How to Become a CMA Professional in Dubai?

The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) Credential awarded by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) is highly valued in Dubai’s business landscape. CMA is a globally recognized credential, and obtaining one enhances your career prospects in Finance. CMA Certification validates your financial planning, analysis, control, and decision-making skills. 

Dubai’s status as a global financial hub offers numerous opportunities for CMA professionals. Becoming a Certified Management Accountant is a strategic move to enhance your career prospects in Dubai’s finance sector. You have to get an IMA membership first to start your CMA journey. You should follow these steps to become a CMA professional in Dubai. 

7 Steps to Become a CMA Professional in Dubai 

Let’s dive deep into the 7 steps to become a CMA professional 

1. Get a Bachelor’s Degree from an Accredited University:

The first step towards becoming a CMA professional is to complete your graduation. Before you enroll in the CMA program, get a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. The bachelor’s degree can be in any discipline, demonstrating that the CMA certification is accessible to individuals from diverse academic backgrounds. 

2. Register with the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA):

It is mandatory to get an IMA membership before you start pursuing your CMA studies. You can register for student membership and gain access to a wide variety of resources. Getting an IMA membership enables you to attend conferences and events to connect with members and exchange ideas. 

You can access the exclusive IMA web portal for professional advice and exam preparation assistance.. Membership options include Professional, Student, and Academic categories, each with its respective fees. Student membership costs around $49 (AED 180), and the academic membership fee costs $160 (AED 587).

3. Prepare for the CMA exam

The Certified Management Accountant designation is one of the highest-paying accounting careers in Dubai. The certification exam evaluates that CMAs not only have theoretical knowledge but also practical application skills in the world of finance. The CMA exam consists of two parts:

Each part is a 4-hour exam with 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and 2 essay questions. The weightage of each section for the CMA exam is given in the table below. 

To prepare effectively for the certification exam, you can join the CMA Course.  Joining the CMA Course will give you in-depth knowledge of complex finance concepts. As a part of CMA training, you will engage in mock tests and practice exams that will provide confidence to face the CMA exam. 

4. Schedule and take the exam

You can schedule your exam in a Prometric Testing Centre in Dubai or opt for an online test (if available).  You can schedule your exams in any of the exam windows given below. 

CMA Exam Fees in Dubai

The table below will give you the details of the CMA exam fees. 

5. Gain relevant work experience:  

CMA Certification can easily help you build your accounting career. A crucial component of the CMA certification is the requirement of two years of relevant work experience in management accounting or financial management.

This practical experience can be accumulated either before taking the CMA exam or, within seven years after successfully passing both parts of the exam. This flexibility allows candidates to focus on passing the rigorous exam first and then gain the necessary professional experience.

6. Apply for CMA Certification:

Submit a CMA Experience Verification Form to IMA once you pass both parts of the CMA exam and gain relevant work experience. You will receive the CMA Certification once you meet all the requirements and are approved by the IMA. The CMA certification validates your expertise and commitment in the area of Management Accounting. 

AI has made its way into the field of finance & accounting. While you are in the stage of getting CMA Certification, you can join the AI course to master AI tools.  Mastering AI tools will give you a competitive edge in the job market. 

7. Maintain your CMA Certification:

To maintain your CMA Certification, you have to complete 30 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE), including 2 hours in Ethics annually. It is also necessary to pay an annual IMA membership fee to maintain your certification. The fee for professional membership in IMA is around $295 (AED 1080). Professional membership provides access to a wealth of resources, including networking opportunities,  professional development tools, and continuous learning materials. 

Cost Accountant, Management Accountant, and Financial Analyst are some of the roles that you can pursue with the CMA Certification.

The following are some of the key roles and duties of CMA professionals. 

Salary of CMA Professionals in the UAE

Becoming a CMA professional will enable you to enhance your earning potential in the area of finance and accounting. The average monthly salary earned by CMA professionals in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Al Ain is given in the table below. 

FMAA and CSCA are other top certifications by IMA that will enable you to boost your career prospects in Finance. 

To Sum Up: 

The CMA designation serves as a catalyst for professional success in the dynamic field of management accounting. With its global recognition and the growing demand for skilled financial experts in Dubai, CMA Certification is a valuable investment. The process of getting a CMA certification involves passing rigorous examinations and committing to ongoing professional development. Choose the CMA training that aligns with your budget and career goals. Take your first step with confidence. Good luck!