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CMA Part 2: Financial Decision Making
The percentages show the relative weight range given to each section in the exam.
A. Financial Statement Analysis – 25%
Principal financial statements and their purposes; limitations of financial statement information; interpretation and analysis of financial statements including ratio analysis and comparative analysis; market value vs. book value; fair value accounting; international issues; major differences between IFRS and U.S. GAAP; off-balance sheet financing; Cash Flow Statement preparation, analysis, and reconciliation; and earnings quality.
Topics Tested:
– Basic Financial Statement Analysis
– Financial Ratios & Performance Metrics
– Profitability Analysis
– Special Issues
B. Corporate Finance – 20%
Types of risk; measures of risk; portfolio management; options and futures; capital instruments for long-term financing; dividend policy; factors influencing the optimum capital structure; cost of capital; raising capital; managing and financing working capital; mergers and acquisitions; and international finance.
Topics Tested:
– Risk & Return
– Long Term Financial Management
– Raising Capital
– Working Capital Management
– Corporate Restructuring
– International Finance
C. Decision Analysis – 20%
Relevant data concepts; cost-volume-profit analysis; marginal analysis; make vs. buy decisions; income tax implications for operational decision analysis; pricing methodologies including market comparables, cost-based and value-based approaches.
Topics Tested:
– Cost/Volume/Profit Analysis (CVP Analysis)
– Marginal Analysis
– Pricing
D. Risk Management – 10%
Types of risk including business, hazard, financial, operational, strategic, legal compliance and political risk; risk mitigation; risk management; risk analysis; and ERM.
Topics Tested:
– Enterprise Risk
E. Investment Decision – 15%
Cash flow estimates; discounted cash flow concepts; net present value; internal rate of return; non-discounting analysis techniques; income tax implications for investment decisions; ranking investment projects; risk analysis; real options; and valuation models.
Topics Tested:
– Capital Budgeting Process
– Discounted Cash Flow Analysis
– Payback & Discounted Payback
– Risk Analysis in Capital Investment
F. Professional Ethics – 10%
Ethical considerations for the organization
Topic Tested:
– Ethical considerations for management accounting and financial management professionals.
– Ethical considerations for the organization.
Looking for more?
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62 Comments on “CMA Part 2”
i am very happy to meet some one like you
Thanks Ahmed for your kind words. I’m very glad to help you in your CMA journey.
Hi,
i currently hold the CPA license but work as a cost accountant for the past 10 year. We are are on a job order costing method and i usually analyze all the mfg variances, purchase price variance, Gross profit margin analysis and standard cost maintainence. As a cost accountant, i also close all the jobs that were completed for the month and capture the Cost of Sales for the month.
I really want to pursue the CMA cert. since i am interested in management accounting than taxes and auditing. i was wonder if you know if the experience i mention above will be ok for me to earn the CMA cert (if i pass the exam). PLease reply with your thoughts/comments. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks
Hi Steve,
I believe your experience will satisfy the work requirement. However, to be absolutely safe, contact the IMA’s support desk and verify it. It’s always best to be safe and sorry. Go to http://www.imanet.org Let me know if you have any other questions.
Hi,
I am an Indian student and currently living in Arizona state on a dependent visa (H4). I want to know which is better CMA or CPA . I have done Bachelors of Commerce (BCom) and Company Secretary (ICSI) from India.
Jyoti, if you are looking to work in private accounting and in management, the CMA is the way to go. If you prefer public accounting, taxes and audit the CPA is more relevant.
Hi .I would like to know As an ACCA Affiliate would I be able to get CMA Part 1 exemption.
thanking yours
AZIZ
Hi Aziz, I’m sorry but I’m not familiar with the ACCA designation.
Hi Nathan !!
Your post is very helpful. I want to ask u that I want to take CMA part 2 exam in the end of this October.I am left with only a month for the preparation.Would I be able to pass the exam If i study 8 to 10 hours a day ? Please reply me as soon as possible, I would be very thankful to you.
Hi Amna,
I would recommend that if you just began studying to postpone your exam to Jan/Feb 2016 window. To pass the exam, you need at least 3 months of preparation.
Hi,Nathan
Your post is very helpful
I want to ask if which is better to start part one or two first… And at what time the exams held on the year
Thanks in advance
John
Hey John,
I’m glad it was helpful. Thanks for your feedback.
If you have manufacturing experience, then go for Part 2. Otherwise go for Part 2 first. The exam windows are held in Jan/Feb, May/June, and Sep/Oct. So we are in essence in the last window of 2015. Let me know if I can help with any other questions. Also feel free to check out my FAQ page to find answers to common questions about the CMA exam.
