IMA Members,
In 2011, IMA delivered on exciting opportunities for growth, influence, and member value. To see the ways in which our achievements were visible across the organization – and around the world – take a moment to view my recent video.
In March, we opened our first European office in Zurich, Switzerland. We now operate across four regions, with offices in the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East. In September, we launched the IMA Speakers Bureau, which allows IMA to promote its broad array of thought leadership for accounting and finance professionals in business and industry. Our Leadership Academy programs continue to grow and flourish. To keep pace with the needs of our evolving profession, and to increase our offerings in our newer global markets, in October, we announced plans for translating our CMA exam into Simplified Chinese. Finally, in 2011, we set a record for the highest number of new CMA certificates awarded in any year, proving that the CMA has never been more valuable or relevant.
As we begin 2012, I’m thrilled at what’s to come. This year, IMAis celebrating a landmark event: the 40th anniversary of the CMA credential, the paragon of management accounting and financial certification. The CMA continues to deliver tangible value – through real on-the-job relevance, employer recognition, and high ROI. To date, more than 35,000 CMA certificates have been awarded – by passing a rigorous, focused, and relevant exam – including prominent CEOs, CFOs, and controllers around the world. We will address the competitive challenges head on with confidence and smart strategies, and we will express concerns about other accounting associations who do not certify competency with an exam. CONTINUED --->
To celebrate 40 years of success, IMAis dedicating numerous events throughout our 2012 Annual Conference & Exposition in Las Vegas this June. And, in September, this achievement will also be featured in Strategic Finance magazine with special coverage of the CMA program.
Throughout the New Year,IMAwill continue to enhance, enrich, and expand benefits to our membership with core values as our anchor.
We’ve already been recognized for our efforts having been named to Trust Across America’s Top 100 Thought Leaders in Trustworthy Business Behavior 2012 list in which myself and Curt Verschoor, a longtime member of IMA’s Committee on Ethics, were featured. As our goal has always been to create solid, ethical opportunities for accountants and financial professionals in business, this is a great honor for IMA which was the only organization in the accounting industry named with two awards.
I’m proud to say that IMA is financially healthy and growing in membership, CMAs, and global influence, but will always stay true to our core mission to serve society. I’m confident the principles and values that have sustained this great association for more than nine decades will continue to support our success.
IMA holds a unique opportunity to enrich careers, organizations, and societies like no other association in the world. In 2012, we will continue to provide this unwavering service to our members and remain true to our core values: respect for the individual, passion for serving members, the highest standards of integrity and trust, commitment to innovation, and a culture of teamwork.
I am looking forward to all that 2012 has to offer – through our Annual Conference and local chapter events – and hope to see many ofIMA’s dedicated members along the way. Happy New Year!
Jeff Thomson, CMA