Episodes

  • FLP 211. Operational Case Study (OCS) May Exam Deep Dive

    FLP 211. Operational Case Study (OCS) May Exam Deep Dive
    Apr 21 2026
    Host Kevin Gormley is joined once again by Alex Whelan from Kaplan to help candidates prepare for the May Operational Case Study (OCS) exam. Whether you're early in your preparation or refining your technique, Kevin and Alex provide practical insights to help you focus on what matters most: applying your knowledge to the case with confidence. Good luck to all candidates! Building on the popularity of their February episode, Kevin and Alex focus on the May case study scenario featuring SOPA, a family‑owned restaurant business operating in a competitive market. The discussion provides practical guidance on how students should interpret the pre‑seen, identify exam‑relevant issues, and approach answers across all OCS core activities. This episode is especially valuable for candidates sitting their first CIMA Case Study exam and transitioning from Objective tests to a fully integrated, scenario‑based assessment. It offers a concise but comprehensive roadmap for tackling the May 2026 OCS exam. Key Topics Covered Case Study Overview: SOPA SOPA is a family‑owned restaurant chain operating across nine locations.The business operates in a highly competitive hospitality sector with tightening margins.Strong revenue growth and profitability, but operational and strategic risks are emerging.Heavy reliance on customer reviews, staff morale, and brand reputation.Industry themes include: Rising labour and food costsLow consumer confidenceStaffing shortagesCost‑of‑living pressures Strengths and Risks in the Pre‑Seen: Positives Strong revenue and gross margin growth (outperforming the market)Healthy cash position and working capitalLoyal customer base and sustainability credentialsStandardised menus and processes Strengths and Risks in the Pre‑Seen: Risks & Weaknesses Declining customer reviewsHigh staff turnover and morale concernsHigh fixed‑cost baseDependence on single suppliersPotential over‑expansion risks Expansion & Strategic Decisions Potential exam‑relevant initiatives discussed in the pre‑seen included: Opening new restaurantsLaunching a ghost kitchenDeveloping a branded dips product lineEntering a new foreign marketExploring AI and digital ordering technology The move from B2C to B2B activities is highlighted as a significant operational and financial risk area that candidates should prepare to address. Exam Focus: Core Activities Breakdown Alex walks through all six OCS core activities, highlighting what candidates should expect and where SOPA‑specific issues may arise: Core Activity A – Costing Marginal costing vs absorption costingNew syllabus focus: Environmental and quality costingDigital vs traditional costing (apps, online ordering, IT support costs)Cost of quality (prevention, appraisal, internal & external failure) Core Activity B – Budgeting & Forecasting Incremental vs zero‑based budgeting (ZBB)Forecasting and seasonal trendsRolling budgets and beyond budgetingImportance of clearly explaining ZBB steps Core Activity C – Performance Management KPIs (occupancy rates, sustainability, quality, staff metrics)Variance analysis (including mix variances)Use of attachments and data in answers Core Activity D – Accounting & Reporting Reduced weighting but still examinablePPE decisions (buy vs lease)Inventory valuation (IAS 2)Capitalisation and depreciationImplications of sustainability investments (e.g. vertical farming) Core Activity E – Decision Making Relevant and incremental cash flowsOutsourcing vs in‑house production (dips, ghost kitchen)Decision trees and expected valuesLinear programming and constraintsWeighted average benefit analysis Core Activity F – Risk & Working Capital Inventory management (EOQ vs JIT)Working capital cycle (negative cycle at SOPA)Receivables emergence from B2B expansionFactoring and invoice discountingCash surplus management and over‑trading risks How the Exam Is Marked Alex explains CIMA's four assessment pillars: Technical understandingCommunication & professional toneUse of information provided (attachments)Application to the scenario Key advice Refer to SOPA frequently — name the company, people, products, and locations.Use clear sub‑headings and structured answers.Justify recommendations clearly.Use planning time effectively.No calculations required — focus on explanation and application. Exam Tips & Final Advice Expect questions around ghost kitchens, expansion, and B2B risksPractice with mock exams and review model answersFocus on structure, relevance, and professionalismRemember: you must advise SOPA, not write generic theory Useful Links Finance Leadership Program: https://enroll.cgma.orgCGMA Hub with Case Study Resources & Mock ExamsThanks for listening. It takes just a couple of minutes to share your feedback here. About Us The CGMA Finance Leadership Programme (FLP) is the online pathway to the prestigious Chartered Institute of Management Accountants' Professional Qualification. ...
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    36 mins
  • FLP 210. How Students Are Succeeding in the Operational Case Study (OCS)

