CPA versus CMA Professional Comparison

(CPAs) Certified Public Accountants

Certified Public Accountants affirm that accepted accounting practices have been used in a particular situation. CPAs practice in many areas of business, including income tax preparation, venture capital, estate planning and forensic accounting. They also testify that information has been properly disclosed to external bodies such as the Security & Exchange Commission and Internal Revenue Service.


          CPA 10 Core Tenants

1. Specialize in Accounting               
2. Specialize in Auditing                   
3. Specialize in Tax Functions           
4. Specialize in Regulatory Issues     
5. Specialize in External Reporting    
6. Focused On GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles)                
7. Are Historically Focused              
8. Not Business Strategist                
9. Not Focused on Global Trends     
10. Not Focused on Sustainability



(CMAs) Certified Management Accountants

The main aim of Certified Management Accountants is to improve the efficiency, planning, performance and quality of businesses by providing suitable and applicable cost based performance information. Management accounting has been developed and used to help managers / owners understand the costs of conducting business. The focus of managerial accounting is to help the managers make better decisions. To conclude, for any business unit starting from the smallest business activity to the largest multinational business to be successful requires the use of managerial accounting concepts and practices. 



          CMA 10 Core Tenants

1. Specialize in Business Strategies
2. Specialize in Systems/Processes
3. Specialize in Cost Management
4. Specialize in Business Performance
5. Specialize in Internal Reporting
6. Focused on IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards)                   
7. Are Future Oriented
8. Are Focused on Sustainability
9. Specialize in Financial Decision Making
10. Specialize in Global Trends



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