IMA’s “myCMA” series spotlights valued members of the CMA^® (Certified Management Accountant) community. Learn about their journey with the certification—and get tips on advancing your own. This issue’s featured CMA is:

	Name:	Sascha Peier
	Company:	Diem Client Partner AG
	Title:	Head of Fixed Income and Senior Portfolio Manager and Partner
	Location:	Zurich, Switzerland

 

1. How did you first come across the CMA and what made you decide to pursue it?
   
   During my master’s degree studies at the University of St. Gallen, I came across IMA and the CMA program, which had just been introduced as an additional continuing education program. I found it a good addition to my studies and advantageous for my future career. I, along with my fellow students, decided to complete the CMA program in parallel with my studies.
   
   In addition, I realized that the IMA network seemed to me to be a good platform for professional exchange and further education. Because in a world of change, learning comes before knowledge.
   
   
2. In what ways do you think the CMA has impacted your career or professional journey?
   
   First of all, thanks to the CMA, I am equipped with a professionally valuable toolkit. In the context of my future in the financial sector, it was important to me to get a competent grasp on the fundamental building blocks. Above all, that meant understanding and correctly interpreting the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement, as well as individual line items. At its heart, the valuation of every company requires a fundamental understanding of accounting.
   
   Second, continuous training is essential in today's world, because valuation bases and balance sheet aspects change over time. Finally, the training I received as a CMA helped me to signal to my employers that I have sound knowledge in these areas and above-average knowledge and expertise.
   
   In my professional life as a portfolio manager, company analysis is essential. You also must be able to assess many events happening outside of your organization. Knowing what accounting influences these events have can give you a decisive edge in the market.
   
   
3. What is your proudest career moment or milestone as a CMA?
   
   The highlight, of course, is passing the exam. It was only then that I realized my full effort was really worth it. In my opinion, however, the knowledge gained while preparing for the exam gives you confidence and optimism about the future. By passing the exam, you gain more and more building blocks, which when put together, prepare you well for the world of finance.
   
   
4. What’s the best piece of advice you would give to CMA hopefuls?
   
   Always keep in mind what you want to achieve in life. Having a goal in mind is central. Then you can fully focus on this goal. Sometimes you can't reach this goal alone, so teamwork and networking are also important. Knowing yourself and everyone helps you use the strengths of every individual to achieve common goals.
   
   
5. For those taking the exam, what study tip(s) can you share?
   
   As an introduction, the study materials are written well and simply. But then I would recommend working on solving concrete problems. There is also a lot of software that can support you. In particular, this helps you to apply and implement what you have learned. This will also help you later in your professional life, as many of these examples reappear.
   
   
6. What’s the one thing you know now that you wish you knew at the start of your career?
   
   Networking is becoming more and more important in a globalized world. This should not be underestimated. As many examples from the past show (Microsoft, Apple, HP, etc.), personal friends made in college or while preparing for an exam like the CMA usually hold for the rest of one's life and lead to many important memories.
   
   At the time I was a student, I was mainly devoted to accumulating knowledge (study hard!). In retrospect, I could have put more energy into developing my network.
   
   

Share YOUR Story

We’d love to hear your CMA story! Please contact Lori Parks, staff writer/editor, at lori.parks@imanet.org or +1 (201) 474-1536.