BAA in accounting program accredited by CMA Canada

Accounting excellence in the spotlight at UQAC

Montréal, February 5, 2009 — CMA Canada, the world leader in shaping strategic management accounting professionals to lead enterprises in the global marketplace, has renewed the accreditation of the BAA in Accounting program at the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC).

CMA Canada is the first professional accounting organization in North America to accredit programs at leading universities.  These programs, which 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 renewal of the UQAC BAA in Accounting program 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. “UQAC offers innovative approaches to course design and delivery, supported by outstanding faculty resources, effective evaluation of student performance, and a commitment to quality education.”

UQAC is among 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. “This accreditation is concrete proof of the excellent teaching delivered by our professors and the excellent work accomplished by our students in the field of accounting,” said UQAC Rector Michel Belley.”

“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.  “UQAC 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

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