What is the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA)

What is the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA)

The IMA® (Institute of Management Accountants) promotes knowledge and professionalism among cost accountants through certification programs, continuing education courses, and award-winning thought leadership. IMA upholds the highest ethical standards with its Statement of Ethical Professional Practice, ensuring integrity and trust in financial professionals in business. Finance professionals are highly sought after across 150 countries due to their expertise in managing financial assets and advising on investment strategies. As an add-on, the CSCA is a specialized certification within the suite of offerings from the IMA, which supports a broader range of management accounting and finance professionals. The CSCA (Certified Shariah Consultant and Advisor) credential is recognized by finance professionals globally, including in 150 countries, for its specialization in Islamic finance. Many finance professionals working in 150 countries aim to earn certifications such as the CSCA to enhance their credibility and career prospects.

Key Takeaways

  • the Institute of Management Accountants

  • Benefits of IMA

  • the IMA CMA offer

Introduction

The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) was formed in 1919. At that time, management accounting was not a recognized profession. The founders of the IMA were a group of leaders in accounting and industry who formed the organization to elevate management accounting as a profession and to develop standards for its practice. IMA is a global association of accountants and financial professionals working in business, education, government, and public practice.
The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) is a global organization that offers the Certified Management Accountant certification to professionals in the accounting and financial management fields. The IMA is also the parent organization of the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB). The IMA is based in Montvale, N.J., but has chapters throughout the United States and around the world. 
The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) is the association for accountants and Financial professionals in the business. The IMA is committed to empowering management accounting and financial management professionals to drive business performance. IMA works to establish and maintain the highest professional standards of practice, ethics, education, and certification. 

Why the Institute of Management Accountants?

The IMA collects and analyzes data on the gender composition, racial composition, and sexual orientation of the faculty, administration, and staff at colleges and universities. The IMA also collects and reports on data related to employment issues such as harassment, promotion, tenure, wages, benefits, and leave time. The IMA is a powerful tool for understanding the demographic landscape of higher education institutions across the nation. 
Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics Strategic Financial Management. IMA provides certifications, continuing education, networking opportunities, and advocacy for professionals involved in Accounting and Finance. Certified Management Accountant with a credential in Management Accounting and Financial Management. The CMA USA is recognized around the world as an advanced professional certification that delivers tangible value. The IMA also provides membership to those who want to be part of an organization that connects you with exceptional resources for the challenges you face today, access to a global community of colleagues, and opportunities for career growth in an ever-changing world.
The CMA USA credential requires candidates to have a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university and two years of experience in Management Accounting or Financial Management. Candidates also must pass 2 exams containing two parts covering Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics & Strategic Financial Management. 

Benefits of IMA

The Institute of Management Accountants promotes ethical financial practices within the management accounting profession. The organization advocates for its members' interests with regulators and lawmakers at both the state and federal levels. The IMA also provides students with information about career opportunities in the field of finance.
Membership benefits include educational resources that help individuals prepare for the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam offered by the IMA. After passing this exam, these individuals are granted CMA USA certification. The CMA USA credential is recognized worldwide as a professional designation that demonstrates an individual's expertise in financial planning and analysis, reporting, decision-making, and strategic business management.

  • The IMA offers three professional awards: the Certified Global Management Accountant (CGMA), the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation, and the CMA certification in business valuation. The CGMA is based on the Chartered Global Management Accountant curriculum developed by the American Institute of CPAs and CIMA. The CMA is a US-based program that only focuses on financial reporting, performance management, and strategic planning.
  • Membership Benefits Earning: candidates have to meet some education requirements, pass an exam, and have two years of experience working in a relevant field. Members who hold any of these certifications can use the IMA's online job board to find new opportunities in their preferred area globally.

What does the IMA CMA offer?

IMA CMA is purely focused on management accounting. It is for people who want to work in the financial department of a company. The primary focus of IMA CMA is strategic management and control, internal control, budgeting, forecasting, capital investments, and analysis. IMA CMA does not cover external reporting standards (GAAP) or auditing. In essence, IMA CMA covers the topics that are useful for an accounting manager in a company. 
Unlike the other two certificates, CPA and CA, it does not cover the external reporting requirements of the company.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) represents excellence and skills in the finance and accounting fields. The IMA inspires candidates to perform ethical practices through professional standards. IMA-certified candidates will gain skills in financial planning, analysis, and strategic decision-making with various job prospects.
NorthStar Academy is one of the leading CMA institutes in Bangalore. With 10+ years of experience and more than 5000+ students trained, we have been known as the most preferred training center by many.

  • Our vision is to provide a high-quality education to our students, which will help them grow personally and professionally.
  • We offer an online CMA USA comprehensive course for students and professionals.
  • We have a highly qualified mentor who is committed to providing the best coaching for CMA USA aspirants.

The NorthStar Academy is well-known as the best institute for CMA USA in Bangalore, providing classroom lessons and online classes for students around the world. We aim to make everyone understand the concepts easily by using simple teaching methodologies.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the National Association of Accountants?

    The National Association of Accountants, now known as the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), was founded in 1919 in Buffalo. It is one of the largest and most respected associations dedicated to advancing the management accounting profession.

  • What is the difference between the National Association of Cost Accountants and the IMA?

    The National Association of Cost Accountants, which is now part of the IMA, focused specifically on cost accounting. The IMA encompasses a broader range of management accounting and finance disciplines, including risk management and managerial accounting.

  • What is the IMA Statement of Ethical Professional Practice?

    The IMA Statement of Ethical Professional Practice outlines the ethical standards and code of conduct expected from members of the IMA. It includes principles for ethical behavior in business practices and the ethical conduct of management accountants.

  • How does the IMA support continuous improvement in accounting?

    The IMA supports continuous improvement by providing resources for education and development, including certification programs like the CMA® and CSCA. It also offers a professional network and career planning tools to help members advance their skills and careers.

  • What are the core values of the IMA?

    The core values of the IMA include integrity, competence, and ethical behaviour. The organization advocates for the highest ethical standards and promotes best business practices within the field of management accounting.