CIMA to assist in setting SOEs right
CIMA, the professional accounting body, has had discussions with top state officials to help out with ‘setting’ the State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) on the right path.
Sri Lankan-born Amal Ratnayake, FCMA, CGMA was elected as CIMA’s 86th President, last June, who was in his first ever official visit to Colombo told the Business Times in an interview that already they met with the new Central Bank Governor, Prof. W.D. Lakshman. “We will be meeting with other top officials in order to discuss how we can assist and impart in support and knowledge to help streamline institutions such as the SOEs. We want to see how we can support the nation’s requirement wherever possible,” he said. Explaining further, he said that CIMA wants to assist in areas such as competency development, research, accruals accounting etc in state entities.
Mr. Ratnayake said that CIMA is a qualification that is setting a crucial mark on the global financial stage for Sri Lankans. He also serves as the Chair of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, a partnership between CIMA and the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). With more than 657,000 members and students in 179 countries and territories, it is the most influential body of professional accountants in the world.
CIMA’s role is now more important than ever since now the body is reimagining its profession, he noted. “As our members develop the technology and human skills needed to remain relevant in this digital world we want management accountants to thrive, reimagining their roles”. He said that CIMA, which is in its centenary and 55th-year in the country, is here to help its members in Sri Lanka—and worldwide—forge this new path forward. “We are creating resources, tools, insights, and programmes that support members and students at each stage of their careers”. He also added that Sri Lanka is probably the largest exporter of CIMA qualified professionals.
“As a CIMA qualified accountant, there are many career options accessible to in a range of finance and business roles. The CIMA professional qualification teaches strategic business and management skills. Your training in business management means you are capable of advising on strategy and risk management,” he said.