Club Spotlight: Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) Student Chapter 

In an occasional series, Royal News spotlights clubs from the university’s 100+ student organizations on campus, speaks to members and offers information on how to connect with the clubs.

To suggest a club for a future Royal News article, to share ideas or to inform us of any upcoming club events, please email RoyalNews@scranton.edu  or Robert.Correas-Rivera@scranton.edu 

GET INVOLVED

Club: Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) Student Chapter 

Connect: @uofs_ima

Meet: Madelyn Ronan '24, an accounting and finance major with a business leadership minor from Cherry Hill, New Jersey

Role in the club: Advertising officer

Q: We’ve read that over the past several years, The University of Scranton’s (Institute of Management Accountants) IMA Student Chapter has been recognized as one of the top student chapters in the nation. Please share a bit about your recent successes.

"With the support and help from Dr. (Ashley) Stampone, The University of Scranton’s IMA Student Chapter has been recognized as one of the top chapters throughout the nation. Our chapter has achieved the Gold level of achievement in the Award for Excellence and Outstanding Student Chapter program for the past five years. This award is presented to the top student chapters in the nation.  Additionally, many students have received scholarships to take the CMA Exam and scholarships for tuition. This year, Annalisa Mechanick, the chapter’s social media coordinator, was a Memorial Education Fund (MEF) Scholarship recipient.

Students have participated in the IMA Case Competition. Last year a group of students made it to the elite eight and the final four in the previous year. We have another group of students putting on the finishing touches to their presentation in hopes that they will make it to the final four and attend the IMA Annual Conference in San Antonio, Texas. Finally, we have had four students selected for the Jimmie Smith Student Leadership Experience, with the most recent being Charles Csaszar last year. This is a highly selective experience where five students participate in the governance process with the IMA."

Q: What is the IMA mission?

“The University of Scranton IMA Student Chapter’s mission is to provide students with educational networking and professional opportunities in accounting and finance while promoting the IMA professional network.  Additionally, we are devoted to upholding the tradition of excellence, fostering intellectual curiosity and lifetime learning, promoting ethical decision making, inclusivity and encouraging impactful community service to all of those who share its proceeding.”

Q: Regarding the current fundraiser – light-up LED Scranton ornaments – would you share a bit about how/when people can purchase and other details, as well as which activities the fundraiser supports?

"The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) Student Chapter is currently selling light-up LED Scranton Ornaments to raise money for the student chapter. Each ornament is $10.00, and proceeds will help cover the costs of IMA memberships, certificate programs and travel for students. Next year, our officers have the opportunity to attend the IMA Student Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California. We are hoping to use the money raised from the fundraiser to support the travel to and from the conference. This is an amazing opportunity for students to network with professionals and students from other chapters."

Q: What, in your opinion, are the most exciting events or activities you present as a club?

"The most exciting events we host as a club are the opportunities to travel and be recognized on a national level. The IMA hosts a Case Competition and a Manuscript Competition each year for students to show off their accomplishments. Last year, I participated in the Case Competition and my team made it to the elite eight. Unfortunately, we did not make it to the final four, but I have confidence in the team that is submitting to the Case Competition this year.

Additionally, if you become an officer for the IMA you get to travel to new locations. It is so much fun to visit a new location and connect with professionals and students. I have attended two student leadership conferences and I have learned so much at each one. In November, we traveled to Detroit, and we got to go to a Pistons game and watch them play the Sixers. At last year’s conference in Pittsburgh, we were able to tour the Pittsburgh Penguins stadium and learn more about their accounting and finance functions.  Some Scranton students even attended the Penguins game that night! That was super cool and something I will always remember."  

Q: Why would you recommend someone join?

"I would recommend that a student join the club because it provides countless opportunities for them to grow. Since becoming a member of the IMA, I have been able to complete two certifications, in Robotic Process Automation and Sustainability, at no cost. I was able to leverage these certifications to help me secure an internship this past summer. 

Additionally, I have been able to travel to Pittsburgh and Detroit to attend the IMA Student Leadership Conference. At the conference, I attended insightful presentations and was able to connect with the IMA CEO and President. This was so cool, and I learned so much! The IMA Student Chapter provides students with so many unique opportunities."  

Q: Please share the format of a typical club meeting. What topics do you discuss?

"The IMA typically meets once a month to host speakers and discuss important topics in managerial and corporate accounting and finance. This semester we co-hosted an internship panel and young alumni panel with BAP (Beta Alpha Psi) and SAS (Society of Accounting Students), had an informational session with Gleim discussing the CMA exam, and sponsored a toiletry drive for Clothesline for Men and the International Service Trip Program. 

Next semester, we are hosting an ethics night with an alumnus, site visit, and an Easter Basket Drive. We are always changing the format of our meetings. In previous years we have hosted movie nights, virtual sessions with both governmental agencies and public accounting firms, and have presenters come to campus."   

Q: When and where does the IMA meet?

"The IMA’s meetings typically take place in Brennan Hall.  The exact location varies depending on meeting size and time."