Ford named accountants' employer of choice

Ford has been declared 2007 employer of the year for management accountants, according to the profession's chartered institute.

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) selected Ford in recognition of support and commitment shown by the company towards its trainees.

Ford has a successful record of training employees with CIMA and now boasts 182 institute members and 170 students. CIMA highlighted Ford trainees' impressive exam results and 89 per cent pass rate, compared with the national average of 57 per cent.

Gordon Grant, CIMA president, said: "The judges commended Ford for demonstrating how our members are central in driving their business. The company’s focus on professional development, including less technical ‘soft skills’, and a strong support structure proved commitment throughout Ford from top to bottom."

Ford European accounting manager Terry Archer, who also chairs Ford's CIMA steering committee, said: "Competition was tough in CIMA's employer of the year category this year, with many other deserving blue-chip companies shortlisted. The title will give Ford a strong edge in the recruitment market as an employer of choice – a tribute to the considerable effort from Ford's finance team."

CIMA offers an internationally recognised qualification in management accountancy, focusing on accounting in business. It is the voice of over 158,000 students and members in over 160 countries.