Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Our global survey clearly shows that most of our students believe they are recession-proof. 92%
do not anticipate being affected by redundancy in 2010. This response could also reflect an
increasingly optimistic view of the general economic conditions: this percentage is even higher
than the level of confidence felt by students in last year’s survey (83%). Moreover, nearly two
thirds are feeling positive enough to make a job move in the next two years, although, with this
feeling of security comes higher expectations. This year, just 51% of students are happy with
their current salary compared with 58% in 2009. The drop could indicate a greater sense of
professional value as the downturn lifts.
This report which focuses on CIMA students in India, identifies a number of important trends.
In India, the average annual earnings package is Rs.8.8 lakhs. Although the number of students
satisfied with their salary is down on last year’s figure from 60% to 50%, satisfaction with
benefits has increased slightly from 56% to 61%. However, job security and satisfaction is good
in India with just 2% worrying about redundancy and 82% expecting to receive a bonus this
year.
Our Indian students’ confidence in their professional value is demonstrated by the fact that
79% are planning to change jobs over the next two years and 36% hope to find work abroad.
Moreover, they also show a greater appetite for continuing professional development than
students in any other country. On average, Indian students expressed an interest in seven new
skill areas.
Overall, the global survey reinforces the fact that a growing number of students are finding that
CIMA’s professional accountancy qualification is the best way to develop their career potential.
In 2009 we saw a second year of record student growth and, for the first time, a majority of our
new students (56% of the total) were based outside the UK.
Please read through the following pages to find further snapshots of our students’ working lives.
I hope you find it informative reading.
Charles Tilley
Chief Executive
CIMA
2
Executive summary
Until the recent global downturn the Indian economy had seen an impressive period of
strong growth. Between 2005 and 2008 GDP grew by more than 9% each year according to
the Reserve Bank of India estimates. However, global turmoil has nevertheless had an impact
on India with growth slowing to 6.7% during the first three quarters of 2009.
Of course, given the fact that other major world economies in North America and Europe
have experienced actual recession, the performance of the Indian economy has held up well.
Nevertheless, until the global economy is more fully recovered, growth is likely to remain
limited to well below the 9%+ rates experienced prior to 2008.
The second annual global salary survey of CIMA students was carried out in February 2010. A
total of 2,563 employed students (who had sat an exam within the last two years under the
2005 CIMA qualification structure) contributed to the survey of which 154 responses were
from India. This report summarises the results of this survey with a particular focus on India,
looking at how recent economic events are impacting on salary levels and benefit packages
experienced by CIMA students working there.
Geographical mobility
• Only 21% of CIMA students in India plan to stay with their current employer over the
next two years. 44% plan to move to another employer in India, and as many as 36%
plan to find work overseas.
• Those students looking to work overseas often favour other English speaking countries, in
particular the UK, the USA, Australia and Canada.
4
Main findings
There is a broad range of salaries in India; at the higher end, nearly 30% are earning a basic
salary in excess of Rs.10 lakhs, while at the lower end 24% are earning less than Rs.5 lakhs.
This perhaps reflects the spread of experience held by respondents since joining CIMA (25%
have less than one year’s experience, while 20% have more than four).
Less than one-fifth felt they were unlikely to receive an on target earnings bonus this year,
indicating that bonuses are common in India. Those expecting a bonus are expecting to
receive an average of Rs.0.8 lakhs, which equates to 11% of their salary.
Size of business
The majority (65%) of CIMA students in India are employed in large organisations (500+
staff). 13% work in mid-sized organisations (50-499 staff) and 22% in small organisations
(under 50 staff). The largest organisations typically pay the higher salaries and bonuses. A
student working in an organisation with more than 500 staff can expect an average salary
of Rs.8.6 lakhs and bonus of Rs.0.8 lakhs. In smaller organisations the average salary falls to
Rs.6.9 lakhs supplemented by an average bonus of Rs.0.4 lakhs.
