IMA and AAA partner to strengthen accounting education and research in the Middle East
--Collaboration to empower academics, accounting and finance professionals across the region--
MONTVALE, N.J., October 30, 2025 – IMA® (Institute of Management Accountants), one of the largest and most respected associations focused on advancing the management accounting profession, and the American Accounting Association (AAA), a global community of accounting educators, researchers, and practitioners, have entered into a collaborative partnership to expand academic and professional education initiatives across the Middle East.
Through this strategic partnership, IMA and AAA will collaborate to engage academics, practitioners, accounting and finance professionals, and business leaders in the Middle East. The partnership will foster knowledge exchange, support research collaboration, and create practical learning opportunities tailored to the region’s evolving finance and accounting landscape. Combining IMA’s global professional education expertise with AAA’s expertise in accounting education and research will deliver programs and events that strengthen professional competencies, promote thought leadership, and expand networking opportunities for accounting and finance professionals across the region.
Key joint initiatives under the MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) include regional summits, joint roundtables, and professional leadership events, convening academic leaders as well as senior finance professionals and decision makers from across the GCC and wider MENA region. This partnership reinforces IMA and AAA’s common objective to advance education, research, practice development, and professional networking, while leveraging IMA’s CMA® (Certified Management Accountant), FMAA™ (Financial and Managerial Accounting Associate), and CSCA® (Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis) certifications.
Both organizations provide distinct professional and academic support through IMA membership and resources and AAA membership and resources , offering access to research, education, and collaborative engagement within the accounting and finance community.
“Our engagement with AAA is about more than collaboration. It is about empowering finance and accounting professionals in the Middle East with the tools, insights, and connections they need to succeed,” said Mike DePrisco, President and CEO of IMA. “By combining practical expertise with AAA’s academic insights, we can ensure that professionals are equipped to drive meaningful impact and advance the profession across the region.”
Yvonne L. Hinson, Ph.D., CPA, Chief Executive Officer of the American Accounting Association, added, “This partnership allows AAA to extend the reach of our research and educational expertise in the Middle East. By joining forces with IMA, we aim to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application, fostering innovation, and supporting the development of both finance leaders and accounting educators.”
About IMA® (Institute of Management Accountants)
IMA® is one of the largest and most respected associations focused exclusively on advancing the management accounting profession. Globally, IMA supports the profession through research, the CMA® (Certified Management Accountant), CSCA® (Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis), and FMAA™ (Financial and Managerial Accounting Associate) certification programs, continuing education, networking, and advocacy of the highest ethical business practices. Twice named Professional Body of the Year by The Accountant/International Accounting Bulletin, IMA has a global network of about 140,000 members in 150 countries and 200+ professional and student chapters. Headquartered in Montvale, N.J., USA, IMA provides localized services through its six global regions: The Americas, China, Europe, Middle East/North Africa, India, and Asia Pacific. For more information about IMA, please visit www.imanet.org.
About AAA
The American Accounting Association is the largest community of accountants in academia. Founded in 1916, we have a rich and reputable history built on leading-edge research and publications. The diversity of our membership creates a fertile environment for collaboration and innovation. Collectively, we shape the future of accounting through teaching, research and a powerful network, ensuring our position as thought leaders in accounting.