| Q: What is the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA®) ?
A:With a worldwide network of more than 60,000 professionals, IMA is the world’s leading organization dedicated to empowering accounting and finance professionals to drive business performance. IMA provides a dynamic forum for professionals to advance their careers through Certified Management Accountant (CMA®) certification, research, professional education, networking and advocacy of the highest ethical and professional standards. Back to Top Q: Who are IMA's members?
A:IMA members are business leaders, managers, and decision makers in management accounting and finance. They are dedicated to continued professional development, achieving the highest levels of professional certification, and supporting each other in their commitment to professional excellence.
IMA members represent organizations of all sizes and structure, including family-run businesses, private firms, not-for-profit organizations, academic institutions, small and large publicly-traded companies, and multi-national corporations. Back to Top Q: How can I join IMA?
A:Join IMA using our convenient online form. Back to Top Q: What is management accounting?
A:Management accounting is the internal business building role of accounting and finance professionals who work inside organizations. These professionals are involved in designing and evaluating business processes, budgeting and forecasting, implementing and monitoring internal controls, and analyzing, synthesizing, and aggregating information—to help drive economic value. Back to Top Q: What does a management accountant do?
A:The role of management accounting differs from that of public accounting, since management accountants work at the “beginning” of the value chain, supporting decision making, planning and control, while audit and tax functions involve checking the work after the fact. Management accountants are valued business partners, directly supporting an organization's strategic goals. Back to Top Q: What is the Certified Management Accountant (CMA®)?
A:The CMA® designation is an advanced, globally recognized credential that supports management accounting and finance professionals who drive business performance from inside organizations. It is designed to foster the professional development of those who hold it, preparing them to anticipate the needs of their organizations and play an integral role in the strategic decision-making process, while also upholding the highest level of professional and ethical standards. IMA's CMA program embodies an extensive and advanced-level curriculum requiring candidates to demonstrate thorough knowledge of accounting, finance and important related fields, as well as the ability to integrate accounting and financial information into the business decision process. CMA exam topics include economics, business finance, situational analysis, and decision making, with a strong emphasis on ethics. Combined with relevant rule-based subject matter, the four-tiered CMA exam is designed to develop and measure critical thinking and decision-making skills. Back to Top Q: Why should I get my CMA?
A:Beyond the fact that IMA’s Annual Salary Survey (Strategic Finance magazine, June 2007) shows that certified professionals earn approximately 27 percent more than non-certified professionals, holding the CMA sets you apart from other practitioners and demonstrates your dedication to the profession, a commitment to excellence, and a pledge to adhere to the highest ethical standards.
More than 90 percent of finance function professionals today work inside organizations, where expertise in decision support, planning, and control over value-creating operations is a crucial element of operational success. The CMA is the advanced, globally recognized credential that best supports these professionals who drive business performance from inside their organizations. Businesses around the world look to CMAs to contribute the management accounting expertise needed to add strategic value to the organization. Also, potentially as many as 80 percent of those who enter public accounting eventually leave to work in industry, and the CMA program best prepares these professionals for the transition to a more advanced, strategic role within an organization. Back to Top Q: How can I get my CMA?
A:Visit the Certification section for information on certification requirements and how to register for the CMA examinations. Back to Top Q: Does IMA have resources to help candidates prepare for the CMA exam?
A: IMA offers a suite of CMA exam prep tools to help you prepare for and complete the CMA exam. The CMA Learning System is a state-of-the-art, self-directed study program that delivers today's most comprehensive, customized learning experience in management accounting. A unique online self-assessment tool is available to benchmark a candidate’s knowledge. The CMA Learning System combines printed study materials with online, interactive testing and an optional subject-specific classroom component. An intensive review course is also available. For more information on IMA's CMA Learning System, including a complimentary online demo, visit: http://www.imanet.org/development_cma_ls.asp. Other organizations also provide preparatory resources for the CMA program. For a listing please visit the Certification section of the website. Back to Top Q: Do I have to have my CMA to become a member of IMA?
A:No, CMA certification is not required for IMA membership, but you must be a member of IMA in order to pursue this credential. Professional certification is the most effective way for IMA members and management accounting and finance professionals to demonstrate and maintain the highest standard of relevant knowledge and skills. Back to Top | 
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