CIMA BA4 study guide
CIMA BA4 · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
BA4, Fundamentals of Ethics, Corporate Governance and Business Law, is one of the objective-test subjects in CIMA's certificate-level suite of business, accounting and finance qualifications. It suits candidates starting a management accounting career who need a working command of professional ethics, the way companies are directed and controlled, and the legal framework in which businesses and employers operate before moving on to more technical subjects. The syllabus is usually described as four roughly equal strands: ethics and ethical considerations; corporate governance; business law; and employment law. Expect scenario-based questions that ask you to apply principles rather than recite statute - for example recognising an ethical threat, identifying a governance weakness, or deciding whether a contract or dismissal is lawful. The CIMA BA4 study guide has 4 sections and about 1,786 words.
01Ethics and ethical considerations
BA4 examines the CIMA Code of Ethics and how a management accountant applies it under pressure. Questions typically describe a workplace request, then ask you to identify the ethical principle at risk, classify the threat, evaluate its significance and choose a safeguard or escalation route.
472 words, about 2 min02Corporate governance
Corporate governance questions test how a company is directed and controlled, the agency problem between shareholders and directors, the UK Corporate Governance Code and directors' statutory duties under the Companies Act 2006. The Code is principles-based and applies to premium listed companies on a 'comply or explain' basis.
460 words, about 2 min03Business law
Business law questions test the English law of contract, tort and business organisations. You must apply rules to short scenarios, not just recite definitions.
414 words, about 2 min04Employment law
Employment law questions test the employment relationship, statutory rights, discrimination and termination. The key skill is distinguishing employee status and the correct claim.
440 words, about 2 min