The future of finance in the era of artificial intelligence (AI) was one of the highlighted topics at an annual event in China co-hosted by CIMA and the Xiamen National Accounting Institute (XNAI).
The CGMA100 North Asia Management Accounting Leaders’ Summit, which concluded 12 April, also was the tenth anniversary of the CGMA100 Think Tank.
Leaders at the summit, which was supported by the Center for Accounting Studies of Xiamen University, covered finance topics including cost management transformation amid industrial upgrading, the role of emerging technologies in empowering management decision-making, and financial innovation to drive business growth and enhance productivity.
“CIMA ‘s recent research, Future-Ready Finance: Technology, Productivity, and Skills Survey Report, shows 68% of CEOs are increasing AI investment and 88% of finance leaders see AI as transformative, yet the true success depends on long term investment in people, capabilities, and talent readiness,” Andrew Harding, FCMA, CGMA, chief executive–Management Accounting at the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, said in a news release.
The summit marked the 10th anniversary of the CGMA100 Think Tank, celebrating a decade of advancing the management accounting profession across North Asia.
For Professor Ding Yougang, XNAI’s deputy party secretary and president, collaborating with CIMA aligns with XNAI’s long-standing commitment to nurture top tier finance talents in China: “This summit concluded that the true competitive advantage of management accounting lies in the combination of [AI] with finance professionals’ data mindset, algorithmic expertise, and strong execution capability in the digital era.”
New generation of talent awarded CGMA designation in Sri Lanka
On 8 April, the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants awarded 245 Sri Lankan accounting and finance professionals their CGMA certificates.
The ceremony in Colombo, attended by CIMA President John Graham, FCMA, CGMA, also recognised 202 candidates who successfully completed their CGMA exams, bringing them one step closer to becoming CGMA qualified, a news release said.
In addition, 14 prize winners received special recognition for outstanding performance.
“Having spent many years in the profession, I never fail to be impressed by the commitment, passion, and determination shown by aspiring CGMA designation holders,” Graham said. “They are future leaders, equipped to meet the demands of today’s rapidly evolving business environment and to drive innovation, integrity, and excellence. I wish them every success as they continue their professional journey — they are the future of finance and will help CIMA shape the future of the profession.”
Finance professionals from Zimbabwe receive CGMA qualification
CIMA recognised 144 accounting and finance professionals from Zimbabwe who have earned the CGMA designation. The ceremony was in Harare on Friday 17 April.
“We are proud to recognise a new group of Zimbabwean accounting and finance professionals who have earned the CGMA designation,” Tariro Mutizwa, FCMA, CGMA, CIMA vice president–Africa, said in a news release. “Their achievement reflects sustained effort, resilience, and a strong commitment to professional excellence. Through the CGMA Professional Qualification, they have built the capabilities needed to succeed in today’s complex business environment.”
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