Celebrating outstanding achievements and new skill sets gained, the Certified Hospitality Finance and Management Accountants (CHFMA) professional qualification jointly offered by CHFMA and SLITHM held its Certificate Awarding Ceremony and new class inauguration ceremony recently. CHFMA Foundation and Certificate Level students gathered at the auditorium of the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management to be felicitated and recognized for the excellent results they obtained.
Minister of Tourism Development, John Amaratunga together with Chairman, National Human Resource Development Council of Sri Lanka, Dinesh Weerakkody were instrumental in introducing the CHFMA professional qualification.
Speaking about the success of the programme, Minister Amaratunga noted that it was important for SLITHM as the country’s pioneer hospitality trainer to innovate and adapt to the changing requirements of the industry.
The Minister praised Prof. Lakshman R. Watawala, President, CMA Sri Lanka and Chairman, SLITHM, Sunil Dissanayake for acting on his proposal and making the programme a reality in a short period of time.
As management accountants, their skills have been harnessed to develop businesses in a variety of industries across the world. Preparation for the specific needs of operating with any given field, however, tends to be a matter of on-the-job learning and wisdom passed down from predecessors.
Jointly offered by the Institute of Certified Management Accountants of Sri Lanka (CMA) and Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM), the CHFMA qualification supports Sri Lankan professionals by pre-empting that process, giving them the skills they need to excel in finance and management accounting in the hospitality sector, even before they have spent years in the workplace.
As a result, CHFMA-qualified management accountants are well-equipped to handle the challenges they will face in the hospitality sector.
Chief Guest at the ceremony, Rohan Karr, Executive Vice President, John Keells Holdings – Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts, stated that the hospitality industry demands a fascination with the sector, and deep and comprehensive knowledge, in order to establish a successful career.
Speaking on the lack of professional qualifications providing skills to support operations in the hospitality industry, he underscored the importance of obtaining a professional qualification in the specific area of finance and management accounting for the hospitality industry.