CMA QUIZ BOWL CONCLUDES

The first CMA (Certified Management Accountant) Quiz Bowl in the Philippines sponsored by Insights Financial Review Services and the Institute of Management Accountants in cooperation with hosting schools took place yesterday with more than 190 graduating students and accounting instructors vying for the top honors and prizes that include CMA Program scholarships and other major prizes. Delegates from top schools in the country were mostly Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA) and BSBA-Management Accounting graduating students.

The quiz event, held at the University of Baguio, De La Salle University-Dasmarinas, Wesleyan University Philippines, and Insights office in Makati, welcomed the participants from 8:00 am for assignment of seats and registration formalities. The contest officially started at 9:00 am and the last participant submitted his exam booklet at 1:00 pm to close the event. While there was only about a 50% turnout (about 332 have enlisted), the organizers of this event believe that this will grow in number in the future as some of the best Accountancy schools from Metro Manila were not able to

performers in each category will be awarded the grand prizes. The examination comprised of 100 multiple-choice questions which were carefully selected and drawn based on the official CMA Learning Outcome Statements (LOS). A lone essay in the form of a case-study was likewise included which dealt with the topic on ABC (Activity-Based-Costing). College professors who took the exam found the questions challenging but equally relevant to enhance the skills and knowledge of accountants intending to work in the private sector.

The results and announcement of top performers and winners of the quiz event will be known in the next three weeks once all scorecards are tallied. Awarding of Certificates of Participation will take place in Manila and will coincide with the testimonial celebration for the first batch of Filipino CMAs who have successfully completed the CMA Program. There are at least 8-10 candidates who are expected to be conferred the CMA Certificates next month. The exact date and location of this event will be announced over the coming weeks. This early, a few of those who have participated in the Quiz Bowl are now contemplating on pursuing the CMA credential and use this title as gateway to an illustrious career as a management accountant.