CIMA level
A higher than average number of students in India (25%) have less than one year’s The overall
experience since enrolling with CIMA compared to the global average of 8%. Meanwhile package typically
26% have one to two years’ experience against a global average of 20%. This, in turn, helps
explain the CIMA level of study1 distribution of students in India.
received by
those studying
In terms of level of study, 44% of Indian CIMA students are at managerial level, 38% at
TOPCIMA and
strategic level, 10% are TOPCIMA, and 8% are passed finalists, with salary and bonuses
increasing as a student progresses with their studies. passed finalists is
More than 500 staff Rs.8.6lakhs Rs.9.4lakhs 40% more than
• Managerial level students earn an average salary of Rs.7.4 lakhs and receive an average
Less thanof
bonus 500 stafflakhs.
Rs.0.6 Rs.6.9lakhs Rs.7.3lakhs that received by
managerial level
• Strategic level students earn an average salary of Rs.7.9 lakhs and receive an average
India overall
bonus of Rs.0.7 lakhs. The overallRs.8.1lakhs
package is therefore, typically, 8% more than that
Rs.8.8lakhs
students.
received by managerial students.
• TOPCIMA students and passed finalists earn
Salary an averageTotal
Bonus salary of Rs.10.1 lakhs and receive
an average bonus of Rs.0.8 lakhs. The overall package is therefore, typically, 40% more
than that received by managerial level students.
1 For the purposes of this survey, CIMA level data was collected under the 2005 CIMA qualification structure
and refers to those at managerial level, strategic level, TOPCIMA and passed finalists. For comparison under
the 2010 qualification structure, these levels are respectively now known as operational/management level,
strategic level, T4 Part B Case Study and exams complete.
6
Future
There is some evidence to suggest that the tough global trading conditions are only having
a limited impact on India, with 86% of students not anticipating their salary or job to be
affected as a result of the global recession in 2010. Along with Sri Lanka and South Africa,
India is one of the most optimistic. Only 12% of Indian students worry that they might
experience a pay freeze this year (compared to 39% globally), and 2% worry about possible
redundancy (8% globally). Such concerns are clearly limited to a small minority and are far
less significant than in countries that have been harder hit by global conditions such as the
UK, where 45% fear a pay freeze and 9% worry about redundancy.
Redundancy 2%
Salary reduction 0%
1%
Extremely satisfied 1%
59%
Satisfied 49%
29%
Dissatisfied 41%
1% 11%
Extremely satisfied
Very satisfied 1% 9%
59%
Satisfied 49%
2009 2010
29%
Dissatisfied 41%
Satisfaction with benefits11%
Very satisfied 9%
61% of CIMA students in India
4% said they were either extremely satisfied or satisfied with
Extremely
the benefitssatisfied
they receive,1%
up from 56% in 2010
2009, but slightly lower than the 2010 global
2009
satisfaction score of 67%. 52%
Satisfied 60%
Satisfaction with benefits 2009-2010 36%
Dissatisfied 32%
4% 8%
Extremely satisfied
Very satisfied 1% 7%
52%
Satisfied 60%
2009 2010
36%
Dissatisfied 32%
8%
Very satisfied 7%
2009 2010
8
Benefits received
Healthcare, bonus, mobile phone/Blackberry/PDA, life assurance, daily subsidised food, and
travel benefits/allowance are all additional benefits that employers commonly offer in India.
The table below shows the most common types of additional benefits that Indian students
receive, and highlights the decrease in study leave, flexible hours and pension benefits being
received this year.
Both pay rise and bonus as an incentive for passing exams were identified as important Employers
benefits for CIMA students in India, but as it stands only 2% and 1% currently receive these could improve
incentives; and highlights an area where employers could expand their benefits scheme.
satisfaction
Students in India place a great importance upon receiving benefits – it is the only country levels by offering
surveyed where the mean score for the importance of every benefit is three or higher. This pay rises or
could be due to a lower proportion of students receiving benefits and because they work
some of the longest hours.
bonuses as an
incentive for
Importance of benefits (mean score) by benefits received
5 = extremely important, 1 = not at all important passing exams.
