A report by CIMA and Randstad Poland reveals that certified finance professionals in Poland earn 16% to 25% more than non-certified peers across key roles such as CFO, Finance Manager, and Chief Accountant, with certified individuals also experiencing better career progression and marketability, reflecting the increasing importance of professional qualifications in the evolving finance sector.
21 October 2025, Warsaw – A new salary report commissioned by The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and conducted by Randstad Poland revealed that certified finance professionals in Poland earn between 16% and 25% more than their non-certified peers, depending on the role.
The report draws on data from 500 finance professionals working across five key roles: Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Finance Manager, Chief Accountant, Controlling Manager, and Financial Controller. It highlights a notable difference in compensation between those holding professional certifications – such as CIMA’s Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation and statutory auditor qualification granted by the National Chamber of Statutory Auditors in Poland – and those without.
Chief Accountants holding a professional certification earn a median salary of 22,500 Polish Zloty, compared to 18,000 Polish Zloty for non-certified peers – a 25% increase, the largest gap observed.
CFOs holding a professional certification earn a median salary of 37,000 Polish Zloty, compared to 30,500 Polish Zloty for non-certified peers – a 21.3% increase.
Financial Controllers holding a professional certification earn a median salary of 24,000 Polish Zloty with certification, compared to 20,000 Polish Zloty for non-certified peers – a 20% increase.
Finance Managers holding a professional certification earn a median salary of 28,000 Polish Zloty, compared to 24,000 Polish Zloty for non-certified peers – a 16.7% increase.
Controlling Managers holding a professional certification earn a median salary of 26,000 Polish Zloty, compared to 22,350 Polish Zloty for non-certified peers – a 16.3% increase.
Beyond salary insights, the report also explores how professional certification impacts career progression and marketability. Certified professionals report greater career flexibility, faster promotions, and higher confidence in navigating the evolving job market.
The findings come at a time when the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 highlights the growing importance of combining technological fluency with human insight and critical thinking skills to succeed in the knowledge economy, particularly in accounting and finance business roles.
Magdalena Batogowska, Senior Branch Manager, Finance & Legal, Randstad Poland, said:
“The role of finance and accounting departments is undergoing a clear evolution. Alongside traditional competencies such as regulatory knowledge and financial reporting,, analytical skills, business acumen, and cross-departmental collaboration are becoming increasingly important. Professional qualifications like CGMA or the statutory auditor title today attest not only to technical knowledge, but also to a strategic mindset and strong communication skills. A modern finance professional is a business partner – providing analysis, supporting decision-making, and having a real impact on the company’s growth trajectory.”
Jakub Bejnarowicz, Regional Director – Europe at The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), said:
“In today’s business world, where volatility and complexity dominate, employers are increasingly seeking finance professionals who bring not just technical expertise, but critical thinking, agility, and strategic insights. The CGMA Professional Qualification is a powerful testament to those capabilities. It is a passport to exciting opportunities shaped by innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation. CGMA designation holders stand out in a competitive job market – and are rewarded for the value they deliver.”
To access the full salary report (available only in Polish), please visit myfuture.cimaglobal.com/prof.
The report was based on data collected by Randstad Poland in 2024 and 2025 through recruitment processes and telephone interviews with 500 finance professionals in Poland. For each of the five roles, 100 individuals were surveyed (50 with professional certifications and 50 without). The analysis included both quantitative (average and median salary) and qualitative (interviews) methods. Only fixed monthly gross salaries were considered, excluding bonuses and other variable components. Salaries are presented with a distinction between individuals with professional certifications (including the CGMA designation, statutory auditor title, and other recognised national and international accreditations) as well as academic degrees, compared with individuals without.
Q: What’s the headline finding?
A: Certified finance professionals in Poland earn between 16% and 25% more than non-certified peers, depending on the role.
Q: Which role shows the biggest salary difference?
A: Chief Accountants: PLN 22,500 (certified) vs PLN 18,000 (non-certified) in median monthly gross salary – a 25% premium.
Q: How was the research conducted?
A: Randstad Poland collected 2024–2025 data through recruitment processes and telephone interviews with 500 finance professionals across five roles (100 per role; 50 certified and 50 non-certified).
Q: What pay components are included in the figures?
A: The report analyses fixed monthly gross salaries only, excluding bonuses and other variable components.
Q: What counts as “professional certification” in this report?
A: The report distinguishes professionals with recognised certifications (including CIMA’s CGMA designation, the statutory auditor qualification granted by the National Chamber of Statutory Auditors in Poland, and other recognised national and international accreditation), as well as academic degrees, versus those without.
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