IMA launches micro-credentials for finance professionals

IMA has launched a series of micro-credentials for finance professionals, focused on skills such as artificial intelligence readiness and data literacy.

The new programmes are aimed at finance teams and individual practitioners seeking targeted training as the function's demands expand beyond traditional reporting.

The rollout comes as finance departments face growing pressure to provide analysis and judgement alongside accounting and compliance work. Employers are also looking for more structured ways to develop skills across teams.

The micro-credential portfolio is designed to complement broader professional development and certification routes. Topics include AI readiness, data literacy, AI use cases in forecasting, financial planning and analysis, audit, financial modelling and visualisation, ethical considerations, and business decision support.

One of the first courses available is the AI in Finance Micro-credential. The self-paced online programme includes 15 to 20 hours of training and a final assessment, and offers up to 20 NASBA credits and seven digital badges to learners who complete it.

Michael DePrisco, President and Chief Executive Officer of IMA, linked the launch to wider changes in the finance profession.

"Finance professionals are being measured against a new standard-one that requires them to turn data into insight, and insight into action," said Michael DePrisco, President and Chief Executive Officer, IMA. "Our research continues to show that AI-readiness in finance isn't just about technology. It's about judgment, process, and human competencies that drive better decisions. These micro-credentials are designed to help professionals build those skills in ways they can apply immediately in their work."

Course expansion

IMA plans to add another pathway focused on advanced data analytics for financial decision-making. The programme is due to cover areas including data storytelling and visualisation foundations, visualisation and design with automation, enterprise business intelligence and data modelling, predictive analytics and forecasting, turning analytics into business recommendations, and advanced financial modelling.

This next stage reflects the view that wider AI adoption in finance depends on stronger data foundations and the ability to turn analysis into decisions. IMA also signalled further additions in strategic planning, performance and leadership, as well as cybersecurity, controls and risk management.

These topics point to a broader shift in the skills expected of finance staff. Many teams are being asked to evaluate AI outputs, improve forecasting, and support business decisions through clearer data interpretation, rather than limiting their role to recording and reporting past performance.

IMA also positioned the courses as relevant beyond finance departments. The emphasis on data fluency, AI literacy and decision-making applies across industries where staff increasingly need to work with automated tools and more complex information flows.

A finance manager at Janus International described the practical effect of the training on routine work.

"I knew that because it was specific to finance, I was going to get real value out of it," said Craig Heller, Cost Accounting Manager, Janus International. "The use cases were especially helpful once I built that foundation. After completing the credential, I've been able to automate data-cleanup workflows that used to take me 15 to 20 minutes per report and cut that down to about five minutes. More importantly, I now feel much more confident evaluating AI outputs and applying these tools to forecasting, variance analysis, and other day-to-day finance work."

IMA is one of the larger professional associations focused on management accounting, with about 120,000 members in 150 countries and more than 200 professional and student chapters. Alongside training and continuing education, it is known for qualifications such as the Certified Management Accountant and the Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis designations.

The new micro-credentials reflect an effort to offer shorter, more targeted learning options as the finance profession adapts to AI tools, increased data use, and broader expectations for business support.