IMA Salary Survey Emphasizes Benefits of Certification

Marc Gerrone
IMA    
(201) 474-1502
mgerrone@imanet.org 

Kristy Skowronski
Stern + Associates
(908) 276-4344, x-208
kskowronski@sternassociates.com


IMA Finds CMA Holders Earn Significantly More than Their Peers


Montvale, N.J
.– Results from IMA’s® (Institute of Management Accountants) 2013-2014 Salary Survey reveal that holders of the CMA® (Certified Management Accountant) certification enjoy greater earning power. Despite a fluctuating economy, CMAs around the world earned at least one-third more than their non-certified counterparts. To view the complete United States and International Salary Surveys, visithttp://www.imanet.org/salary-survey

IMA’s international findings indicate that 80 percent of CMA holders cited certification as a major factor in their ability to move across all areas of business – opening the door to career development and advancement. As a result, 77 percent of CMAs believe certification creates career opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable. Respondents believe that CMA certification strengthened their position in salary negotiations, resulting in greater compensation. This is particularly true for those in the Middle East/Africa region (79 percent) and the Americas (78 percent). 

In the United States, CMA holders reported an average annual salary of $115,952, or 31 percent more (compared to $88,196), than those without certification; and 36 percent more in total annual compensation ($135,153 vs. $99,239). 

Earlier this year, IMA announced its record-setting growth for the CMA credential and it’s easy to see why,” said Jeff Thomson, CMA, CAE, IMA president and CEO. “The findings of this year’s International and U.S. Salary Surveys emphasize the value the CMA brings to individuals who seek greater earning power, and to their employers who rely on qualified professionals.” 

According to Mr. Thomson, the CMA’s value is seen even at the earliest career stages (19 to 29 year age category). While CMAs of all ages earn significantly more than non-CMAs, younger professionals around the world benefit the most from the CMA, earning 96 percent more in average salary than young professionals without certification. 

The global data was collected from IMA members in 66 countries throughout Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas. In the future, IMA plans to release targeted reports for China, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Egypt. 

About IMA® (Institute of Management Accountants)
IMA®, the association of accountants and financial professionals in business, is one of the largest and most respected associations focused exclusively on advancing the management accounting profession. Globally, IMA supports the profession through research, the CMA® (Certified Management Accountant) program, continuing education, networking and advocacy of the highest ethical business practices. IMA has a global network of more than 70,000 members in 140 countries and 300 professional and student chapters. Headquartered in Montvale, N.J., USA, IMA provides localized services through its four global regions: The Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe, and Middle East/Africa. For more information about IMA, please visit www.imanet.org.

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