What is the CMA Certification?
The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a professional certification credential that signifies an accountant has achieved a certain level of understanding in business strategies in the financial accounting and strategic management fields. Obtaining this globally recognized certification (you can use your CMA anywhere!) represents that this person has expertise in the areas of financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and professional ethics. The CMA is a certification that indicates proficiency in corporate finance and business management.
The CMA certification is offered by the Institute of Management Accountants.
Who is the CMA Certification For?
Accounting professionals of all levels will benefit from the CMA credential. The certification demonstrates your level of knowledge and expertise in business operations. If you are looking for a new job, being a CMA will set you apart from other candidates. CMA is an excellent way to advance your career when you are ready to move up to a top management position, whether it is a financial advisor or CFO.
Where does a CMA Accountant Work?
Work Environment
Just like most accountants, CMAs work regular business hours during weekdays and possibly longer hours during the reporting periods.
Industries
Strong business skills and strategic thinking are highly sought after amongst all companies across the world! It's a CMA's job to set the company up for a strong financial future. That means CMA's can work in corporations across all types of industries, including technology, healthcare, and finance.
Technology
Healthcare
Finance
Manufacturing
Education
Government
How will a CMA Certification Impact Your Career?
Earning the CMA credential can be instrumental in solidifying a long-term career path in a wide range of different industries that have financial analyst, controller, accountant, accounting manager or CFO roles. This option is an appealing professional credential for accountants aiming to build credibility, guide corporate financial decisions and participate in their company’s leadership roles.
CMA is a perfect credential for accounting and finance professionals. CMAs make multiple financial and investment decisions, analyze data, perform risk management, and advise on financial strategy.
Benefits to Becoming a Certified Management Accountant
Certified management accounting professionals have more career opportunities, greater job security, and according to the Institute of Management Consultants (IMA), CMAs are paid 67% more than non-certified accountants.
CMA Job Duties and Responsibilities
According to the U.S Department of Labor, these are just some of the job duties a management accountant could handle for their corporation.
- Financial strategy
- Financial planning
- Data analysis
- Budget analysis
- Risk-management analysis
- Accountant's supervision
CMA Positions
Professionals with the CMA certification can choose high-paying careers in fields such as:
- Accounting Manager
- Corporate Controller
- Cost Accountant
- Financial Analyst
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
What about Salary?
Over 75,000 accountants have earned their CMA credentials in its almost 50-year duration. With such a large membership, it's indisputable that obtaining your CMA can come with career-changing benefits - but just how much can a CMA earn and what are the career prospects for a CMA? Let's compare and contrast a Management Accountant salary with a Certified Management Salary:
What are the Requirements of a CMA Certification?
Learn the important requirements for earning your Certified Management Accountant (CMA) Certification.
Your Path to CMA Certification
Let us help you with your CMA exam journey!