5 50%
4.5 4.4
4.5 4.2 4.2 4.2 4.1
4 4 3.9 3.8
4 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.6 3.6 40%
3.5 3.5 3.4 3.3
3.5 3.2 3.2
3
3 30%
2.5
2 20%
1.5
1 10%
0.5
0 0%
Healthcare
Bonus
Life assurance
Pension
Study leave
Flexible hours
Travel benefit/allowances
Company car/allowance
Mobile phone/Blackberry/PDA
Extra holidays
Share/share options
Leisure facilities
Sabbatical
Childcare arrangements/vouchers
Mortgage relief
Products/services discount
46% believe their Very few people think that their working hours will decrease in 2010 (only 3%). Instead, 46%
working hours believe that their working hours will increase over the coming year – higher than the global
expectation of 35%, but less pessimistic than in 2009 (63%).
will increase
over the coming Requirement to work outside normal hours
year with nearly
half identifying
company growth
46% Increasing
as a contributing
factor. Decreasing
51% Staying the same
3%
62% of those who expect their working hours to increase cite the fact that they are taking
on more responsibility and more pressure as the cause. Understaffing (52%) and company
growth (45% of Indian students, compared to only 28% globally) were also identified as
factors for increasing hours.
76%
Taken on more responsibility/more pressure 62%
47%
Understaffing/lack of resources 52%
40%
Company growth 45%
37%
Company culture 28%
23%
My role has changed 25%
22%
Current financial climate 13%
2009 2010
11
Skill set requirements
The skills that Indian CIMA students are keenest to acquire during the coming year include
leadership (66%), personal development (58%), and decision making (57%).
Leadership 66%
Personal development (e.g. career planning, time management) 58%
Decision making 57%
Strategic planning and implementation 56%
Communication (e.g. negotiating, writing, presenting) 55%
Reporting and analysis 52%
Project management 44%
Risk management 44%
Problem solving 43%
Time management 42%
Team building 42%
Budgeting 38%
Skills for developing others (e.g. assessing performance, coaching) 34%
Persuading and influencing 32%
Internal audit and control 25%
IT software (MS Excel, Word, Powerpoint, etc.) 23%
IT (hardware systems) 7%
Indian students show greater enthusiasm to learn skills across a wider range of areas than Indian students
students globally. The typical Indian CIMA student expresses interest in an average of around show greater
seven different new skill sets. Globally the average is in the order of around five or six
different areas.
enthusiasm
to learn skills
across a wider
range of areas
than students
globally.
12
Geographical mobility
Extent of movement
Currently CIMA students are living and working in the following locations across India:
Bangalore (22%), Mumbai (16%), Chennai (14%), Delhi (14%) and elsewhere in India (35%).
79% of Indian students anticipate that they will change jobs during the next two years
(compared to only 64% globally). Indeed, as many as 42% would like to change jobs in the
next six months.
Just under half (45%) of the students that plan to change jobs would like to find work
overseas. As a result, just over one-third of all Indian CIMA students are planning to find new
jobs overseas in the next two years.
21%
Stay in current job
36%
Find a new job in India
Find a new job abroad
44%
The desire for an improved salary, new and better career opportunities and an improved
quality of life are the driving forces behind a move to a different country (at 78%, 65% and
60% respectively), closely followed by the desire to experience a different culture and gain
improved employment conditions.
13
Relocation reasons of those likely to move abroad
85%
Improved salary
78%
64%
New career opportunity
65%
83%
Better employment opportunities
65%
82%
Improved quality of life
60%
54%
Experience a different culture
55%
50%
Improved employment conditions
51%
42%
Work promotion
31%
32%
Stronger economy
22%
18%
Take time out/travel
16%
6%
Friends and family
9%
0%
Internal company transfer
5%
2009 2010
Top destinations
Those students considering working overseas are most likely to consider the UK (84%, up
from 72% in 2009) or the USA (56%, up from 22% in 2009), and, to a lesser extent, the
UAE (27%, up from 23% in 2009). There is a general interest in working in English speaking
overseas locations (with Canada and Australia also likely to be seriously considered by
many).
UK
84%
Canada
20%
USA
56% UAE
27%
Australia
16%
Singapore
24%
14
One word used to describe how CIMA is different from other
accountancy qualifications...
The size of the font reflects the number of times the word was spontaneously mentioned.
versatile
Brand
PROFESSIONAL
dynamic
global
Strategic unique
Quality
Focus Systematic
Focused EXCELLENCE
Flexible
Practical
Relevant Innovative Tough
management
Exceptional
insight
Comprehensive
Business
Country specific salary information
This section provides a breakdown of country specific salary information by key indicators
(where the sample base is large enough to provide reliable information).
