[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/CMAroundtable09.jpg” caption=”DeGroote students network with representatives from CMA Ontario. Photo by Julia Thomson.”]Students at the DeGroote School of Business received an introduction to the field of Certified Management Accounting at a CMA Round Table held last Thursday. The event, which was the first of its kind at DeGroote, provided both Commerce and MBA students the opportunity to network with Certified Management Accountants.

“The professionals at the event demonstrated how versatile the CMA designation can be,” says third-year Honours Commerce student Ashley Daley. “I was also impressed with the experience and lessons each volunteer brought to the table.”

The purpose of the event was to allow students to discover more about the CMA profession and business experiences of the CMAs.
Thirteen CMAs attended the event, and each had a different and unique story about their journey as a CMA. Representatives came from different industries and worked for different organizations, including Research in Motion (RIM), Apple, AIC Global Holdings, Microsoft, United Nations University, Hamilton Health Science, and West 49 Inc.

David Nazzicone, third-year Honours commerce student and the Undergraduate CMA Ambassador for DeGroote says, “The CMAs who participated in the evening hold senior and executive positions in their respective organization which demonstrates the value of the CMA designation in the workplace. By sharing their professional experience, they will help students to prepare for the accounting profession.”

“The event definitely broadened my networking skills as I was able to interact with a variety of professionals. The CMAs were also able to make sense of the 'real world' application of many classroom lessons,” explained third-year Honours Commerce student Brian Guevara.

Dean Paul Bates, Merv Hillier, president and CEO of CMA Ontario, Professor Lilian Chan and John Wood, principal giving officer for University Advancement, accept a $30,000 cheque from CMA Ontario. Photo by Julia Thomson

The Round Table was sponsored by CMA Ontario. Jean Mackinnon, regional director of marketing and communication invited CMAs to the event. The support and organization of the CMA campus ambassadors, David Nazzicone and Wei Li, also played an important role to ensure the evening ran smoothly.

CMA Ontario is a valued partner of the DeGroote School of Business. The organization was also recently on campus to present a $30,000 cheque to Lilian Chan, chair of the accounting and financial management services area and Paul Bates, dean of the DeGroote School of Business. The funds will support education and research initiatives focused on developing the teaching of management accounting at DeGroote.