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:	Reynald Espiritu Tomas, CMA, CPA, CFC
	Company:	Bank of Makati, Inc.
	Title:	Head, Corporate Planning and Regulatory Compliance Department
	Location:	Makati City, Philippines

 

1. How did you first come across the CMA and what made you decide to pursue it?
   
   I really had no idea that there were international certifications that I could take aside from the CPA. That was true until I saw several Facebook posts of those who just passed the CMA (after passing the CPA), and I was encouraged that maybe I, too, could earn my CMA. The rest, as they say, is history. 
   
   I decided to pursue the CMA because I am well aware that additional certifications and knowledge are going to be necessary to stay competitive, not only against other finance professionals but also against the ever-evolving trends in technology where AI and robots are beginning to assume the repetitive and ordinary tasks in business.
   
   
2. In what ways do you think the CMA has impacted your career or professional journey?
   
   My career and professional journey took a great leap after passing (and performing so well) on the CMA exams. My present employer recognized this achievement and offered me a promotion. Likewise, my connections on a popular social media platform for professionals increased considerably. Lastly, I was able to apply all that I have learned before and after the CMA exams in my present job and introduced new ideas to my organization which I think, in one way or the other, contributes towards its continued success. 
   
   
3. What is your proudest career moment or milestone as a CMA?
   
   Of course, that would be when I learned that I earned the Gold Medal for earning the highest score on the exams. But more than this recognition is the fact that some young professionals and even students hoping to earn the certification connect with me on social media to seek advice. That’s been a real milestone for me.
   
   
4. What’s the best piece of advice you would give to CMA hopefuls?
   
   Never give up on your dreams. The road towards certification (and a medal) is hard, but in the end, it will all be worth it. Just hold onto your dream of becoming a CMA; and in holding onto that dream, use discipline, focus, and faith to help you succeed.
   
   
5. For those taking the exam, what study tip(s) can you share?
   
   I recommend having a target number of questions/problems to solve per day and make sure you faithfully achieve that target. It is definitely hard at the beginning, but it will eventually become a habit. Lastly, before diving into reading and solving, make sure you’ve had enough rest to ensure you have stronger understanding and retention.
   
   
6. If you could have one superpower in the world, what would it be?
   
   If I could have one superpower, it would be the ability to accurately predict the future (credits to my graduate school professor). That is because having this ability would enable me to prepare, take advantage, or provide guidance on the best thing to do for anything that could possibly happen.
   
   

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.