How to scale up in a Finance Career path

Becoming a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) provides a professional certification that demonstrates expertise in management accounting and financial management. Certified management professionals are equipped with skills in financial management and strategic decision-making, enhancing their career prospects. Obtaining a professional qualification such as CPA or CMA can significantly improve job opportunities and career advancement in the accounting sector. A CMA professional certification, is crucial for career growth and gaining recognition in the accounting and finance industry. In summary, advanced qualifications and certifications in finance can expand job opportunities and open up diverse career paths in various sectors.

Key Takeaways

• Finance Career path

• Skills Students Must Have in F&S Career

• Job Opportunities After F&A Career

Finance Career path - US CMA course / US CPA

If you are interested in the world of finance, then you should be aware of the domain in the early stage of your life. The globally recognized certifications like CMA/CPA can truly be the next best thing for you.

With CMA certification or CPA certification under your belt, you will always be in demand by Big 4s and other multinational companies around the world. US CMAs (Certified Management Accountants) are recognized for their expertise in management accounting and strategic financial management. Certified management accountants work in roles that involve financial planning, analysis, and decision-making. Meanwhile, Certified public accountants (CPAs) are licensed professionals who provide auditing, tax, and consulting services. You can also see an exponential rise in your average salary package after gaining such credentials.

Here are top skills student must have for Finance Career CMA and CPA to clear the exam first attempt

• Knowledge: It refers to the ability of the candidate to recall the material that was previously learned.
• Comprehension: One must be able to accurately interpret and explain the subject matter.
• Application: It is the ability to demonstrate the use of the material in a situation
• Analysis: One must be able to break down a subject matter or recognize relationships between components and identify critical elements
• Synthesis: It refers to the skill to form hypotheses to create new operations
• Evaluation: One must also have the ability to criticize, justify and derive conclusions from the material.
• Management skills: This skill plays a major role in managing the team members which helps to easily get promoted to a higher role.
• Leadership skills: If a candidate has the leadership skills with soft skills, he will definitely grow to the next level in the career.

These top skills for CMA CPA students, not only help through the CMA USA and CPA exam but also are useful in becoming industry experts in accounting or finance.

Some of the job Opportunities after completing CMA USA include

The US CMA certification may be a valuable asset for professionals seeking to advance in management accounting. Advanced certifications and qualifications, such as the US CMA, can lead to higher pay and better successful career prospects. The US CMA certification is a globally recognized credential that enhances your expertise in management accounting. These are some of the job opportunities that await CMA USA holders:  

Financial Analyst

Financial analysis involves evaluating financial statements to inform investment decisions and strategic planning. They display expertise in where and when to buy and sell investments. Advanced positions like investment partner, financial consultant, or portfolio manager are considered suitable options for better growth in this exciting career path.

Financial planner

Financial Planners are good advisers to the client to manage their money. They work for insurance or finance companies to make investments, future financial plans, etc.

Cost accountant

They focus on reducing financial waste and increasing profit from production costs. Advanced positions like Senior Cost Accountant and Financial Controller require CMA USA.

Corporate controller

Corporate Controller needs to report to the CFO and is also responsible for converting data into information that includes financial reports and income statements.

Some of the jobs roles after a CPA include:

Finance jobs range from financial analysts to investment bankers, each requiring different skill sets and qualifications. Here are some examples of lucrative job opportunities awaiting US CPA holders: 

Personal Financial Advisor

They provide their clients with financial advice like managing finances and making financial plans that are specifically customized for them.

Finance Director

They are responsible for overseeing the financial statements of a company and plans long-term growth. They come up with strategies that will help the company to earn profits.

Corporate Controller

Their major responsibility is to oversee all the accounting and financial activities, which include budgeting, accounts that need to be cleared, accounts receivable, billing, etc. It also includes assisting and overseeing financial reporting along with taking care of important duties related to payroll.

Conclusion

Obtaining a relevant accounting qualification is essential for advancing in the accounting profession. Finance professionals are essential for managing financial strategies and operations within organizations. An accurate financial forecasting is crucial for business planning and decision-making. A strong range of skill sets required to excel in problem-solving and financial analysis is essential for success in accounting and finance careers. Understanding the business environment is crucial for effective financial management and decision-making. The pay scale for accounting and finance professionals can vary widely depending on experience and location.

With NorthStar Academy, you will be able to fulfill your dream to become a CMA/CPA. Under experienced faculty M Irfat Teaching Excellence Award, you will learn right from the basics, practice enough mock tests to clear your CMA/CPA exams in one go!