IMA Student Series: Accounting and Finance Professional Panel

Introduction

• Host: Mary Patterson, Academic Business Development Manager at IMA
• Event: IMA Student Series, Accounting and Finance Professional Panel
• Purpose: Discuss careers in accounting and finance, offer insights from professionals
• Sponsors: Glime Exam Prep (IMA strategic partner and CMA scholarship program provider)
• Format: Panel discussion with Q&A

Agenda

1. Overview of IMA
2. Discussion on CMA and FMAA Certifications
3. Panel Discussion
4. Audience Q&A

IMA Overview

• Global association with over 140,000 members
• Offers networking opportunities across 300 chapters globally
• Provides resources for accounting and finance education
• Offers three certifications: CMA, FMAA, CFCA

Certifications

FMAA Certification

• Purpose: Instills knowledge in accounting and finance
• Domains:
  • General accounting and financial management
  • Financial statement preparation and analysis
  • Planning and budgeting
  • Cost management and performance metrics
  • Professional ethics
• Exam: 2-hour, 80 multiple choice questions
• Eligibility: No requirements, suitable for students
• Availability: Starting March 2024

CMA Certification

• Exam Structure:
  • Part 1: Financial planning, performance, and analytics
  • Part 2: Strategic financial management
• Content: Covers accounting and finance fluency
• Format: 4-hour exams, 100 multiple choice questions + 2 essay scenarios
• Timing: Can be taken while in school, recommended post-junior year

Panelists

1. Megan Mordi - Finance Director, Johnson and Johnson
2. Christy Liu - Senior Director, Financial Analysis and Planning, Ipot TV
3. Mason Buzi - Formerly at Beckon Dickinson, now MBA student at NYU
4. Drew Chancy - Senior Financial Analyst, Habitat for Humanity

Panelist Insights

• Megan Mordi: Finance and biology background, experience in diverse finance roles at J&J.
• Christy Liu: Transition from public accounting to corporate finance, passion for impact.
• Mason Buzi: Experience in FP&A and accounting, now pursuing consulting.
• Drew Chancy: Career in non-profits, focused on financial compliance and reporting.

Key Discussion Points

• Motivation for Finance Careers:

  • Interest in business and impact
  • Influence from mentors and strategic career paths
  • Importance of credentials like CMA for professional growth

• Skills Utilized from CMA:

  • Financial analysis and reporting
  • Variance analysis and data analytics
  • Revenue recognition and strategic decision making

• Unexpected Career Aspects:

  • Significant people leadership and mentoring
  • Transition to remote work environments
  • Need for strong communication and networking skills

Advice for Students

• Networking: Build authentic and meaningful connections.
• Career Exploration: Use internships to explore diverse roles.
• Continuous Learning: Embrace a growth mindset and take advantage of certification opportunities.

Conclusion

• Next Steps: Attend the next IMA webinar focusing on experienced professionals.
• Contact Information: Provided for further inquiries and support

Sponsor Acknowledgment

• Thanks to Glime Exam Prep for sponsoring the event.

These notes provide a comprehensive summary of key points discussed during the IMA student panel on accounting and finance careers, serving as a helpful guide for students considering pathways in these fields.