CPA’s and CMA’s have contrasting differences, from certification processes to job descriptions and general responsibilities. As a Hiring Manager or Applicant, you need to understand what motivates a professional to choose either certification. This reflects a lot on their career objectives and accounting practice.
CPA vs CMA: Range of job opportunities
CPA’s usually begin their careers in public accounting, often for a Big 4 firm, but the opportunities are almost endless. In Dallas alone, hundreds of public accounting firms are accepting new hires. Most CPA’s take the role of “accountant” or “financial advisor”. It is common for them to take on work that involves the following:
- Tax preparation
- Management accounting
- Internal auditing
- Financial advisory/business consulting
- Management Consulting
- Controller/CFO’s
CMA’s and IMA’s, on the other hand, take a slightly different role. Taking on a different level of responsibility, they cover aspects that impact both accountants and financial professionals. These include:
- Sustainability and risk management
- Planning and strategy
- Budgeting
- Decision-making
- Financial Planning and Analysis
What qualities should you look for in a candidate?
The ideal CMA candidate possesses managerial skills and can easily understand the structure and workings of a private company. They are valued for their insight, leadership skills, and understanding of finance and accounting.
A CPA, on the other hand, is responsible for the essentials that make a company survive. You need someone who is highly flexible, hard-working, dependable, with strong analytical skills.
The challenge of finding the right candidate
When it comes to hiring accounting professionals, the decision you make will affect the performance of an entire company.
And that’s why at MAM Recruiting, we carefully brief candidates and make sure that they leave every conversation with clarity. We aim for a meaningful experience for both candidates and hiring managers by saving you time. Only the best matches get introduced.
Contact us today if you’re looking for the best match between CPA and CMA candidates. In the last 17 years, we have been making the best matches for companies in both the private and public sectors.
