After CMA Which Course Is Better for Higher Salary? Best Course After CMA USA in 2025

Getting your US CMA certification is a strong strategic career move. You become a peer among the global elite, with special access to international career opportunities. The CMA course enhances your credibility, equipping you with expertise in management accounting, financial management, and decision support.

But what if you wanted more? Remember, it’s a competitive market out there. If you have fire in your belly, you probably want to achieve much more than the average US CMA professional. Your ambition is admirable, which is why you should consider pursuing a certification that complements your US CMA. With a dual qualification, you’ll be on the fast track to career advancement. So, after CMA, which course is better?

Programs like CIMA, CPA, CFA and MBA can elevate your career growth by enhancing your expertise, increasing job prospects, and unlocking a higher salary potential in the global markets.

Do you need more convincing? Keep reading to find out more about the best courses after CMA USA.

Also Read- US CMA Pass Percentage | Difficulty Check & Insights for Aspirants

The Best Courses after CMA USA

It is not unusual for students to wonder which course is better after CMA. Should they pursue the CIMA? Is CFA more appropriate? Will the MBA open up more exciting industry prospects? Let’s break it down and analyse which course you should add to your resume to achieve your career goals.

1. US CMA + CIMA

For careers in performance management, strategy, and risk management, the best course after CMA USA is CIMA.

How does this combination help your career?

A CIMA after CMA USA certification will propel you to take on high-profile leadership positions within multiple industries, especially in places where the CIMA certification carries more value than CMA USA. If you want to work in countries such as the UK, Australia, South Africa, Singapore and Malaysia, the CIMA holds more market value and therefore can be a great asset to your resume.

CIMA course details

Syllabus:

• Certificate Level (Fundamentals of accounting and business)
• Operational Level (Cost accounting and financial operations)
• Management Level (Performance management and decision-making)
• Strategic Level (Risk management and financial strategy)

Duration: 2 to 3 years

Advantages of CMA + CIMA dual certification:

• You evolve into a proficient specialist in management accounting, performance management and risk assessment.
• Your skills and expertise in decision-making, business performance and financial strategy are enhanced.
• Both certifications are recognised globally, including in countries like the USA, UK, Singapore, Canada, UAE, Australia and India.
• US CMA holders can get exemptions at the Certificate and Operational Levels.
• Job profiles include Finance Manager, Risk Analyst, Strategic Planner, Performance Management Specialist, and even upper management positions such as director, VP and CFO.

Annual salary expectations:

Salaries vary based on location, job profile and company. Leading MNCs and Big 4 firms offer higher packages than smaller companies.

Entry-Level (0-3 years): Rs 8 lakhs to Rs 15 lakhs

Mid-Level (4-9 years): Rs 15 lakhs to Rs 30 lakhs

Senior-Level (10+ years): Rs 30 lakhs to Rs 60+ lakhs

2. US CMA + US CPA

For careers in accounting, taxation and auditing, the best course after CMA USA is US CPA.

How does this combination help your career?

After CMA, which course is better for working in corporate finance, financial reporting, compliance and consulting? The US CMA and US CPA are an excellent combination as they provide a well-rounded expertise in management accounting with auditing, taxation and regulatory compliance.

US CPA course details

Syllabus:

Three mandatory core sections:

• Auditing & Attestation (AUD)
• Financial Accounting & Reporting (FAR)
• Regulation (REG)

Choose one from the following elective discipline sections:

• Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR)
• Information Systems and Controls (ISC)
• Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)

Duration:

15 to 24 months

Advantages of US CMA + US CPA dual certification:

• This combined qualification can lead to high-paying, global opportunities in Big 4 firms, MNCs and leading companies.
• Dual-certified professionals are on the fast track for growth and internal promotions.
• The US CPA is revered in the international financial markets, while the CMA is globally acclaimed for its management accounting expertise.
• There is a high demand for professionals proficient in taxation, compliance and financial reporting.
• The dual certification makes you an asset in any company, leading to job security.
• If you plan to work in the USA, the CPA is the gold standard in accounting. Many accounting profiles require a CPA license. A US CMA + US CPA certification will give you a significant edge during recruitment.
• Job positions include Financial Controller, Auditor, Tax Consultant and CFO.

Annual salary expectations:

Salaries vary based on location, job profile and company. A US CPA and CMA combined certification can receive higher packages from Leading MNCs and Big 4 firms.

