MUMBAI: When it comes to finance careers, passing the exam is only half the equation. The other half is applying knowledge where it counts and that’s exactly the balance KPMG in India and Imarticus Learning want to strike with their industry-first Global Accounting and Finance Certification Preparation Programme.
The collaboration, unveiled this week, is designed for aspirants chasing the world’s toughest credentials CFA, US CPA, US CMA, ACCA, and FRM. Imarticus, already India’s first authorised prep provider for all five, will now add KPMG’s global expertise to the mix. The goal? To upskill 25,000 learners by FY28, a fivefold leap from the current 5,000.
What sets this initiative apart from conventional cram-and-pass coaching is its emphasis on applied learning. Learners will access a curated collection of 23 case studies developed by KPMG in India, delivered via live online sessions across the five certification tracks. Beyond that, the programme bakes in mentorship, mock exams, career-focused exposure, and even internship opportunities for top performers, the top three from every ACCA batch and the best candidate from each of the other four courses.
For candidates facing syllabi that are notoriously dense with CFA alone spanning ten topic areas, from quantitative methods to ethics this blend of theory and practice could make the difference between rote memorisation and real readiness.
Imarticus Learning founder & CEO Nikhil Barshikar framed it as India’s first true industry-academia partnership in certification prep: “We’re bringing learners an unmatched blend of academic depth and practical business insights. The goal isn’t just to help them pass exams, but to build the confidence and clarity to excel in global finance roles.”
From KPMG’s side, the focus is equally clear. KPMG in India partner and finance advisory Gaurav Vohra, noted that the sector demands more than textbook smarts: “The finance and accounting industry is evolving rapidly, demanding professionals who can apply insights in real-world scenarios. This collaboration empowers professionals to do just that.”
With global finance certifications commanding prestige and pass rates often hovering below 50 per cent, the need for structured, real-world prep has never been greater. By combining KPMG’s expertise with Imarticus’ reach, the programme positions itself not just as an exam pipeline, but as a launchpad for globally mobile, industry-ready finance talent.