Monday 13 November 2017

Activa International Insurance is Insurance Company of the Year

Activa International Ghana Insurance Company Limited (AIIG) was recognized as Insurance Company of the Year at the 2017 Ghana Accounting and Finance Awards.

The award was received by Mr. Theo Nii Adjei Oninku, Corporate Accountant of Activa International Insurance Ghana.

For his part, the managing director of Activa Insurance, Mr. Solomon Lartey, expressed his thanks to the award committee for the recognition given to his company. He said: "We have been in our little corner doing our best for the company, the insurance industry and the mother of Ghana." We did not know that our efforts had been noticed by such an august organization. We are really grateful

Lartey said Activa's strength lies in its human resources base, adding that the company is made up of talented young people, experts and well-exposed professionals who are responsible for various aspects of their operations. We also place a lot of emphasis on human resource development and this positions us in such a way that we can represent and serve some of the best insurance brands in the world in Ghana. MD added.

It should be remembered that Activa's financial director, Geneviève Tachie, recently received the 2015 National Accountant of the Year Award, organized by National Women in Finance.

Activa International is the main insurer of Corporate Ghana, which offers insurance solutions in more than 48 African countries through its Globus network.

In addition to Insurance Company of the Year, Activa has also been nominated for the Accounts and Finance Team of the Year - Insurance at this year's Ghana Finance and Accounting Awards at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra .

Candidates for accounting and scholarships in Ghana were reviewed in 2017 by a relevant technical committee of industry consultants from the National Pension Regulatory Authority (NPRA), the Association of Accountants (DAA) ) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

In a related development, Activa Insurance has received more than 46 countries in Ghana to commemorate the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Globus Network.

In his opening remarks, Activa Ghana's vice president of the board, Stephen Kyerematen said Globus Network, which transcends geographical, legal, linguistic and monetary boundaries, is the only one of its kind that provides insurance solutions. of the 54 African countries.

The seminar held at the Swiss Spirit Hotel Alisa, which was crowned by a dinner dinner at the Tang Palace in Accra, was attended by major shots in the field of global insurance. There were participants from Europe, the United States, China and all of Africa.

Wednesday 25 October 2017

AICPA elects BKD COO Eric Hansen as next chairman

The American Institute of CPA has appointed BKD CPA & Advisors CEO Eric Hansen.
The Board of Directors of AICPA elected Hansen, 56, at its autumn board meeting, and voted for the Deputy Executive Director of the Emerging Institute, Bill Reeb. They will begin their terms on February 1, 2018 and will serve until May 20, 2019.
In a speech Tuesday, Hansen described some of his priorities, which include focusing on technologies such as Blockchain, data analysis to audit and assessing cybersecurity risks as new opportunities. for CPA and its customers. "Technology is not just about data," he said. "It is about establishing connections: it is about empowering people and companies to expand their possibilities."
Hansen also wants to expand the reach of the CPA profession worldwide. AICPA recently created an International CPA Association in collaboration with the UK Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, and Hansen is on the association's board of directors.
Hansen hopes to foster more learning opportunities and career skills to encourage more CPA leaders. "The future is uncertain and change is accelerating," he said. "But if we are ahead, if we have the courage to be bold and a prejudice for action, we will be ready, as Harry Truman said," progress happens when brave and skillful opportunity to change things for the better. "
As chief operating officer of BKD, one of the top 100 companies, Hansen oversees company-wide operations and serves as a liaison between BKD's national office and its four regions. Previously Associate Director of the BKD office in Oklahoma. He has been active as a member of the Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants and its Board of Directors.
"Having Eric in this influential position improves our reputation and gives us a better perspective on the range of issues affecting the accounting industry," BKD CEO Ted Dickman said in a statement.
Hansen has served on the Board of Directors and the Board of Directors of AICPA. He and his wife, Jana, live in Springfield, Missouri. They have three children: Todd, Elise and Luke.
"Eric and BKD are doing a great job supporting the profession," AICPA president and CEO Barry Melancon said in a statement. "Business leaders of all sizes, as well as companies and industry members, have backed Eric and have expressed great respect for his ability to lead AICPA at a crucial time in the world of accounting."
On the other hand, the AICPA also said on Tuesday that it had developed a Q & A technical document to assist preparers and practitioners in determining whether their organization or client is a public business entity as defined by US GAAP. updated.
On Monday, he published a report on the Institute's progress in improving the quality of auditing. The publication describes some of AICPA's key achievements in the areas of peer review, audit documentation, single audits, employee benefit plan audits, and quality control. It also discusses some of the changing needs for talent, including the sections of the CPA's uniform review and assessment ratings.

Sunday 1 October 2017

MBA Careers: CIMA Leads The Way For Women In Accounting


Women accounted for more than 50% of accounting graduates entering the profession, but - according to the American Institute of Chartered Accountants (AICPA) - they account for only 19% of accounting firms in the United States.

CIMA - The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants is the largest professional professional accounting management firm, globally supporting 150,000 Chartered Global Management Accountants (CGMA). It adopts measures to address the gender divide in leadership and to promote women in accounting.

