Rider Accounting Team Reaches the IMA Final Four

Rider’s 2008 Accounting Team of Matt Geel, Don Ferry (MAcc’ 08), Kim Christie, and Jeffrey Tinucci reached the final four of the 2008 Institute of Management Accountants National Case Competition.  The Team traveled to Tampa, Florida in June to make a live presentation of their case recommendations to IMA judges. Twenty five student teams from the U.S. and China participated in the competition which was won by the University of Southern Indiana. Teams from Western Illinois University and Wright State University rounded out the final four which were required to analyze a non-profit healthcare organization and make recommendations to improve fund raising initiatives and achieve organizational goals.

“The IMA Case Competition provides an outstanding opportunity for students to tackle real world issues and to refine not only their problem solving skills but those in strategic thinking and communications,”  according to faculty advisor, Dr. Larry Prober. “The team made an outstanding presentation revolving around the balanced scorecard, integrating a number of topics covered throughout our accounting curriculum. I was very proud of how they handled the pressure of the finals and the questions posed to them from the judges. There is little doubt that this kind of experience will serve them well in their future careers.” 

Rider’s past performance in the Competition has been outstanding with teams reaching the final four seven times in 18 years. This distinguished record is a reflection of the Rider curriculum and faculty as well as outstanding students tackling challenging cases and giving them their best effort.

Pictured from left to right: Kim Chrisie, Matt Geel, Don Ferry, Dr. Larry Prober, Jeffrey Tinucci