US CMA – Pathway To Management Accounting

Management accounting is vital in today’s business world, helping companies manage operations and make strategic decisions using accurate data. It offers insights into cost management, budgeting, and performance evaluation, optimizing resources and boosting profitability.

As a result, businesses are seeking skilled management accountants to drive growth. Among various courses, US CMA stands out for its practical and strategic benefits. Let’s explore why US CMA is a must-do for aspiring business professionals.

+91

What is a Certified Management Accountant (US CMA)?

The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a globally recognized professional qualification in Management Accounting awarded by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). The CMA qualification builds expertise in financial management, strategic decision-making, and performance analysis.

The CMA USA certification is more than just an academic achievement—it’s a powerful credential that validates your ability to drive business performance and make strategic financial decisions that influence the success of organizations worldwide.

What do you get by doing US CMA?

Global Recognition

Recognized in over 150 countries, US CMA will give you an international recognition

Value for money

While spending only 1-1.5 lakh on a certification, you can get a starting salary of 6-8 Lakhs.

Management roles!

While spending only 1-1.5 lakh on a certification, you can get a starting salary of 6-8 Lakhs.

Prestigious alumni network.

Become a part of the CMA Community. With over 1 Lakh US CMA’s, you can build your own network with people in similar profiles!

Salary hike for working professionals

Notice a big jump on your existing package by adding a professional qualification to your resume!

Who should pursue the US CMA? 

1.Accounting professionals looking for career advancement

Those seeking to advance their careers and gain a competitive edge in management accounting and financial management.

2.Business Owners seeking an overall understanding of finance & accounts

Those who wish to strengthen their financial management skills to better manage their businesses.

3. Candidates looking for a career change

Professionals from other fields who want to transition into management, finance and accounting roles with a globally recognized certification.

4. Working professionals looking to transition into management accounting

Those in roles such as financial analysts, auditors, accountants, or managers who want to move into leadership positions.

5.Graduates and Students in Finance or Accounting

Individuals looking to enhance their credentials and enter the job market with a recognized qualification.

Why should you pursue US CMA?

1. Globally Recognized Professional Qualification

With over 100,000 CMAs worldwide, spread across 150+ countries. The CMA is a prestigious certification recognized globally, opening doors to opportunities across the world for finance and accounting professionals.

2. Boost Your Earning Potential

CMAs typically earn 50-100% more than other commerce and accounting graduates, with a starting salary of 6-9 lakhs p.a, making it a lucrative investment in your future. Enhance your salary bracket and stand out in the competitive job market with this valuable credential.

3. Just 2 Exams

The CMA program consists of only 2 exams, making it one of the most straightforward paths to a professional accounting qualification. In comparison, Chartered Accountancy (CA) involves 16 exams, Indian CMA qualification has 20 exams spread across 3 levels. CMA offers a faster route to certification without compromising on quality and assures a bright future.

4. Cost-Efficient Certification

The CMA is one of the most cost-effective international qualifications available. The total cost, including IMA (Institute of Management Accountants) related fees, ranges from INR 75,000 to INR 120,000. This is significantly lower compared to other international certifications, which can cost between INR 3-4 lakhs. Get certified without breaking the bank!

What Does a CMA Do?

A US Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a highly qualified professional who plays a crucial role in an organization’s financial management and strategic planning. Unlike traditional accountants, US CMAs are deeply involved in guiding business decisions and enhancing overall performance. Here’s what a US CMA typically does:

  • Financial Planning & Analysis
  • Cost Management
  • Performance Management
  • Risk Management
  • Strategic Decision-Making:
  • Compliance & Internal Controls

US CMAs are more than financial managers—they are strategic partners who help businesses navigate financial complexities, improve profitability, and achieve sustainable success. Pursuing a CMA USA certification is your path to becoming a key player in any business’s growth and strategy.

Why is US CMA a Popular Course in Management Accounting?

The reason for the soaring popularity of the US CMA course is due to the various perks it offers with its certification. CMA USA is a globally recognised professional financial certification in 150+ Countries with a global pool of 1 Lakh+ US CMAs that allows candidates to earn high-profile jobs and build profitable careers.

