Lifelong Learning Special
IMA:“THE BEST WAY TO PREDICT THE FUTURE IS TO CREATE IT”
Russ Porter has been working in the finance and accounting profession for almost three decades. So, when he joined IMA (Institute of Management Accountants) as CFO and senior vice president last year, he brought years of valuable experience to the table. IMA - the worldwide association of accountants and financial professionals in business focuses exclusively on advancing the management accounting profession by offering members opportunities to keep on learning and advancing throughout their careers. While in Amsterdam for a flash visit to IMA’s European headquarters, Russ told us all about his ambitions and the value of staying on track with the latest developments in his profession. Yesterday, you were one of the key
organizations we support. We need to
looking forward, being prepared, and
speakers at IMA’s Finance Transformation
recognize how far the technology in our
looking for the risks and opportunities.
event, talking about your cross-functional
field has evolved and how intertwined it
People tend to think finance professionals
experience in accounting and finance.
has become with our work. Also, we need
are always looking at the risk side, but
What was the focus of your message?
to be prepared for the changes that are
there are great opportunities in the market
“I greatly appreciated being invited over
yet to come. A lot of the technologies we
for our companies and businesses.”
to speak, and my message was one of
were using fifteen years ago no longer
ongoing importance. I talked about how
apply, whereas a lot of the things we’ll
How can people prepare for all that’s coming?
we as financial professionals add value
need fifteen years from now haven’t been
“It’s a volatile world and the future has
to our organizations, but also about how
invented yet. So, at IMA, we want to spread
always been uncertain. One need only look
we need to continue to transform for the
the message to not only remain current
back on the last two years or even two
future needs of our businesses and the
with the times, but to stay ahead. It’s about
weeks to see how volatile situations can
38
