May 6 is International Management Accounting Day®, a global day of recognition commemorating the important role management accountants play within their organizations. This year we celebrate it in the midst of a global pandemic which has impacted everyone in accounting and finance, from senior leaders to students poised to enter the profession. Resilience is undoubtably the theme for this year’s celebration.
Management accountants are playing a key role in ensuring business continuity during this crisis. From performing the monthly financial close to addressing cash flow and other issues, they are on the front lines figuring out how organizations can weather this crisis. As companies reassess ways to return to a more normal way of operating, management accountants will be key advisors and leaders.
Students are the future of the profession and preparing them for the workforce has been at the forefront of IMA’s mission. This year students face unprecedented challenges, from classes abruptly being moved online to the cancellation of commencement ceremonies. They may also be facing financial hardship or displacement because of COVID-19.
Students have shown resilience in the face of this hardship. They are committed to their pursuit of accounting and finance careers, no matter the challenges. So IMA has chosen International Management Accounting Day as the most appropriate day for bestowing its inaugural Century Scholarship Award which was created as part of IMA’s 100-year celebration. This award recognizes an IMA student member who has demonstrated volunteerism as part of their college journey and who is passionate about being a leader in the management accounting profession.
Ryan Miggin from Dixie State University is this year’s scholarship recipient. He will receive an award of $7,500 as well as a CMA® (Certified Management Accountant) scholarship which enables a student to complete the CMA program at no cost.
Supporting students is critical to IMA’s mission and the future of management accounting. IMA is proud to help them build leadership skills that will help them succeed in the workplace and beyond.