India
Base: 154 Salary Bonus Package
Total Rs.8.1 lakhs Rs.0.7 lakhs Rs.8.8 lakhs
Age
25-34 Rs.7.6 lakhs Rs.0.5 lakhs Rs.8.1 lakhs
35-44 Rs.11.0 lakhs Rs.1.3 lakhs Rs.12.3 lakhs
Level
Managerial Rs.7.4 lakhs Rs.0.6 lakhs Rs.8.0 lakhs
Strategic Rs.7.9 lakhs Rs.0.7 lakhs Rs.8.8 lakhs
TOPCIMA/Passed finalist Rs.10.1 lakhs Rs.0.8 lakhs Rs.10.9lakhs
Size of organisation
Less than 500 employees Rs.6.9 lakhs Rs.0.4 lakhs Rs.7.3 lakhs
More than 500 employees Rs.8.6 lakhs Rs.0.8 lakhs Rs.9.4 lakhs
Experience since enrolling
Less than 1 year Rs.7.1 lakhs Rs.0.6 lakhs Rs.7.7 lakhs
1-2 years Rs.7.4 lakhs Rs.0.5 lakhs Rs.7.9 lakhs
2-3 years Rs.8.0 lakhs Rs.0.5 lakhs Rs.8.5 lakhs
3-4 years Rs.8.3 lakhs Rs.0.8 lakhs Rs.9.1 lakhs
4-5 years Rs.9.0 lakhs Rs.0.5 lakhs Rs.9.8 lakhs
5 years+ Rs.11.0 lakhs Rs.1.3 lakhs Rs.12.3 lakhs
15
Technical information
Data collection for the CIMA Global Part Qualified Salary Survey 2010 was carried out
by CIMA itself online during the period 28 January to 14 February 2010. The data was
subsequently rim weighted (by Redshift Research) by country to ensure the profile of the
survey sample accurately represents all CIMA markets.
13,980 CIMA students globally were selected and invited to participate (UK, Ireland, South
Africa, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, India, Hong Kong, Australia, Mainland China, UAE, Botswana,
Pakistan, Russia, Poland and Zambia). A total of 2,563 completed the study globally (18%
response rate), with 154 responses from India. Basic responses were as follows:
The survey represents a re-run of the annual student salary survey, the previous iteration of
which was conducted during January/February 2009. In order to improve the quality of the
data collected, more detailed salary bands were used on the questionnaire to record details
of student salaries. This means that averages previously published (in the 2009 report) will
not compare directly with 2010 figures. Where comparisons with 2009 data appear in this
report, we have used an identical banding system to compare changes year on year (which
are expressed as a percentage) in order to ensure that the changes shown reflect a genuine
shift in the economic picture rather than a difference created artificially by using different
banding systems in each period.
For the purposes of this survey CIMA level data was collected under the 2005 CIMA
qualification structure and refers to those at managerial level, strategic level, TOPCIMA
and passed finalists. For comparison under the 2010 qualification structure these levels are
respectively now known as operational/management level, strategic level, T4 Part B Case
Study and exams complete.
Further information
For further information on technical matters relating to this survey, contact
yourvoice@cimaglobal.com
For further country specific analysis and reports, visit CIMA MY JOBS at
http://myjobs.cimaglobal.com/
Both the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and Redshift Research are Market
Research Society Company Partners. The organisations abide by the Market Research
Society’s Code of Conduct and the Data Protection Act.
