Associations Join Forces to Support Aspiring Finance Professionals

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) are partnering to launch an initiative to support the career development of chief financial officers and aspiring finance professionals  (opens in a new tab).

The two groups signed a mutual recognition agreement  (opens in a new tab)  that will enable members of both organizations “a clear pathway to one another’s credentials based on a rigorous content and curriculum review.” The agreement will become effective early next year.

“Both our credentials are the result of rigorous qualification and assessments, with a clear commitment to producing ethical, reputable, and high-performing members,” ACCA President Barry Cooper said in a statement. “Today’s announcements, including flexible pathways to our respective exams and compelling CFO resources, are indicative of our commitment to sustainable organizational success.”

John Macaulay, IMA’s chair, said the two organizations would “continue to support excellence in management accounting through tested certification.”

The associations’ Financial Leadership and Performance Initiative will include:

• A new cosponsored website  (opens in a new tab) that will contain ACCA and IMA reports, research, and insights.

• CFO Pathways, a research report covering the future of CFOs’ work, their role, and their changing career paths.

• Continuing professional development and education resources that focus on financial leadership and performance.

(iStockphoto/Thinkstock)