We chatted with Daniel to discuss his current CIMA CGMA Designation studies. Daniel gives us a great insight into what the qualification involves and how CIMA’s CGMA qualification is a great addition to your career.
Tell us a bit about yourself
Hi, I’m Daniel and I’ve been working at Sky for 2 years on the Commercial Finance Graduate Scheme. Prior to this I studied International Business at Aston University which included a one-year placement out in the Netherlands with Bosch. This gave me a great taster into the world of Finance, it made me want to apply for a Finance grad scheme and the overall experience was really good fun!
What does CIMA’s CGMA qualification involve?
Including certificate level there are 16 exams, 10 of which I need to complete over these 3 years at Sky, but I only have 4 remaining until I’ll be officially qualified! The exams consist of two styles, a knowledge based objective test and an applied case study. This has taught me to study smart; I’m not reading a textbook 10 times over but sussing out the best strategies to help me achieve my goals. Although I have found it challenging at times the accomplishment of becoming qualified keeps me motivated!
What inspired you to apply for this qualification?
CIMA’s CGMA qualification is a great addition to my day-to-day work life and supports me in my personal development and progression. With it being a Commercial qualification, you’re not just learning about the nitty gritty of accounting standards, but you develop the foundations you need to succeed as a Commercial Finance Analyst. You learn all about the different parts of the business, from things like knowing how our profit and loss is put together to being taught about legal ethics. With Finance Analysts in pretty high demand at the moment once I finish the qualification it’s going to make me even more attractive in the job market!
What has been the biggest learning point of the qualification?
Completing the qualification has given me a great insight into how the world is constantly changing and what kind of different developments are currently taking place. As the CIMA syllabus continues to adapt to new ethical and technological advancements, it means that I’m learning about the latest breakthroughs in the world of Finance and Technology - which is something very valuable about the qualification! Alongside this you learn to manage and prioritise your workload, social life and study time. This is especially important in the run up to exams, when the hours in a day are being stretched. I’ve learnt the importance of communicating with others about prioritising my studies, but also because everyone’s in the same boat we do have this mutual understanding for one another.
What is your current role?
My role is in Technology Finance which involves looking at a lot of our head development costs such as licencing. Previously, I worked in a cost-based overheads role and then with the broadband team. Outside of my role at Sky, I’ve been on the Women@Sky working group and supported the Grad Scheme Management team which has been really insightful and allowed me to meet some great people!
What do you find most interesting within the industry you’re in?
When you’re working in Commercial Finance you become involved in all the big business decisions. For example, in the last few weeks we’ve had big contracts with various suppliers in software or hardware and we’re involved every step of the way. Overall, it’s been a great opportunity and I would say the person I am today is very different from who I was two years ago.
How has CIMA’s CGMA qualification helped set you up for success in this role?
It’s made me appreciate the breadth of an organisation. As there’s so many things going on at Sky, it means that the vast majority of the organisation do completely different roles - whether that’s talking to customers or looking at mobile pricing plans. Studying for the CGMA designation has helped me appreciate all the different areas of a business and how, as a finance professional, you need to take those needs into account. For example, when deciding on supplier A or B you have to think about the ethical considerations, wider strategy and there even may be international considerations that all come into play. The CIMA CGMA qualification helps you to become a really well-rounded person and professional.
Any tips for anyone who’d like to undertake CIMA’s CGMA Qualification?
Completing CIMA’s CGMA qualification will support you in developing personal growth as a finance professional, being adaptable and offering value to your organisation. It’s just like another string to your bow on top of that experience you gain in the office, it's almost like a seal of professional ability!
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