Finance professionals with professional qualifications earn more, according to research. CIMA is here to support your career journey.
To build a secure, rewarding career in business and finance, you need more than technical know-how. Professional development is vital as you set your eyes on a fulfilling finance career.
Imagine your career in 5 or 10 years from now. Where do you see yourself? What role are you aiming for, and how do you want your life to look? Maybe your ambition is to move beyond number crunching, to have a say when it comes to crucial business decisions, lead teams, and make an impact in your organisation.
According to a salary report commissioned by The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and conducted by Randstad Poland, certified finance professionals in Poland earn between 16% and 25% more than their non certified peers, depending on the role. The report draws on data from 500 finance professionals working across five key roles: Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Finance Manager, Chief Accountant, Controlling Manager, and Financial Controller.
The report also shows that pay differences are particularly visible in senior positions. CFOs holding a professional certification earn a median salary of 37,000 Polish Zloty, compared to 30,500 Polish Zloty for non certified peers (a 21.3% increase). Among Chief Accountants, the gap is even larger, with certified professionals earning 22,500 Polish Zloty versus 18,000 Polish Zloty – a 25% increase.
Importantly, beyond salary insights, the report also explores how professional certification impacts career progression and marketability. Certified professionals report greater career flexibility, faster promotions, and higher confidence in navigating an evolving job market.
The CGMA qualification: An investment in your future
The trend of higher earning potential for finance professionals with professional qualifications is not limited to one country. Global salary data from CIMA's Salary Insights consistently shows that CGMA professionals outpace unqualified peers, with the gap often widening as careers progress.
The benefits of the CGMA qualification go far beyond a higher pay slip. CGMA professionals are often trusted with greater responsibility earlier in their careers. Employers know that CGMA qualified professionals bring a balanced skill set: you can handle the technical side of finance while keeping the bigger picture in mind. You’re the person people turn to when a business challenge needs solving, or when a team needs clear, confident leadership.
Magdalena Batogowska, Senior Branch Manager, Finance & Legal, Randstad Poland, echoed the sentiment and said that ‘professional qualifications like the CGMA [qualification] or the statutory auditor title today attest not only to technical knowledge, but also to a strategic mindset and strong communication skills. A modern finance professional is a business partner – providing analysis, supporting decision-making, and having a real impact on the company’s growth trajectory’.
Career security in a changing world
Technology, automation, and new business needs are changing what employers look for. To succeed in the knowledge economy, finance professionals must have a blend of technical skills and human insight, including critical thinking, adaptability, and communication. The fastest-growing finance roles require practical skills, as well as business acumen and big-picture thinking. CGMA qualified professionals stand out because they can:
- Understand and explain complex financial data to others
- Solve real business problems, not just crunch the numbers
- Spot risks and opportunities before they become issues
- Communicate clearly with teams, leaders, and across departments
Beyond the payslip: Lasting professional value
Resilience, discipline, and a lifelong learning habit are valued and sought-after qualities in finance professionals. Building a professional network, finding mentors, and gaining the confidence to step up when new opportunities arise are ways you can hone and showcase those core skills.
The CGMA Professional Qualification equips you with practical expertise that employers value, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and strong technical skills. Because of these skills, CGMA qualified professionals often move up faster, enjoy more job security, and step into leadership roles sooner.
When the time is right, you’ll be ready to take your career to the next level. Whether you’re aiming to increase your salary, broaden your career options, or build job security, CIMA will support you in achieving your ambitions, on your terms, and at your pace.
Explore the steps you can take to begin your CGMA journey, the CGMA Professional Qualification, and how the CGMA qualification can empower you to achieve your dreams: https://cimauczelnie.pl/
