The Institute of Management Accountants announced the availability of its new AI in Finance Micro-credential as part of a larger rollout of similar credentials for specialized finance and accounting competencies.
"Finance professionals are being measured against a new standard—one that requires them to turn data into insight, and insight into action," said Michael DePrisco, president and CEO of IMA, in a statement Tuesday. "Our research continues to show that AI-readiness in finance isn't just about technology. It's about judgment, process and human competencies that drive better decisions. These micro-credentials are designed to help professionals build those skills in ways they can apply immediately in their work."
The AI in Finance Micro-credential focuses on applying AI concepts in real world contexts. It consists of 15 to 20 hours of training and a final assessment, earning learners up to 20 NASBA credits and seven digital badges that indicate the holder's proficiency in skills. There are six possible paths people can take in this program:
- Fundamentals of AI, which centers around learning and explaining key AI concepts and machine learning techniques;
- Data Literacy for Finance Professionals, which is about managing, preparing and interpreting data for AI applications as well as data governance and visualization techniques;
- AI Use Cases in Forecasting, FP&A and Audit, which involves using predictive analytics, scenario modeling and anomaly detection for forecasting, FP&A processes and audits;
- Generative AI in Accounting, which is about boosting efficiency with AI tools, evaluating AI outputs and applying ethical principles to AI adoption;
- Ethics, Governance, and Regulatory Considerations, which concerns the frameworks needed to identify and mitigate AI risks and apply governance strategies; and
- Strategic Implementation & Business Value of AI, which is about implementing AI adoption, aligning AI initiatives with business goals, and measuring ROI.
People can purchase them separately for targeted learning, or together as part of a structured, end-to-end program to eventually gain the full AI in Finance Micro-credential. The program is flexible, so people can build capabilities on their own timeline.
The IMA plans to release more micro-credentials soon. In June it plans to launch an advanced Data Analytics for Financial Decision-Making Micro-credential, which will focus on data storytelling and visualization foundations, visualization and design with automation, enterprise business intelligence and data modeling, predictive analytics and forecasting, turning analytics into business recommendations, and advanced financial modeling. IMA plans to further expand its micro-credential portfolio later this year with new pathways focused on strategic planning, performance and leadership, as well as cybersecurity, controls and risk management.
