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The Management Accounting Competency Index (MACI)

By Trent Kramer posted 11 days ago
The IMA has pioneered a brand new assessment of management accounting competencies across organizations of different sizes and industries. The Management Accounting Competency Index (or MACI) measures organizational performance against 10 competencies. In doing so, striking patterns emerged. A key finding is that the larger the organization, the more the more emphasis is placed on what we bring to the table. Valuing financial competencies correlates with confidence about the future. Any prior perceptions of us being a siloed function now stands at the forefront of helping to facilitate company-wide success. Linked below is a free downloadable 17 ...

IMA Women's Leadership Summit (Virtual Sep 23 & 24)

By Trent Kramer posted 07-30-2026
On September 23rd-24th, join your fellow Accounting & Finance colleagues from across the nation at the IMA Women's Leadership Summit. This is fully virtual and goes from 10am to 1:30 CST each day. There's an early bird rate through September 11th and attendees can earn 4 CPE credits. You'll hear from CFOs, a Deputy CEO, an IBM VP, and leadership experts who have navigated the same challenges you're facing. This event gives women in Accounting and Finance the strategies, connections, and confidence to advance in their careers. You'll leave with meaningful connections, too. Each day closes with curated small group debriefs that match like-minded ...

MSP Airport Tour Photos

By Trent Kramer posted 06-28-2026
The IMA Minneapolis chapter was honored in being granted the unique opportunity to take in a tour of the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport! This stemmed from presentations by the current Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) CFO Tim Simon as well as their former Chief Financial Officer Atif Saeed a few years back. Both of them are top-notch Accounting and Finance masterminds. Our paths first crossed in 2021 with Atif championing through the greatest inflection point in modern air travel. Tim followed it up at the end of 2024 with a message of the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport thriving not only having successfully navigated through covid, but continually climbing ...

AI in Finance Micro-Credential

By Trent Kramer posted 04-25-2026
We had a great two-day Chapter Conference in April. Our final speaker was IMA's very own CFO Christine Millaway. As part of her Modern CFO: Leading Value Creation Across the Business presentation, she advocated for micro-credentials. These are a great way to further your professional knowledge & credibility without the time requirement of pursuing a certification. In particular, she highly encourages us to stay current on emerging trends with the "AI in Finance" micro-credential. This is a self-study course that you can take on your own time. Upon completion, you'll earn a digital badge to feature on LinkedIn along with CPE. Select from a series ...

IMA Call for Volunteers

By Trent Kramer posted 03-30-2026
The IMA recently announced a call for volunteers. This is your opportunity to become a part of our chapter's leadership team. New board terms are effective July 1st and applications are due by the end of April. Thanks for your consideration. Additional info is available on the IMA website below: https://www.imanet.org/en/Career-Resources/Volunteering-with-IMA/Chapters IMA® (Institute of Management Accountants) is seeking passionate volunteer members to join your IMA local community leadership team. We have openings for many different volunteer opportunities that are short and/or long-term. Local chapter engagement with IMA offers professional ...

Count Me In for CPE

By Trent Kramer posted 03-01-2026
The IMA's Count Me In podcast now comes in the form of self-study CPE. These are free to members and there are a variety of topics to choose from earning 0.5 credits each. Courses consist of listening to a ~30 minute episode followed by a couple knowledge checks and a quiz at the end. You can literally put on wireless headphones and earn credits while carrying about your day. Host Adam Larson does an excellent job enlightening us in these conversations with thought leaders. He has a genuine interest in learning from his guests paired with a curious nature that shines through in their dialogue. The podcast is approaching its 350th episode and continues ...

IMA26 Early Bird Rates

By Trent Kramer posted 01-21-2026
The IMA recently announced early bird rates for their biggest conference of the year in Tampa. Members can save $200 through April 17th. Additional details are coming to shape for attendees, sponsors and exhibitors alike. Discounts are also available for the hotel and travel accommodations. Check it out here . Ready to return? Early bird rates start now. You're part of what makes IMA conferences unforgettable. The personal connections, the meaningful conversations, the hands-on learning that challenges and inspires you: This is what it truly means to be a member of the IMA community. Early bird pricing starts now for ...