Some other reasons why CMA USA is becoming highly prevalent and prominent are:

  • The US CMA Program Enables You to Develop Core Knowledge in Accounts & Finance

A CMA USA certification program provides a comprehensive education in management accounting and related financial topics. It covers all the relevant topics and aspects of accounting in-depth, allowing candidates to enhance their knowledge and develop innovative solutions for the present accounting challenges.

A course in US CMA provides you with the foundation to take on a wide range of financial management roles apart from just being an accountant. Having a deeper understanding of all related financial jobs, you will be able to generate better results for your organisation.

  • Becoming US CMA Certified Significantly Improves Your Marketability

One of the best advantages of becoming US CMA certified is it opens up a world of opportunities for you. CMA USA is a highly reputed certification acknowledged by the majority of top organisations in the world. Completing your certification sets you apart from other financial professionals as you gain deep knowledge and cutting-edge skills to excel in various financial management roles.

Most organisations prefer candidates with US CMA certification as they are already proficient in financial tools and techniques. Hence, you stand out in job searches and can avail of better job opportunities and higher compensation.

  • <h3″>The US Course Helps You Gain Professional Recognition Worldwide

US CMA certification is one of the finest financial certifications with high-value regard from over 150+ countries in the world. The course provides core knowledge in management accounting, financial reporting, strategic financial management & performance evaluation enabling candidates to take on leadership roles in esteemed organisations.

With over 100,000 certifications earned globally, CMA USA is considered a reputed course in the finance field and offers better jobs for candidates with US CMA certification.

  • US CMA Course Keeps You Updated with the Current Financial Issues

The course structure of the US CMA certification is devised in accordance with the latest financial rules and trends. This allows candidates to learn finance with respect to real-world ethics, which helps them gain pragmatic knowledge of the field and the tools used in it.

As you are updated with the latest trends and best practices in the management accounting field, you gain a competitive edge in the job market. Therefore, you can acquire high-salaried jobs and better positions in the market, which may not be availed without having CMA accreditation.

  • You Get to Network with Right Financial Professionals

Networking is important in today’s business world, whatever industry you may be catering to. With the right networks and connections, you can substantially improve your career growth and achieve higher prospects. CMA has extensive alumni of over a hundred thousand members, which help you earn good and reputed positions in esteemed organisations.

Apart from it, with the CMA certification, you can open the door to numerous networking opportunities through which you can find mentors and build relationships to help advance your career.

  • Exponential Growth in the field of Finance & Accounts

A prominent reason for more and more financial students to choose US CMA for their education is the exponential growth you get with CMA USA certification. As the certification is professionally acknowledged by most organisations in the world, you start your career with the best job profiles in the market.

This strong start to your career further leads to various benefits as you move along with your career, your career prospects significantly improve and you get to score the best and most rewarding jobs in the financial sector.

Start Your US CMA Journey With IMS Proschool

Why US CMA is Preferred by People Not Keen on a US CPA/Audit Career?

Both CPA and CMA are great professional courses having their unique characteristics. The reason to choose one over another is not that one course is better than the other. The choice must be made considering the personal career ambitions and interests of candidates.

Here are some reasons why people prefer US CMA over US CPA:

  • US CMA Offers a Diverse Range of Career Opportunities than US CPA

The US CMA opens doors to a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and finance, with roles such as financial analyst, controller, and CFO. In contrast, the CPA is often more restricted to accounting firms and compliance-focused positions.

  • Lower Cost of Education in US CMA

The cost of studying for the CMA exam is significantly lower than the CPA exam. This makes it easier to pursue this certification for candidates as they need to spend less on their education. It is a substantial reason to choose CMA over CPA.

  • Focus on Management and Strategy

Unlike the CPA, which emphasizes auditing, tax, and compliance, the US CMA is geared toward strategic management, financial planning, and decision-making. CMAs are trained to be key contributors in business strategy, making them invaluable in managerial and executive roles.

  • US CMA Offers an Extensive Knowledge Base for Students

The CMA exam covers a broad range of financial topics like Financial Planning, Performance and Control, Financial Statement Analysis, Corporate Finance, Decision Analysis, Investment Decisions, Risk Management, Professional Ethics, and Strategic Management Accounting.

All these topics are thoroughly discussed and taught to the candidates, allowing them to gain expertise in a variety of areas. This extensive knowledge of the field helps score better job opportunities.

