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This question is about what an accountant does.
CMA vs. CPA
A CMA is a certified management accountant, while a CPA is a certified public accountant.
A CMA is globally recognized as a professional in financial accounting and strategic management. The certification for a CMA is offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). CMAs are instrumental in a company's financial planning, performance, analytics, and strategic financial management.
A CPA is a tax specialist. CPA certification is offered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). CPAs provide invaluable counsel on how to reduce the amount of taxes a company or client will owe each year, and can minimize the chance of such an audit. If the audit does occur, however, a CPA can represent the client.
Here are the key differences between a CMA and a CPA:
| A CMA is a certified management accountant. | A CPA is a certified public accountant. |
| CMA certification is offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). | CPA certification is offered by the American Institute of Public Accountants (AICPA). |
| A CMA is globally recognized as a professional in accounting and strategic management. | A CPA is a tax specialist. |
| A CMA works on a company's financial planning, performance, and analytics. | A CPA can legally represent an individual or company in the event of an IRS audit. |
| A CMA earns an average salary of $105,667 per year. | A CPA earns an average salary of $110,095 per year. |
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