Jeffrey C. Thomson

Jeffrey C. Thomson, CMA, CSCA, CAE, is president and CEO of IMA^® (Institute of Management Accountants). Since assuming the position in 2008, Thomson has led the development of a strategy resulting in IMA becoming one of the fastest-growing and most influential accounting associations in the world, with double-digit growth in its CMA^® (Certified Management Accountant) program. IMA has a global network of more than 140,000 members in 150 countries and 350 professional and student chapters.

Thomson joined IMA as vice president of research, where he conducted research studies, authored numerous articles and a book, and provided testimony to the U.S. Congress in the areas of risk management, internal controls, and corporate governance. As an expert in these areas, he currently serves as the Lead Director on the COSO (Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission) Board as IMA’s representative. As a co-founding member of COSO, IMA supports COSO’s mission of providing thought leadership through the development of comprehensive frameworks and guidance to improve organizational performance and governance and deter fraud in organizations.

Prior to joining IMA, Thomson worked at AT&T for more than two decades, where he started out as a data scientist decades before the job title was popularized in industry. During his tenure at AT&T, he served in various financial, strategic, and operational roles. This includes serving as the business partner CFO for an $18 billion business unit.

Thomson holds BA and MA degrees in Mathematics and Statistics from Montclair State University and completed Columbia University’s Senior Executive Development Program. He has been named in Accounting Today’s “Top 100 Most Influential People List” for the past 12 years and was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by Trust Across America. He is a sought-after speaker and writer on ERM, data analytics, ethical leadership, sustainability, and integrated reporting.