What Does a CMA Do?

Are you interested in a finance career with a strategic edge? Becoming a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) could be your perfect fit.

CMAs are unique accounting professionals who focus on strategic financial management. They work closely with executives to guide critical business decisions, which is why they make serious money, sometimes well into the six-figure range. In a word?

CMAs are valuable.

In today’s uncertain job market, where career cushioning—the practice of staying competitive by continuously upgrading skills—is more important than ever, the CMA credential helps professionals remain resilient and market-ready.

According to the Institute of Management Accountants survey, 77% of respondents believe ongoing learning and development are essential for career stability. This mindset aligns perfectly with the CMA’s commitment to lifelong learning and staying ahead in a dynamic field.

So, let’s dive into the CMA career, what CMAs actually do every day, salary expectations, career pros and cons, and how you can start your journey to CMA certification.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Role of CMAs: CMAs blend accounting with strategy, working closely with executives to guide crucial financial decisions.
• High Earning Potential: CMAs enjoy competitive salaries, with potential earnings often higher than those of general accountants.
• Career Flexibility: CMA certification opens doors to various roles, from financial analyst to CFO, across multiple industries.
• Rigorous Certification Process: Earning the CMA designation requires passing a challenging two-part exam, usually with the help of top CMA study materials, and gaining two years of professional experience.
• Ongoing Learning: CMAs must complete continuing education credits to stay certified, keeping them up-to-date with industry changes.

What Does a Certified Management Accountant Do?

A Certified Management Accountant combines their accounting expertise and strategic financial management skills to help companies make money. Unlike a traditional accountant, CMAs work beyond just crunching numbers; they’re involved in nearly every area of a company’s finances.

In short, CMAs are advisors and decision-makers who make sure the company’s decisions guide them toward financial success.

CMAs often work closely with top executives like CFOs (Chief Financial Officers), COOs (Chief Operating Officers), and even CEOs. Honestly, if you think of movies where the king has a right-hand man telling them not to start a war because the coffers are bare, you’re not far away from the role of the CMA.

Here’s a quick snapshot of what CMAs typically handle:

• Financial Planning & Analysis: Analyzing budgets and forecasts to align with financial goals.
• Cost Management: Reducing costs without sacrificing quality.
• Risk Management: Identifying financial risks and creating strategies to minimize them.
• Decision Analysis: Providing insights for big-picture decisions.
• Corporate Strategy: Assisting in planning and achieving broader organizational goals.

Core Responsibilities of a Certified Management Accountant

Let’s break down what you can expect as a CMA in more detail.

1. Financial Planning & Analysis

CMAs are masters of financial planning, ensuring a company’s finances are on track to meet its objectives. They:

• Create and manage budgets
• Analyze financial forecasts
• Ensure resources are allocated efficiently across departments

2. Management Accounting & Cost Management

While traditional accountants focus on historical data, CMAs emphasize planning for the future. They handle:

• Analyze expenses to spot opportunities to save money
• Use analytics to gauge the effectiveness of different departments
• Participate in internal controls to prevent fraud and mismanagement

3. Risk Management & Decision Support

CMAs often work as a bridge between accounting and executive teams, especially in risk management. They help companies:

• Spot potential risks early
• Develop strategies to avoid or reduce these risks
• Make financially sound decisions with calculated risk

4. Financial Reporting & Compliance

CMAs also assist with financial reporting. They help companies comply with financial regulations and standards, keeping everything legal and above board.

They might:

• Review reports to assess the company’s financial health
• Ensure the company’s reports meet regulatory requirements
• Prepare financial statements to provide accurate, transparent information for stakeholders

A Day in the Life of a CMA

So, what does a day look like for a CMA? While daily activities can vary, CMAs typically spend their time on a mix of analysis, planning, and strategy work. Here’s a glimpse of a CMA’s day-to-day responsibilities:

• Morning: Start the day by reviewing financial reports and preparing cost analyses. This involves analyzing budgets, identifying any cost overruns, and recommending adjustments.
• Midday: Attend meetings with department heads or executives to discuss financial performance, answer questions about forecasts, and give insights into cost-saving measures. CMAs often work as “translators” of financial information, making complex financial data easy to understand for non-financial leaders.
• Afternoon: CMAs may focus on financial planning for upcoming projects, advising departments on cost-effective methods, and assessing potential financial risks. This is also a good time to work on reports, like financial statements or presentations, that will be shared with upper management.

Salary Expectations for a CMA

If you’re considering becoming a CMA, you’ll be excited to know that this certification opens the door to higher-than-average salaries in accounting and finance. Here’s what you can generally expect:

• Average Salary: In the U.S., the average salary for a Certified Management Accountant in 2023 was $129,961, according to the Institute of Management Accountants Global Salary Survey.
• Potential for Growth: With years of experience, CMAs can advance to senior-level roles like Corporate Controller, VP of Finance, or even CFO, where salaries can exceed $150,000 to $200,000 per year.

Higher salaries reflect the specialized skills CMAs bring, making the CMA certification a smart investment for career-minded individuals in accounting.

Pros and Cons of a CMA Career

Like any career path, being a CMA has its benefits and challenges. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect.

Pros

High Demand & Job Stability: The need for skilled management accountants is strong, especially as businesses face more complex financial environments.
Strategic Role: CMAs get involved in high-level decision-making, adding depth and interest to the role.
High Earning Potential: CMAs often earn more than general accountants, and there’s plenty of room for salary growth with experience.
Diverse Opportunities: The CMA skillset is versatile, allowing CMAs to work in various industries and roles.
Global Recognition: The CMA certification is respected internationally, opening up job opportunities around the world for those interested in a global career.

Cons

Challenging Exam: The CMA exam is tough and requires a serious commitment to studying, with two comprehensive parts covering topics like financial reporting, cost management, and risk analysis.
Ongoing Education Requirements: CMAs must complete continuing professional education (CPE) annually to maintain their certification, which requires time and investment.
Stressful Environment: CMAs work in high-stakes environments, often under tight deadlines and pressure to make accurate, strategic decisions.

Career Path and Job Opportunities for CMAs

The CMA certification opens doors to several rewarding career paths. Here’s an overview of some roles you could pursue as a CMA:

• Financial Analyst: Use data to drive decisions in budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis.
• Cost Accountant: Focus on controlling and reducing costs within an organization.
• Corporate Controller: Oversee all accounting operations, including internal controls and financial reporting.
• CFO (Chief Financial Officer): Serve as the financial leader, guiding all major financial decisions and reporting to the CEO.

Is the CMA Certification Worth It?

For many finance professionals, the CMA is a worthwhile investment. It’s globally recognized, allows for significant career advancement, and positions you for higher-level corporate roles that demand both accounting and strategic expertise. If you’re looking for a role that combines numbers with strategy, the CMA designation can set you on a path to higher salaries, challenging projects, and career satisfaction.

Final Thoughts

A CMA career can be highly rewarding if you’re interested in both the analytical side of finance and the strategic aspects of business. CMAs are vital in guiding company decisions, making them invaluable across industries. Whether your goal is to become a CFO or to simply add value in a high-level accounting role, the CMA designation provides you with the skills and recognition to stand out.

So, if you’re ready to take your financial career to the next level, becoming a CMA might just be the path for you!

FAQs