A Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a professional certification credential in the management accounting and financial management fields. The certification signifies that the person possesses knowledge in the areas of financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and professional ethics. The CMA certification is offered by several professional bodies globally, including the Institute of Management Accountants USA, the Institute of Certified Management Accountants (Australia), and the Certified Management Accountants of Canada.
To become a CMA, one must have completed a bachelors degree or qualifying professional certification, plus two years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management. Those holding an accounting/finance degree (or equivalent professional qualification) are exempt from all four stages of the Technician-level program and can advance directly to the CMA program.
It is important to note that the term "CMA" can also refer to a Certified Medical Assistant, which is a medical assistant who has achieved certification through the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
In summary, a CMA certification is a professional certification in the management accounting and financial management fields that signifies expertise in financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and professional ethics. It is offered by several professional bodies globally and requires a bachelors degree or qualifying professional certification, plus two years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management.