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?
Trending Content - Corporate Finance, Development and Strategy Forum
Career Resources
Career Advancement Opportunities
August 2026 Investment Banking
-
Evercore 01 99.4%
-
Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
-
JPMorgan 01 98.3%
-
Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
-
Goldman Sachs 02 97.2%
Overall Employee Satisfaction
August 2026 Investment Banking
-
Moelis & Company No 99.4%
-
Evercore No 98.9%
-
Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
-
Banco Santander 02 97.8%
-
BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%
Professional Growth Opportunities
August 2026 Investment Banking
-
Evercore 01 99.4%
-
Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
-
Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
-
Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
-
JPMorgan 01 97.2%
Total Avg Compensation
August 2026 Investment Banking
-
Vice President (16) $429
-
Associates (48) $259
-
3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
-
2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
-
Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
-
1st Year Analyst (83) $151
-
Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $101
16 IB Interviews Notes
“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”
Leaderboard
| 1 |  |
99.2 |
| 2 | |
99.0 |
| 3 | |
99.0 |
| 4 | |
99.0 |
| 5 |  |
98.9 |
| 6 | |
98.9 |
| 7 | |
98.9 |
| 8 |  |
98.9 |
| 9 | |
98.9 |
| 10 | |
98.8 |
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship
“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”
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.
Blanditiis vitae voluptate veniam mollitia. Dolore quod incidunt accusantium. Sed tenetur ut illum quisquam et libero sed. Delectus ut amet unde deserunt sint. Repellendus reiciendis animi molestiae officia.
Non aut saepe neque. Enim facere non enim totam ex eos et. Possimus fuga pariatur et commodi quaerat. Fuga dolorem doloremque ad velit quibusdam doloribus cum iusto. Eum quia et ad numquam et.
Iure exercitationem sint totam eos nostrum rerum et excepturi. Provident eum molestias dolorem harum et sequi. Iste harum sunt minima omnis earum. Accusamus eos non in impedit aut labore maxime.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...