Hi
Dear ….
Where can i buy cma books and how much dose it cost
Hi Ahmed,
Click here to purchase a review course if you’d like to study with me, or click here to view other options available.
hi Nathan ,
I’d like to thank you for your great efforts , and would asking you is the basic financial statement still tested in the cma part 2 exam under the new update 2015 or its ignored
Thanks
osama
It’s still tested
Hi,
I have attempted, CMA part 2 in Feb 2016 window. when can i expect the result, MCQ and Essays was ok for me. How the scoring will be done. Am i need to start the preparation for PART 1, or need to revise the PART 2 still the result out.
Hi Shibu,
If you’d like start preparing for the CMA Part 2 exam if you want to take it in the upcoming window.
Dear Mr Nathan
First of all i wanna say you are doing very great job.i can see here so many peoples are getting benefit from your suggestion
I have a problem .i hope you can guide me.I want to do self study without going any coaching centre.so can you suggest me what is best thing that i can do it by sitting at home to learn & understand things by my self . I dont have any manufacturing background but I am doing accounting job.
I dont have books so from where I can get it.
Thanks
Sarfaraz Ali
Hello Sarfaraz,
I have another course called Self-Study Mastery and includes all the tools you’ll need to self-study for the exam. You can learn about this program here: http://www.cmaexamacademy.com/cma-courses/
Nathan
Am From India I have completed b.com and IPCC 1st group but now am interested in CMA USA can I pass in first attempt and how much salary can I get after certification and how can I get job in abroad
Hello Mahesh,
Thank you for contacting me. As for your question, you can check out this link: https://www.cmacoach.com/cma-faq/
Thanks,
Nathan
Dear Nathan,
I was studying CMA part 1 last year but because of load of work I did not go for paper. Now my tuition teacher will start CMA part 2 classes from Monday 28th. And I will sit in exams in June.
Will you help me, I need tips to pass CMA part 2.
Hello Sohail,
Thanks for reaching out.
I’d be more than glad to guide you in you preparation for the CMA exam. That’s what I’m here for.
There are three ways I can do this for you and you can pick one or more:
I have a lot of free content in my blog and my FAQ page. You can browse here: https://www.cmacoach.com/cma-faq/
The second way is to join me in a webinar I host each week here: http://www.cmaexamacademy.com/webinar
And the third way is to check out the guides and coaching programs I currently offer to candidates who are finding great success at passing the exam: http://www.cmaexamacademy.com/start-here/
Let me know if you have any questions after taking a few moments to check those resources out.
Thank you,
Nathan
Hi ,
Thanks for your support,
I actually ask about the approach or for CMA 2016 it is different than 2015
Also can I start with part 2 rather than part one
Hi Shams,
There is no difference in approach for 2016 and 2015 CMA exam. It is still the same.
You can take Part 2 first and you can also take both within the same testing window.
Thanks and Regards,
Nathan
Hello Mr. Nathan Liao,
I want to know exactly what is the new in CMA part 2, please?! .. moreover, does part 1 in the new version contain ethics topic?! Or the new version gathered the two branches of ethics -individaul & oragnizional- in part 2 only?!
Hi Ahmed,
Here are the topics for Part 1 and Part 2:
Part 1
A. External Financial Reporting Decisions
B. Planning, Budgeting and Forecasting
C. Performance Management
D. Cost Management
E. Internal Controls
Part 2
A. Financial Statement Analysis
B. Corporate Finance
C. Decision Analysis
D. Risk Management
E. Investment Decisions
F. Professional Ethics
Ethics topic will only be tested in Part 2.
Thanks and Regards,
Nathan
What is the difference between CFA and CMA. Which one is better considering the factor of time, money, and job opportunities/
Asker,
CMAs on average earn $130K per year. I don’t believe CFAs get close to that figure.
hello
its wonderful to meet people like you
iam examining the part 2 at the end of this October i have less than three months
and i need some experience
note iam a college student at my last semester
i need advice it will be very hopeful
thank you
Hi Feras,
Don’t worry about the experience requirement. You can complete the CMA experience requirement within seven years after passing the examination.
For more helpful information about the CMA exam, please visit my blog at http://www.cmacoach.com.
Thanks,
Nathan
Mr. Nathan, h r u? I’ d like to tell you that I have bachelor of education E department. now I passed part1 exam of the cma and I am preparing myself for part2. My questions: is cma suitable for me? Especially, I don’t have any experience in accounting or work in it. What field can I work? And can I take part2 exam in Jan/Feb period? Thanks for your help.