    FLP 210. How Students Are Succeeding in the Operational Case Study (OCS)
    Mar 2 2026

    Kevin Gormley speaks with three standout students from India who are currently pursuing their undergraduate degrees alongside the CGMA Finance Leadership Program (FLP). Each has successfully passed the Operational Case Study (OCS), and in some cases achieved top All‑India ranks.

    Each shares their unique experiences balancing university studies with FLP, insights from their OCS preparation, the challenges they encountered, and the strategies that led them to exam success.

    GUESTS

    • Nandini Maheshwari. Bachelor of Commerce student, Symbiosis College of Arts & Commerce, Passed both Operational and management level Case Study.
    • Pranav Bhat. BBA student, St. Joseph's College of Commerce. Passed OCS, preparing for Management Case Study.
    • Prerana Rao. BBA student, St. Joseph's College of Commerce. Achieved All‑India Rank in OCS. Recently completed MCS and preparing for SCS

    HIGHLIGHTS

    1. What it's like to sit the OCS while still an Undergraduate. Each student reflects on their first exposure to a case‑based professional exam.
    2. Study strategies that worked. Details of how they structured (and sometimes didn't structure) their study plans:
    3. The power of mock exams. How these graded exercises help to gain vital insights, get feedback, and understand examiners' expectations.
    4. Their best advice for future OCS candidates. Practical perspectives, including this important takeaway: "Don't treat it like the end of the world. Relax. Enjoy the learning process."

    ABOUT US.

    The CGMA Finance Leadership Programme (FLP) is the online pathway to the prestigious Chartered Institute of Management Accountants' Professional Qualification. Find out more about the FLP at https://enroll.cgma.org/ and at https://aicpa-cima.com.

    Get in touch with show host Kevin Gormley via LinkedIn.

    Email the podcast team at podcast@aicpa-cima.com

    Thanks for listening. It takes just a couple of minutes to share your feedback here.

    This is a podcast from AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. To enjoy more conversations from our global community of accounting and finance professionals, explore our network of free shows here.
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    24 mins
  • FLP 209. Preparing for Exam Resits. Support, Resources & Proficiency Guidance