  • You Can Specialise in Specific Accounting Areas in CMA USA

The CMA certification allows you to specialise in specific areas of accounting and finance, like cost accounting or corporate finance. This can be a great way to differentiate yourself from other candidates in the job market who are competing with you for the same job profiles. As you will have better proficiency in those areas, you will ideally be a better acquisition option for any company.

  • Global Recognition

The US CMA is recognized internationally and highly regarded in global companies, providing greater mobility and opportunities to work across borders. The CPA, while respected, is primarily known for its relevance within the United States.

*Note that US CPA in any way is not inferior to CMA. Both have their attributes, advantages, and disadvantages. So, you must choose wisely which subjects you are interested in to get yourself educated.

How to Become a US CMA Professional?

To become a US Certified Management Accountant (CMA) professional, you need to complete a two-part exam administered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA).

Eligibility for the CMA USA Exam

  • To be eligible for the US CMA exam, you need to pass your HSC examination. Which means you can register and appear for the US CMA exam after completing the 12th Grade (10+2).
  • The candidate must have two continuous years of professional experience in financial management or management accounting to earn the CMA certification. You can get certified post clearing the two part CMA exam and gaining sufficient work experience.

Exam Structure

  • The CMA exam consists of 2 parts which can be taken in any order.
  • They consist of 100 MCQs each and two 30 min essay type questions.
  • Each exam is a 4 hour exam and 360/500 is required for passing the exam.
  • There are 3 testing windows in a year which are Jan-Feb, May-Jun, Sep-Oct.
  • You can take the US CMA exam anytime during the testing windows at prometric centres present across India.
  • IMA recently reported that the part 1 exam of CMA has a worldwide pass rate of 45% – 50%.

The 2 part CMA is exam is structured in the following manner:

CMA Exam  Main Subjects Topics it Covers
Part 1 Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics
  • External Financial Reporting Decisions (15% – Levels A, B, and C)
  • Planning, Budgeting, and Forecasting (20% – Levels A, B, and C)
  • Performance Management (20% – Levels A, B, and C)
  • Cost Management (15% – Levels A, B, and C)
  • Internal Controls (15% – Levels A, B, and C)
  • Technology and Analytics (15% – Levels A, B, and C)
Part 2  Strategic Financial Management
  • Financial Statement Analysis (20% – Levels A, B, and C)
  • Corporate Finance (20% – Levels A, B, and C)
  • Business Decision Analysis (25% – Levels A, B, and C)
  • Enterprise Risk Management (10% – Levels A, B, and C)
  • Capital Investment Decisions (10% – Levels A, B, and C)
  • Professional Ethics (15% – Levels A, B, and C)

Having said that, it must be evident that clearing this exam is no piece of the cake and requires extensive preparation for the exam. That is why it is advised to seek a professional partner to prepare and complete the CMA course. 

Career Opportunities after US CMA

Entry Level UG

CTC 6-8 lacs

Entry level roles in Corporates and Top consulting firms with designations Management Accountant, Management consultant, Internal auditor, Financial Analyst, Cost accountant, Risk analyst

Professionals

CTC 10-20 lacs

Get a salary hike and stepinto managerial and top level roles like Corporate controller, Chief Management Officer, Chief financial officer (CFO), Financial Risk Manager, Senior cost and management accountant, Head of Finance, Treasurer, Chief Internal Auditor.

How Does IMS Proschool Help You Clear the US CMA Examination?

  • IMS Proschool is one of the only Top training institute that provides Classroom training for US CMA.
  • Internationally acclaimed study material approved by the IMA which includes online & offline training by qualified faculty, a comprehensive question bank with 4000+ MCQs & 90+ essays, practice tests, study materials, and mock exams are provided to the students.
  • IMS Proschool’s lectures cover all CMA syllabus topics in depth, delivered by expert instructors with extensive experience in leading global financial corporations.
  • IMS Proschool offers practice tests, mock exams, and an online portal with customized questions, aligned with international training materials. This helps students get familiar with the exam format and sharpen their test-taking skills.
  • Additionally, IMS Proschool also provides personalised guidance and feedback to help students identify areas of improvement.
  • Comprehensive placement assistance is provided to the students which includes CV building, company shortlists and mock interviews.
  • IMS Proschool provides Exam Pass Commitment. In case of re-attempts, candidates can attend the entire module a second time at no additional cost