16
Global contacts
CIMA UK – Head Office CIMA India CIMA Singapore
26 Chapter Street Unit 1-A-1, 3rd Floor 51 Goldhill Plaza, #08-02
London Vibgyor Towers C-62, G Block, Singapore 308900
SW1P 4NP Bandra Kurla Complex, T. +65 6535 6822
United Kingdom Bandra (East), F. +65 6534 3992
T. +44 (0)20 8849 2287 Mumbai - 400 051 E. singapore@cimaglobal.com
F. +44 (0)20 8849 2450 T. +91 (0)22 4237 0100 www.cimaglobal.com/singapore
E. cima.contact@cimaglobal.com F. +91 (0)22 4237 0109
www.cimaglobal.com E. india@cimaglobal.com CIMA South Africa
www.cimaglobal.com/india 1st Floor, 198 Oxford Road
CIMA Australia Illovo, Johannesburg
Suite 1305 CIMA Ireland South Africa
109 Pitt Street 45-47 Pembroke Road Postal address:
Sydney NSW 2000 Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 PO Box 745, Northlands 2116, South
Australia T. +353 (0)1 643 0400 Africa
T. +61 (0)2 9376 9900 F. +353 (0)1 643 0401 T. +27 (0)11 788 8723/0861 CIMA SA
F. +61 (0)2 9376 9905 E. dublin@cimaglobal.com F. +27 (0)11 788 8724
E. sydney@cimaglobal.com www.cima.ie E. johannesburg@cimaglobal.com
www.cimaglobal.com/australia www.cimaglobal.com/southafrica
CIMA Malaysia
CIMA Botswana Lots 1.03b and 1.05, Level 1 CIMA Sri Lanka
Plot 50676, 2nd Floor, Block B KPMG TOWER 356 Elvitigala Mawatha
BIFM Building, Fairgrounds Office Park 8 First Avenue, Bandar Utama Colombo 5
Gaborone, Botswana 47800 Petaling Jaya Sri Lanka
Postal address: Selangor Darul Ehsan T. +94 (0)11 250 3880
PO Box 403475 Malaysia F. +94 (0)11 250 3881
Gaborone, Botswana T. +60 (0)3 7723 0230 E. colombo@cimaglobal.com
Telefax. +267 395 2362 F. +60 (0)3 7723 0231 www.cimaglobal.com/srilanka
F. +267 395 2362/397 2982 E. kualalumpur@cimaglobal.com
E. gaborone@cimaglobal.com www.cimaglobal.com/malaysia CIMA Zambia
www.cimaglobal.com/botswana 6053, Sibweni Road
CIMA Middle East Northmead, Lusaka
CIMA China Office E01, 1st Foor, Block 3 Zambia
Unit 1508A PO Box 502221 Postal address:
AZIA Center, 15th floor Dubai Knowledge Village PO Box 30640, Lusaka, Zambia
1233 Lujiazui Ring Road Al Sofouh Road T. +260 21 1 290 219/291 708
Pudong Dubai, UAE F. +260 21 1 290 548
Shanghai 200120 T. +971 4434 7370 E. lusaka@cimaglobal.com
P.R.China F. +971 4434 1998 www.cimaglobal.com/zambia
T. +86 400 820 4080 E. middleeast@cimaglobal.com
+86 (0)21 5528 5119 www.cimaglobal.com/middleeast CIMA Zimbabwe
F. +86 (0)21 5228 5120 6th Floor, Michael House
E. infochina@cimaglobal.com CIMA Pakistan 62 Nelson Mandela Avenue,
www.cimaglobal.com/china No. 201, 2nd floor Business Arcade Harare
www.cncima.com Plot No. 27 A, Block 6, P.E.C.H.S. Zimbabwe
Shahra-e-Faisal Postal address:
CIMA Hong Kong Karachi, Pakistan PO Box 3831, Harare, Zimbabwe
Suites 1414 – 1415 T. +92 21 3432 2387/88/89 Telefax. +263 (0) 4 708600/702617
14th Floor Jardine House F. +92 21 3432 2390 F. +263 (0) 4 708600/702617
Central, Hong Kong E. pakistan@cimaglobal.com E. harare@cimaglobal.com
T. +852 2511 2003 www.cimaglobal.com/pakistan www.cimaglobal.com/zimbabwe
F. +852 2507 4701
E. hongkong@cimaglobal.com CIMA’s global offices may change during
www.cimahongkong.com the year, so please visit the global web
links for the most up-to-date contact
details. For a full list of global contacts,
please visit
www.cimaglobal.com/globalcontacts
Chartered Institute of
Management Accountants
26 Chapter Street
London SW1P 4NP
United Kingdom
T. +44 (0)20 8849 2285
E. press@cimaglobal.com
www.cimaglobal.com