CPA vs CMA USA vs DipIFR – Which Global Course is Better for Working Professionals?

By IIC Lakshya

24 Sep 2025

CPA vs CMA USA vs DipIFR – Which Global Course is Better for Working Professionals?

Graduates of commerce and professionals working in finance understand how important selecting an appropriate qualifying global certification is for professional advancement. Some of the more popular choices for finance professionals include the CPA, CMA USA, and the ACCA member diploma in international financial reporting. Each of these courses offers different levels of focus and recognition, along with different levels of career and professional flexibility. The question is, of these three options, which is the most suitable for a finance professional? In this article, we shall analyze these options in detail in terms of structures, advantages, and disadvantages.

Table of Content

CPA vs CMA USA vs DipIFR
CPA Course
CMA USA Course
DipIFR Course
Key Comparison Table for Working Professionals
Which Course Suits Working Professionals Best
Related Blogs
FAQs on CPA vs CMA USA vs DipIFR

CPA vs CMA USA vs DipIFR

CPA, CMA USA, and DipIFR have unique advantages, and the best one will depend on your career aspirations, preferred fields of work, and time. For professionals who want more flexibility in their schedule, CMA USA and DipIFR are the most reasonable choices, while CPA is the most prestigious but requires significant time and effort.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

The CPA course is one of the most distinguished accounting qualifications globally, and is obtainable from the AICPA.

Focus: Accounting, taxation, auditing, financial reporting, and US finance.
Admission Criteria: Requires a postgraduate qualification in accounting/finance with credit hours ranging from 120 to 150. This is very common in most countries, including India.
Completion Time: 1.5 years, although if the participant passes the exams faster, completing the qualification within a year is possible.
Demand: Very common within the Big 4 and MNCs, and companies with business relations in the US.
Flexibility: Moderate, in the sense that computer-based exams can be scheduled and taken; however, the criteria for eligibility can be very harsh.

CMA USA (Certified Management Accountant)

The CMA USA is one of the most distinguished qualifications that the Institute of Management Accountants offers in the USA, and is globally reputable in the field of management accounting and decision-making.

Incorporates Financial planning, analysis, management control, and strategic decision making. Focused on, applicable, and broadened to Financial planning, analysis, management control, and strategy formulation.

Focus: Financial planning, analysis, management control, and strategic decision-making
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree + 2 years of professional experience
Duration: 12–18 months (2 parts only)
Demand: Strong in corporate finance, FP&A, strategy roles, and MNCs
Flexibility: High – Exams are conducted several times a year, suitable for working professionals

DipIFR (Diploma in Financial Reporting)

DipIFR is a diploma-level certification offered by ACCA, UK, designed for professionals who want expertise in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Focus: IFRS standards, consolidation, reporting, and disclosure
Eligibility: Graduates with 2–3 years of accounting experience or ACCA affiliates/members
Duration: 6 months (1 paper only, exam held twice a year)
Demand: High among professionals working in MNCs, audit firms, and organizations reporting under IFRS
Flexibility: Very High – One paper, focused preparation, and practical for working professionals

CPA vs CMA USA vs DipIFR: Key Comparison for Working Professionals

Here’s a tabulated version of the CPA vs CMA USA vs DipIFR:

Key Factor	CPA	CMA USA	DipIFR
Global recognition	Very High (especially in the US & MNCs)	Very high	High (IFRS focused)
Course duration	1-1.5 years	1-1.5 years	6 months
Difficulty level	High (4 exams, US GAAP)	Moderate (e exams, management focus)	Low to moderate
Career focus	Auditing, Accounting, US Taxation	Management Accounting, Strategy, FP&A	Financial Reporting under IFRS
Who is it for?	Professionals working with US companies, Big 4s	Working professionals in corporate/strategic finance	Finance professionals handling IFRS or multinational reporting

Which Course Suits Working Professionals Best?

CMA USA: Most flexible option available to already employed candidates. Achievable within 12-18 months while working, due to management accounting, decision-making focus, and only two exams.
DipIFR: A short course suitable for ACCAs and international accountants who wish to avoid lengthy specialization courses on IFRS, as well as other professionals seeking specialization.
CPA: Best for those who want to work with US-based clients, Big 4s, or MNCs. However, eligibility criteria and exam intensity make it challenging for full-time working professionals without prior US GAAP exposure.

FAQs on CPA vs CMA USA vs DipIFR

Which certification is the easiest to obtain while in full-time employment?

DipIFR, since there is only one exam, and the certification requires a shorter preparation time.

Is CPA value adding for professionals based in India?

Yes, if you want to work in US-based companies, MNCs, or Big 4 firms. But for the majority of people, it is the eligibility criteria that pose the most challenge.