Partnership reflects shared commitment to preparing students with future-ready finance and business skills
Andrew Harding, FCMA, CGMA, CEO of MA at the association (right); Dr Charles Lasrado SJ – Principal of SJCC (left) at the MoU signing ceremony
9th June 2026, Bengaluru, India — The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (the Association), have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with St. Joseph’s College of Commerce (SJCC) to advance professional development and career readiness among finance and accounting students in India.
The agreement establishes a structured framework to connect academic study with professional qualification, creating a pathway for high-potential students to pursue the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation alongside their undergraduate education. The collaboration aims to equip students with the strategic, professional, and leadership capabilities increasingly demanded by employers in the finance and accounting sector.
Under the MoU, the parties will develop platforms for ongoing student engagement and industry interaction — giving students visibility into career opportunities in management accounting and clarity on how professional qualifications can complement their academic credentials and improve employability.
CIMA & SJCC MoU signing ceremony
Andrew Harding, FCMA, CGMA, Chief Executive – Management Accounting at the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, said:
“ As the finance profession continues to evolve, it is increasingly important that students are equipped not only with strong academic foundations, but also with the professional and strategic capabilities employers seek. By engaging students early and helping them understand the value of the world leading CGMA Professional Qualification alongside their university education, we can support stronger career outcomes while contributing to a more sustainable and future-ready talent pipeline for the profession and employers.”
Dr Charles Lasrado SJ – Principal of St. Joseph’s College of Commerce said: “Our partnership with the association has significantly enhanced our BBA (Finance & Accountancy) programme since 2014, providing students with a globally recognised qualification and a practical, analytical mindset valued by employers. Many students have achieved CIMA affiliate status alongside their studies, and in December 2025, seven earned All India Ranks in the CGMA Case Study exams. These achievements reflect the strong impact of our collaboration, and we look forward to continuing to develop future finance and business leaders together.”
Ajay Lalwani, FCMA, CGMA, Country Manager-India, AICPA and CIMA, said:
“India continues to be an important hub for finance talent, and collaborations with leading academic institutions such as St. Joseph’s College of Commerce play a vital role in developing the next generation of business and finance leaders.”
Together, the Association and SJCC will continue to deepen collaboration through initiatives that enhance practical learning, industry exposure, and future-focused skills development — reinforcing our shared commitment to building a strong, globally competitive pipeline of finance and accounting talent in India.
– ENDS –
About the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, AICPA and CIMA
The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (the Association) advances the reputation, employability and quality of CPAs, CGMA designation holders, and accounting and finance professionals globally. Founded by AICPA and CIMA, it represents members, candidates and registrants worldwide and advocates for the public interest and business sustainability.
About St. Joseph’s College of Commerce
St. Joseph’s College of Commerce (SJCC), formerly a part of St. Joseph’s College, established in the year 1882, is managed by the Bangalore Jesuit Educational Society (BJES). With an objective to impart quality education, the college has been innovating in all aspects of higher education. SJCC is one of the first colleges in Karnataka and the very few institutions in the country to have secured A++ grade in the fourth cycle under the Revised Accreditation Framework (RAF). In 2010, the college was declared a ‘College with Potential for Excellence’. In 2011, SJCC was recognised as a Research Centre by Bengaluru City University. The college is ranked 55th in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) ratings of the Ministry of Education, Government of India in 2024.
