# Institute of Management Accountants (IMA): What It Is and How It Works

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*Founded in 1919, IMA is one of the largest associations in its field. — Investopedia / Paige McLaughlin*

> **Definition**
>
> The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) promotes ethics, education, and development in management accounting and finance.

## What Is the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA)?

The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) offers the prestigious [Certified Management Accountant (CMA)](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/cma.asp) designation for financial professionals. The IMA's mission is to promote education and development in management accounting and finance, advocate for the highest ethics and best business practices, and provide a forum for research.

### Key Takeaways:

*   The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) offers the prestigious Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation.
*   The IMA's mission is to promote education and development in management accounting and finance, the highest ethics and best business practices.
*   As of Sept. 21, 2022, the IMA had approximately 140,000 members in 150 countries.

The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) is a global membership association of accountants and financial professionals who work at nonprofit, private and [public companies](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/publiccompany.asp), and academic institutions. In 2019, the Institute celebrated its 100th anniversary. The organization's vision is to be the leading resource for certifying, supporting, maturing, and linking the world’s best financial professionals and accountants.

The association’s core values include integrity and trust, passion, respect, innovation, and continuous improvement. It achieves these core values by providing access to career opportunities, building a network of industry professionals, and developing partner connections. It offers educational programs to increase leadership opportunities and expand professional knowledge. IMA provides a forum for members by promoting forward-thinking research and industry [best practices](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/best_practices.asp) and offering newsletters and journals.

## Understanding the IMA

IMA provides services in the Americas, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, and Europe. It has offices in China, Switzerland (Zurich), Netherlands (Amsterdam), Singapore, United Arab Emirates (Dubai), and Egypt (Cairo). As of Sept. 21, 2022, the IMA had approximately 140,000 members in 150 countries. The association has over 350 professional and student chapters worldwide. Members can achieve career development through access to one of IMA's local chapters. The association strives to raise awareness of the management accounting sector.

IMA operates an online training center that provides educational materials. It also offers professional education products. Members receive career development training through local chapters, continuing education, information and resources, and participate in online communities.

## History

Since 1919, IMA has been an advocate and resource for accounting and financial management professionals. It was founded in Buffalo, New York, to promote knowledge and professionalism among cost accountants and promote a wider understanding of the role of [cost accounting](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/cost-accounting.asp) in management. The original name of the association was the National Association of Cost Accountants, but in 1957, the name was changed to the National Association of Accountants. In 1991, the name was changed again to the Institute of Management Accountants.

The first chapter was formed in Chicago in 1920, and the first annual conference was held in Atlantic City. In 1972, the association created the CMA certification program. In 1983, it issued the first [code of ethics](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/code-of-ethics.asp) for management accountants in the United States, titled Standards of Ethical Conduct of Management Accountants. In 1996, IMA established the Certified Financial Manager program but discontinued it in 2007.

## Membership Benefits

IMA offers membership benefits such as publications, conferences, and research on industry trends and advancements. IMA membership also offers discounts on business and professional expenses such as office supplies, insurance, rental cars, and training.

> **Article Sources**
>
> 1.  Institute of Management Accountants. "[About IMA](https://www.imanet.org/about-ima?ssopc=1)."
>     
> 2.  Institute of Management Accountants. "[IMA Releases Book Celebrating Its 100th Anniversary on International Management Accounting Day](https://www.imanet.org/about-ima/news-and-media-relations/press-releases/2019/5/6/ima-releases-book-celebrating-its-100th-anniversary-on-international-management-accounting-day?ssopc=1)."
>     
> 3.  Institute of Management Accountants. "[Regional Councils & Chapters](https://www.imanet.org/membership/networking/regional-councils-and-chapters?ssopc=1)."
>     
> 4.  Institute of Management Accountants-Middle East. "[About Us](https://imamiddleeast.org/en/about-ima/)."
>     
> 5.  Institute of Management Accountants. "[IMA Opens Two New Offices in Shanghai and Cairo](https://www.imanet.org/about-ima/news-and-media-relations/press-releases/2014/4/10/ima-opens-two-new-offices-in-shanghai-and-cairo?ssopc=1)."
>     
> 6.  Institute of Management Accountants. "[Contact Us](https://www.imanet.org/about-ima/contact-us?ssopc=1)."
>     
> 7.  Institute of Management Accountants. "[Our History](https://www.imanet.org/about-ima/our-history?ssopc=1)."
>     
> 8.  FunCPE. "[Certified Financial Manager (CFM)](https://www.funcpe.com/professions/certified-financial-manager-cfm-cpe/)."