Agent Mode High Praise from Mr. Excel Himself

By Trent Kramer posted 01-19-2026
Mr. Excel Bill Jelen recently wrote an article for Strategic Finance on the new AI frontier within Excel. He had lots of good things to say about the new Agent Mode. Below is part of his commentary. Mr. Excel also provided four case studies in his full write-up. Excel Agent Mode: The Boldest AI Play Yet from Microsoft https://www.imatoday.org/learn/article/excel-agent-mode-the-boldest-ai-play-yet-from-microsof Agent Mode in Excel reasons through problems, builds solutions, fixes errors, and explains every step along the way. On the eve of Excel’s 40th anniversary, Microsoft introduced Agent Mode for Excel. Although I am a 40-year spreadsheet ...

IMA26 Tampa Discounted Rates

By Trent Kramer posted 11-18-2025
The IMA's biggest event of the year is coming to Tampa, Florida in June 2026. These are memorable experiences from both a learning and networking perspective. Register before December 31st and save up to $350. Additional information is available here: https://web.cvent.com/event/acfd5bf5-c7bc-4cc1-9dcd-cdb677391594/summary

Unfortunate News - Boz Bostrom Passed Away

By Trent Kramer posted 10-11-2025
It is with a heavy heart finding out that Boz Bostrom passed away on Thursday, October 9th. This followed a recent health struggle, of which he publicly shared. Boz was a larger-than-life advocate for our profession, his students and was an all-around great guy. You might recognize his trademark "Accounting" shirt and smile. Whether hanging out or wearing a suit, his Accounting Superman cape was center stage or just under the surface. Boz lived and breathed his passion for Accounting/Finance with a deep caring for those who were lucky enough to know him. He inspired students just being introduced to the fundamentals all the way up to professionals achieving ...

IMA Virtual Women's Leadership Summit 9/25/25

By Trent Kramer posted 09-08-2025
The IMA Virtual Women's Leadership Summit is approaching on Thursday, September 25th. This goes from 9am CST to 3pm CST. Attendees can earn up to five CPE. A discounted registration fee is available through Friday (9/12) and then slightly increases thereafter. Additional info is available here: https://web.cvent.com/event/9a250d4c-eae5-45a3-a3cc-bea263ce18de/summary

Revamped IMA Competency Framework

By Trent Kramer posted 07-31-2025
The IMA recently released their latest and greatest competency framework. This expands upon the key hallmarks previously outlined for our ever-evolving profession. Having first been established in 2016, the pace of change makes it vital for continuous education. A deeper dive, including a nine page white paper, is available here: https://www.imanet.org/en/Career-Resources/Competency-Framework

IMA's Financial and Managerial Accounting Associate (FMAA) Certification

By Trent Kramer posted 07-31-2025
Our chapter just had its first recipient of the FMAA certification. It was awarded to Marie Saunders. She also happens to be a CMA holder and a long-standing Minneapolis member. This is a relatively new certification offered by the Institute of Management Accountants. It is a one-and-done exam if that helps. With a focus on the five competencies below. That's an extra special accomplishment being among the first testing groups worldwide to achieve this. Thanks for being a pioneer on this front and being an ambassador for our chapter. Congrats Marie! Additional information about the FMAA certification and eligibility is available here: ...

