IMA® (Institute of Management Accountants) and the KFUPM Business School (KBS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which will see the introduction of the CMA® (Certified Management Accountant) program to university students. The partnership is in line with KBS and IMA’s global efforts to further academic, educational, and professional initiatives which will help young students kickstart their finance and accounting careers by bridging the skills gap during the most vital stage of their professional life.
The MoU, signed by Hanadi Khalife, Senior Director Middle East and India operations at IMA, and Dr. Hesham Merdad, Dean of KFUPM Business School (KBS), and overseen by Dr. Naji Al-Shammasi, Chairman of the Department of Accounting & Finance at KBS, will facilitate an ongoing exchange of knowledge and expertise between the two institutions whilst enriching programs at the Department of Accounting and Finance.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a thriving economic state with a well-developed financial sector and KFUPM is a frontline university in the region that is well known for its academic discipline and prowess,” said Khalife. “We are very proud of this association and strongly believe that our collaborative efforts will unlock and enhance career opportunities for KFUPM graduates. The CMA designation is a globally acknowledged and respected credential for finance and accounting professionals, and we are looking forward to its introduction in the Kingdom.”
“At KFUPM Business School, we are focused on working with global domain experts to enhance the learning and employability opportunities for our students,” said Dr. Hesham. “We are pleased to partner with IMA, one of the largest and most respected associations focused exclusively on advancing the management accounting profession. The partnership will pave the way for students to complement their academic work with an industry leading and globally relevant professional qualification to stand out in front with future employers.”
“As part of its focus on providing students with equal opportunities, the university recently approved the admission of local female students in graduate programs. This joint initiative will also be extended to female students who will be able to pursue the CMA program” added Dr. Hesham.
“At IMA, we place diversity and inclusion at the heart of our operation and have tremendous respect for institutions that not only endorse the practice, but also apply it, and we are very pleased to see such a reputed university set a promising and wonderful precedent for other institutions in the Kingdom,” added Khalife.
By successfully acquiring a CMA certification, students pursuing a BSc degree in Finance or a BSc degree in Accounting will significantly enhance their access to rewarding career opportunities in the finance and accounting professions.
IMA’s globally recognized CMA program is a relevant assessment of advanced accounting and financial management knowledge in critical areas such as financial planning, analysis, control, and decision support. IMA’s CMA program incorporates on-the-job knowledge and skills that the professionals need in this changing profession – now and in the future.