CIMA Salary Survey 2013 reveals rising earning potential for Management Accountants in the UAE

The annual salary survey conducted by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) shows that in 2013, qualified CIMA members in the United Arab Emirates are earning on average AED 47,765 in basic monthly salary plus AED 3,571 in bonus payments. Meanwhile, part-qualified CIMA students are earning on average AED 16,950 in basic monthly salary plus AED 867 in bonus payments. 

The 2013 survey results for average basic salaries represent a 6.2% increase on the equivalent 2012 figures for CIMA qualified members. 

Geetu Ahuja, CIMA Head of GCC, Middle East said, “ The CIMA annual salary survey reiterates the  impact of professional qualifications on earning potential, salary satisfaction and the ability to realise ambitions such as moving to a new organisation, or working abroad. 2013 survey results indicate that 80% of members and students agree that the CIMA qualification has strengthened their ability to move internationally with their career. 

The key motivator at work for CIMA members and students is a good working environment (59%), flexibility or work-life balance (34%), financial reward (39%), job security (30%) and a challenging workload (30%). The skills qualified CIMA members most want to develop, over the next 12 months, include strategic planning and implementation, and leadership.  

Only 6% of qualified members and part qualified students see themselves in the same role in three years’ time, further suggesting the presence of a high degree of mobility and promotion prospects. Among all members and students, 30% plan to find another job over the next six months and a total of 67% expect to move job within the next two years, one-third of who wish to relocate abroad, preferably in Australia and the USA.