CIMA Salary - Detailed Breakdown for 2025

Table of Contents CIMA Salary in India Breakdown of CIMA Salary Key Factors for CIMA Salary What is the Average CIMA Salary? What is the Global CIMA Salary? Read More FAQs

 

The CIMA qualification is recognized as one of the premier certifications for management accountants worldwide. It not only provides opportunities for in-demand positions but also comes with lucrative pay, which grows greatly with increased experience and specialization. In this guide, we will analyze the CIMA salary prospects in India, the UK, and other key markets, while also examining the factors that influence CIMA pay scales. 

CIMA Salary in India 

1. Industry Sector: Public sectors usually pay less than finance, banking, and consulting firms. 
2. Location: High demand and a high cost of living also translate to the salaries in metropolitan regions like Mumbai or Delhi.
3. Specialization: Skills in financial analysis, business partnering, or strategic planning command a 15-20% boost in pay. 

Here’s a breakdown of the CIMA Salary by experience level:

 

Experience Level	Salary Range (INR)
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	₹6,00,000-₹8,00,000
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	₹8,00,000-₹12,00,000
Senior (6-10 years)	₹12,00,000-₹20,00,000
Managerial (10+ years)	₹20,00,000-₹35,00,000
Director Level	₹35,00,000

 

Progression and Pay Increase

A CIMA-qualified accountant begins at an operational level and may advance to be a CFO or Finance Director, strategic leadership roles with earnings over: 

• India: ₹50 lakh per annum
• UK: £100k+ per annum 
• UAE: AED 600k+ per annum

Key Factors for CIMA Salary 

CIMA is a career forwarder with international and employer brand recognition, along with strategic finance skills and strong demand, making sustaining growth in salary effortless and employment dependable.

CIMA salaries depend on:

• Earning a qualification (Operational, Management, Strategic, or CGMA)
• Work experience in finance or a related field
• Location and field of work
• Bonus opportunities and other value-added benefits

ITES and CIMA-qualified professionals often command salaries between 20% and 40% higher than those in the same professional designation who are not ITES-qualified. 

What is the Average CIMA Salary?

In India, a new CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) professional can expect a starting salary of about ₹6–10 lakhs, while experienced professionals can earn between ₹20–35 lakhs. These figures may differ due to the level of experience, designation, company, sector, nature of the business, and geographical region.

• The salary for entry-level positions is ₹7 – 8 lakhs, for mid-level professionals is ₹12 – 18 lakhs, while for more seasoned professionals, or those with a more strategic role, they can earn around ₹20 lakhs to ₹35 lakhs and above.
• The CIMA affiliate’s pay is largely determined by the level of experience they have and the sector they work in. Affiliates with more experience in corporate finance, management consulting, banking, or manufacturing earn more.
•  Recently qualified CIMA affiliates can expect salaries in line with entry-level finance or accounting jobs, as they have minimal experience.
• Over time, CIMA holders advance into management and executive positions such as Finance Manager, Financial Controller, or CFO, which come with much higher pay. 
• Since the CIMA is a globally recognized qualification, professionals with one can secure jobs overseas that pay far more than the average salary in India.

Average Salary for a CIMA Professional in India

To highlight, the CIMA qualified professional average remuneration in India is as follows:

• Entry-Level: ₹7–8 lakhs per year
• Mid-senior: ₹12–18 lakhs per year
• Senior/Strategic level: ₹20–35 lakhs per year

CIMA Salary for Freshers

Indian graduates starting their careers as CIMA qualified freshers can hope to earn between ₹6 to ₹8 lakhs per annum. With relevant internships or part-time work in finance, this figure can be even higher. With time and professional experience, the salary potential will surge, particularly in business strategy and performance management positions.

What Is The Global CIMA Salary?

CIMA salaries in the UK for operational level as well as in the UAE, Singapore, and Australia for CIMA qualified positions are known to be higher than in India. UK operational level CIMA qualified professionals earn over thirty-one thousand pounds, while strategic and CGMA (Chartered Global Management Accountant) holders make fifty-four to ninety-three thousand pounds or more per annum. Also, the Gulf and Southeast Asia have competitive salaries for employees working in multinational companies and financial centers.

The average salary based on global salary comparisons is tabulated below:

 

Country	Average Annual Salary	Notes
UAE	AED 120,000 - 300,000 (₹27 - ₹68 lakhs per annum)	Includes bonuses
Sri Lanka	LKR 2,640,738 - 5,923,992 (₹220,000 - 494,000)	Entry levels are much lower
Australia	AUD 53,000 - 120,000 (₹28 lakhs - 64,000)	Depends on the industry sector
UK	£73,000 (₹77,00,000 )	Higher potential in financial hubs like London

 

Read More 

• CMA USA vs ACCA vs CIMA 
• ACCA vs CIMA 
• CMA Demand in India: Career Growth, Job Market Demand & Salary Trends
• Career Options and Salary after a Diploma in IFRS

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does CIMA increase salary after qualification?

CIMA-accredited personnel usually have a 25-40% increase in salary compared to their pre-qualified earnings.

Is CIMA worth it in India?

Yes, it is. It is well-paying, and being recognized internationally allows for employment in multinational entities.

Which country pays CIMA professionals the most?

CIMA members are most sought after in the UK, UAE, and Australia.