Samantha Louis has worked for CIMA for 19 years. She moved from CIMA management in South Africa to the entire sub-Saharan Africa region, moving to London where she now works as CIMA's Strategic Vice President - Management Accounting.

 "I have had the opportunity to meet many inspiring women of my career who have guided, guided and helped me," he says. "Today, I see more women in managerial positions that drive and influence the profession around the world - they certainly would not have seen it when I started work."

CIMA leads by example. He had several female chairs - CIMA in South Africa had its first female president in 1989. In the UK, the CIMA Women's Accounting Group supports women at all levels of their careers.

The Business Case

 According to a McKinsey report of 2015, top quartile companies for gender diversity are 15% more likely to have financial returns above their respective national industry averages.

The analysis of diversity has been carried out, and there have been changes in the accounting industry. The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) has had two women in succession.

Deloitte in the UK has promoted gender diversity in each KPI as a partner and manager. Deloitte is part of a number of companies with gender-neutral curricula, eliminating the unconscious bias between the sexes in the selection of candidates.

Samantha is positive: "You're going to do what drives your business in a sustainable way over the long term, and I think the deal has been made that diversity at all levels of leadership does it."

CIMA and the MBA


 Samantha attended her MBA at the University of Pretoria in Johannesburg, South Africa. She is also a General Accountant in Management (CGMA), having studied the CIMA qualification through the CIMA Master Door, a fast track for MBA holders that exempts them from 11 exams.

CIMA's rating goes beyond traditional accounting programs, encompassing technical accounting techniques as well as modern management-oriented topics such as large data, sustainability and leadership.

CIMA students are evaluated through task-oriented case studies that reflect the current work environment. The qualification allowed Samantha to make about 18 months.

"Once I started growing in a leadership role, it was clear to me that I needed to have a better understanding of finances," he says.

"How does money really work in an organization?" What is the financial impact of the decisions you make? How are resources allocated most effectively? The CIMA qualification answers these questions.

"MBAs are often quite broad and do not take all the subjects in depth," continues Samantha. "If you aspire to work at the board or senior management level, CIMA is a very good qualification to do in addition to your MBA."

The future


 Bryony Stewart is a management consultant with a leading global financial services company. He completed his CIMA in 2003 and decided to take a part-time MBA at Strathclyde Business School a year later.

She knows that women face challenges in leadership roles in accounting and finance. For Bryony, key issues include women's family and care responsibilities and the lack of women's models and mentors in some organizations. However, she is optimistic about the future.

"Progress is being made as they increase awareness, support and commitment to address the gender imbalance in the first rank. Some companies are also beginning to define the board's goals in terms of gender diversity," she says.

"It is not only a desire to improve equality statistics, but also to capitalize on financial performance amel

Wednesday 20 September 2017

Cima E1 Exam Question No 71

Question No 71:

Which ONE of the following does NOT represent a control in a computer network?

A. A firewall
B. Data encryption
C. Passwords
D. A cookie

Answer: D

Prepare from CIMA E1 Past Papers

Sunday 10 September 2017

Janashakthi Insurance Partners CIMA Business Leaders Summit 2017


Jude Fernando, Chief Executive Officer, Janashakthi General Insurance Limited handing over the sponsorship to Manohari Abeyesekera, Chairperson – CIMA Business Leaders Summit 2017 Organizing Committee
(From left - Manindri Bandaranayake, Head of Marketing, Janashakthi Insurance PLC; Jude Fernando; Manohari Abeyesekera and Zahara Ansary, Country Manager – Sri Lanka, CIMA)

 Lead insurer Janashakthi Insurance PLC announced for the third consecutive year its partnership with the Institute of Accountants in Management (CIMA) of Sri Lanka at the Summit of Business Leaders of CIMA.

Janashakthi came on board as Platinum sponsor for this year's event, which will take place on September 11, 2017 in "What's New: The New Business Landscape."

"Janashakthi Insurance is delighted to be part of the CIMA Business Leaders Summit for the third consecutive year. This year's theme is very relevant to us as a tailor-made organization as we strive to become a future- that is ready to meet the changing needs of our clients and create long-term value for all our stakeholders, "said Prakash Schaffter, CEO of Janashakthi Insurance PLC.

"We are committed to supporting CIMA in initiatives like this that bring the best minds to the company to create an engaging dialogue on relevant issues. This year's summit comes at a time when the changing world continues to influence how we do business in Sri Lanka and around the world, forums like this are inspiring business leaders to transform their business strategies to succeed in this changing business landscape, "added Jude Fernando, Managing Director of Janashakthi General Insurance Limited.

The Business Leaders Summit is CIMA Sri Lanka's flagship annual event with world leaders and influential in a variety of contemporary issues that make up the business landscape. This year's discussions are based on the broader concept of technological and business innovation; how organizations integrate technological advancements in their business models while creating value for their stakeholders and addressing pressing issues such as climate change and global / national factors that have an impact on their business practices.

"Janashakthi Insurance has been one of our longstanding business partners in Sri Lanka and has supported many of our key initiatives over the years, including the CIMA Awards - Janashakthi Pinnacle Awards.We are delighted to welcome Janashakthi Summit of CIMA Business Leaders for the third consecutive year, "said Manohari Abeyesekera, chairman of the CIMA Business Leaders Summit 2017 Organizing Committee.

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, founded in 1919, is the largest and most important professional body of management accountants, with members and students operating in 177 countries. CIMA works closely with employers and sponsors cutting-edge research, constantly updating its qualification requirements, work experience and ongoing professional development to ensure that employers remain engaged with financially trained employers.

Janashakthi Insurance PLC, founded in 1994, has marked the industry as an innovative and familiar name for a period of two decades. As an organization that is developed to provide excellence in customer service by meeting the insurance needs of its customers, Janashakthi has a network of 113 branches, a 24-hour call center 24 and a 24-hour evaluation service. Today, the Company is strong as a leader in Automotive, Non-Motor and Life Insurance services and continues its vision of lamp illumination in every home and workplace.

Thursday 31 August 2017

Enrollments in Undergraduate Accounting Programs Remain Strong: AICPA Trends Report

Enrollment in undergraduate and postgraduate accounting programs for the 2015-2016 school year totaled more than 250,000, maintaining the record level of 2013-2014. This was mainly due to a record level of undergraduate enrollment. From the demand side, the recruitment of new graduates in accounting firms has declined from the record level seen in 2014. This is according to reports 2017 Trends in the provision of graduates and the demand for public accounting accounting, Published today by the American Institute of CPA (AICPA).

 "The high number of undergraduate degrees in accounting programs bodes well for the goal of pursuing a strong pipeline of talent entering the profession," said Yvonne Hinson, CPA, CGMA, Ph.D. , AICPA Academic in Residence, Senior Director, School Participation and Student. "The AICPA continues to be incredibly focused on attracting bright, motivated accountants to the profession. We use Trends and other internal research to shape our programs and initiatives to ensure that the next generation CPA knows that joining the accounting profession is one Excellent career choice with flexibility and substantial opportunities.

While undergraduate enrollments were at an all-time high, the report found that projected enrollment in the accounting system returned to pre-2014 levels. Recent trend reports have seen a steep increase in enrollments and teacher graduates. The CPA profession has significantly lower unemployment rates than the economy in general, especially during economic downturns, which may have helped to attract both traditional and career-changing students to their masters. accounting.

 "In my experience as an educator, economic turbulence is a strong motivator for people to pursue the stability of a career in accounting," Hinson said. "The uncertain job market in the post-recession years may have led a large number of career changers to return to school to obtain a master's degree in accounting. At the same time we have seen plenty of students to continue their masters degree directly After graduating from his bachelor's degree in order to strengthen his academic credentials, thus increasing the total number during this period. "

The number of undergraduate degrees awarded during the academic year 2015-2016 (57,119) remained strong, adding to the second highest record and representing a five percent increase from 2013-2014. While the masters degrees awarded (22 405) fell from the historical level observed in 2013-2014, they were also the second highest recorded. Overall, there was an overall decline of 2,258 book titles granted in 2015-2016.

After reaching historic increases over the last four years, hiring the projected public accounting firm has slowed down during calendar year 2016, with 8363 fewer new accounting graduates hired as compared to the previous year. The report found that 59 percent of all companies that hired one or more accounting majors in 2016 plan to hire the same number of graduates or more in 2017. In addition, accounting and business graduates continue to have many possibilities.

 Labor Manual 2016 Labor Statistics revealed that the employment of accountants and auditors is expected to grow at a rate of 11% between 2014 and 2014, which is faster than average and represents 142,000 additional jobs. According to the BLS manual, high demand for accountants can lead to good prospects for entry-level positions, with strong competition for jobs in the most prestigious accounting firms and companies. The manual also notes that employment prospects are particularly attractive to accountants and auditors who have obtained their CPA licenses.

"As technology and data analysis reorganize the global economy, CPAs remain well positioned to take advantage of these trends," said Barry Melancon, CPA, CGMA, President and CEO of AICPA. "We have focused on educating our members on current and future opportunities available to them, as accounting firms are increasingly moving toward the provision of wider insurance services. And we are also proactively addressing change in the profession through the new version of the CPA exam, which puts more emphasis on higher order skills such as analytical ability and problem solving. "

There was a 13 per cent increase in the number of new candidates for the 2015-16 CPA uniform review. This increase was attributed by the launch of the new review in 2017, as well as by the concerted efforts of the 'AICPA, state-owned enterprises CPA and accounting companies to encourage individuals to pass the CPA exam.

 The AICPA has a multitude of programs designed to increase the pipeline of talented accounting students entering the profession and earning their CPA license. Increasingly, these programs target high school students. In addition to Long Start Here, Go Places. (Providing resources for educators and high school students), the Institute recently announced the acquisition of the Pilot and Bridge Project (APBP). The APBP is a program that trains high school teachers to teach a higher level accounting course. Research shows that taking the course increases the likelihood that students will be majoring in college accounting. Under the AICPA management, the program is being improved and will reach more teachers and, ultimately, more students.

In addition, AICPA's TheWayToCPA website educates students about the potential of an accounting career and provides them with resources and guidance when entering the profession. The AICPA also offers many educational opportunities to accounting students throughout their academic careers.

The 2017 Trends report includes a section that provides details on the interpretation of the data. As the statistical models for this year's report were developed and implemented by a research firm different from previous reports, projections are comparable to previous models, but they are not identical.

Wednesday 28 June 2017

Cima E1 Exam Question No 70

Question No 70:

What is the marketing concept?

A philosophy of business, that holds that the key to organisational success is meeting customers' needs more effectively ad more closely than competitors (a belief system)

Tuesday 6 June 2017

'We are importing and exporting knowledge through commerce'

Born in Ghana and an accounting accountant Father Noel Tagoe sleep with Becoming a Mathematician Even if he fell in love with the trade and a new definition decided Darla. Today, El Comercio for Christmas is not a theme for intellectuals a breeding on top or an option of the race has Mint money, but a strategy of life.

CURRENTLY, the Executive Vice President (EVP) of the Institute of Accountants Management (CIMA), based in the UK, are responsible for providing Leadership Thinking Through Research in accounting there finance. In Bangalore for the ceremony of the call for Commerce and deanato management in the University of Christ, Noel has YOU speak. Extracts:

How did El Comercio begin for you?

I love mathematics I did not want to be a mathematician. However, at the birth of the United Nations rape Father insisted that the Tomara accounting. EVEN THOUGH at first I was upset, I finally realized he had taken that decision to better life in me. Soon I fell in love with the subject and became a mid-passion. I realized finances as sin, life is useless. I need it at every step of your life. If you want to make an Investment Retirement, you will have to finance saber if you want to buy a new property, you will have finances of saber. This theme is How It is enormously transformative are alchemy. Everything came back in touch WHEN it's the finance scam.

How was El Comercio in the Past and Now How is it?

In The Past, Commerce was THEME Only For Intellectuals are Most People Who Study It Just Knew By What CATed They Studied. But now the stage has changed student and every one who takes the trade questions the subject and wants to know more about the respect. THAT I place the subject on the map and in general Alento the interconnection between several institutions of the World to the Commerce that they studied.

Previously, El Comercio is restricted only to the lucrative Private Sectors there, but now it is also significant in the public and non-profit sectors. The Technology, El Comercio score still converted into a life strategy and we are importing not exporting knowledge m a through the. The topic has become More Penetrating There is the language of Cost, Benefit, Risk, Religion and Society.

What role does ethics play in trade? Is any specific discipline in ethical trading?


Yes, It's Here and That's What We're Exactly Focusing on at This Moment. Formerly the ethical age Subject to an individual. People used to study ethics as an independent subject and then apply it to trade. However, NOW, we HAVE combined ethics in the trading of How This Last Sin CAN sustain ethics. The Trade is the force of the World Development promoter of it, if it breaks, All That Will be the We have Chaos not Anarchy. What does it do? It is to maintain the ethical United Drive that force the system and prevent it from decomposing. Without ethics The Rules Mere could never sustain the backbone of global development.

Which children are the New Investigations underway in the Field of Commerce?


We are using our retrospective (past) vision, the current (insight) there is (future) foresight to Work in a New business segment called moral. In What We Are Working, Values ​​We CREATE, Preserving, Business Sharing a Global Level, Using Ethics Bring More Paragraph A facilitating and business existence f Peaceful Values ​​and business. We are also focusing on our air No. competing, Technology leverage v But in accounting for ACHIEVE AN EVOLUTION In The Future of Finance.

Monday 29 May 2017

AICPA transitions its budget to a new international association

The American Institute of Chartered Accountants has presented its budget and finances at its Spring Council meeting in Washington, DC on Monday, while the organization undergoes a transformation in international partnership with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.

Eric Hansen, Chairman of the Audit and Finance Committee of AICPA, provided a summary of the finances in the last five months of the organization's fiscal year, which now has a calendar year end, according to CIMA. For the five-month period to December 31, 2016, the AICPA had a net loss of $ 2.6 million, or $ 2.5 million of unfavorable budget. The variation is due to several factors, Hansen said. Net operating revenues decreased by $ 1.3 million above the budget, mainly related to the assumption times for the budget for the five-month period, making most of the amounts expected to be realized in 2017. Expenditure Of total operations was negative by 1.6 million budget. The main factor that contributed was the cost invested in consolidating the new Association of Professional Accountants between AICPA and CIMA.




Two important non-operating elements had an impact on the financial statements during the period. First, a 5 million impairment charge was recorded after the management of AICPA assessed several previous software projects and has been determined to actually replaced or translated "non-current." This decrease charge was offset by a pension gain of $ 5.5 million related to an increase in the plan discount rate due to current market conditions. On a combined basis, net assets were reduced by 2.6 million, mainly because of these differences. Last month, the AICPA Board of Directors unanimously approved the audited financial statements, which included an unchanged opinion.

AICPA Vice President of Finance Tim LaSpaluto said that AICPA's investment portfolio performance has increased since 2012 and that the Institute continues to oversee its mix of portfolio. The pension plans of the AICPA and CIMA are liabilities of each respective organization.

For the calendar year 2017, the AICPA will finance the new partnership as a whole. "As reported in the last board meetings, we have provided a net shortfall of $ 10 million due to the association's investment in strategic value generators," Hansen said. "We expect continued growth in our revenue generation activities and we expect growth of 5% compared to 2016."

One of the highlights of the AICPA hopes that 2017 will be a new event in June called Engage, which will feature the most important innovative, influential and profession leaders. Tax revenue is expected to increase by 5 percent, mainly due to the continued growth of membership in all areas and rates to raise the rate based on previous years and inflation. The AICPA is expected to drop 10% of test sales after last month's release of the next generation CPA exam. However, the AICPA has increased the number of candidates who examined the four quarters prior to the change. The new uniform CPA exam puts more emphasis on cognitive tests of higher order candidate skills, such as critical thinking and analytical skills.

From the point of view of expenditure, the AICPA anticipates increases in its operating expenses due to the annual salary increases, which are indicated as being in line with the market. The budget also includes a contingency of $ 1.75 million, in line with previous years, to allow management and the board to deploy the unbudgeted necessary resources.

Membership continues to grow. "We expect to finish 2017 with more than 670,000 members and students, an increase of 10,000 compared to 2016," said LaSpaluto. "Our cash and credit section has increased by 10 percent, 100-76 thousand, which includes newly accredited ratings for entities' certificates and intangible assets, and we continue to generate revenue in all areas, allowing us to invest In programs and initiatives that support our members around the world.

This year, the AICPA launched the new CeIV grade, which should generate additional income. The AICPA also launched a tax reform in the Resource Center to inform

Sunday 14 May 2017

CIMA launches financial management programme for SMEs

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), all of the company's management managers, has implemented a Certificate in Business Accounting for SMEs (CERTBA for SMEs), a financial and business management program for entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Designed for small and medium-sized entrepreneurs, for SMEs CERTBA responds to the challenge of financial management or a crisis faced by entrepreneurs who strive to improve profitability while managing working capital. More information on: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/05/cima- financial management program-smes / Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/05/cima -launches with a financial management program SMS /

The comprehensive program, now available in Nigeria, helps small and medium-sized enterprises create a sustainable framework for good decision-making, effective risk management and cash flow. Ijeoma Anadozie, Associate Director of Nigeria, CIMA, said: "The program aims to increase small and medium-sized enterprises in Nigeria by successfully helping to develop financial management and corporate governance skills necessary for their survival and growth.

Designed for entrepreneurs, especially those with no financial background, have a solid knowledge of business fundamentals and finance, as well as the competence and confidence to run their small business as a corporate CEO.

"The CERTBA program for SMEs is based on extensive studies and consultations with senior managers and companies around the world, ensuring that learning reflects the problems faced by emerging companies and meets their need competent, secure and qualified contractors CIMA CERTBA for SMEs will enable entrepreneurs to have the knowledge and skills to survive in today's competitive marketplace.Among Europe and Asia, the program allowed entrepreneurs to only have better business skills and financial education, But also to improve its operations. "

CIMA, founded in 1919, is the world's largest professional organization of management accountants, with members and students operating in 177 countries, working in the business center. CIMA members and students work in industry, commerce, the public sector and non-profit organizations.

CIMA works closely with entrepreneurs and avant-garde research sponsors, constantly updating their qualifications, requirements in terms of professional experience and ongoing professional development to ensure that it remains the employer's choice in leading business Recruitment.

Tuesday 2 May 2017

MBA Lands UK Government Finance Job After CIMA Qualification


John Anderson is a graduate of Middlesex University's full-time MBA program in 2006. He has worked in finance related roles in the rail network - which owns and manages most of the rail network in the UK - almost one of each.

Then, in 2014, he decided to continue his career in finance to the next level and pursue a professional degree in accounting CIMA - The Institute of Accountants Management.

CIMA is the largest professional body of management accountants in the world. CIMA supports and invokes 150 000 Public Accountants of Global Management (CGMA) around the world.

 The CIMA qualification is designed in response to the employer's request. It extends beyond the scope of traditional accounting programs - as well as technical accounting knowledge, it focuses on modern topics focused on management, as do the great data, sustainability and leadership. CIMA students were assessed using case studies focused on tasks that reflect the current work environment.

For MBA students, CIMA qualification is a way to excel in the job market. CIMA offers a path to the entrance gate of the main entrance, a fast track for MBA holders that exempts 11 explorations. John received his CIMA degree in less than a year. He is now a registered global management account, ACMA CGMA.

By studying the CIMA qualification, he joined Capita and achieved commercial financial aspects of a 2 billion project of deploying smart meters for energy users in the UK.

After completing the CIMA qualification he was given a leadership position as a Finance Officer for the UK Department of Transportation. An MBA helped, but needed the CIMA qualification for the job. In fact, he would not be where he is now without him.

Why did you decide to follow the CIMA qualification?

The MBA is an excellent qualification and I always use the lessons of that experience in my daily work. However, I wanted my career that focuses on finance.

I saw two main advantages for continuing the CIMA qualification. First, being professionally qualified and maintaining an MBA can open doors for financial positions. There is some seriousness with CIMA qualification that helps you move into the financial community and develop a career based on finances. Secondly, I wanted to develop new financial skills that were not covered in the MBA program.

What is a CIMA qualification gives an MBA, no?

My experience was that while my MBA covers some of the financial elements of the CIMA course, CIMA has more content than the MBA. Although the CIMA strategic level content was excellent for further developing my knowledge in strategic finance, I still use it now. Part of the new course content, such as large data, was very useful - and this has never been covered in my MBA.

How does knowledge apply to your current position?

My role invites me to continue financial elements in large public markets of the railway franchise.

I regularly use CIMA learning as financial risk management, corporate governance and project management in my daily work day. In addition, the problem-solving techniques I have learned in CIMA courses have been of great value to me to discuss and address issues that often involve high levels of ambiguity, complexity, and uncertainty.

How has your CIMA qualification helped your career?

CIMA No, I would not have been able to apply for my current role - being professionally qualified was a prerequisite.

I believe that the depth in the economic content of the CIMA course and addressing the establishment of business and problem solving has enriched my work experience and my existing qualifications. I consider financial roles focused on leadership in the future and the CIMA rating will help support this ambition.

Monday 24 April 2017

Businesses warned to prepare for new data regulations

Businesses in Northern Ireland that process the data must prepare for the significant legal changes taking place next year, regardless of the situation around Brexit.



This was the key message from Dr. Ken McDonald, head of regions for the Information Commissioner, in a speech to the chief executives and chief accountants of public and private sector organizations at a breakfast briefing at a Europe hotel organized by The Management Accountants Collegiate Institute of Ireland (CIMA).

The new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will take effect in May next year, and CIMA held the joint event with the heads of the Forum to highlight the challenges facing organizations.

CIMA Ireland chief Roger Acton said: "The forum aims to address the most difficult challenges facing leaders. This issue is at the top of the agenda of our members who have adopted to listen to the Dr. McDonald about.

"The new principle of accountability in GDPR requires controllers to be able to demonstrate compliance and risk assessments should begin now.

"With fines of up to 20 million pounds or 4% of worldwide turnover, the cost of not receiving the house is very high," he added.

Dr. McDonald has focused on the impact of reputation and potential economic harm from misconduct, requiring companies to now prepare to change with the help of the 12-step guide in the OIC GDPR that is available on their website.

Monday 10 April 2017

Majority shareholder in Marsa Race Track consortium comes from Henley & Partners

The majority shareholder of the consortium that is investing 18 million euros in Marsa racetrack is a partner and a Henley & Partners Holdings Ltd group manager based in Jersey.

Henley and partners are the distributors of the Malta Capital Sales Program - Individual Investment Program (IPP) - which was controversial at the local level and to some extent at EU level. In October 2016, Justice Minister Owen Bonnici revealed that the controversial PII had generated 310.3 million euros. The PN had mentioned a number of allegations about the program in the past, including the one used to buy votes.

Hugh Morshead owns 72 000 shares (100 000) issued shares in the company registered in Malta, called Marsa Race Track Ltd., the consortium that will receive the runway concession.

On March 22 of this year, the government signed an agreement with Marsa Race Track Ltd for a concession on the Marsa track. The company, Marsa Race Track Ltd, has also been included on the same day. The consortium said it will develop a facility at the forefront of horse racing technology, which would include a family park. The prime minister said it was the largest private investment in the sports sector and that the project attracts thousands of tourists each year. The memorandum of understanding was signed in Castilla.

So far, only lawyer Pio Valletta was a member of the consortium, but this newsroom can now reveal another. In addition to Dr. Valetta and M. Morshead, British citizens, Kusam Sharma and Irish nationals, Aldred Kenneth Alexander, also have shares in Marsa Race Track Ltd. In addition, two companies: F. Schembri Holdings Ltd (a Maltese company- Company Owns 5,000 shares), owned by Frank Schembri and true to its type Ltd (Ireland-based company with 10 000 shares).

According to Henley and Associates website, Hugh Morshead is also a qualified accountant and an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, and relied on Jersey for many years. He has also registered as Henley Maltese company director and partners.

He addressed the international press of the Malta IIP program. For example, the EU Observer reported that M. Morshead said: "We have many advised the government regarding the creation of legal, promotion and implementation of our own malta office."

During the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, architect Edwin Mintoff said that once the necessary permits from the Planning Authority had been obtained, the project would require approximately 18 months to complete.

When asked if he would or would not publish the MOU, Dr. Valetta told the newsroom that they are not willing to publish it for the time being because there is a confidentiality clause. "This should be an agreed version. At this point, I do not think this is the scope for now. I do not think that's going to be a problem later." He said that once negotiations on the concession contract begin, which will be soon, this will probably be the time of its publication.

When asked if he had a problem of delivery of the MOU if the government had no objection, he said: "We would have no problem. There is no reason why anyone has a problem, if both parties agree."

Thursday 30 March 2017

AICPA to Roll Out New Branding

The American Institute of CPA establishes a new brand in collaboration with the Institute of Accountants Management and its joint venture, the Association of Certified International Professional Accountants.

The measure will create a unified brand for the three organizations, sharing the logo of the sphere and the same color palette. At present, only the logo of the association was published; The rest of the brand change that takes place in the coming weeks and should be completed by the end of 2017.

The renommement was announced in a letter to members of the institute's president, Kimberly-Ellison Taylor, and president and president of the CIMA Association, Andrew Miskin.

"This new brand signals that we are part of a global family with a shared commitment to accounting and management when we are within the framework of the Public Association," they wrote. "The same logo, colors and other attributes appear in all our brands to represent a constant beacon of quality and integrity in the world."

Sunday 26 February 2017

​Savant Announces New Team Member, Recognizes Current Employees

Savant Capital Management, a national wealth management company, added Ambari Prakash Pinto to his McLean office and recognized Joel Cundick to receive the designation of Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor and Yonas Bedane having received the title of general accountant authorized management.

Ambari Prakash Pinto Savant joined in January as a financial advisor. She is a member of the advisory team and is responsible for managing all aspects of financial planning and the investment process for Savant's customers. She meets regularly with clients, advisors, portfolio managers, accountants, lawyers and financial advisors to formulate and coordinate effective strategy planning, investment and taxation.

Pinto has been involved in the financial services industry since 2011. Prior to joining Savant, he worked with asset managers, accountants, and the insurance industry. She was also a lawyer company, as a partner in a law firm in Washington, DC and New York. Pinto received a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Vermont and a law degree and a Financial Planning Certificate from Georgetown University.

The planning and tax specialist on Yonas Bedane was awarded the Global Management Accountant (CGMA). According to the American Institute of Chartered Accountants and the Institute of Management Accountants, CGMA is a general accounting management designation that recognizes the unique role of men and women in organizations around the world that combine financial and accounting expertise With strategic knowledge. Better business decisions.

Financial Advisor Joel Cundick received the Accredited Portfolio Manager (APMA®). APMA® the designation process involves hands-on practice in more than one course of study that integrates client assessment and relevance, risk / reward investment objectives, fixed income portfolio theory and stock and psychology of Investors. Individuals must pass an end-of-course exam that tests their ability to synthesize complex concepts and apply theoretical concepts to real situations.

Sunday 19 February 2017

​Savant Announces New Team Member, Recognizes Current Employees

Savant Capital Management, a National Asset Management firm, added Ambari Prakash Pinto knew office and McLean acknowledged Joel Cundick who has received the manager of the APPOINTMENT accréditéSM portfolio not Yonas Bedane of Received the DESIGNATION public accountant of global management.

Ambari Prakash Pinto Savant is in Unió January de As financial advisor to the United Nations. She is an Advisory Team Member and is not responsible for the management of All Aspects of Financial Planning and the Investment Process for Savant clients. She meets regularly with clients, advisors, portfolio managers, accountants, attorneys and financial advisors to formulate non-coordinated planning of effective investment strategies and taxes.

Pinto involved this in the Financial Services Industry from 2011. Prior to UniRSE a Savant, I work with Asset Managers, accountants, and in the Insurance sector. She was also a Lawyer Company, as a partner at a law firm in Washington, DC not New York. Pinto received a bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Vermont not as a law and Financial Planning in a Certificate from Georgetown University.

Planning specialist and title tax Yonas Bedane received Global Accountant Management (CGMA). According to the American Institute of Chartered Accountants and the Institute Collegiate Institute of Accountants of Management, the CGMA is a general accounting designation that recognizes the role of single men and women in organizations around the world that combine accounting and The Experience with a Strategic Financial Vision. Best Business Decisions.

Financial Advisor Joel Cundick received the Accredited Portfolio Manager (APMA®). APMA® The Process of DESIGNATION Implications The practical practical in a more than course of study that integrates the Evaluation and clients pertinence, the Risk Investment Objectives / reward theory of the fixed income portfolio and Actions and Psychology Investors. Individuals Must pass a final exam that tests the Course unable to synthesize Complex Concepts and Theoretical Concepts APPLY has Real Situations.

Sunday 12 February 2017

​Navigating the new normal: Measuring what matters in the value economy

Businesses have long relied on financial professionals to measure value and provide feedback on business decisions.

The role of finance and accounting is at the heart of measurement, transactions and the value of expression through concrete figures. For many years, this system has worked well, because business models focused on tangible issues, operations and properties.

However, more and more business models are born of technological problems, and converge towards something that is more futuristic, values-based and intangible. In this climate - economic value and knowledge - traditional measures are no longer applicable.

There is a disconnection

There is a fundamental change that occurs between the time the finance and accounting have been and where it goes. Business models today are based on the creation of value to intangible assets. In the knowledge economy, organizations use their unique skills to meet the needs of their clients - this is where their value. Disconnection occurs when funding continues to try to measure value and success in a traditional way. The shoe no longer fits.

So how do CEOs make business decisions when they can not rely on traditional measures like finance and accounting have always been used? And how do financial executives find new ways to measure the value of making better decisions? In essence, how to navigate companies in the new normal value of the economy?

