Accounting excellence in the spotlight at Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business
Montreal, January 7, 2009 — CMA Canada, the world leader in shaping strategic management accounting professionals to lead enterprises in the global marketplace, has just accredited the Bachelor of Commerce Program, Major in Accountancy, at Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business.
CMA Canada is the first professional accounting organization in North America to accredit programs at leading universities. These programs, offered in 11 Quebec universities, provide complete coverage of the CMA Competency Map Entrance Requirements, equip students with in-depth knowledge and skills in management accounting, financial accounting, financial management and taxation, strategic management, and risk management and governance. These skills are required for mastering the advanced concepts covered in CMA Canada’s Strategic Leadership Program, leading to the prestigious CMA designation.
In 2000, CMA Canada implemented an accreditation process to recognize institutions that offer quality educational programs according to prescribed standards. Accreditation by CMA Canada offers universities a measurement process that is based on self-evaluation and peer review, coupled with external evaluation by CMA Canada. “The accreditation of the Bachelor of Commerce Program, Major in Accountancy, at Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business is a testament to the university meeting the demanding accreditation requirements set out by CMA Canada,” said Steve Vieweg, CMA, FCMA, President and CEO of CMA Canada. “The John Molson School of Business offers innovative approaches to course design and delivery, supported by outstanding faculty resources, effective evaluation of student performance, and a commitment to quality education.”
Concordia University is now a member of an exclusive group of universities across Canada to have an undergraduate accounting program accredited by CMA Canada. In recognition of the rigour and high standards of university programs accredited by CMA Canada, graduates who successfully complete the programs with a minimum grade point average of 75%, or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, are exempted from writing the CMA Entrance Examination.
“We are very pleased that CMA Canada has awarded accreditation to the Bachelor of Commerce Program, Major in Accountancy, at the John Molson School of Business. The accreditation required an extensive review of our courses as well as site visits and interviews with our faculty and students. The announcement of accreditation is excellent news for the John Molson School of Business and an affirmation of the quality of our undergraduate accountancy program. We are proud to have been given this honour,” said John Molson School of Business Dean Sanjay Sharma.
“The accreditation relationship between universities and CMA Canada is based on co-operation and mutual respect, assuring universities that the results are objective and credible,” said François Renauld, FCMA, President and Executive Director, Quebec CMA Order. “The intent of CMA Canada accreditation is not to produce a standardized accounting or business curriculum. Instead, we encourage universities to adopt diverse approaches to course design and delivery, since innovation is considered indicative of a commitment to continuous improvement.”
Vieweg emphasized that CMA Canada accreditation of programs at leading universities sets the standard for quality education in business and accounting in Canada. “Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business exemplifies this standard, and is to be commended for the outstanding quality of its accounting program.”
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About CMA Canada
With 40,000 certified members around the world, CMA Canada grants a professional designation in strategic management accounting™ and is responsible for standards-setting, accreditation and the continuing professional development of CMAs. CMAs provide an integrating perspective to business decision-making, applying a unique blend of expertise in accounting, management and strategy to identify new market opportunities, ensure corporate accountability, and help organizations maintain a long-term competitive advantage. To optimize the performance of global enterprises and build strategic management accounting™ skills, CMA Canada offers innovative executive development programs, advanced online courses, and internationally recognized knowledge management publications. For more information, visit www.cma-canada.org.
About John Molson School of Business
Concordia University's John Molson School of Business is among Canada’s largest business schools with over 7800 students studying at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Located in downtown Montreal, JMSB attracts students from Quebec, across Canada and around the world. JMSB is committed to preparing the business leaders of tomorrow and for a second consecutive year, our university ranked 1st in Canada for graduating the most commerce graduates holding CEO titles in Global Fortune 500 companies. The excellence of our academic programs is recognized and accredited by the AACSB (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business).For more information, visit http://johnmolson.concordia.ca/
Media contacts
Suzanne K. Godbehere
Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications
CMA Canada
Tel.: (905) 949-3106
Toll-free: 1-800-262-7622, ext. 3106
E-mail: sgodbehere@cma-canada.org
Julie Desjardins
Coordinator, Marketing and Media Relations
Ordre des comptables en management accrédités du Québec
Tel.: (514) 849-1155, ext. 239
Toll-free: 1-800-263-5390
E-mail: j.desjardins@cma-quebec.org
Mai-Gee Hum
Communications Officer
John Molson School of Business
Concordia University
Tel.: (514) 848-2424, ext. 4142
Cell: (514) 466-0088
E-mail: mhum@jmsb.concordia.ca