With hundreds of thousands of students graduating as accounting or finance majors every year, I knew one of the best ways to stand out from other college students would be to find a niche. I discovered the answer in IMA’s CMA® (Certified Management Accountant) exam, which I took while I was still a student.
Passing the two-part CMA exam in college turned out to be far more favorable than I initially expected—both in terms of how it helped me as a student and in the career opportunities it opened.
Studying for the CMA helped me to easily grasp many complex and challenging concepts, which gave me a significant advantage as I was doing my school coursework. In fact, the core content of the CMA—a wide range of financial and management accounting topics, including financial reporting, planning, investment decisions, performance management, internal control, and most importantly ethical principles—perfectly complemented my undergraduate studies.
By the time I finished school at age 19, I had not only completed the CMA exams, but I had also graduated in the top percentile of my class. I certainly achieved my goal of standing out: I received multiple job offers after graduation from companies in India. Instead of accepting one of those offers, though, I decided to relocate to Dubai, where I worked for five years at a major multinational corporation.
During that time, I put my CMA skills to good use. The exam’s focus on performance management and strategic planning prepared me to be able to analyze financial data, identify trends, develop actionable insights, and always understand the story of the data. The CMA also helped establish my credibility as a knowledgeable, reliable finance professional and reinforced my commitment to maintaining high standards of practice.
Building My Strategic Expertise
Fueled by the adrenaline rush from completing the CMA exams, I chose to pursue the CSCA® (Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis) certification three years later while working full time. Completing the CSCA exam while working further refined my expertise.
Notably, the CSCA gave me valuable insights into how organizations can leverage strategic analysis to gain a competitive advantage. This is a skill that helped me to secure my current position as a fund manager for Hirshmark Capital, one of the most reliable asset-based commercial real estate lenders in New York City. In my current role, these skills have been invaluable, as I need to understand market trends and competitive positioning to make informed decisions.
In addition, the knowledge I gained from the CSCA certification has enhanced my ability to contribute to strategic planning and execution. The certification’s focus on strategic frameworks and competitive analysis has taught me to identify market opportunities, assess competitive threats, and develop effective strategies for responding to both. These skills have been essential in guiding the organization’s financial performance and ensuring that the fund’s investment strategies align with business objectives.
CMA and CSCA Synergy
The combination of the CMA and CSCA certifications—both focused equally on the important topic of ethics—has had a profound and synergistic impact on my career. The CMA provided me with a strong foundation in financial management and reporting, while the CSCA added a strategic dimension to my skillset. By combining management accounting and strategic analysis, I now feel able to take on any role with a holistic perspective. I’m capable of integrating financial strategies with organizational objectives, evaluating investment opportunities, and managing financial risks effectively.
Plus, the CMA and CSCA certifications gave me the opportunity to meet people from IMA® who have helped me expand my professional network through LinkedIn, CPE activities, and IMA events. Networking with peers and industry experts has provided valuable opportunities for understanding, collaboration, and mentorship. This expanded network has been a critical resource for ensuring I stay informed about industry trends, best practices, and emerging strategies.
The benefits of the CMA and CSCA certifications continue to shape my career trajectory and inspire me to achieve new levels of excellence in accounting and finance. And with technology evolving so rapidly and changing the ways we work, I believe it is important for us as professionals to stay one step ahead and continually build an irreplaceable skillset.
