Educational Philosophy of the ICMA
The philosophy of the Institute of Certified Management
Accountants (ICMA) is predicated on the idea that an active
commitment toward excellence is fundamental to the process of
education. ICMA utilizes its capacity to create programs that
meet the needs of a dynamic society without limiting the
educational delivery system. It feels a need for innovative
programs that reduce barriers while maintaining standards of
quality. The structure and programs are designed to offer a
sensitive and stimulating vehicle for the academic and
professional pursuits of the full-time working person. Since a
need is satisfied, ICMA continues its development as an
institution dedicated to growth and excellence and sincere
concern for the specific needs of its student membership body.
Student members are offered a variety of methods to obtain
their qualification: Directed web-based Independent Study,
Classroom Lectures, In-House Seminars and Workshops. ICMA
offers guidance, stimulation to growth, support for creativity
and learning, evaluation, and access to a community of peers
and faculty.
Ultimately, ICMA is committed to scholarship and quality
education at the lowest possible cost to its students.
The educational objectives of the Institute of Certified
Management Accountants (ICMA) are therefore to further the
development of management accounting education in the
universities and schools of Australia and Asia, to encourage
research into the application of management accounting theory
and practice, and to provide continuing professional
development for its members.
In order to achieve the above objectives, the following
educational programme has been implemented by the Institute.
The programme covers both the requirements to obtain “Graduate”
and “Associate” status in the Institute, and also the
advanced programme for certification as a “Certified
Management Accountant”. Two intermediary qualifications, the
Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) and the Advanced Diploma
in Accounting that form part of the Graduate programme are
also covered.
An overview of the Graduate, Associate and CMA membership
programmes are illustrated in the following figure. It can be
seen that both the education and training required for
Graduate membership, and for the CMA programme can be
undertaken at either a CMA Recognised Provider Institution or
at an accredited university. The requirements of Graduate
programme can also be satisfied via the examinations of
another recognised professional accounting body
Holders of university degrees and professional
qualifications in disciplines other than accounting could
undertake a Graduate Conversion Program of 4 subjects to
satisfy the requirements of Graduate membership (GMA status).
Holders of Australian Technical and Further Education (TAFE)
Advanced Diplomas and part-qualified accountants (i.e. those
doing the CIMA, ACCA final stages, or the final year of
university accounting degrees) need to do the full GMA
Conversion program to satisfy the requirements of Graduate
Membership (GMA status ).
All Graduate and Associate members must satisfactorily
complete the CMA programme of the Institute prior to being
certified as a Certified Management Accountant.
Entrance via University :
It is envisaged that students who have obtained a degree in
accounting, commerce, business accounting or a related
discipline (with a major in accounting) would have satisfied
the broad educational objectives of the Graduate member
programme. Degree programmes that are not covered by the above
categories would need to be accredited by the Institute on a
case-by-case basis. Such degree programmes must, as a minimum,
be of three-year's duration covering 24 subjects.
Entrance via recognized provider
institution :
Students with a pass level at a Country (or State)
administered university entrance examination (eg. TER, SAT, IB
or 'A' Levels) (or equivalent), may apply to undertake the
Graduate Member program exams at a Recognized Provider
Institution.
|
