CMA

Certified Management Accountant (CMA) Overview

As a respected leader within the global financial community, the IMA influences the concepts and ethical practices in management accounting and financial management worldwide. Consequently, the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certification offered by the IMA is the ”gold standard” of qualification and expertise of those professionals engaged in management accounting and financial management.

CMA candidates need to pass 2 examinations.

Part 1 - Financial Planning, Performance, and Control

The Part 1 body of knowledge includes:

• Planning, Budgeting and Forecasting
• Performance Management
• Cost Management
• Internal Controls

Part 2 - Financial Decision Making

The Part 2 body of knowledge includes:

• Financial Statement Analysis
• Corporate Finance
• Decision Analysis and Risk Management
• Investment Decisions

Benefits of CMA Certification

Research indicates that the CMA designation leads to much faster career advancement. IMA certified CMA's have average compensation that is considerably higher than for non-certified professionals. The CMA's have a competitive advantage in the workforce through:

• Communicating broad business competency and strategic financial mastery
• Obtaining contemporary professional knowledge and develop skills and abilities that are valued by successful businesses
• Conveying commitment to an exemplary standard of excellence that is grounded on a strong ethical foundation and lifelong learning

Candidate Requirements

Research indicates that having the CMA or CFM designations leads to much faster career advancement and IMA certified members' average compensation is considerably higher than for non-certified professionals. The CMA and CFM member also has a competitive advantage in the workforce through:

• Communicating broad business competency and strategic financial mastery.
• Obtaining contemporary professional knowledge and develop skills and abilities that are valued by successful businesses.
• Conveying commitment to an exemplary standard of excellence that is grounded on a strong ethical foundation and lifelong learning.

Admission Requirements

• Be a member of the Institute of Management Accountants. You can submit an application for IMA membership with your application to enroll in the CMA program. Complete the certification information section on the IMA application and register for the CMA examination.
• Pass both parts of the CMA examination.
• Fulfill or expect to fulfill the Educational Requirements.
• Be employed or expect to be employed in a position that meets the Experience requirement.
• Be of good moral character.
• Comply with the Standards of Ethical Conduct.

Visit the IMA website at www.imanet.org for more information on education and experience requirements, fees, exam procedures, waivers, study guides and other aspects of certification.