IMA (Institute of Management Accountants) stated today its partnership with the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) one of the globe's leading expert bodies for accounting technicians providing AAT Accounting Qualifications.

To support the management accounting profession's international promotion by incorporating AAT on the list of "CMA approved certifications for education requirements."

The partnership will acknowledge AAT members with advanced accounting diplomas as qualified CMA candidates by waving the bachelor's degree requirement to pursue the CMA certification.

The bachelor's degree waiver will allow students who have achieved and passed the AAT Level 4 Professional Diploma in Accounting to access IMA's CMA (Certified Management Accountant) certification (globally).

"AAT is a reputed global institute which shares our dedication to the business and we are confident this partnership will drive value to both AAT and IMA and finance professionals around the region," said Hanadi Khalife, Senior Director MEA India operations at IMA.

"Continuous upskilling and reskilling have grown more critical than ever in this everchanging global ecosystem where digital conversion changes every single function and the roles that manage it every day.

Our team has been leading several initiatives both regionally and internationally to guarantee that we empower finance and accounting specialists to evolve their professions and maintain their importance by developing the talents needed to remain at the forefront of their sector."

Rob Alder, Head of Business Development, AAT, added, "AAT qualifications provide practical training in all aspects of accounting and are the perfect foundation for further instruction.

Many students have happily used AAT accounting qualifications as a springboard to chartered accountancy training.

We have formed many non-graduate progression routes from AAT over the years, and AAT is the only professional qualification that provides a quicker way to chartered status.

It is great to have the recognition from IMA to provide another pathway for our students.

We look forward to working with IMA."

AAT has around 130,000 members in more than 100 countries represented at every level of the finance and accounting world; they include students, people already working in accountancy, and self-employed business owners.