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

CMA Champions

You can realize even more value from your CMA by becoming an active member of the CMA community. There, you’ll connect with other CMAs, collaborate to raise awareness of the credential within your organization, and – most important – get tips from fellow CMAs on building your personal brand.

It took hard work and determination for you to earn your CMA. You should be equally determined to make the CMA a valuable building block for your own brand. After all, the CMA demonstrates your mastery of the relevant body of knowledge for the work you do each day. It also shows that you have an ongoing commitment to staying on top of your game through continuing education. You do your work ethically, and should be a trusted advisor to your team and your top managers. All of these qualities define a CMA – and make you more valuable to your organization.

The CMA community is designed to help you demonstrate your value as a CMA. There you can:

  • Discuss your experiences as a CMA with your CMA colleagues.
  • Get sound advice on cultivating your career.
  • Learn how to educate peers and employers about the advantages of hiring and promoting CMAs.
  • View the library and find tools for you to use in spreading the word about the essential credential.
  • Share best practices that will make you an even greater asset to your team.

By actively promoting awareness of the value of CMA, you’re also promoting your personal brand. For more personal brand-boosting tips, visit the CMA community now.

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