IMA is leading the way in educating management accountants and providing resources for them to advance their careers and become trusted business advisors.

"Technological advances, globalization and compliance issues have drastically changed the accounting profession," said Brian L. McGuire, Ph.D., CMA, CPA, CBM, CITP, IMA Chair-Elect. "My father has been an IMA member for fifty years, and it's amazing to hear stories about what it was like to be in the profession years ago and to consider what will change in the future."

Technology
IMA continues to identify current and emerging technologies, which enable accounting professionals to be effective strategic partners. To further the role of business reporting language, IMA's XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) Committee leads the organization's efforts in enabling management accountants and finance professionals to be more effective in roles such as internal business reporting and analysis, performance measurement, and other business processes in which XBRL may be useful to drive business performance while preserving data integrity.

Globalization
Business continues to expand globally, and so too must the skills of professionals working in business. IMA recently opened its first European satellite office in Zurich, Switzerland to improve the local delivery of member benefits and services including preparation for the CMA certification.

Compliance Issues
Management accountants not only improve the quality of internal controls and financial reporting, but also focus on business performance, analyze company data, and play a role in decision making. This requires deep knowledge of the changing regulatory landscape. IMA's Financial Reporting Committee and Small Business Committee represent the profession by presenting IMA's views to standard-setting bodies.