The new sustainability and DE&I certificate programs will give accounting and finance professionals the tools and knowledge to address these issues in their organizations
IMA® (Institute of Management Accountants), one of the largest and most respected associations focused exclusively on the management accounting profession, recently released two certificate programs, one focused on sustainable business practices, and one focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in the accounting and finance profession in ME Region. Both programs will address important issues that are very contextual to today’s business landscape and are also of personal relevance to young business professionals in the Middle East region. Both programs include a cumulative assessment that will allow participants to earn a professional certificate and a digital badge.
Ahmad Mkhallati, Senior Director, Middle East, India & Africa Operations, IMA, said “DE&I along with sustainability have emerged as important boardroom issues across enterprises. These are issues that affect not just how brands are perceived by stakeholders but also have an impact on the business itself. It is therefore imperative that finance and accounting professionals now understand the relevance of these issues in the context of a business’ performance and financial health in greater detail. In return, these certifications will be a much-needed asset in the F&A armoury, especially to train and develop local and regional talents in the Middle East.”
“As businesses move forward, they will increasingly need to align with best practices that include being carbon neutral and on the other hand, also be seen as progressive from a brand engagement and employability perspective. Both are still relatively new areas being addressed by organizations, and these certificate programs will provide F&A professionals the necessary skills they require to understand the impact these can have on the financial health of the enterprise,” said Jackie Oppenheim, CPTD, CAE, vice president, education, and career services at IMA. “The certificate programs will also serve as training to senior leaders who need to get up to speed on both areas. These certifications will also demonstrate to employers a necessary level of competence and understanding of how these two areas affect the F&A function.”
The IMA Sustainability Business Practices Certificate,™ will give participants the basics about sustainable business practices, how they relate to current issues the world is facing, and how all of it will impact financial processes and strategic directions moving forward. The program covers topics including the demystification of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters, partnering for the integration of sustainability in business, and strategies, planning, performance, monitoring, and reporting in a sustainable business environment. The program consists of six courses.
The IMA Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Practices Certificate,™ will give participants the tools and practices to foster a DE&I environment. The program features interactive exercises that demystify DE&I, reveal the overlap between DE&I and sustainability, and illustrate ethical imperatives to champion DE&I initiatives within the accounting and finance profession. The content is based on IMA’s thought leadership and research publications, boasting dozens of actionable practices to establish a sense of belonging, improve organizational innovation, and attract, retain, and promote diverse talent. The program consists of five courses.
