HOCK Study Path Series
From Theory to Practice: Leveraging CMA Certification in Finance Roles
R. Ananth Narasiman is an Associate Analyst at Big 4 company, a participant in the HOCK Study Path Series, and a HOCK CMA student. In this blog, he shares his firsthand experiences of applying the CMA certification concepts directly to his finance role, detailing how the skills and knowledge acquired have enhanced his analytical and decision-making capabilities in the workplace. Through practical examples, he illustrates the relevance and impact of CMA training in real-world financial strategies and operations, providing valuable insights for both current and prospective CMA candidates.
Introduction to CMA’s Role in Finance
My current job role revolves around the field of Finance, Planning, & Analysis, which aligns with the CMA certification, although it doesn’t utilize all the concepts that the certification provides. I have personally come across concepts from the subjects of ratios and decision analysis in my current job role.
Applying Financial Ratios in Real-World Scenarios
From the subject of ratios, identifying the Gross Profit Margin and Day Sales in Receivables has been crucial. The firm always tries to enter into engagements which will help them recognise revenue in the form of profits, therefore initially when the company tries to bring in new projects, they usually look at the Engagement Profitability. My role involves providing forecasts to the leaders to maintain their profits as decided during the planning phase across the project’s tenure, or anything above the predetermined margin would be well appreciated by the leaders. When it comes to Days Sales in Receivables, maintaining the ratio below the firm thresholds has been one of the roles. To maintain this, we need to initiate and process billings from the clients in a timely manner, as we usually have a lot of pushback from them.
The Importance of Breakeven Analysis in Decision-Making
Another such instance or topic that has been useful is the Breakeven Even Point (in dollars) analysis. With regards to this, accuracy plays a crucial role, as the metrics of engagement keep fluctuating, with expenses and employee hours being very volatile from one week to the other. A Breakeven Point must be reported to let the leadership know how an engagement is presently trending and suggest the required deviations so that the leadership can devise a strategy for the same based on the insights provided.
CMA Certification: A Gateway to Diverse Financial Careers
The CMA certification makes the candidate “market ready” because of possessing diverse knowledge across the fields of Core Audit, Financial Planning & Analysis, Risk & Advisory and even Investment Banking while possessing the required skill set along with relevant work experience. I see investment banking as a field as a “road less taken” by the presently qualified CMAs where topics of Part 2 are extensively helpful when it comes to the units of Investment Decisions and Corporate Finance, which imparts significant knowledge to enter this field. The knowledge gained from Financial Statement Analysis and Corporate Finance helps one to enter the Core Audit while Ethics also plays a vital role for the candidate to venture into any of the fields or disciplines.
Guidance for Aspiring CMAs
The advice which I would provide to anyone who is pursuing the certification would be to stay consistent and determined throughout the journey. Planning also plays a crucial part in clearing the certification along with having in-depth conceptual clarity before taking the exam. The positive side of the certification is the extensive knowledge you gain, which will make you feel grounded with the amount of knowledge that exists. Once you develop an interest in learning, it will be one of the most interesting things you will ever learn, and you will be on your toes to impart the knowledge gained on real world scenarios. The drawbacks to this would be the journey which you go through where keeping your morale up becomes difficult on the bad days. The marking scheme is not provided by the IMA to the candidates. The cost to pursue the certification is also relatively higher, where affording to give multiple attempts becomes a luxury. On that note, I would like to draw a conclusion by saying that the pros outweigh the cons and pursuing the US CMA certification will surely reap your rewards once quailed and after gaining the right skills.
If you are ready to pursue your CMA career and eager to start studying, we encourage you to begin with our 7-day free trial. The HOCK trial provides comprehensive access to all CMA study tools and materials, offering an excellent opportunity to explore our study system and determine if the CMA certification is the right fit for you. Take advantage of this chance to engage with our resources and see how they can help you achieve your professional goals.
Real Challenges, Real Stories – HOCK Study Path
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From juggling time to tackling tough topics, these stories are all about the raw, unfiltered journey toward professional certification.
Watch as our students share their hurdles in the early stages of their study journey. Their courage, resilience, and commitment shine through every word, reminding us all of the strength it takes to chase our dreams.
Your next chapter is waiting to be written. Begin your journey with HOCK today and transform challenges into victories.
