Not wishing to discourage you, but a couple of suggestions:

There are several discussions on CIMASphere about exemptions, all making the point that you need a sound grasp of the topic to progress through the syllabus. I don't mean to sound disrespectful of your achievements, but a Master's in Economics doesn't sound as if it's going to help you much when it comes to the practical knowledge you need to pass and work at Certificate level. You may be better off using your advanced learning more indirectly, applying those post-grad studying and analytical skills to learn each CIMA level quickly and in-depth rather than taking exemptions.

As far as work goes, it's never easy changing from part-way up one ladder to the bottom of a different one; our society doesn't seem to value polymath transferable skills very highly, and more and more employers are only interested in CVs showing linear incremental progress. Have you considered getting as much involved in management accounting for your print-room as you can, so at least you'll have something directly relevant to put on job applications and discuss at interview? And talk to your company's accounts people to see if they can help?

Otherwise, unfortunately, it's a case of 99% perspiration until you get to where you want to be.

Sounds like you need work experience more than anything else.

I think you should not underestinate the benefit of a properly produced CV. I know lots of people, one for example was a straight A student with a PHD in Engineering, who didn't have a clue about how to write a targetted CV. after one month he did not even get a response. He paid for a professional CV to be produced and got a job in a Hedge Fund with a reply the same week.

I'm not saying you have to pay for a decent CV, but you have to know how to produce one properly.

 there's always that Catch 22 situation, you want a starting job, they want experience-you can't get experience without starting job.

Forget about doing the lower levels of CIMA if you can. Try and get that first step in the door. Transfer your skills from your degree and working skills, sign up with CIMa and show the prospective employer that you are serious and comitted to a career in finance, phone people up, join agencies and you will get your chance. Get the basic experience, pass your exams and you'll be quickly in a position to jump the ladder when you finish.

Good luck.

Just my thoughts on the matter.

Cheers