Inspired people brought together for a worthwhile mission can do great things. That was certainly the case during fiscal year 2017 for IMA® (Institute of Management Accountants), when we achieved some significant milestones, including record-breaking growth in CMA® (Certified Management Accountant) candidates, membership (then) surpassing 90,000 (an 11% annual growth rate), and a more than 30% surge in the number of student members. Learn more about these and other highlights of the year in our annual report, titled The Path Forward, featuring commentary from IMA Global Board of Directors’ Chair Marc Palker, CMA; and IMA President and CEO Jeff Thomson, CMA, CSCA, CAE.
The report focuses on four stories for 2017: (1) sustained growth, including investment in services and products for members; (2) strategic global expansion, including opening new offices in key markets and growing diversity among members and CMA candidates; (3) creative innovation, including differentiated products, partnerships, and services relevant to evolving member needs; and (4) inspired people, including forming a supportive community for member networking opportunities, best-practice sharing, and continuous learning and improvement.
Accomplishments for 2017 include:
- Launching an unprecedented, first-ever integrated marketing campaign, “You’ve Got to Earn It,” which won a 2017 Big Apple Award;
- Unveiling the CSCA® (Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis), a new specialty credential for existing CMAs;
- Publishing our first-ever management accounting textbook, Management Accounting – An Integrative Approach, which effectively integrates all major management accounting concepts into one unified body of knowledge; and
- Forging new partnerships, including teaming with Robert Half International to share the latest insights and career resources for skilling upwards and career planning, and publishing research with ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) on how accountants and finance professionals gauge economic sentiment across the globe.
Other highlights from the year included hosting another successful Women’s Accounting Leadership Series event – where women in the profession had the opportunity to network and discuss challenges they face in the workplace – and working alongside NABA (National Association of Black Accountants) to develop resources to support diversity and inclusion in the accounting profession.
In his commentary in the report, Thomson said, “[IMA] is built on foundations of teamwork, integrity, and trust. We facilitate sharing of best practices and support networks for those stepping into new roles and navigating uncharted territory. We are committed to continuous learning and improvement. Whether it is helping prospective CMA certification holders prepare for the CMA exam, or researching best practices in financial planning and analysis to help our members do their jobs better, we are your partners in lifelong learning and career advancement. The success we have experienced is a reflection of you and the special community we have created.”
Find out why 2017 was such a groundbreaking year and how IMA is well on the way to making 2018 even better. Read The Path Forward and our Financial Statements for complete details.