A Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a financial professional who has earned the CMA certification from the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) . The CMA certification is a highly respected credential that represents an enhanced expertise in areas of accounting and finance, with acumen in strategic thinking, business analysis, and decision-making. CMAs specialize in management accounting, strategic management, and business decision-making. The CMA certification is recognized globally and is often regarded as the gold standard of management accounting.

To become a CMA, one must meet the eligibility requirements set by the IMA, which includes education and experience standards. Candidates must pass the two parts of the CMA Exam in order to become fully certified. The CMA Exam tests across different disciplines related to management accounting, such as cost management, internal controls, and technology.

Aspiring CMAs should hold either a bachelors degree from an accredited college or an IMA-approved professional certification. Candidates should have worked in management accounting or financial management for at least two straight years. The CMA certification is one of the top designations a management accountant can earn, and many consider it the professional standard for management accounting. Earning a CMA verifies that you are an expert in accounting and financial management, giving you a leg up when searching for a job.