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:	Ravi Kumar Vaishnav
	Company:	Madhvani Group Limited
	Title:	Financial Controller
	Location:	Jinja, Uganda

 

1. How did you first come across the CMA and what made you decide to go for it?
   
   I first came across the CMA through one of my friends, who knew that I was struggling in my career. I was very stressed yet determined to take my career to the next level, but the only thing I lacked was a professional certification. My friend briefed me about the CMA and encouraged me to pursue it. As I started looking into it, I made a list of pros and cons and the result was very positive: I had nothing to lose and everything to gain. I learned that the CMA would enhance my knowledge and expertise in 11 practice areas of finance and accounting. It would also help showcase my skills and knowledge. After doing this research, I decided to pursue my CMA, which happened to be one of the best decisions of my life, as I passed both parts on my very first attempt.
   
   
2. In what ways do you think the CMA has impacted your career or professional journey?
   
   I must say that in every aspect of my life, the CMA has left an outstanding impression on me. As my knowledge increased, I also was able to change my thought processes and become more of an innovative thinker. Being a CMA also helped me to apply for jobs at both my level and what I would consider “dream jobs” – something I didn’t have the confidence to do before.
   
   
3. What is your proudest career moment or milestone as a CMA?
   
   I became a CMA in 2018 and for me, that was my proudest moment, as this was the first professional credential I had ever earned. Earning it helped me to regain my confidence and become willing to take on new challenges.
   
   
4. What’s the best piece of advice you would give to CMA hopefuls?
   
   Don’t give up – if you keep trying, success will be yours. Also, don’t think of the CMA as your last step, but instead as your first step towards success, knowledge, and expertise in finance and accounting.
   
   
5. For those taking the exam, what study tip(s) can you share?
   
   There is no shortcut to success – it takes ample time and effort to succeed. I would also say that instead of memorizing facts, try to understand the concept and logic before you reach a conclusion. The more logical you are, the easier things will be.
   
   
6. What’s the one thing you know now that you wish you knew at the start of your career?
   
   If I had known about the importance of the CMA at the start of my career, I would have pursued it much earlier. It’s exactly what a finance professional needs to be successful in his or her life. I wish I could have pursued the CMA at the beginning of my career, because I can just imagine that I would have been more successful than I am now. But it’s never too late.

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.