  |  |  Ronald Schmidt, CMA, CFM |
| | Ronald Schmidt, CMA, CFM |
     |
Why Should You Get a CMA Certification? |
Work goes much better if one has the right tool matched to the right job. Life goes better that way, too. Make sure your certification matches your job description. Accounting is no longer a one size fits all profession. In response to this trend, there are now certifications to ‘fit’ specific job descriptions. Thus, say hello to the Certified Management Accountant CMA Designation. Globalization and competition have ramped up the competitive environment. CMAs assist their organizations in operating on the highest efficiency frontier. CMAs employ benchmarking of best practices, Total Quality Management and Six Sigma standards, and Quality Circles to assure the best product possible. A significant percentage of the accounting profession is employed in industry. Yet the CPA designation is not designed for this purpose. CMAs work with management, marketing, engineering, and accounting, perhaps all in one day. The focus of the CMA is internal best practices. He or she is internally focused on bringing a total quality product or service to market. The CMA is forward looking, working to achieve Kaizen-type results for the operation. A CPA on the other hand is often looking in the rear view mirror. The attest function which reports to users of financial information reflects what has happened rather than working to shape what will happen. It is no surprise that CMAs are now 30,000 strong and growing in numbers. Study for the CMA exam is often supported and funded by employers for this reason. Unlike the CPA exam, one may take the CMA with a Bachelor’s Degree. The exam consists of two parts. Financial Planning, Performance, and Control is now paired with Financial Decision Making. This link to the IMA site concerning the certification process will answer most of your questions: http://www.imanet.org/cma_certification.aspx Dennis Elam, PhD, CPA Assistant Professor Accounting / Texas A & M San Antonio 1450 Gillette Blvd / San Antonio, TX 78224 dennis.elam@tamusa.tamus.edu |