CPA CMA Dual certification:What is the Best Combination with a US CMA (2024)

Introduction

Combining accounting certificates not only improves professional competency but also provides access to a wide range of employment prospects. Among the several options, combining the US Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certificate with the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) credential stands out as a formidable combination in the fields of finance and accounting. This blog delves into the synergistic benefits of pursuing dual CPA-CMA certification, including how this combination enhances one's competence, marketability, and job prospects in both the public and business sectors. Discover why the CPA-CMA combination is emerging as a powerful force propelling individuals to greater success and recognition in the competitive accounting and financial management field.

What are the most important certifications for accountants?

There are numerous accounting courses and certifications for candidates who want to pursue their careers in the accounting or financing field. These certifications can be used at the time of promotion, appraisals, etc. Here are some of the most popular and well-known certifications and licenses.

  • CMA USA (Certified Management Accountant)

CMA USA checks the competency of accountants in terms of Decision Analysis, Cost Management, Forecasting, and Internal Control Auditing. It showcases the mastery of financial management skills and Management Accounting from a generalized or managerial perspective. The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) issues the certification. Many accountants opt for a CPA/CMA dual certification if they intend to work in large corporations for the long term. In terms of the CPA test, CMA USA assesses how theoretical principles are used in practice. Eligibility requirements include a bachelor's degree and at least two years of experience in accounting and financial management. The exam includes two levels, each lasting four hours.

  • CPA (Certified Public Accountant)

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) issues the CPA designation, an international accounting qualification. It assesses an accountant's competence in risk management, forensic accounting, tax management, compliance, and other areas essential for top accounting roles. The CPA credential is internationally recognized, and people with this certification can work as internal auditors, public accountants, finance and tax analysts, finance managers, and so on. CPA candidates often hold a bachelor's degree worth 150 certification points. They must have a minimum of two years of job experience. Furthermore, they must pass all four levels of the exam.

  • CA (Chartered Accountancy)

CA is the practice of auditing, taxation, accounting, and financial assessment on an organizational or individual basis. A chartered accountant is an accounting specialist who investigates issues with business financing, taxation, and accounting before getting certification from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), the statutory authority on accounting. A certified public accountant's duties include auditing financial statements and business procedures, filing tax returns, maintaining investment records, and preparing and reviewing financial papers and reports.

  • ACCA (Association Of Chartered Certified Accountants)

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a renowned global professional accounting organization that provides the Chartered Certified Accountant designation. With over 200,000 members and 500,000 students in 180 countries, ACCA is well-known for its high standards and global reputation. ACCA certifications provide individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue successful jobs in accounting, finance, and business. The ACCA program covers a wide range of topics, including financial management, taxation, auditing, and strategic company leadership, to ensure a thorough understanding of current accounting methods. ACCA helps individuals to flourish in a dynamic and ever-changing corporate world by offering flexible study options and a dedication to professional growth, preparing them for global success.

CPA CMA Dual Certification

Accounting is a tough and lucrative field. Developing a long-term career in this sector can be challenging but rewarding. As a result, all financial professionals should consider taking an advanced training course to improve their skills and accounting expertise.
Many accountants pursue advanced studies in accounting and finance. Multiple courses, such as CMA USA, CPA, CA, or ACCA, from a reputable institute like NorthStar Academy, can assist in developing the necessary skill sets.
Furthermore, a credential such as CPA CMA dual certification helps protect accountants from difficult economic times by helping them adapt to new problems and develop their skills.
A double accounting credential, such as CPA CMA dual certification, can broaden one's knowledge base or foundation of accounting abilities and concepts, boost marketability, and provide various additional benefits.

What Is The Salary Of CPA And CMA Accountants Abroad/India?

CPA Abroad CMA Abroad
USA - $96868 Australia - AUD 120,000
Australia - AU$79195 Canada - $45,881
Canada - $185,000 Dubai - $111,000
Japan - ¥7,000,000 The United Kingdom - £65,000
Dubai - AED 264,000 The United States of America - $126,000

• In India, the CPA salary is around INR 6-9 lakhs. This is the average salary paid to the CPA-certified.
• In India, the salary of an entry-level CMA is around Rs 7-8 lakh per year.

Why Pursue CPA After CMA USA?

CPA certification is a good career-building certification for those interested in understanding taxation, auditing, regulation, reporting, etc. On the contrary, the CMA USA certification is helpful for people interested in learning management, decision-making, and strategic analytical skills. Now, the question arises of whether one can pursue a CPA after CMA USA. Well, a candidate can apply for the CPA exam only if he fulfills the eligibility criteria as described above. A CPA CMA designation can add advantages to the accounting space and increase job opportunities in the market.

  • Employment Advantages

A CPA license comes with numerous job opportunities. However, candidates looking for more diverse options in the accounting space including national and international jobs can get a CPA CMA dual certification. As the demand for international accounting knowledge is increasing in the Indian accounting sector, many companies are looking for professionals having CPA CMA dual certification.

  • Less Time-Consuming

This course can last for 6-9 months if proper training is provided. However, people going for CPA CMA dual certifications may need to invest some extra time for completion.

  • Job Stability

People looking for a stable accounting job can choose a CPA certification after acquiring a CMA USA certification as the demand is always increasing. Nonetheless, the chances for stability increase for people pursuing CPA CMA dual certifications.

Conclusion

In today's world, competition in every sector is increasing day by day. Due to the competitive environment in the accounting and management field, many accountants desire to earn several certifications. In this situation, the CPA CMA dual certification can help an accountant a lot.
For training, a candidate must choose a well-known training center like NorthStar Academy (NSA). Northstar Academy is one of the leading online institutes providing the best training for certification courses, like CMA USA and CPA.
NSA helps students prepare for the US CMA and CPA exams through their top-tier study materials from Gleim. It is the most preferred and oldest study material which has been updated based on the current syllabus. Here, the students are taught by experienced mentors like M Irfat Sir. This academy also offers interactive sessions where students can take the help of their teachers for doubt-solving. The academy provides end-to-end support to the students.

