UAE MoF, IMA Team Up to Launch CMA, FMAA Certifications

• UAE Ministry of Finance partners with IMA to introduce CMA and FMAA certifications, aiming to raise professional standards in public sector finance.
• Initiative to strengthen national talent pool, equipping federal employees with globally recognized qualifications and fostering a knowledge-based, sustainable economy.
• MoU includes training, expert exchange, and joint events, reinforcing UAE’s position as a global leader in financial excellence and international best practices.

The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) to introduce the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and Financial and Managerial Accounting Associate (FMAA) certifications.

The MoU is one of the Ministry's continuous initiatives to provide national cadres with the highest international professional standards in accounting and financial management.

It is part of the Ministry's ambitious plans to encourage professional excellence within the government financial area by allowing employees to acquire prestigious international professional certifications that facilitate financial sustainability and leadership for federal performance.

The signing ceremony of the MoU occurred at the Abu Dhabi Ministry of Finance headquarters with Younis Haji AlKhoori, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Finance; Mariam Mohammed Hassan Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for Government Finance Management at the Ministry; Amna Hassan Al Shamsi, Director of Financial Policies and Government Accounting Standards at the Ministry; Azza Ali Aljassmi, Director of the Ministry's Government Communications Department; Ahmad Mkhallati, Senior Director, at the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), Middle East; Amer Abdulhadi Al Ahbabi, President of the Abu Dhabi Chapter of the IMA and IMA USA Global Board Member; and a number of experts from both parties.

AlKhoori emphasized that the new alliance will complement the Ministry's strategy to induce a paradigm shift in developing national financial talents, enhancing leadership in public finance and sustainable development. The Ministry is convinced of the value of human capital investment, and these certifications will establish highly specialized competencies that facilitate the country's transition to a knowledge-based, sustainable economy.

He said, "The acquisition of international professional certifications like the CMA and FMAA reflects the Ministry of Finance's determination to advance the skills and professional level of federal financial sector employees and promote transparency and efficiency in managing state resources in accordance with international best standards".

AlKhoori explained that the introduction of these certifications, in cooperation with IMA, represents a significant step in the establishment of the federal financial work environment, as it equips national cadres with the newest knowledge and technical means. It will facilitate their preparation to keep up with the high-speed changes in public finance and financial analysis and support the pillars of institutional excellence and professional creativity.

Mike DePrisco, IMA President and CEO, stated this partnership with the Ministry of Finance is a milestone in our common work of promoting the profession of management accounting worldwide.

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He further commented, "The UAE has been known to showcase brilliance in establishing a future-proof economy, and with the certification of government talent with the CMA and FMAA designations, the Ministry of Finance is creating an international benchmark of excellence, responsibility, and forward-thinking financial management. We are delighted to partner with the Ministry of Finance on this innovative initiative towards empowering accounting and finance competencies".

The MoU is targeted at developing a wide-ranging framework of cooperation between MoF and IMA in accounting, financial management, and business development through IMA's experience and specialized programmes to certify accountants and financial professionals in the Ministry and federal government departments.

According to this MoU, CMA and FMAA certifications will be provided through advanced training programs, supporting the building of national professional capabilities in the accountancy and financial sector and strengthening institutional excellence in performance.

The MoU also encompasses cooperation in the area of exchanging professional experience and consulting on international movements and initiatives in business and accountancy, facilitating the implementation of global best practices as well as enhancing the position of the UAE as a cutting-edge financial centre.

The two organizations will also collaborate to organize specialized professional gatherings, such as conferences, seminars, workshops, forums and round tables, with the objective of supporting existing professional growth initiatives for accountants and financial management professionals within the nation.

The signing of this MoU is a continuation of the success of the Ministry's earlier efforts to create national talent, particularly qualifying more than 145 Emirati staff members in association with other global associations in accounting standards, public finance and financial sustainability.