Message from Your President & Chair

By Colin Bennett and Fred Zdan

In returning from the National Board meeting in Toronto last week, we have a strong sense that there are trends and developments on the near horizon that will have tremendous implications for all of us. Among these driving forces of change are: escalating competition; new and emerging fields of practice; globalization; technology and changing demographics. We are all aware of these powerful forces. They are already influencing the daily marketplace. But are we, as a society, ready for them?

Change can be viewed in many ways and it can sometimes appear threatening. But it is always revitalizing, challenging us to compete and perform at our highest level. Just how the future will unfold creates a compelling opportunity to rethink our national vision and values and to revise our strategic objectives and strategies accordingly. During the past year, your National Board studied these transforming trends and is developing a wide range of new initiatives that will equip current and future CMAs with the skills and resources to compete and succeed at the highest level.

In this fast changing marketplace, it is vital that we accurately define client expectations and align them with CMA core competencies. During the past year, a task force (including representation from the BC Society) developed a CMA Competency Map that clearly defines what a management accountant is and what employers and clients expect of CMAs. The announcement of such a competency based approach to pre and post designation for CMAs is a key strategic priority. This map will connect a CMA’s evolving mission, vision and strategies. These competencies define the unique technical skills and personal characteristics that employers, clients, and society in general expect of CMAs – not only when a member becomes a CMA, but also during the following stages of their career. It represents a full career cycle approach to competency.

This year, CMA Canada and CMA British Columbia have tackled a number of inter-related strategic priorities. Involvement of our provincial board executive and society staff in these national discussions has ensured that British Columbia CMAs have had a strong voice in the strategic planning process - both at a National and Provincial level. Some of these National initiatives (and participants) have been:

Strategic Planning Task Force – Fred Zdan (Chair CMABC Board of Directors)
Governance Task Force – Bob Strachan (Chair 2002-03 CMABC Board of Directors)
Nominating Committee – Karen Botham (Chair 2004-05 CMABC Board of Directors)
CEO Partnership Committee – Colin Bennett (President and CEO CMABC Society)
Vice Chair of National Certification Board – Hana Carbert
CMAC Strategic Performance Measures Committee – Beth Gibson
Public Affairs & Communications Committee (Branding) – Vinetta Peek , VP Marketing & Communications
Accreditation & Administration Committee – Irwin DeVries, VP Accreditation Programs

The significantly increased participation by the CMA BC Provincial Board Executive and the Society staff at the National level cements the direction that we take nationally and provides focus for the development of our Provincial plans.

As we continue to develop new strategic initiatives to position CMA as the designation of choice for both business and for tomorrow’s professionals, we invite you to join us in building a meaningful future for this organization.

What’s on the horizon? Our next issue of Update will be redesigned to support our CMA branding initiative and include more stories and articles about you – our CMAs. We will also be including a new section in this issue answering questions from our members to help improve the communication throughout the Province, sharing perspectives and views. If you would like to have your question included in the upcoming issues, please email: Update Editor at cmabc@cmabc.com. We look forward to the discussion.

Colin Bennett, CMA, FCMA President & Chief Executive Officer Direct: 604.484.7002 or 1.800.663.9646 extension 7002

Fred Zdan, CMA Chair Email: chair@cmabc.com

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