IMA to host its first Student Leadership Conference in the Middle East

Riyadh, KSA: IMA^®  (Institute of Management Accountants), is preparing to welcome some of the top students in Saudi Arabia to join its Student Leadership Conference (SLC), which will be held in the Middle East for the very first time. The annual conference, scheduled to take place in Riyadh, has been hosted in the United States since 2000 where more than 600 accounting and finance students, academics, and professionals come together to network and discuss the latest industry trends.  

Through its network of some of the most established universities in the Kingdom, IMA partnered with faculties across Riyadh, Damam, and Jeddah to nominate top performing students to take part in this milestone event. With registrations in full progress, IMA has already enrolled many students from King Saud University, Prince Sultan University, Al Yamamah University, Dar Al Uloom University, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), and King Faisal University.

“We are very excited to be bringing IMA’s flagship student conference to the region as part of our alignment with the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision,” said Hanadi Khalife, senior director of MEA and India operations at IMA. “This is an integral part of our global initiatives to not only support the advancement of the accounting and finance profession, but to also help bridge the skills gap of future talent by connecting them with some of the most reputed industry leaders at the forefront of digital transformation and equipping them with the knowledge and expertise they need to thrive in a fast-paced and fiercely competitive business environment.”

The flagship conference is known for hosting a unique networking space for like-minded students, experienced professionals, and recruiters from some of the largest companies around the world. Students will have an opportunity to learn about the CMA^® (Certified Management Accountant) certification, and the changing role of the accounting profession from industry experts with decades of collective professional experience.  

“Through this experience, students will gain a deeper understanding of the career opportunities present within the field and the tools they need to achieve a holistic and well-rounded accounting education to kick-start their professional careers,” added Khalife.

Dr. Ahmed Bin Abdullah Al-Maghamis, Secretary General of SOCPA is expected to address students during the conference to highlight the significance of professional certification. SOCPA, EY, Al Khaleej Training and Education, Financial Trading Centre, PRC, and many other key partners have also extended their support towards the Kingdom’s student development agenda, with many scheduled to speak at the event.

The Student Leadership Conference will take place on March 7, 2020, at the Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC Hotel & Convention. For more information, please visit https://imamiddleeast.org/campaign/regional-conference2020 

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About IMA^® (Institute of Management Accountants)

IMA^®, named the 2017 and 2018 Professional Body of the Year by The Accountant/International Accounting Bulletin, is one of the largest and most respected associations focused exclusively on advancing the management accounting profession. Globally, IMA supports the profession through research, the CMA^® (Certified Management Accountant) and CSCA^® (Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis) programs, continuing education, networking and advocacy of the highest ethical business practices. IMA has a global network of more than 125,000 members in 150 countries and 300 professional and student chapters. Headquartered in Montvale, N.J., USA, IMA provides localized services through its four global regions: The Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe, and Middle East/India. For more information about IMA, please visit www.imanet.org 

© Press Release 2020