The accounting program at Utah Valley University (UVU) has earned one of only 50 endorsements nationwide by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA).

“The endorsement signals to potential employers that our graduates are well-prepared for professional careers in accounting and finance,” said Kari Olsen, assistant professor of accounting at UVU. “It also signals to current and future students that UVU's accounting program is connected to the accounting profession and teaches relevant topics and critical thinking skills.”

IMA’s Endorsement of Higher Education is an initiative that recognizes programs that meet high educational standards and enable their students to pursue and earn the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) credential. IMA is one of the largest and most respected associations focused exclusively on advancing the management accounting profession.

"Being an IMA-endorsed school adds credibility to our accounting program,” said Olsen. “It means that our accounting curriculum has comprehensive coverage of topics tested on the CMA exam and has been carefully reviewed and approved by the IMA.”

To qualify for IMA endorsement, university programs must substantially cover the CMA exam content, have adequate faculty resources to deliver this content, be accredited by a recognized accreditation organization, and include a faculty member who is designated as an IMA campus advocate. With all of these requirements fulfilled, UVU’s accounting program offers its students an extra edge in their education.

“IMA is pleased to welcome Utah Valley University to the growing list of schools that support the CMA exam program and have achieved a consistent standard of excellence,” said Raef Lawson, CMA, CPA, CFP, CFA, and 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 areas such as financial planning, analysis, control, and decision support — each of which is increasingly critical in meeting the changing needs of business, and, therefore, serve as essential learning points for students of accounting and finance.