CMA® Resource Center

"I use my CMA body of knowledge every day. It comes naturally in the role of CFO because I need to look at things from many different angles, not just from the financial perspective. Management accounting skills are very much in demand as foreign and local companies reach out from the local marketplace and into more global arenas. The CMA body of knowledge is very valuable in this regard."

John K. Lau, CMA
Chief Financial Officer
WesTrac China

"Don't just blindly follow the CPA track. More than 80% of accounting professionals wind up working in industry, so be aware of the non-public accounting opportunities. The big CPA firms sponsor everything on campus, so it's easy to think they're the only game in town. They're not."

Paula Riemer, CMA, CPA
Senior Financial Analyst
The Martin-Brower Co., LLC

"I tell my students: taking the CMA exam is something you can do even before graduation. It gives you and your potential employer evidence that you’re well prepared and well qualified. The CMA sets you apart from others who have a college degree alone, and it’s something that is recognized and respected by a lot of potential employers."

Christine McKeag, CMA, CPA
Assistant Dean
Schroeder Family School of Business Administration University of Evansville, Indiana

"The fact that I had recently completed the exam definitely came up in my interviews. It was a strong selling point that I think helped to set me apart. Pursuing my CMA shows not only that I have a specific skills set but also that I was able to prepare for the exam and accomplish a goal."

Amy White, CMA
Accounting
Safeway, Inc.

"The CMA gave me the cohesion and validation that I needed. Because I come from India and my education and experience came from there, my background wasn't as easily recognized. It's been very helpful for me to have this designation, because it shows that I'm a person who understands all the things that are tested on the exam."

Raj Bansal, CMA, CFM
Assistant VP, Banking Specialist HSBC Bank

"The CMA credential is a spotlight directed to anyone working in accounting and finance. To be certified as a CMA means that I’m a more knowledgeable and experienced professional. In addition, the certification gives me more confidence and adds to my clients’ trust, when they realize that they are dealing with a CMA."

Dr. Samir M.A. Hassan, Ph.D., CMA, CFM

Certified Financial Manager

The Certified Financial Manager (CFM) certification program was established in June of 1996. More than 4,000 financial professionals earned the CFM designation until the CFM exams were discontinued on December 31, 2007. The IMA continues to support all CFM holders with appropriate member services, recognition of the CFM achievement, and the maintenance of certification records.

The requirements for certification included passing four examinations testing economics, management, corporate finance, management accounting, decision analysis, and ethics. In addition, the candidate was required to complete two years of relevant work experience, hold a bachelor’s degree, be a member of IMA, and abide by the Statement of Ethical Professional Practice. Once certified, a CFM is required to maintain membership in IMA and complete 30 hours of continuing education annually.

Although the CFM certification was an excellent program, the program was unable to find a sustained audience. Therefore, the Board of Regents made the decision not to expend further resources on the CFM examination process but rather to dedicate those resources to supporting the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) program. Much of the finance material in the CFM exam was moved to the CMA curriculum.

Active Certification Rolls

Active status for all CMAs and CFMs may be verified on the Active Certification Rolls, updated monthly:

If you are searching for an individual whose name does not appear in the listing, please contact Member Services at ima@imanet.org.


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