The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) US credential is increasingly in demand across various industries in India, largely driven by the growing need for finance and management expertise among multinational companies and large Indian corporations.
1. Growing Need for Management Accounting Skills
Indian companies, particularly in sectors like IT, manufacturing, financial services, and consulting, value strategic management accounting skills to compete globally. US CMAs are trained in financial planning, analysis, control, and decision support, which are critical for managing and supporting growth.
Companies such as Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Reliance Industries, and Mahindra & Mahindra actively seek US CMAs for their finance and strategic teams, especially in roles requiring financial analysis and planning.
2. High Demand Among Multinational Corporations
Many multinational companies that operate in India actively recruit US CMAs due to the credential’s global perspective and emphasis on strategic management. Major employers include Deloitte, KPMG, EY (Ernst & Young), PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers), Accenture, Amazon, PepsiCo, Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble (P&G), IBM, and Cognizant.
These companies value CMAs for their strategic insight and ability to handle complex financial reporting and planning, which are essential for supporting international operations.
3. Efficient Path to Certification Compared to Traditional Indian Accounting Qualifications
The CMA US qualification is an attractive option for Indian professionals because it can be completed in 1-2 years. This makes it appealing to students and professionals who want a global credential without committing to a long study period, unlike the Chartered Accountant (CA) program.
With such an efficient path, companies like Wipro, Hindustan Unilever, and Flipkart are hiring CMAs who can quickly add value to their financial teams.
4. Competitive Salaries and Career Growth
In India, CMAs can expect competitive salaries. Entry-level CMAs generally earn between INR 4-7 lakhs per year, while experienced CMAs in companies like HCL Technologies, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Asian Paints, and Siemens can earn INR 10-15 lakhs or more, depending on the role, location, and industry.
CMAs often start as Financial Analysts, Cost Accountants, or Budget Analysts and can progress to roles such as Finance Manager, Controller, and CFO, depending on their experience and expertise.
5. Globalization and Increased FDI in India
With India emerging as a significant hub for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and global corporations expanding their presence, finance professionals with international qualifications like CMA US are highly sought after.
Employers like Nestlé, Ford, Samsung, Shell, and Pfizer prioritize hiring professionals who understand global financial standards, making the CMA US a valuable credential.
6. Ecosystem for CMA US Preparation in India
India has a strong support network for CMA training, with numerous institutes offering both in-person and online coaching. Institutions like Uplift Professionals, Miles Education, Becker Professional Education etc provide comprehensive training programs, making it easier for Indian candidates to prepare for the CMA US exam.
In conclusion, the CMA US designation is in high demand across various sectors in India, particularly among companies with a global focus. Top recruiters such as Deloitte, Amazon, Accenture, IBM, Reliance Industries, Nestlé, and many others seek CMAs for strategic finance roles. This demand is expected to grow as Indian businesses and global corporations continue to expand in the region.