Entry-Level (0-3 years): Rs 8 lakhs to Rs 15 lakhs

Mid-Level (4-9 years): Rs 15 lakhs to Rs 30 lakhs

Senior-Level (10+ years): Rs 30 lakhs to Rs 50+ lakhs

3. US CMA + CFA

For careers in investment banking and portfolio management, the best course after CMA USA is the CFA.

How does this combination help your career?

The CFA course offers a strong foundation in investment management, financial analysis, and portfolio management. When you also do the US CMA certification, you create a powerful combination of corporate finance expertise and investment management skills. So, if you want to work in business, finance and capital markets after CMA, which course is better? CFA, of course.

CFA course details

Syllabus:

CFA has three parts:

• Level I: Introduction to financial concepts and investment tools
• Level II: Application of financial concepts in asset valuation
• Level III: Portfolio management and wealth planning

Duration: 2.5 to 3 years

Advantages of US CMA + CFA dual certification:

• Both certifications are internationally acclaimed and preferred by MNCs, banks, consulting companies and investment firms.
• You get a competitive edge in the job market, which can lead to diverse career opportunities.
• The two courses can accelerate your growth, leading to quick promotions and leadership roles.
• You will be a valuable asset, as you possess versatile knowledge and skills in financial strategy, decision-making, risk management, performance evaluation and investment analysis.
• Job profiles include Investment Banker, Portfolio Manager, Risk Manager, Financial Controller, Management Consultant, Corporate Finance Manager, CFO.

Annual salary expectations:

Salaries vary depending on the industry, job role, company and location. Top-paying sectors include corporate finance, investment banking, financial consulting and asset management.

Entry-Level (0-3 years): Rs 10 lakhs to Rs 18 lakhs

Mid-Level (4-9 years): Rs 18 lakhs to Rs 35 lakhs

Senior-Level (10+ years): Rs 35 lakhs to Rs 60+ lakhs

4. US CMA + MBA in Finance

For careers in management and leadership roles, the best course after CMA USA is the MBA in finance.

How does this combination help your career?

The MBA gives you a broad understanding of financial management and business strategy, while the US CMA emphasises management accounting, financial planning and decision-making. Together, they boost your strategic and analytical skills, leading to important positions like CFO, Finance Manager, or Business Consultant, with a higher salary potential.

Advantages of US CMA + MBA dual certification

• The certifications are perfect for professionals who are aiming for managerial leadership.
• Both qualifications enhance your business, leadership and strategic skills.
• The US CMA and MBA credentials are universally recognised by MNCs and Fortune 500 companies for top management jobs.
• You can elevate to high-profile positions like Director, VP or CEO.
• Professionals can work in corporate finance, consulting, banking and financial management.

Annual salary expectations:

Salaries vary based on industry, job role, company, and location. MBA holders from top B-schools like IIM will make higher salaries than those from tier-2 colleges.

US CMA + MBA from tier-1 colleges. (IIMs, ISB, XLRI, etc):

• Entry-Level (0-3 years): Rs 15 lakhs to Rs 30 lakhs
• Mid-Level (4-9 years): Rs 30 lakhs to Rs 50 lakhs
• Senior-Level (10+ years): Rs 50 lakhs to Rs 1+ crore

US CMA + MBA from tier-2 colleges (NMIMS, Symbiosis, BIMTECH, etc.)

Entry-Level (0-3 years): Rs 10 lakhs to Rs 20 lakhs

Mid-Level (4-9 years): Rs 25 lakhs to Rs 35 lakhs

Senior-Level (10+ years): Rs 40 lakhs to Rs 60+ lakhs

5. US CMA + Data Analytics

For careers in fintech and AI in finance, the best course after CMA USA is Data Analytics.

How does this combination help your career?

Your financial planning and strategic decision-making are essential for business finance roles. Now add data-driven insights, AI and predictive modelling to your skill set, and you can go places in the rapidly developing world of finance and technology.

Advantages of US CMA + Data Analytics dual certification

• Companies want data-savvy accounting professionals who can analyse financial data, optimise productivity and drive strategic decisions.
• You have a higher chance of qualifying for top senior roles if you have dual professional qualifications.
• A Data Analytics certification combined with US CMA makes you future-ready, as automation and AI are transforming the finance industry.
• Job profiles include Financial Data Analyst, FinTech Consultant, Cost Analyst and Management Consultant.

