The Institute of Management Accountants has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Association of Latino Professionals for America to demonstrate both groups’ commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The deal expands the IMA’s relationship with ALPFA, a prominent Latino professional association for accountants and finance professionals, boasting more than 92,000 members across the country. The MoU, signed by IMA President and CEO Jeff Thomson and ALPFA CEO Damian Rivera, outlines opportunities for collaboration between the two groups. They plan to partner on webinars, speaking engagements, and thought leadership concentrating on diversity, certification and the accounting profession.

“I’m proud that ALPFA is intensely focused on creating career opportunities for, and exponentially developing, Latino talent in finance and accounting at all levels, from an aspiring young intern to a superbly talented executive working with one of our corporate partners,” Rivera said in a statement. “Partnering with IMA is essential to our commitment to finance and accounting, which our organization was founded on. We’re excited to connect our community of dedicated, diverse, and talented professionals to IMA’s global network and leverage our passion for leadership and professional development to benefit our mutual goals.”

The IMA has been making a push to expand diversity in the accounting profession (see IMA ramps up diversity efforts for accountants).

“Diversity and inclusion needs to be a priority for all employers and professionals to remain relevant with employees,” said IMA director of diversity and inclusion Linda Devonish-Mills in a statement. “At IMA, embracing diversity is a priority for us and our diverse membership base, volunteer leadership, and staff. The partnership with ALPFA is in alignment with IMA’s strategy to develop a diverse leadership pipeline and increase awareness about IMA and the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) credential.”

She noted that the partnership has already proven beneficial, with the IMA exhibiting at ALPFA’s annual convention last summer and interacting with students and professionals in the profession.