CMAs Stepping Up: Profile of Evert G. Brugman

In conjunction with IMA’s new integrated advertising campaign, we’re spotlighting members of the CMA^® (Certified Management Accountant) community from around the world. This issue’s featured CMA is:

Name: Evert G. Brugman, DBA, CMA
Title: CFO
Company Name: Funda Real Estate B.V. 
Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evert-g-brugman-dba-cma-mfc-9553747/ 
 
How did you learn about the CMA and what made you decide to pursue it? 

I became a CMA in 2012. After completing a Dutch Masters in Controlling, I decided to go for the CMA because of its international recognition. The Dutch educational programs in accounting, finance, and control are of a high standard, but are not always recognized as such abroad. I also saw it as an extension because of IMA^® (Institute of Management Accountants), the international organization, behind it.

How has being a CMA added value to your career? 

For me, the real value of the CMA certification is that it is well recognized all over the world. Besides, as a CMA you are part of the IMA community that offers lots of opportunities for permanent education, has relevant research available, and makes contact with CMAs all over the world much easier. I think it is the only community in management accounting that really works on a worldwide scale.

Can you describe a moment in your professional career when your skills as a CMA were recognized – that you “felt seen” for your expertise and insights?

With a 40-year career in finance, there are too many occasions I could mention. For me, it is important to never stand still and keep on developing myself. The CMA brought me new insights and was one of the reasons to start my DBA (doctorate in business administration) journey. In December 2022, I successfully defended my thesis on management control in family firms and was awarded my DBA. 

What’s the best piece of advice you would give to CMA hopefuls? 

If this is what you want, go for it! In life, you have to choose your own way. Don’t choose the path that others want you to do. It’s your life, your experience, your passion. Follow that! 

What do you predict will be some of the biggest trends of the next 10 years for the accounting profession and how do you think the CMA has prepared you to meet them? 

One of my professors once said that there had been no material changes in management accounting for the last 30 years. I do agree to a certain extent, looking at the techniques and instruments that are in use. For the next decade, I believe that elements from other points of view will become part of the job. Think of integrated reporting or ESG [environmental, social, and governance]. This is a great development that gives accounting professionals the opportunity to expand their skills, add more value to the company, and so making it a much more interesting profession!

Please visit the IMA website to learn more about the CMA certification.