The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) has partnered with Prince Sultan University in Riyadh to launch the first ladies-only certified management accountant (CMA) course in Saudi Arabia.

IMA, the world’s leading organisation dedicated to supporting accountants and financial professionals in business, said this was an important initiative for both the institute as well as Prince Sultan University (PSU).

The first class has already received registrations from 20 candidates especially from the banking industry. The PSU ladies section has been very supportive in launching the program, said a top official.

The IMA said its membership in the Kingdom had grown by over 55 per cent this year to 2,000 members. This brings the total IMA membership in the Mena region to 12,000.

“There are currently 2,000 IMA members in the Kingdom with only two female CMAs in Jeddah,” said Jim Gurowka, director of International Business Development, IMA.

The CMA program positions IMA as a front runner in increasing the skills, abilities and employability of women in the Kingdom.

'We plan to develop this program further and support women in the best possible way. Enrolling into this program will assist women, who have previously had to struggle through a self study route,” Gurowka added.

The CMA exam subject matter consists of two exam parts and places great emphasis on accountants and financial professionals in business, including financial planning, analysis, control and decision support.

The program also allows exams to written in all the major cities in Saudi Arabia, the official said.

With more than 33, 000 CMA certificates awarded to date, the CMA program continues to demonstrate its value to professionals.-TradeArabia News Service