Why choose CMA USA after your Graduation?

By IIC Lakshya

08 May 2025

Picking a course after your graduation requires deep research. It is the final part of the journey that defines your career. In the digital world that we live in, the options that are available unlike before are very vast. There are a multitude of websites with resources available which will give you information but then it comes down to you to make an informed decision. In this article, we will dive deep into why you should consider Cost Management Accountancy (CMA USA) and how it will help define your career.

Why choose CMA USA post-graduation?

CMA USA is considered the gold standard in management accounting. The highly respected Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certification is awarded by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). Having a CMA credential in your resume will prove your skills and knowledge in niche areas of financial analysis, financial control, financial planning, decision-making support as well as the maintenance of professional ethics.

CMA is a globally recognized certification that opens up a lot of opportunities around the globe. Being a CMA-qualified professional will put you at the forefront of any hiring process and you will on average get 4 times as compared to a graduate.

India is slowly and gradually becoming one of the financial capitals in the world. The auditing and accounting industry has been on a rapid high and will continue to be so according to a recent article by the Times of India.

Growth Opportunities

CMA USA has garnered a lot of recognition in recent times as it provides the opportunity for graduates to work in MNCs across the world or in India. With the new manner in which the work environment in itself is changing, you may have an opportunity to seek jobs abroad, looking from here in India. If you manage to complete your CMA after graduation, you’ll be able to earn at least 33.33% more than each non-certified accountant. According to the IMA, 87% of CMAs report that getting certified strengthened their ability to move across all areas of business.

Skills and abilities

Being a CMA USA graduate demonstrates to your potential employer that you are well-versed in areas such as financial planning, analysis, decision support, control, and professional ethics. The course hones your aptitude for making acute financial decisions. You will be skilled both in the field of management and business making you a master in both.

Convenience

The most attractive part about CMA USA is the course duration. You can finish the course in just one year. So especially for graduates who are looking to add more credentials to their resume without wasting a lot of time, this is a great option. The course structure is in such a manner that you can study it at your own pace. They can do the course without having to attend a college or worry about attendance and such. They can either learn on their own using online modes of education or join physical classes with any reputed coaching centres.

Increase in Pay Scale

Let’s be honest, one of the biggest reasons for pursuing a degree or certification post-graduation is to ensure that you are well-remunerated once you start working. It is an indisputable fact that CMAs earn more than their non-CMA counterparts. Globally, on average CMAs earn 25% higher (roughly $29,000 (21,88,847 Rs) more annually) than non-CMAs. This gap is only going to widen as organisations are on the lookout for skilled professionals. They are on the lookout for qualified professionals who are qualified to handle management positions and exhibit high-level management relationship skills. So, companies don’t mind shelling out extra to hire such skilled professionals.

Credibility

The qualification holds so much value. Being a CMA USA professional showcases that you are well able to comprehend both financials and numbers at a deeper level than most accountants. The rigorous course structure will ensure that you have more knowledge about accounting than most accounting and are better informed about management-related fields than most management professionals.

What are your career prospects once you finish CMA USA?

As mentioned earlier, once you finish your course you will have opportunities to work for the big 4 MNCs along with others across the globe. If you choose to work in India these are the job roles that are in front of you.

Financial Controller
Tax analysts and consultants
Research Analyst
Cost Accountant
Legal Advisor
Finance Manager
Cost Auditor
Financial managers

CMA’s are also in high demand in the government sector. As India has a great influence on Business Process Outsourcing, it creates immense job opportunities in the BPO sector of India. Areas of employment potential for CMA USA are growing in India, including e-commerce, consulting services, financial planning, taxation, and accounting.

Recently India has also seen a huge boom in the manufacturing industries, it is projected to reach US$ 1 Trillion by 2025. According to recent numbers, it could also be a global manufacturing hub by the year 2030. The demand for a Cost Management Accountant is going to be at a rapid high. This is because the CMA USA curriculum puts a lot of emphasis on cost as well as budgeting and planning methodologies which are truly essential in manufacturing companies.

What is the CMA USA exam structure like?

The CMA USA is a two-part examination. This CMA USA syllabus qualifies students to acquire international credibility and strong knowledge in Finance and Accounting which opens a wide range of opportunities to earn career progression.

Part I: Financial Planning, Reporting and Analytics. The exam will have 100 MCQ questions along with two 30-mark essay questions. Aspirants need to get at least 50% of the MCQs right. To clear the exam, they need to score a 360 out of 500 in the exam.
Part II: Strategic Financial Management. This covers deeper topics such as Financial Statement Analysis, Corporate Finance, Decision Analysis, Risk Management, Investment Decisions, and Professional Ethics.

Salary Package after completing CMA USA

The CMA USA salary you earn after the course is dependent on a lot of factors such as the number of years of experience you possess, the size of the organization, the job toll etc. According to IMA’s global salary report in 2021; the global difference in median total compensation between CMAs and non-CMAs is 29,000, which corresponds to median total compensation. A fresher with good academic knowledge can easily get somewhere between 4.5-6.5 lakh per annum.

So, in conclusion, without a doubt, CMA USA is one of the most stable and secure courses you can look into, and to get industry-expert guidance in the subject, enroll in the top commerce coaching class and kickstart your career.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the CMA USA certification recognized globally?

Yes, the CMA USA certification is recognized and respected worldwide. It opens up opportunities in multinational corporations and allows for career mobility across different countries.

How is the CMA USA exam structured? The CMA USA exam is divided into two parts:

Part I: Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics (100 MCQs and two 30-mark essay questions).
Part II: Strategic Financial Management (100 MCQs and two 30-mark essay questions). A minimum score of 360 out of 500 is required to pass each part.

Can I complete the CMA USA course while working or studying?

Yes, the CMA USA course is designed for flexibility. You can study at your own pace using online resources or attend physical classes at a coaching centre, allowing you to balance work or other studies.