EDUCATION

Launch of CPM Professional Management Course

The Society of Certified Management Accountants of Sri Lanka (CMA) has entered in to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the All India Management Association (AIMA) to conduct Professional Management programmes. This programme will be termed the Certified Professional Manager (CPM).

The Certified Professional Manager (CPM) is a Professional Management Programme that will be conducted in two stages, namely, Diploma in Management and the Advanced Diploma in Management. This will enable participants in the programme to develop their career to achieve professional and personal objectives.

The curriculum is designed not only to impart the knowledge of core subjects such as Accounting, Economics, Finance, Human Resource Development and Marketing but also lays special emphasis on developing skills and competencies through exposure to real business situations in the form of case studies.

The quality course ware developed by AIMA coupled with excellent delivery by proven academic and industry experts are aimed to suit the need of emerging trends and the needs of new entrants and those with working experience.

The registration for the Diploma in Management is now open and would be accepted till 15th February 2008.

The entry qualifications are two passes at the G.C.E. A/L with a pass in English at the O/Ls or three Credit passes at the G.C.E. O/L with a pass in English.

This course is meant for those employed in Industry and Commerce and those seeking employment.

Good opportunities for Sri Lankan accounting students

Ramani Kangaraarachchi

"The global demand for qualified finance professionals has never been higher and Sri Lankan students have very good opportunities globally as they are very good at studying", said Country Manager ACCA Sri Lanka Aruni Rajakarier.

The growth of the ACCA in Sri Lanka although it started in 2002 is very encouraging because the brand is highly recognised, she said. At present there are 1,500 members with ACCA Sri Lanka alone.

ACCA was the first international accounting body to enter China and countries in Central Europe and it aims to advance the science of accounting as required by its Royal Charter.

Rajakarier said that ACCA members around the world adhere to global standards in professional conduct, underpinned by a code of ethics.

They are also required to complete continuing professional development to ensure that they are keeping their skills and knowledge up-to-date and are working according to standards expected by business and the public.

Her vision for Sri Lankan students is to support them the best way by counselling, guiding and giving whatever the assistance they need.

There are many advantages the students can gain, mainly the high demand for them all over the world with ACCA qualification they get very lucrative salaries even locally and fast track to the top in their chosen fields, and the work is very interesting where they could work in many areas such as financial analysis, investment etc.

Rajakarier said that career choice makes a big impact in the lives of students and parents and children together must decide on that in a responsible manner. In Sri Lanka some parents are not bothered at all about this decision but some are very keen.

ACCA conducts exams for other countries and operates 18 joint exams and has 50 global account partnerships. The students can easily convert this qualification to other countries. The ACCA also provides tuition providers to Maldives and it is a fast growing market.

The members of ACCA Sri Lanka migrated to other countries in large numbers last year. Their skills are in high demand and recently three large companies were looking for ACCA qualified people for very high salaries but were not able to find any.

At present more O level and A level students are joining ACCA and her 2008 plans are to visit more schools to educate students and parents and grant more sponsorships to schools.