant is India’s top course for finance, audit, and tax. Chartered Institute of Management Accountants is global, best for business leadership. Doing both gives balance, Chartered Accountant for strong basics, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants for big-picture roles.