    FLP 209. Preparing for Exam Resits. Support, Resources & Proficiency Guidance
    Jan 30 2026
    Kevin is joined by Nasheen Wuisman from the CIMA Study Support & Progression Team to discuss the challenges of exam resits and the wealth of support resources available for students, especially those preparing for the upcoming February exam window. Nasheen explains the emotional and practical difficulties students face when re‑sitting a Case Study exam, and highlights key support tools such as the Revitalise Resit Guide, the Resit Program, the Proficiency Guide, coaching services, and community learning spaces. She also describes how these resources help candidates understand examiner expectations, improve answer proficiency, and rebuild confidence for the next exam attempt. TOPICS COVERED Understanding the Emotional Side of Exam Resits. Students often struggle with motivation, confidence, focus, and disappointment after narrowly failing. The support team acknowledges the emotional impact and provides structured and empathetic resources.Overview of CIMA Support Resources 1. Revitalise — The Resit Guide. A self‑study resource designed to help students reassess, re‑focus, and re‑plan for their next exam attempt. 2. The Resit Program. A structured, flexible program run between results release and the next sitting. Hosted on the CIMA community platform to help students learn, network, and feel less isolated. Includes guidance, weekly resources, and informal live sessions for open discussion and emotional support. 3. The Proficiency Guide. Built using real candidate scripts from an actual exam sitting. Shows examiner annotations on how responses were marked and how to turn "red arrows" into "green arrows." Includes scripts from a fail, marginal pass, and pass for comparison. Particularly powerful for resit candidates who need clarity on how to improve performance. 4. One‑to‑One Coaching Support. FLP 1‑to‑1 coaching sessions for tailored advice, confidence‑building, and personalised study strategy. 5. CGMA Case Study Structured Success Program. A free 8‑week program for first‑time Case Study takers, run twice yearly. Supplements the FLP platform with added skills support (time management, motivation, exam skills). 6. Communities — Engage 365. Includes dedicated spaces for Case Study students, Resit students, and (soon) level learners. Allows global peer‑to‑peer learning, networking, and sharing. TAKEAWAYS Students should fully utilise the variety of free, high‑quality resources available through CIMA and FLP.Understanding examiner expectations is essential, and real scripts in the Proficiency Guide make this far more accessible.Resit success often depends on emotional readiness as much as technical readiness. Community support helps reduce isolation and allows students to learn from peers.Structured programs, coaching, and targeted guides can significantly improve exam performance. USEFUL LINKS FLP & CIMA Study Hub: Accessible via the FLP LMS - https://hub.cimaglobal.com/Exam Support & Resources: aicpa‑cima.com https://www.aicpa-cima.com/resources/landing/examsFLP Registration - enroll.cgma.org Community Platform (Engage 365): Accessible through the FLP environment - https://connect.aicpa-cima.com/home Thanks for listening. It takes just a couple of minutes to share your feedback here. ABOUT US. The CGMA Finance Leadership Programme (FLP) is the online pathway to the prestigious Chartered Institute of Management Accountants' Professional Qualification. Get in touch with show host Kevin Gormley via LinkedIn. Contact the podcast team at podcast@aicpa-cima.com This is a podcast from AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. To enjoy more conversations from our global community of accounting and finance professionals, explore our network of free shows here.
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    17 mins
  • FLP 208. OCS 2026 Focus — Insights on the Sumtrix Case

    FLP 208. OCS 2026 Focus — Insights on the Sumtrix Case
    Jan 29 2026

    Host Kevin Gormley talks to special guest Alex Whelan, a CIMA‑qualified tutor with extensive industry experience, who provides deep insights into the Sumtrix pre‑seen case for February OCS resit candidates.

    Alex breaks down Sumtrix's business model, financial structure, sustainability themes, costing methods, budgeting issues, and potential exam‑relevant risks. The conversation also includes a full walkthrough of all six CIMA Core Activities (A–F) and expert exam‑technique guidance, including planning, subheadings, KPIs, and referencing attachments.

    Kevin also introduces the updated 2026 direction of the Finance Leadership Podcast, which will now focus heavily on supporting Operational Case Study (OCS) candidates.

    KEY POINTS

    • Overview of our podcast direction for 2026
    • Deep case analysis of Sumtrix (ski manufacturer: freestyle, touring, custom)
    • Financial highlights, revenue channels, and operational structure
    • Sustainability misalignment (importing North American materials)
    • Key red flags: seasonality, inventory buildup, rising overheads
    • Detailed breakdown of Core Activities A–F
    • Exam techniques: planning time, subheadings, KPI construction, use of attachments
    • Resources on the CGMA Hub for resit candidates

    Thanks for listening. It takes just a couple of minutes to share your feedback.

    ABOUT US.

    The CGMA Finance Leadership Programme (FLP) is the online pathway to the prestigious Chartered Institute of Management Accountants' Professional Qualification. Find out more about the FLP at https://enroll.cgma.org/

    Get in touch with show host Kevin Gormley via LinkedIn.

    Your comments welcomed at podcast@aicpa-cima.com

    This is a podcast from AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. To enjoy more conversations from our global community of accounting and finance professionals, explore our network of free shows here.
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    29 mins
  • FLP 207. Modern Learning

    FLP 207. Modern Learning
    Dec 17 2025

    Guest Richard Stanfield from Kaplan joins us to outline some key aspects of modern learning.

     He sits down with show host Kevin Gormley to discuss:

    • learning via FLP
    • using AI during the pursuit of CGMA
    • preparing for Case Study exams
    • common study mistakes.

