Welcome to December Velocity.
As you'll see in our exams and study section, the new CIMA Management Accounting Qualification is about to be launched. Watch out for more information on this in a special edition of Velocity, which will be sent to you in January.
For qualified AAT technicians, the step up to CIMA presents particular challenges but also huge rewards. In our December interview we chart the remarkable journey of Vicky Ridley (pictured) from school leaver, through the Association of Accounting Technicians qualification, to CIMA passed finalist. She's also now interim financial controller at fashion company All Saints.
As the barrage of bad news about the financial crisis and global recession continues, we have three articles looking at what it means for CIMA students - in work, study and the job market - and find it's not all doom and gloom. This is especially true for those willing to work hard and show their worth to employers. The article 'Selling yourself in the recession' has lots of tips on how to do this.
Wherever you are in the world, the Velocity team would like to wish you a relaxing and happy Christmas.