The Institute of Management Accountants has signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Association of Black Accountants to encourage greater inclusion and diversity in the accounting profession.
The agreement, signed by IMA president and CEO Jeff Thomson and NABA president and CEO Jina Etienne, a former AICPA official, expands the organizations’ existing informal relationship, spelling out the basis for the groups’ ongoing cooperation, collaboration and alignment. They plan to partner on joint webinars, speaking engagements and thought leadership content, stressing the themes of diversity, certification and the accounting profession.
“Diversity and inclusion is vital to the future of the accounting profession and at IMA we’ve long encouraged and supported the necessity of this within our field,” Thomson said in a statement. “Much of what we do at IMA supports moving the accounting profession forward, whether by certification, skills, or overall inclusion, and this marks an important partnership for our organization.”
The National Association of Black Accountants is a nonprofit membership association of more than 200,000 black professionals in the accounting, finance and related business professions, with the motto, "Lifting As We Climb."
“For 48 years, we have been a catalyst for change in the diversity profile of our profession,” said Etienne. “NABA is uniquely positioned move the needle in a meaningful way for blacks in the accounting and finance professions, and partnering with IMA will help us accelerate positive change for members in both organizations.”
