IMA Endorsement for the Lucerne School of Business

by Prof. Dr. Stefan Hunziker, Head of MSc International Financial Management, and Marcel Fallegger (CMA), Research Associate and IMA Campus Advocate at the Institute of Financial Services Zug IFZ

The MSc International Financial Management (IFM) at the Lucerne School of Business got endorsed by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) as the first Swiss higher education programme offering students a high-quality management accounting curriculum. This cooperation with IMA strengthens the unique position of the MSc IFM preparing our students to manage performance in a global economy.

About the Higher Education Endorsement Programme

The IMA higher education endorsement is a programme that identifies business curricula that meet the quality educational standards required to enable students to earn the CMA® (Certified Management Accountant) designation, and it helps other schools develop such programmes. To qualify for endorsement by IMA, schools must meet the following criteria: (1) the programme must substantially cover the CMA exam content; (2) the programme must have adequate faculty resources to deliver this content; (3) the programme must be accredited by a recognised accreditation organisation (e.g., AACSB, EFQM, EQUIS, etc.); and (4) a faculty member must be designated as an IMA Campus Advocate.

About IMA® (Institute of Management Accountants)

IMA, the association of accountants and financial professionals in business, is one of the largest and most respected associations focused exclusively on advancing the management accounting profession, including jobs in decision support, planning and control positions. Globally, IMA supports the profession through research, the CMA® programme, continuing education, networking, and advocacy of the highest ethical business practices. IMA has a global network of more than 80’000 members in 140 countries and 300 professional and student chapters.

About the CMA® (Certified Management Accountant)

The CMA is the advanced professional certification specifically designed to measure the accounting and financial management skills that drive business performance. Achieving the CMA credential demonstrates mastery of financial planning, analysis, control, and decision support, as well as professional ethics. To receive the CMA credential, two exams with 11 competencies need to be successfully passed and two years of relevant work experience are required. CMA certified professionals work inside organisations of all sizes, industries, and types, including manufacturing and services, public and private enterprises, not-for-profit organisations, academic institutions, government entities, and especially in multinational companies.

Main Benefits for MSc IFM Graduates

As an IMA-endorsed programme, it is ensured that all MSc IFM graduates have completed a study programme which is in accordance with the requirements of the CMA qualification. Thus, our students benefit from an optimal preparation for the CMA exams. Further, nominated MSc IFM students are eligible to benefit from the CMA scholarship programme. Students participating in this scholarship programme can prepare and sit the CMA exams at virtually no cost. In combination with MSc IFM, the CMA can be a true career booster especially if you consider working in an international management accounting department.

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Go to our website to see our application dates and requirements in detail here:
MSc International Financial Management – Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts