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Skills that Drive Success in Accounting and Finance

Explore the newly expanded IMA Competency Framework. It’s grounded in over a century of accounting and finance expertise and shaped by today’s trends and data to help you build the skills you need for what’s next.

The expanded IMA Competency Framework empowers accounting and finance professionals to lead with the right skills, certifications, and insights—built for today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities. Read the press release.

Access the IMA Competency Framework white paper to discover the skills that will define the future of accounting and finance.

Built for Where Accounting and Finance Is Going —
And How You Grow with It.

IMA is creating a robust library of learning aligned to the real-world capabilities driving business today. These competencies are built on role evolution, emerging skill demands, and the needs of employers worldwide.

IMA CompetencyFramework Infographic 6-23

How this benefits you

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Stay Relevant

Learn what today’s roles demand—from AI to analytics to leadership

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Grow Strategically

Map your development to real career paths, not guesswork

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Lead the Future

Gain skills that help you drive change in your organization and career

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Purpose-Built Learning for Evolving Finance Roles

Explore certifications and learning opportunities aligned to your current and future needs.

"The CSCA has prepared me for future positions because it validates the knowledge that I claim to have."
Akomu Okoh, CMA, CSCA, ACA
Finance Analyst, Chevron
"The CSCA is a huge add-on to the CMA. It also gives you more insight into those avenues of finance and allows you to broaden your horizons."
Lara Jarvis, CMA, CSCA
Planning and Performance Manager, Coca-Cola
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Competency Framework FAQ:

How IMA Keeps Your Learning Aligned and Impactful

What’s behind the structure of learning and credentials from IMA?

The foundation of learning from IMA has always been our Competency Framework, which is built to reflect what accounting and finance professionals need to thrive.
The latest version of the framework expands on that foundation, incorporating new insights about emerging technologies, sustainability, and business strategy.
These updates will roll out over the coming year, ensuring every IMA learning experience remains purposeful, relevant, and built for a profession that’s rapidly changing.

What does that mean for me as a member?

It means your time and effort go toward building capabilities that matter. Whether you’re sharpening your analytics skills, deepening your strategic thinking, or stepping into leadership, you’re learning what employers are looking for.

Can my organization take advantage of this new framework?

Yes. IMA offers corporate learning solutions that use this framework to upskill teams in ways that align with real business needs. It’s a scalable, strategic approach to workforce development. Learn more at enterprise.imaglobal.org.

How does IMA know what skills are needed?

We monitor the profession closely, drawing on labor market trends, employer feedback, global research, and expert insights. That knowledge fuels a learning experience that’s practical, forward-looking, and designed to help you succeed at every stage of your career.

What kinds of skills are included?

This is an evolution of the previous competency model developed by IMA, only now expanded to reflect where the profession is heading and what roles are in business demand today. We’ve identified 10 core domains that define the skills modern finance and accounting professionals need to succeed.
These include areas like data analytics, leadership, strategic planning, risk management, ethics, and emerging technologies, plus new emphasis on sustainable business practices, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. Whether you’re early in your career or leading at the executive level, these domains are designed to support continuous, relevant growth.
View the framework.

Is this relevant to all IMA members—or just CMAs?

It’s for everyone. This framework will power all IMA learning—from new micro-credentials and CPE courses to certifications like the CMA® (Certified Management Accountant), CSCA® (Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis), and FMAA™ (Financial and Managerial Accounting Associate). No matter where you are in your career, the content is designed to support your growth.
Throughout the coming year, IMA will introduce new tools to help you identify skill gaps, set career goals, and explore learning paths tied to your role and aspirations.

Can I use this to plan my learning?

Whether you’re planning your next move or helping your team grow, our structure will make it easier to identify gaps, set goals, and select learning tied to real career paths.
Explore the certificationscertificates, and courses offered by IMA.

Where can I learn more?

Start by exploring the full overview. You’ll find insights into the updated framework and how it shapes the future of learning at IMA.
You can also browse our current learning offerings and watch for new tools, credentials, and courses launching in late 2025 and beyond.