CMA vs. CPA

It has some, but not as much as it used to. The CPA designation is just more recognizable, especially to HR folks.

My grandfather had his CMA and was CFO of a midsize company. He told me back in his day CPA was for people going into public accounting(imagine that) while those that wanted a career in industry got their CMA. Somewhere along the way, corporations started valuing CPA designations more.

Most people I've come across that have their CMA, also have their CPA.

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I feel like my CPA will carry a lot more value than his CMA

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It will, especially early in your career. Once you have 10 years experience, your experience carries more weight, but by that time most positions at that level are going to prefer someone with a CPA. So it'll open more doors than just a CMA.

Just has mentioned several times how he doesn't understand why I'm pursuing a CPA.

He's also asked me how my pursuit was going and when I mentioned I was currently taking audit, which is the last class I have before I'm eligible, he said "see, that's why I'm not interested in the CPA".

He may not see the value for himself, but it's a little frustrating to him denigrate my pursuit because he doesn't deem it worthy. I've been promised a significant raise and reimbursement of all expenses when I attain it, so I know it's something they value. Our jobs are slightly different, as mine is currently more accounting oriented and his more analytical, and he's been here longer so they value him more in general, but I'm hoping to change that, because I see the controller spot opening and I want to position myself that way when it does, I'm the guy and not him.

Sounds like he's eyeing that same position and sees you as his competition so he's trying to sabotage your efforts. He knows a CPA is more valuable and he sees it as a threat.

CPA clearly had more prestige but I think a case can be made that the skill set taught in the CMA program is more applicable to life in corporate decision making.

Most folks don't know the CMA so it isn't going to open doors. But, the content can be pretty valuable.

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I've been promised a significant raise and reimbursement of all expenses when I attain it, so I know it's something they value.

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Will you be able to satisfy work experience under cpa? Assuming you are in LA

I have both CPA and CMA and am currently the CFO of a mid-sized company. Without a doubt the CPA has been and will continue to be the more respected certification. I love the CMA content much more than the CPA content, but rarely have I seen employers asking for or preferring the CMA. I was with a Big 4 firm for 10 years before my current job so obviously the CPA was a must. The CMA has no relevance in public accounting.

If you are choosing between the two, do your career a favor and choose the CPA. The certification alone adds much credibility and opens so many more doors than you could imagine - numerous types of jobs and speaking engagements for the rest of your life. In a CFO position at a company like mine ($50 million) you can practice both and to be honest, you pretty much have to, but the CMA is not necessary. It's all about your experience and what you actually do. If you're dead set on the CMA, get it after the CPA. I found the CMA exam to be much less difficult and much easier to study for down the road with a spouse and one or two rugrats. Hope this helps.

Curious what is considered a mid-size company as I've seen it mentioned a few times. $5 million in EBITDA? $100 million?

No offense taken. I'm aware of all the requirements.