Head of School Professor Kate Greenan. Professor Robert Kirk, Tom McStraw and Maurice Smyth celebrate the CIMA endorsement of the world class quality of management accountancy teaching at Ulster.
The consistently high quality of teaching at the University of Ulster’s Department of Accounting at Jordanstown has been publicly recognised at the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants’ annual awards.
The University of Ulster, which ranks globally as the sixth Best CIMA tuition provider, collected the award for Top NI CIMA Tuition Provider, on the basis of marks attained by its students in CIMA exams.
Maurice Smyth, CIMA Course Director at Jordanstown, said he was very pleased that Ulster’s dedicated CIMA team had been recognised for the high quality of their tuition.
The award for Best CIMA Tutor, as voted by students and CIMA members, went to University of Ulster Accounting lecturer Tom McStraw. His colleague Professor Robert Kirk was the recipient of a special award in recognition of his significant contribution, as a non-CIMA member, to the professional development of CIMA members.
Among the students to receive awards at the presentation was Claire Cummings from Islandmagee, Larne. Claire came first in the Financial Strategy exam and was placed 12th overall in the UK in Financial Strategy out of 3,145 entries. Claire, who works for Praxis Mental Health Care, also came joint first in the Risk and Control Strategy exam.
Speaking at the presentation, Ray Baxter, President of CIMA in Northern Ireland said awards recognised the exceptional accountancy talent that universities and colleges are helping to nurture.
“Northern Ireland needs a vibrant management accountancy profession that is at the top of its game to help rebuild a successful local economy and address the financial challenges that lie ahead. Management accountants can play a pivotal role in that re-growth,” he said.
Minister for Employment and Learning Sir Reg Empey MLA, who was guest speaker at the presentation of awards in Belfast’s City Hall, said an appropriately skilled workforce could help the economy grow and prosper.
He said, “It is clear to me that one of the main strengths of Northern Ireland is our people. As the CIMA Awards demonstrate, we all have unique talents, skills and knowledge, which, if harnessed correctly, could be the catalyst needed to help sustain and grow our local companies.”
The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants is the world’s leading and largest professional body of Management Accountants, with 172,000 members and students in 165 countries. In Northern Ireland the Institute has 1,500 members and student members. It works closely with employers and sponsors to conduct leading-edge research, constantly updating its qualification, professional experience requirements and continuing professional development.