Stepping Into Accounting: My Personal Take on the FMAA Certification
Tyler Skelton is the Director of US Business Development at HOCK and he has spent over ten years helping professionals prepare for finance and accounting certifications. Although Tyler doesn’t come from an accounting background, his interest in continuous learning and professional development has led him to explore the new FMAA certification. Join him as he shares his experience with this journey.
Understanding the FMAA: A Certification for All Professionals
For over a decade, I’ve dedicated myself to providing individuals with the resources to help them obtain various accounting and finance certifications. I had never considered taking an exam for any of those certifications, mainly because I wouldn’t meet the work experience requirements, but also, I just didn’t fit in with what I wanted to do with my career. I do not come from an accounting background and haven’t taken an accounting course for as long as I have been in my current field.
The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) recently launched a brand-new certification called the FMAA, which stands for Financial and Managerial Accounting Associate. The FMAA is a foundational certification designed to equip early-career professionals with core accounting and finance knowledge skills. What sets this certification apart is that it doesn’t require education or work experience to sit for the exam. This makes it an ideal certification for business students starting out in accounting or finance, business professionals who work closely with accountants or the accounting department, or professionals looking to transition into a new career path.
The FMAA Experience: Gearing Up for the Exam
When I learned about the FMAA certification, I realized it was not only relevant to my background but also an option I could consider pursuing. I believe it’s important to commit to continuous learning and professional development. By taking the FMAA exam, I aim to better understand the challenges our candidates face in preparing for exams. It also helps me relate more closely to the accounting and finance profession. As I approach my exam date this month I am beginning to feel the pressure. I’m excited to update you all on my exam results and will report back!
Tyler Skelton
US Business Development Director
Conquering Exam Fears: Insights from HOCK Study Path
It is common to encounter many fears and hesitations when preparing for professional certification exams. We asked the HOCK Study Path participants to share the fears that have held them back and see how acknowledging and facing these fears is the first step toward overcoming them.
The Fears Holding Us Back
- Time and Financial Constraints: Many participants highlighted the challenge of balancing demanding jobs with study time alongside concerns about the financial implications of taking exams, especially when travel is required.
- Fear of Failure: The fear of not succeeding on the first try was a big reason for not moving forward. The thought of failing not only themselves but also those who support them added an extra layer of pressure.
- Uncertainty and Feeling Overwhelmed: Some participants delayed their exam preparation due to uncertainties about the exam process or concerns about their ability to commit to and complete a rigorous study schedule.
You Are Not Alone
- 60% of our participants cited time management and financial concerns as major hurdles.
- Over 70% expressed a fear of failure and the pressure of expectations as significant barriers.
- Nearly 50% mentioned uncertainty about the exam process and doubts about their study discipline.
Turning Fears Into Motivation
The HOCK Study Path community demonstrated that starting is the most important step in transforming these fears into success stories. By engaging with the program, participants have begun to:
- Prioritize and Plan: Setting up a Personal Study Plan in PassMap helps in managing study hours and fitting exam preparation into busy schedules.
- Embrace the Learning Process: Shifting focus from the pressure of passing exams to enjoying the acquisition of new knowledge makes the journey more fulfilling.
- Leverage Community Support: Sharing experiences and challenges with fellow students provides a sense of belonging and mutual encouragement.
Join Us and Start Your Journey
Let the HOCK Study Path Series be your guide and support system. Subscribe to the YouTube channel and follow the community where real students share their real experiences. By subscribing, you’ll find inspiration, insights, and the motivation to study with a plan.
It is never too late to conquer your fears and start your path to success!
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HOCK Study Path Series
HOCK international is excited to launch a unique opportunity for accounting and finance professionals preparing for certification exams in 2024. We seek dedicated individuals committed to their professional development journey and willing to share their experiences as part of a dynamic case study program: HOCK Study Path Series.
HOCK will provide selected participants free access to our complete study materials. This access is conditional on participants adhering to the program's rules, such as submitting weekly updates and engaging in monthly Zoom meetings. Non-compliance with these guidelines may result in the cancellation of access to these resources. Our goal is to foster a productive partnership where committed students receive essential support for their exam success.
Interested candidates who meet the following criteria should apply by January 31st, 2024.