IMA Minneapolis Chapter Election Results 2025-2026

By Trent Kramer posted 06-13-2025
Below are the results for the IMA Minneapolis Chapter 2025-2026 elections: President – Ashley Davis, CMA, CSCA, FPA Vice President of Engagement – James Powers, CMA Vice President of Communications – Trent Kramer, CMA, CPA, CSCA Treasurer – Todd Stenson, CPA Director of Education – Andrew Galas, MBA Director of Events – Ryan Chase, CMA, CSCA Secretary – Willy Arevalo, CMA A special thanks to Dave, Lianne and Warda for their contributions over the years (opted not to seek re-election). These board roles are effective with July 1st. Looking forward to another great year. Thanks for being a ...

Maximize Your IMA Membership in 2025

By Trent Kramer posted 01-10-2025
Ready to supercharge your 2025? Here's your quick guide to making the most of your membership – including exciting NEW benefits: Connect with peers and experts through our global digital Shared Interest Groups Enjoy new micro learning courses for quick, free, on-demand professional development Access curated job listings and career resources through our enhanced Career Center Discover AI’s transformative potential ...

CMA Program - Best Offer of the Year

By Trent Kramer posted 10-24-2024
Greetings, Now through November 7th, the IMA is offering a 50% discount on the CMA Program Entrance Fee. Use promo code: 50FALL1 This is the biggest discount of the year and sets the stage for a great 2025 development opportunity. Earning the CMA boosts your salary potential and can open new doors. If you know what kind of role you aspire to attain, look at both the required and advanced qualifications. A professional credential or advanced education can go a long ways what is a 40+ year career. It is not to early or too late for adding more skills to your tool belt. Click here for more details.

IMA Announces Corporate Membership Plans

By Trent Kramer posted 10-13-2024
The IMA recently announced Corporate Membership plans. This offers similar benefits as the individual membership with group discounts available. The Corporate Membership is designed to enhance employees' skills, broaden their knowledge, and support their career growth by offering: Access to a diverse range of on-demand courses and training materials Participation in exclusive webinars and events Opportunities for networking through professional communities Tools for tracking progress and managing certifications More information is available here: https://enterprise.imaglobal.org/pages/pricing

IMA Student Leadership Conference 2024 (Nov 7-9 in Anaheim)

By Trent Kramer posted 09-27-2024
The Minneapolis Chapter is offering scholarships to assist students in attending the IMA Student Leadership Conference in 2024. Members of the Twin Cities Student Chapter at Metro State and Concordia are eligible. A handful of scholarships will be awarded to those expressing interest. Additional information including registration is available here: https://www.imastudentconference.org/event/3a7467d8-6dbf-4661-9714-c34197cd132e/websitePage:d040cd9b-8a1c-4c93-b1e9-7ee6dcdf6c0a

Remembering Val Felske, CMA (former Minneapolis Chapter and Northern Lights Council leader)

By Trent Kramer posted 06-17-2024
Val Felske went to heaven earlier this month at the age of 73 following a short battle with pancreatic cancer. She served in a variety of leadership roles at the IMA including President of the Minneapolis Chapter, President of the Northern Lights Regional Council, National Vice President and was a member of the Stuart Cameron McLeod society. She earned her CMA back in 1991. Needless to say, she was a significant contributor to our IMA community and cared for by those who were fortunate enough to know her. The link to her obituary that was published in the local Star Tribune is below: https://www.startribune.com/obituaries/detail/0000491069/ ...

IMA Minneapolis Chapter Election Results 2024-2025

By Trent Kramer posted 05-18-2024
Here are the IMA Minneapolis Chapter election results: President – Lianne B. Loeks Munson, CMA, CSCA Vice President of Engagement – James Powers, CMA Vice President of Communications – Ashley Davis, CMA, CSCA, FPA Past President – Trent Kramer, CMA, CPA, CSCA Treasurer – Todd Stenson, CPA Director of Education – Andrew Galas, MBA Director of CMA & Student Engagement – David Franz, CMA Secretary – Willy Arevalo, CMA Chapter Delegate – Ryan Chase, CMA, CSCA Chapter Delegate – Warda James-Hester, CMA, CPA One year terms are effective July 1st through June 30th. Our new board will convene to make ...