FAQ’s

  1. Can A Candidate Get Both CPA And CMA Certifications?
    Yes, a candidate can get both CPA and CMA certifications. But it is not possible to earn both certifications together. CPA-certified students can apply for CMA USA certification if they are interested in learning management accounting and budgeting. This certification helps when a student does not benefit from the CPA certification and audit job in the management field. Hence, a candidate can pursue CPA CMA dual certification.
  2. Can CMA Become CPA?
    If a CMA-certified accountant is interested in auditing and taxation, then he can do a CPA after CMA. If the accountant is interested in pursuing CPA USA after CMA USA, he must fulfill the eligibility criteria. The CPA USA can be pursued after the completion of 4 years of graduation or 3 years of graduation along with a certain course.
  3. What Are Some Common Job Opportunities For A CPA And CMA?
    Some job opportunities for a CPA are:
    Finance Analyst
    Finance Controller
    Financial manager
    Internal auditor
    Public accountant
    Some job opportunities for a CMA are:
    Finance Analyst
    CFO
    Financial risk manager
    Cost accountant

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CPA CMA Dual certification:What is the Best Combination with a US CMA (2024)

FAQs

CPA CMA Dual certification:What is the Best Combination with a US CMA? ›

Among the several options, combining the US Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certificate with the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) credential stands out as a formidable combination in the fields of finance and accounting.

Is it worth it to get both CPA and CMA? ›

Dual certification shows that you're highly motivated and ambitious and possess varied skills and expertise. According to IMA's 2021 Global Salary Survey,* when compared to those without the CMA or the CPA certification, CMA holders earn 59% more in median total compensation; and.

What is the best combination for CPA course? ›

The Best Order to Complete your CPA

Following Ethics and Governance, we recommend completing Strategic Management Accounting and Financial Reporting. These subjects, along with E&G, provide a strong base for the remaining subjects that you choose (two electives and Global Strategy and Leadership).

Who earns more, CPA or CMA in the USA? ›

Who earns more - CPA or CMA? The pay scale of a candidate usually boils down to their skillset and years of experience. However, a CPA's average compensation throughout the course of their career is around $120,000, while a CMA's typical salary is around $100,000. So, a CPA typically earns more than a CMA.

What is the best course after CMA USA? ›

In India, MBA is considered the best course after CMA USA. The MBA course adds value to your profile with its course content, which is relevant in the corporate sector. MBA in Finance or Finance and Accounting is the relevant specialization after CMA.

What is the best combination with US CMA? ›

Among the several options, combining the US Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certificate with the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) credential stands out as a formidable combination in the fields of finance and accounting.

Are CMA accountants in demand? ›

Yes, CMAs are in high demand globally. Their expertise in management accounting is not only valued in the U.S. but also in emerging and established markets around the world.

Which is harder to pass CPA or CMA? ›

CPA vs CMA Exam Difficulty

Even so, the CMA exam has a slightly lower pass rate, at roughly 45% passing the two parts, collectively, while half (~50%) or better pass each section of the CPA exam. All CMA candidates have three years to pass both parts of the exam.

What is the average salary of a US CMA in America? ›

However, on average, CMAs tend to earn higher salaries than non-certified accountants. According to a survey conducted by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) in 2021, CMAs in the United States earn an average salary of $126,000 per year.

What kind of CPA makes the most money? ›

Average annual salary for highest-earning accounting jobs
Job TitleAverage Annual Salary
Chief Compliance Officer (CCO)$181,750
Treasurer$199,750
Vice President of Finance$192,750
Corporate Controller$188,250
2 more rows

Which CMA has highest salary? ›

CMA Salaries in India Vary Based on Different Job Profiles:
Job RoleAverage CMA Salary
Senior Financial Analyst7.73 Lakhs
Finance Manager11.22 Lakhs
Senior Finance Manager20.48 Lakhs
Chief Financial Officer36.33 Lakhs
3 more rows
Sep 26, 2023

Which degree is best along with CMA? ›

Both BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) and B.Com (Bachelor of Commerce) can be good choices if you are planning to pursue the CMA (Certified Management Accountant) course alongside your degree. However, the choice between the two degrees depends on your personal interests, strengths, and career goals.

Is US CMA equivalent to Masters degree? ›

Is the CMA equivalent to a Bachelor's or Master's degree in accounting? No. The CMA is completely separate from university accounting or finance programs.

Is it worth getting a CPA anymore? ›

Anyone who wants to work in accounting should become certified as a CPA. In actuality, applicants who desire to pursue a career in accounting and finance benefit from taking the CPA course. The CPA is an excellent certificate if you wish to advance in a corporate finance division and ultimately become the CFO.

Is CMA accounting worth it? ›

The IMA's 2021 Global Salary Survey found that a CMA's salary is 58 percent higher on average than a non-CMA. Professional Advancement. Having a CMA Certification demonstrates your knowledge of financial management process and diversifies your accounting skills.

Do you need accounting degree for CMA? ›

In addition to passing both parts of the CMA Exam, you will have to complete a bachelor's degree or show a comparable professional certification in order to get your CMA. You will also need to accomplish two years of continuous work in accounting.

Is it good to have both CPA and CFA? ›

The best credential depends on one's career objectives. However, some financial professionals pursue both the CPA and CFA to widen their competencies. The CPA/CFA combination can open doors in corporate finance, investment banking, equity research, private equity, venture capital, and other lucrative fields.

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