Annual salary expectations:

The salaries can vary depending on the experience level, job profile, company and location.

Entry-Level (0-3 years): Rs 5 lakhs to Rs 8 lakhs

Mid-Level (4-9 years): Rs 8 lakhs to Rs 15 lakhs

Senior-Level (10+ years): Rs 15 lakhs to Rs 25+ lakhs

Benefits of doing a course after US CMA certification

• Higher earning potential — Holding two top professional qualifications can increase your market value and ensure you earn a lucrative income.

• Stronger resume compared to peers — As a highly educated candidate, you stand a higher chance of getting recruited by top MNCs.

• Qualify for senior positions — Any of the above certifications, when combined with a US CMA, can make you eligible for leadership positions such as manager, director, VP, or CFO.

• Global career opportunities — You get direct access to international job markets, consulting firms, MNCs, global banks and Indian companies.

• Expand your skillset — A dual certification will show recruiters that you have updated your abilities and knowledge to meet changing industry demands.

 

Also Read- Is US CMA Worth It in India? Read The Benefits and Disadvantages

IMS Proschool’s best courses after CMA USA

As one of India’s top coaching institutions, Proschool offers various advanced courses that can complement your CMA USA qualification. The US CPA, CIMA, and CFA programs can help you further your career in finance and accounting. At Proschool, you are taught by industry professionals who use active learning methods and innovative training techniques. They simplify complex concepts, clear doubts, and offer revision classes. This helps students to master the syllabus and become proficient in the subject material. If you are still uncertain which course is better after CMA, Proschool will help you make the right decision.

Highlights:

• Proschool has one of the best international learning portals with interactive LMS platforms.
• It is only one of the top institutions that offer online and offline classes.
• Additional learning resources include mock tests, practice papers, a large Q&A bank, learning videos and board-approved study material.
• 100 per cent placement assistance is available, along with recruitment training in resume building and interview etiquette.

Conclusion

Which course is better after the US CMA? By now, you should have a better understanding of the path to take to enhance your existing certification. The best course after CMA USA depends on your career goals. Do you want to specialise in finance and investment? Then, CFA is the best course after CMA USA. If you prefer accounting and auditing, CPA is the way to go. If you want to lead a company or become the CEO, an MBA can help you. Choosing the right combination can open global opportunities, increase your salary and advance your career.

Learn more about Proschool’s courses here.

FAQs

Is it worth doing CIMA after CMA USA?

It depends on your career goals. If you are looking for global career opportunities in strategic management and business strategy in a leadership position, then yes, doing the CIMA after CMA will be an excellent option.

Which course is better: CPA or CIMA after CMA USA?

Both are fantastic options, but it all depends on your end game. The CPA is perfect if you want to specialise in international accounting and taxation. Whereas, CIMA is better suited if you want to work in a strategic management role with a global perspective.

How long does it take to complete CIMA after CMA USA?

The exact duration depends on specific factors. US CMA holders can get exemptions from the first two levels, allowing them to complete the CIMA course in one to two years.

Also, if you are a full-time CIMA student, you can complete the course quickly. If you are a working professional studying CIMA part-time, it could take longer to finish the program.

Do top companies, such as the Big 4, prefer US CMA professionals with additional qualifications?

Yes, companies like Deloitte, PwC, EY and KPMG prefer hiring US CMA professionals with additional qualifications such as CFA, CPA or MBA. An extra credential can enhance your profile, strengthen your expertise and make you a strong hire for financial and strategic roles.

Should I do the CPA course after completing CMA USA?

Here are three reasons why the CPA is one of the best courses after CMA USA.

• You want to work in accounting, taxation, or auditing with global companies.
• You hope to migrate to the US or work in US-based firms.
• You are looking at job profiles that require a CPA license, such as a licensed auditor or tax advisor.

Which courses can be completed the fastest after CMA USA?

Courses like CIMA and CPA can be completed quickly after CMA USA, especially if you qualify for exemptions or have strong foundational knowledge.

I want to work in auditing, taxation and compliance. Which course should I do after CMA US?

The US CPA program is the best course after CMA USA for auditing, taxation and compliance.

Which course has the best global recognition after CMA USA?

Courses such as CFA, US CPA, CIMA and MBA have maximum recognition worldwide.