I'm posting this in the hope I don't cause any more heated debate on these forums but I can imagine people's opinions may differ... I also apologise as I am pretty certain this has been asked before but I wanted a more tailored answer to my own situation, which would be greatly appreciated.Just to clarify, I have the opportunity to study for one of these qualifications when I begin work in the summer and I am very excited about completing one of these qualifications. I'm aware of the doors they open. My question is, which one of these qualifications would be more suited to me? The ACA vs CIMA debate seems to rage all over the internet but without much clarity. Personal view: I'm entering consultancy in the technology risk sector having completed a Mathematics UG degree. For some reason I feel this is compelling me towards the ACA as I may be more capable of understanding the concepts and performing to a higher standard (or so people have advised, although I'm not that certain myself). That said I feel like I'm more accustomed to the less numerical side of accountancy (from internet research) and I have a far bigger interest in the business and management aspects which then tells me CIMA is the way to go. I know if I stay within technology consulting it won't have much difference on my future pathway. My worry is if I decide to leave, would qualifying with one over the other leave me disadvantaged?It seems as though ACA is more of an "audit/tax" route which makes me wonder, would a CIMA be "acceptable" for a financial role in the future? ACA also seems to be more "popular", but of course popularity doesn't necessary mean prestige (although the ACA seems to hold that factor as well). Would I be disadvantaged doing a CIMA qualification, as I feel like it's definitely what I'm more interested in?Your thoughts and opinions are welcome as always :) Thanks in advance.

ACA all the way, dude...Gives you exit options to become a FD or whatever if you choose in the future...

Can make FD with either ACA or CIMA...ACAs are frequently hires into risk management roles in banking, well product control anyway, but the nature of risk management is changing and with it the demands from the job. Arguably the CIMA would be a better, broader, basis on which to conduct the role in future if addressing front to back processes. ACA would obviously be much more applicable at a forensic level.The debate is ongoing and inconclusive of course, so....my suggestionstart work, talk to your peers and look around the organisation, ask your seniors what their views are. It will not only give you immediate networking opportunities, but you can also get views from those using ACA or CIMA in their daily work, see how they have benefitted from each curriculum, and see which one you gravitate towards. No need to rush the decision just yet.That said, I'm officially betting you choose ACA in the end...

CIMA may be slightly less painful to study for. That said, you wont enjoy either. I've seen [i]very[/i] few (if any) roles that will take a CIMA and not an ACA, but plenty that will take an ACA and not a CIMA. So do ACA and keep your options open.

As someone currently studying the ACA, my official reply is do neither. Run now...

It is probably right that for the the future it MIGHT mean a higher probability of you becoming FD/CFO. That said the whole accountant role is being commoditised right now and commercial understanding is valued much more than doing Stats, Audits (usually ACA) etc. CIMA is more commercial for generating growth I would say (as the roles are more business focused), but sure that ACA people would argue against my view. Whatever you do, make sure you get commercial experience e.g. pricing, profitability, portfolio management etc, etc. Both qualifications will work for that and those are some of the things business value most - helping to drive growth.

Thank you for the feedback everyone :)