Topic: General Posts
Message:
Looking for feeeback on value in obtaining IMA certification. For qualifying for jobs that prefer CPAs. If you have the certification was it worth it? Have you hired someone because they had the certification? Thanks, Diane
Subject: Re:Institute of Management Accountants
Message:
I obtained a CMA back in 2000 as my employer at the time was offering bonuses for certifications obtained. Since then, I haven't seen many companies that put a lot of value specifically on the CMA, other than Johnson & Johnson.
Subject: Re:Institute of Management Accountants
Message:
I obtained my CMA in 2014. I've been involved with IMA since. The biggest challenge is getting employers to understnad the difference between CPA and CMA, but I haven't found ti difficult to do. In my case, obtaining the certificiation was not only worth it but continues to pay off even today.
Subject: Re:Institute of Management Accountants
Message:
I have seen several postings asking for a CPA or CMA certiciation. Or MBA.
Subject: Re:Institute of Management Accountants
Message:
Diane, can the CMA be helpful for some people? Of course and anyone who gets a certification should be applauded for completing the process. I live in the Midwest and sometimes it is listed for small to medium sized manufacturing companies who need cost knowledge. But outside of specific industries and locations, my concern is how recognized it is and whether that makes it worth the effort?
Subject: Re:Institute of Management Accountants
Message:
Diane,
I earned my CMA back in 2012. They changed the test format in 2010. I studied every day for 3 hours for 2 months and passed both parts in the same month.
Was it worth it at the time? Yes - because I was switching to be more of an FP&A specialist. And I was moving from Manager level to Sr Manager level at the time. It did help me to switch jobs then and I remember my interviewer asking me about it; it did help differentiate me. However, at a higher position - Sr Director, VP, etc, you'll have to see if it would be helpful to you for the kinds of positions you are looking for. I feel at those higher positions, its more about experience and less about certifications. For my candidacy, the CMA has been the kind of thing that supplemented my profile (like an additional nice-to-have) but it is definitely unlike the CPA, which is fundamental to a person's career and qualifications. Also check out the CGMA. The IMA network has been helpful.
Subject: Re:Institute of Management Accountants
Message:
Took the CMA exam in 1996 at the recommendation of my advisor in the MBA program at Gonzaga U. He said it would be a great "final exam" for the MBA program. I could not agree more. I have two employees studying for the CMA right now. Unless you are in public accounting, the CMA is the better way to go. The CPE is much more operational accounting focused and can cover a much broader range of subjects. IT, Leadership, Management, along with all the traditional accounting stuff like auditing, revenue recognition, etc. My 2 cents.
Paul