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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:
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Name:? | Randy Drager, CMA |
| Company:? | PrairieCare | |
| Title:? | CFO | |
| Location:? | Minneapolis, Minn. |
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How did you first come across the CMA and what made you decide to go for it?
I first became aware of the CMA almost 25 years ago after finishing my undergraduate degree in business administration, but I did not pursue certification until 2015. I believe that the CMA certification is the gold-standard of professional competence and ethical standards; and I chose to pursue my CMA in order to demonstrate my commitment to continued learning and development and practicing at the highest ethical level.
- In what ways has CMA made an impact on your career or professional journey?
I have been able to use my CMA as a conversation-starter to help others better understand the principles of management accounting. Having the CMA really helps management accountants differentiate themselves by showing their commitment to their careers and profession.
In order to keep my CMA certification active, I have to fulfill annual continuing education requirements, and these CPE courses and professional development options are especially beneficial and rewarding to me. I enjoy learning, and through CPE requirements, I am able to pursue ongoing learning and development in a wide range of topics that are directly applicable to my work. IMA is a tremendous resource, and I have participated in webinars, conferences, and local chapter events.
- What is your proudest career moment or milestone as a CMA?
I was able to earn a Certificate of Distinguished Performance on the CMA exam, which was very rewarding.
- What?s the best piece of advice you would give to CMA hopefuls?
Don?t wait - go for it! It took me more than 20 years before I finally committed to getting my CMA, and I wish I would have done it sooner.
- For those taking the exam, what study tip(s) can you share?
Develop a game plan, including a study and practice schedule, and then stick to it. Even if you are only able to commit to a few hours per week, the cumulative learning will add up. I used the practice questions to gauge my level of understanding on each topic, and then focused my study time on the areas I felt least comfortable with. I also used the timed practice exams to prepare for the experience of taking the exam.
- If you could have one superpower in the world, what would it be?
Flying would be awesome!
Share YOUR Story
We?d love to hear your CMA story! Please contact Pearl Chen, manager of brand content and storytelling, at pchen@imanet.org or (201) 474-1578.?