Creating a new package

Finance and accounting should make some adjustments to better supporting organizations operating in the value-based economy. These companies need a new set of tools: a new way to measure value and success, and to make decisions. There are three key steps to building this new toolbox in your organization:

1. Identify new key performance indicators

To understand and manage the value of your intangible assets, it is important to measure. This means identifying a new set of key performance indicators (KPIs). Although KPI must evolve, its application is an important starting point for controlling the company and its progress.

The ICP for intangible assets must consider some key elements: they must be measurable, have an impact on the activities and be linked to the specific data. According to a recent study by the American Institute of CPA (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), key performance indicators identified by companies measuring intangible assets are as follows:

  • Quality of data
  • The return on invested capital (ROIC)
  • Employee productivity
  • Experience and customer satisfaction
  • Employee Engagement and Withholding
  • Competitive activity
  • Pipeline and customer retention
  • Brand awareness and equity

However, another ICR to consider include:

  • Supply of talent
  • Social commitment
  • Social sentiment
  • Effectiveness of Digital Marketing

2. Connect the key performance indicators to assess factors

It is important to also understand the value drivers behind the KPI is measured. In other words, how does this KPI really affect the business?

Organizations today have to demonstrate the market the way they are different, and the customer is usually at the beginning and end of the value chain. Therefore, most value drivers must relate to the customer in one way or another. Therefore, according to the same research mentioned above, the top five factors to consider are:

  • Customer satisfaction
  • The quality of business processes
  • Customer relations
  • Quality of people (human capital)
  • Brand reputation

3. Measure, measure, measure

In order to measure intangibles, companies have to establish links between financial results and prefinancing measures that they can use as main indicators, usually on the basis of a causal relationship or correlation. Going back to the first step, this means that your key performance indicators should be linked to the data, and you should be able to collect and analyze these data accurately to measure the value of your intangible assets. With advances in large data, there are now many more tools available to assemble, track and analyze intangibles than ever before.

For example, companies can use social analysis tools as a means to measure the equity of their brand or

Monday 9 January 2017

Can the creative industries help Ireland in post-Brexit world?

While Ireland is trying to prepare for the impact of the Brexit crash for the world economy, several industries are planning their way into some unknown waters.


Bernie Cullinan, CEO of Pragma Adviser and a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, thinks there may be a special role for the creative industries, as the impact of the UK's decision to leave the EU continues.

Pragma, which provides strategic planning for national and international companies, works with companies in various industries, including software, creative industries, professional services organizations, government, manufacturing, construction, sports and the nonprofit sector.

Cullinan sees the creative industries as key opportunities and plays a central role for Ireland in the post-Brexit era.

It is expected that funds for Creative Europe for this sector to reach 1.4 billion by 2020, but the Irish sector's funding by the Irish government should increase substantially, given heavy cuts during the recession. This is a sector in which there is a considerable multiplier effect, and the government has a very good value of its investment in the sector.

Award-winning animation studios to major Hollywood movies that revolve around the country of Ireland is already growing, but could grow even more as companies start looking outside of the UK.

"The film industry is a great example," Cullinan said. "The tax structure is now very favorable and after some initial problems in implementation, it attracts a lot of international interest in this industry.

"Ireland has an intellectual property management framework for Robuste.L'impact Brexit means that the UK is in danger of losing certainty around the management of intellectual property rights, which are long active term and so Both need long-term visibility of the legal situation.

We have a large infrastructure studio, including Troy Studios recently launched at the old Dell plant in Limerick. The size of these studies, and other factors already mentioned, Ireland makes a very attractive proposal for large budget productions, "added Mr Cullinan.

While the creative industries are in a good position, Cullinan said that there are real threats to the situation in Ireland as a place to invest, since the decline in funding for education and the lifestyle that the country can offer.


"The issue of financing is critical and must be addressed along with the quality of life affecting employees, housing and personal taxation." FDI determines its location based on its ability to attract and retain employees from High caliber. Lifestyle is an important consideration for them. "

"In terms of research, particularly in areas such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, nanotechnology and innovation in medical devices, Ireland is at the forefront with a reputation and world-class facilities.

"This is a great asset to invest in." It provides Ireland with a very strong platform to create new indigenous companies capable of playing on the world stage and anchoring FDI businesses here to continue to participate in the research ecosystem. It is noteworthy that after the vote Brexit, many British scientists are trying to place Ireland in particular to gain access to EU research funding.

Anatomy is an appropriate term to use for frustrated scientific calling, working with newly formed and established companies to reach the next level while also providing a response to companies in "life support."

"I have developed an interest in the business from an early age, which comes from a family business," Cullinan said, "so the next natural step after BComm degree was to get into management accounting. From inside the anatomy companies. "

Lifelong learning lawyer, Cullinan has a great admiration for the model of the DCU, which provides access to all to education. His personal mantra is to learn something new every day, and it is established that the CIMA qualification that supported his career is a very valuable springboard that the world continues to adapt and change over the next few years.

"CIMA offers great flexibility to enter any pays.