The University of Findlay’s Accounting and Finance Programs Earn Endorsement

The University of Findlay’s accounting and finance programs have earned endorsement by IMA (Institute of Management Accountants), one of the largest and most respected associations focused exclusively on advancing the management accounting profession.
IMA’s Endorsement of Higher Education initiative recognizes programs that meet high educational standards, enabling students to pursue and earn the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) credential. At Findlay, a student interested in sitting for the CMA (Certified Management Accountant) exam may take it as an upper-class student upon recommendation of his or her adviser or upon graduation.
“Endorsement by IMA is a great achievement that will help both our undergraduate and graduate accounting and finance students better prepare for a rewarding career in management accounting,” said Patricia Abels, D.B.A., CMA, CPA, associate professor of accounting and chair of MBA and degree completion programs at The University of Findlay. “This is a testament to the quality of our curriculum that will benefit both the future careers of our students and their future employers.”
To qualify for endorsement by IMA, schools must meet the following criteria: (1) the program must substantially cover the CMA exam content; (2) the program must have adequate faculty resources to deliver this content; (3) the program must be accredited by a recognized accreditation organization (e.g., AACSB, ACBSP, EQUIS, etc.); and (4) a faculty member must be designated as an IMA Campus Advocate. The program offers two tiers of endorsement: full endorsement, for those university programs that meet all endorsement criteria; and provisional endorsement, for programs with some minor to moderate shortcomings in meeting all the criteria for full endorsement. The University of Findlay received full endorsement by the IMA.
“IMA is pleased to welcome The University of Findlay to the growing list of schools that support the CMA exam program and have achieved a consistent standard of excellence,” said Dr. Raef Lawson, CMA, CPA, CFP, CFA, IMA vice president of research and professor-in-residence.  “High-quality, up-to-date educational programs that support the current needs of businesses will help future professional management accountants accomplish their career objectives and meet the competency expectations of employers.”
IMA’s globally-recognized CMA program is a relevant assessment of advanced accounting and financial management knowledge in four areas: financial planning, analysis, control and decision support – each of which is increasingly critical in meeting the changing needs of business, and therefore, essential learning for students of accounting and finance.
The University of Findlay is a comprehensive university with a hands-on approach to learning located in Findlay, Ohio, approximately 45 miles south of Toledo. With a total enrollment of approximately 3,600 full-time and part-time students, The University of Findlay is noted for its innovative, career-oriented programs in nearly 60 majors and 12 graduate and professional degrees. For more information, visit www.findlay.edu or call 1-800-472-9502.
About IMA (Institute of Management Accountants)
IMA, the association of accountants and financial professionals in business, is one of the largest and most respected organizations focused exclusively on advancing the management accounting profession. Globally, IMA supports the profession through research, the CMA (Certified Management Accountant) program, continuing education, networking and advocacy of the highest ethical business practices. IMA has a global network of more than 65,000 members in 120 countries and 300 professional and student chapters. IMA provides localized services through its offices in Montvale, N.J., USA; Zurich, Switzerland; Dubai, UAE; and Beijing, China.  For more information about IMA, please visit www.imanet.org.