CMA US · Certified Management Accountant · IMA, United States
The US CMA is the strategy side of finance — the credential behind FP&A, controllership, and the CFO track. Two parts, 12–18 months, and a pay premium IMA’s own global survey puts at 21% over the uncertified. Taught by faculty who hold it.
Start from zero
Why CMA US
Two parts, 12–18 months for most candidates. The shortest route to a global finance credential available.
IMA's Global Salary Survey consistently reports CMA holders earning meaningfully more in median total compensation than uncertified peers, with the largest relative uplift in emerging markets including India.
No articleship, no mandatory training contract. Experience requirements can be satisfied before or after the exams.
Heavily recognised across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar — where large numbers of Indian finance professionals work.
Planning, analysis, control and strategy — the skills that move you toward FP&A leadership rather than back-office reporting.
Written essays are replaced by Case-Based Questions that mirror real decision scenarios.
Eligibility
1 · A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution — or a recognised professional qualification. CA, CS and CMA India are commonly accepted.
2 · Two years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management. This can be completed after you pass — within seven years — so it does not delay your start.
3 · Active IMA membership throughout.
Exam structure
| Part 1 | Part 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Financial Planning, Performance & Analytics | Strategic Financial Management |
| Format | 100 MCQs + 2 case-based questions | 100 MCQs + 2 case-based questions |
| Duration | 4 hrs (3 MCQ + 1 CBQ) | 4 hrs (3 MCQ + 1 CBQ) |
| Weighting | MCQ 75% · CBQ 25% | MCQ 75% · CBQ 25% |
Source: 2026 CMA exam structure guidance, multiple providers. Both parts must be completed within three years of registration.
Careers & salary
Corporate · GCC
Budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis — the classic CMA role.
Embedded in a business unit
The finance voice in commercial decisions, not the one reporting on them afterwards.
Manufacturing · retail · SaaS
Product and unit economics — increasingly the most influential seat in the finance function.
Corporate
Risk and control frameworks across a global entity.
Mid-senior
Ownership of reporting, close and the integrity of the numbers.
Leadership track
The route the CMA is actually designed for.
Source: Indian US CMA salary aggregations citing the IMA Global Salary Survey, 2026. Market ranges, not guarantees.
Faculty
Learn from Chartered Accountants with real Big 4 and industry experience.
Chartered Accountant with experience across Big 4 consulting, banking, academia and MNC corporate finance. Ex-Ernst & Young and Assistant Manager at SIDBI; mentors finance students at Chandigarh, Karnavati and Auro universities.
Assurance specialist with wide exposure to audits across industries and deep knowledge of SAs, ISAs and auditing practice.
The honest comparison
Scroll the table sideways →
| CMA US | ACCA | CFA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body | IMA, USA | ACCA, UK | CFA Institute, USA |
| Exams | 2 parts | 13 papers | 3 levels |
| Duration | 12–18 months | 2–3 years | 2–4 years |
| Focus | Management accounting, FP&A, strategy | Financial reporting, audit, tax | Investments, portfolios |
| Best for | Corporate finance, business partnering | Global accounting careers | Markets & investment roles |
| Degree required | Yes | No — start after Class 12 | Yes |
| Work experience | 2 years | 36 months PER | 4,000 hrs |
| Strongest markets | US, Gulf, MNCs, GCCs | UK, Gulf, Europe, Asia | Global capital markets |
| Typical India salary | ₹6–8 LPA avg | ₹6–9 LPA fresher | ₹12+ LPA avg |
Why us for CMA US
CA Arham Daga — CA, B.Com, Ex-Ernst & Young and Ex-SIDBI — cleared the SIDBI Grade A examination in the first attempt, with experience across Big 4 consulting, banking, academia and multinational corporate finance, and has mentored finance students at Chandigarh, Karnavati and Auro universities.
CA Supreet Agrawal — CA, Ex-EY and Ex-KPMG Bahrain and an India Book of Records holder — brings strong assurance expertise in SAs, ISAs and global audit practices, with 2+ years mentoring students in AA, AAA and other professional courses.
This is not a new subject for us. It is what our founding faculty are qualified in.
Success roadmap
FAQ
No — different bodies, different syllabi, different recognition. US CMA (IMA) is globally portable; CMA India (ICMAI) is India-focused. Neither substitutes for the other.
