9 June 2026, Kochi, 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), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (RCSS) to establish a long-term academic partnership focused on developing the next generation of finance and accounting talent in India.
The partnership will centre on introducing the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) Professional Qualification within the RCSS student community, helping undergraduate students understand and access a globally recognised qualification that strengthens career readiness in finance and accounting. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to ensuring students are equipped with the capabilities and credentials sought by employers in an increasingly competitive professional landscape.
Under the MoU, both parties will work to create structured engagement opportunities for students — building awareness of the CGMA pathway, its professional value, and the career opportunities it unlocks in management accounting and beyond.
Andrew Harding, FCMA, CGMA, Chief Executive – Management Accounting at the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, said:
“Reaching students early — and helping them see the connection between their education and a meaningful career in finance — is one of the most impactful things we can do as a professional body. Rajagiri College of Social Sciences has a strong reputation for developing well-rounded graduates, and we are delighted to work together to ensure that the CGMA Professional Qualification is an accessible and compelling option for their students as they look ahead to their careers.”
Prof. Dr. Saju M. D. the Principal of Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, said:
“At Rajagiri, we continuously strive to bridge the gap between academic excellence and professional success. Our partnership with CIMA, UK, provides B.Com and BBA students with a unique opportunity to accelerate their journey towards a globally recognized professional qualification while pursuing their undergraduate studies. This collaboration not only enhances the quality of learning but also strengthens students' readiness for global careers in management accounting, finance, and business leadership. We believe this initiative will significantly contribute to developing future-ready professionals equipped to excel in the evolving world of business.”
Ajay Lalwani, FCMA, CGMA, Country Manager – India at the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, said:
“This partnership with Rajagiri College of Social Sciences is a meaningful step in expanding the reach of the CGMA qualification among India’s future finance and accounting professionals. By embedding awareness of this globally recognised qualification into the student journey, we are helping to build a talent pool that will serve both the profession and India’s broader economic ambitions for years to come.”
The MoU underscores AICPA & CIMA’s continued commitment to strengthening academic partnerships across India and developing a future-ready talent pipeline for the finance profession.
Media contact
Joanna Ke Yang
Senior Manager, External Relations
Email: joanna.yang@aicpa-cima.com
Tel: +86 198-2022-4510