CMA British Columbia is pleased to announce that Burnaby Mountain Secondary has won the first annual CMA Scholarship Competition – a High School business case competition – held at Simon  Fraser University on Saturday, February 24, 2007.

Burnaby Mountain Secondary represented by Thomas Lee, Leo Liu, and Alex Ng won the competition and shared a $2000 team scholarship, and Delta’s Seaquam Secondary won second place.  There was representation by high schools across the province: 66 grade 11/12 students, organized in 22 teams, from 15 high schools.

“We are very proud to hold a business case competition for high school students, and help these young leaders develop their strategic leadership skills early in their careers” says Colin Bennett, CMA, FCMA – President & CEO of CMA British Columbia.

During the competition, students were invited to put their management leadership skills to the test by analyzing the business case problem of Google’s acquisition of YouTube, and strategically advising the company's fictional senior management on a recommended solution.  The competition provided participating students with an understanding of management challenges and issues.  It also provided an opportunity to learn best practices, apply them in a demanding and creative situation, and acquire an appreciation of a business leader's role.

"This first annual CMA Scholarship Competition has been a great success," said Maureen Fizzell, CMA, FCMA – Associate Dean, Simon Fraser University Business and one of three judges involved in the competition.  “The leadership and innovation demonstrated by these teams exemplifies the strategic thinking that is the cornerstone of the CMA designation and the core competency of more than 38,000 members worldwide.”

With more than 38,000 certified members and 10,000 students around the world, CMA Canada grants the Certified Management Accounting designation and is responsible for standards-setting, accreditation and the continuing professional development of CMAs. CMAs provide an integrating perspective to business decision-making, applying a unique blend of expertise in accounting management and strategy to identify new market opportunities, ensure corporate accountability and help organizations maintain a long-term competitive advantage.