A new, soon-to-be released Count Me In podcast will provide an informative, engaging point-counterpoint between a CMA^® (Certified Management Accountant) who took the exam during the first-ever testing window in 1972 and a recent college graduate, the recipient of a CMA Scholarship who is now working at KPMG. The podcast is part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the CMA and is a great way to learn more about working as an accounting and finance professional.

The podcast features an interview with Dennis (Denny) Beresford, CMA, CFM, CPA, currently executive in residence at the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia. Denny has enjoyed a lengthy and successful career, most notably serving as the chair of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) for a decade and as national director of accounting standards for Ernst & Young. Denny has the distinction of being among only 61 people who passed the five-part CMA exam when it was first offered in December 1972.

In the podcast, Denny shares his insights about taking the test—with pencil and paper—during an ice storm in Pittsburgh. He also speaks about how holding the CMA has benefitted his career over these many years.

Although just beginning her career, Victoria (Tori) Heavey, a recent graduate of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, has already earned several accolades. She won the ICMA Award for achieving the highest score as a student in the May/June 2020 testing window. Tori is now a tax associate at KPMG in Dallas.

Tori explains how she learned about the CMA exam—from a presentation during a Beta Alpha Psi meeting during her junior year. “I talked to the speakers, they introduced the CMA Scholarship, and my cost accounting professor ended up nominating me for it.”

Tori was inspired by her professors and their investment in her future. She wanted to, “not only pass but to really give it 110% effort—to take advantage of this opportunity that was given to me.” She also explains how preparing for the CMA taught her a great deal about data analytics and other transformative technologies, which helped to supplement what she was learning in class.

Visit Count Me In later this month to listen to the full interview with Denny and Tori. And while you’re there, check out the other helpful, informative podcast offerings.

Have an idea for a podcast? Contact Adam Larson, Count Me In editor, at alarson@imanet.org with your suggestions.