I work in corporate finance in the Silicon Valley. I recently was laid off and was looking at a helping boost my profile by earning a professional designation. That being said, would it be worthwhile for a Financial Analyst in high-tech to pursue a CMA designation?
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I am not in tech or silicon valley so take this for what it's worth.
My opinion is that it's probably not very valuable for you. I would say that it's only marginally valuable in manufacturing, so I'd doubt is looked at as very valuable in tech. In Manufacturing I guess it's better than nothing, but a CPA and work experience definitely trump CMA by a long shot.
If you can, CPA is definitely more valuable, but also more difficult and time-consuming. If you're really sitting around all day and willing to spend some time/$ on it, I guess the CMA can't hurt. I just wouldn't count on much benefit.
CMA just acts like a smaller version of the CPA, specialized for cost/management accounting. I know some CMA warriors might jump on me were this an accounting board to tell me the tests are on different material, but in practice it's just a lesser-CPA.
That being said both accounting designations will marginally help in FP&A roles depending on the role specifics and company. I've seen a lot of FP&A job listings asking for a CPA, but the job descriptions on these usually are very accounting focused.
In your situation it wouldn't really help, unless you're willing to pickup a job in cost accounting.
Funny you say that. I've taken CMA & CPA.
CPA is a much broader set of exams covering more than just Accounting (IMO)
CMA focuses in on about 40% of the CPA material in more detail. Not as challenging, either.
CMA would not be worth your time. I have seen that is a "junior-varsity" edition of the CPA, which is much more widely known and accepted / respected.
good luck.
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