    The CGMA Finance Leadership Programme (FLP) is the online pathway to the prestigious Chartered Institute of Management Accountants' Professional Qualification. Find out more about the FLP at https://enroll.cgma.org/ or https://www.aicpa-cima.com/resources/landing/the-cgma-r-finance-leadership-program.

    CONNECT

    Get in touch with show host Kevin Gormley via LinkedIn.

    Thanks for listening. It takes just a couple of minutes to share your feedback. You can also contact us directly at podcast@aicpa-cima.com

    This is a podcast from AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. To enjoy more conversations from our global community of accounting and finance professionals, explore our network of free shows here.
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    30 mins
  • FLP 206. Students tell us their experiences of using FLP

    FLP 206. Students tell us their experiences of using FLP
    Feb 20 2025

    Guests Matthew Payze and Stewardt Cornelissen join us from South Africa. Together we discuss their experiences in studying for CGMA, and share their advice and views on studying for the qualification via the FLP pathway.

    The CGMA Finance Leadership Programme (FLP) is the online pathway to the prestigious Chartered Institute of Management Accountants' Professional Qualification. Find out more about the FLP at https://enroll.cgma.org/ or https://www.aicpa-cima.com/resources/landing/the-cgma-r-finance-leadership-program.

    CONNECT

    • If you're on LinkedIn, feel free to connect with show host Kevin Gormley
    • Connect with Matthew at www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-payze-347195198 or find out more about Collivery at https://collivery.net/
    • Connect with Stewardt at https://www.linkedin.com/in/stewardt-cornelissen-0b664ab3/

    Your feedback and comments welcomed at podcast@aicpa-cima.com

    This is a podcast from AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. To enjoy more conversations from our global community of accounting and finance professionals, explore our network of free shows here.
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    27 mins
  • FLP 205. Navigating the UK Accountancy job market

    FLP 205. Navigating the UK Accountancy job market
    Jan 16 2025

    Our guest is Jason Nye, CIMA's Senior Manager in Operations for the UK. Together we take a look at the UK market for Finance & Accounting and provide useful insights for anyone considering this sector as a career.

    Jason talks about his background, the market for jobs in the UK, what careers are open to CIMA students, where people can find roles, and how to start studying CIMA. We also discuss what types of companies have CIMA opportunities and how are they structured. Finally we share some employability tips.

    Find out more on the UK market at https://www.tiktok.com/@cimaearlycareersuk and https://www.instagram.com/cimaearlycareersuk/

    ABOUT US.

    The CGMA Finance Leadership Programme (FLP) is the online pathway to the prestigious Chartered Institute of Management Accountants' Professional Qualification. Find out more about the FLP at https://enroll.cgma.org/

    CONNECT.

    Get in touch with show host Kevin Gormley via LinkedIn.

    Connect with Jason Nye at https://www.linkedin.com/in/cimajason/

    Your feedback and comments welcomed at podcast@aicpa-cima.com

    This is a podcast from AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. To enjoy more conversations from our global community of accounting and finance professionals, explore our network of free shows here.
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    40 mins
  • FLP 204. The value of Finance Business Partnering

    FLP 204. The value of Finance Business Partnering
    Dec 5 2024

    Andi Lonnen, founder and CEO of FBP Academy, joins us to discuss Finance business partnering: what it is, why it's important, and how to build the mindset of a Finance Business Partner.

    Alongside many insights in this conversation with podcast host Kevin Gormley (AICPA & CIMA, UK), Andi highlights that Finance Business Partners (FBPs) are not just traditional accountants who "add up" numbers, but professionals who "add value".

    ABOUT US.

    The CGMA Finance Leadership Programme (FLP) is the online pathway to the prestigious Chartered Institute of Management Accountants' Professional Qualification. Find out more about the FLP at https://enroll.cgma.org/

    Get in touch with show host Kevin Gormley via LinkedIn.

    Connect with Andi Lonnen at https://www.linkedin.com/in/andilonnen

    Your feedback and comments welcomed at podcast@aicpa-cima.com

    This is a podcast from AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. To enjoy more conversations from our global community of accounting and finance professionals, explore our network of free shows here.
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    28 mins