What is a United States Certified Management Accountant (US-CMA)?

United States Certified Management Accountant (US-CMA) is a professional certification credential in the management accounting and financial management fields. This course is offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), a USA-based institution that provides US-CMA certification. Moreover, only the authorized partners of the IMA can offer US-CMA coaching to the students. SISF is one of them.

The holder of the certificate possesses knowledge in the area of financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and professional ethics. The students who secure the certificate are regarded as US-CMAs, a title synonymous with a subject expert in budgeting and budget forecasting, corporate investments, risk management and analytics, and Information Technology (IT). One might but is not limited to, become a chief financial officer (CFO), financial controller, financial analyst, management accountant, financial manager, and budget analyst.

US-CMA certification is granted by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), the professional organization of Accountants. US-CMAs need to adhere to a strict set of professional standards, besides clearing two levels of examinations. Let us discuss how to become a US-CMA and make your path in this valuable career.

How to become a US-CMA?

As mentioned above, CMA certification is issued by IMA. Accordingly, the first requirement states that the prospect must have a detailed knowledge of accounting and business management. The second requirement requires the candidate to hold a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university to apply for this course. Here are the eligibility criteria explicitly mentioned:

The applicant must fulfil atleast one of these conditions:

  • Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Have a professional certification

The students must submit their transcripts of bachelor’s degrees to the IMA for verification, where the IMA will evaluate the same.

Note: If your college does not come under the accredited list, you are liable to request the foreign credential evaluation committee to evaluate your transcript and submit their report to the IMA. In another case, if you are still in school and have not graduated yet, you can still qualify to pursue this course. You just need to prove that you are a student to the IMA by registering yourself for at least 6 credits per semester in that academic year. Thereafter, you have to submit your degree confirmation letter to the IMA within 7 years of clearing the US-CMA exams. Finally, after clearing all the exams, the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) rewards a US-CMA certificate to the passing candidates.

US-CMA Course Structure

United States Certified Management Accountant (US-CMA) comprises two parts that are:

Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics

  • External financial reporting decisions
  • Planning, budgeting and forecasting
  • Performance management
  • Cost management
  • Internal controls
  • Technology and Analytics

Strategic Financial Management

  • Financial statement analysis
  • Corporate finance
  • Decision analysis
  • Risk management
  • Investment decisions
  • Professional ethics

Each exam consists of descriptive questions and two 30-minute essay questions. Candidates are allotted 3 hours to complete the section of multiple choice questions and 1 hour secondary for the essay questions.

The exams are conducted 3 times in one year, which will be in

  • January/ February
  • May/ June
  • September/ October

Why US-CMA?

Pursuing US-CMA classes in Rajasthan is often the choice of students who are interested in the subjects of corporate financial accounting and strategic management. Most individuals previously interested in pursuing the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) course pursue the US-CMA course since it covers topics beyond the scope of the former. While a CPA’s work is mostly limited to regular tasks like preparing audit reports and filing income tax returns, a US-CMA is more engaged in the management and high-level executive duties.

Mentioned herewith are some of the advantages of pursuing the US-CMA course:

Global Recognition

The US-CMA is recognised globally, and the certificate opens up opportunities for you internationally.

Comprehensive Curriculum

The course curriculum is detailed, covering essential topics such as financial reporting, planning, performance, control, and strategic management.

Higher Earning Potential

US-CMAs earn a handsome amount of money compared to their peers, even in the same field.

Industry-Relevant Skills

The course is designed to include industry-needed skills, equipping students with in-demand skills.

How many times can one take the US-CMA exam?

We already discussed the number of attempts one has to take the exams. The US-CMA needs you to pass both exams within 3 years, after which the subscription renews.

Course Summary

Course Details: US-CMA:
Duration 3 Years
Eligibility Pursuing 12th or above
Batches Admission open
Recognition Globally acclaimed 150+ countries
Board Institute of Management Accountants (IMA)
Employment opportunities after completion of course
  • Financial Analyst
  • Management Accountant
  • Financial Manager
  • Budget Analyst
  • Corporate Controller
  • Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Course pass rate 50%

US-CMA with SISF?

SISF is empirically the best institute to pursue US-CMA from. SISF boasts its expert faculty in the field which teaches comprehensive study material at flexible schedules with US CMA online classes and US CMA offline classes. The faculty is always ready to provide personalized support and prepare you for your exams through mock tests. We also believe in providing practical experience in addition to theoretical knowledge.

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