Mission
We are the most influential body of professional accountants in the world.
Our mission is to drive a dynamic accounting profession ready to meet the demands of a constantly changing, disruptive world. We serve 657,000 CPAs, CGMA designation holders and students in 179 countries and territories — providing the tools, resources and intelligence they need to clarify complexity, anticipate risk and create opportunity.
We are their voice, protecting the public interest and powering trust, opportunity and prosperity worldwide.
History
Formed by members of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants builds on a century-long heritage of excellence.
AICPA
American Association of Public Accountants (AAPA) is founded
AICPA
AAPA merges with the Federation of Societies of Public Accountants
AICPA
AAPA forms committee to create ethical standards for members
AICPA
AAPA is succeeded by the Institute of Public Accountants
AICPA
Name changes to American Institute of Accountants
CIMA
The Institute of Cost and Works Accountants (ICWA) is founded
AICPA
American Society of Certified Public Accountants forms, acting as a federation of state societies
AICPA
American Society of Certified Public Accountants merges into the American Institute of Accountants
AICPA
Name changes to American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
CIMA
Name changes to the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants (ICMA)
CIMA
ICMA is granted a Royal Charter
CIMA
Name changes to the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
AICPA
AICPA makes peer review mandatory
CIMA
CIMA members are given right to use title Chartered Management Accountant
AICPA
AICPA computerizes Uniform CPA exam
AICPA & CIMA
AICPA and CIMA enter into a joint venture
AICPA
CPA Exam is offered outside the U.S. for the first time
AICPA & CIMA
AICPA and CIMA launch the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation
AICPA & CIMA
AICPA and CIMA introduce CGMA Competency Framework
AICPA & CIMA
AICPA and CIMA launch Global Management Accounting Principles
AICPA & CIMA
AICPA | CIMA Competency and Learning web site launches
CIMA
CIMA moves to computer-based assessments
AICPA & CIMA
AICPA and CIMA members approve the creation of a new global association to represent public and management accounting around the world
AICPA & CIMA
Association of International Certified Professional Accountants forms