Hi Mai,
Congrats for passing the Part 1 of the CMA Exam! That is already a proof of your knowledge in finance and accounting. I suggest that you try applying for finance or accounting jobs after passing the CMA exam even if you don’t have prior experience in accounting. It will give you a big advantage over non-certified peers.
Cheers,
Nathan
Hi Mai,
Congrats for passing the Part 1 of the CMA Exam! That is already a proof of your knowledge in finance and accounting. I suggest that you try applying for finance or accounting jobs after passing the CMA exam even if you don’t have prior experience in accounting. It will give you a big advantage over non-certified peers.
Cheers,
Nathan
Dear Nathan,
Trust my email finds you well,
Nathan I had Graduated from my University in 2015 as a Management Student, Know I am working as a Document Controller in a Construction company, however I am a little confused if I study the CMA or Study Masters in Management . Can you please advice ?
Hi Ahmad,
To answer your question, you may read my article about the CMA vs MBA using this link.
Thanks and Regards,
James
thnk you for you time
Dear Nathan
1. Kindly provide what topics have been excluded/included in CMA Part 2 in the current syllabus contents of year 2016 compared to year 2015. Example: I noticed that Basic Financial statement & their uses, Statement of BS, IS, Retained Earnings, Cash flow which were there in 2015 are not there in 2016 Gleim Edition of 2016.
Kindly arrange to provide the list of topics which have been added/deleted in the current year.
Thanking you with regards
Hi Kersi,
IMA added “External Financial Reporting Decisions” in Part 1.
To know more about the changes in 2015, please check this link.
Thanks and Regards,
Nathan
hello ,,, first thanks for these helpful information about cma part 2,
i’ve took cma part 1 exam in 2016 sep\oct exam window , unfortunately i didnt pass , so i want to study for part 2 and set for part 2 exam and re-set for part 1 exam at 2017 may\june exam window, is taking both parts exam in one window is allowed ? , and if it is allowed is it attianable, if you gave me some advice about that i will be thanksful.
Hi,
Yes, it is possible to take the exam in one testing window. Although I don’t suggest to take it on just one day. For example, you may take CMA Part 2 in May and CMA Part 1 in June ( for May/June 2017 testing window).
Cheers,
Nathan
Hi Nathan, can you please tell me what topics are covered under Part-2 Section A(Financial statement analysis)-“Basic Financial statement analysis.
Hi Rashmi,
Please check the IMA’s Learning Outcome Statements.
Thanks and Regards,
Nathan
HI
I had done my Bachelor Degree in Mathematics and also completed Master degree in computer science since 9 year s I am working in accounting field. If I go with CMA it could be helpful for me or not? Since I didn’t do B.com or any accounting degree it will be difficult for me or not? please advise
Thanks
Afzal.
Hi Afzal,
Don’t worry about your degree. There’s a lot of candidates who pass the CMA exam without an accounting degree.
You will just need some extra effort in studying accounting-related concepts that may not be familiar to you.
Thanks,
Nathan
Hasim Shaikh
hi..
I am MS Accounting and need to know syllabus and study materials
Is there any phone number or office address that give me entire details in Baltimore
Hi, Hasim. For more information, please check the roadmap to becoming a CMA here.
I NEED CMA PART 2 BOOKS AND QUESTION BANK
Hi Mujeeb,
You can find the CMA review textbook for part-two here, and the test bank here.
Let me know if you need anything else 🙂
Hi,
I am working in Dubai as accountant for past 1 and 1/2 years. I would like to know which is a most preferable accounting course for me ..I hold a MBA in finance and HR
I recommend you the CMA coaching course, check it here. It includes all the study tools you need to prepare efficiently for the CMA exam and pass it with flying colors. It also comes with unlimited 1-on-1 coaching for you to ask as many questions as you need along the course to truly grasp the material.
Let me know if you have any other questions, I’ll be happy to help.
Cheers!
I’m a Finance major planning to take the exam. Will it be easier for me to start with Part 2?
Hi Jacob,
It’s best to start with the part you’re most familiar with. Click here to check the topics tested on each part.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Cheers!
Hi,
I applied for CMA in Aug 2016 but I appeared for the exam in 2017 May. I heard that there is a time limit for clearing both exams which is 3 years. My question is 3 years is from 1st exam or from registration/enrollment, which in my case is Aug 2016 ?
And also I have Gliem 2015 MCQs/material, can you confirm if there were any changes in the MCQs after that ? Because I checked 2018 Ethics and found few changes in the book. I don’t have MCQs for 2017 or 2018.
Hi Mr Singh,
The 3-year countdown starts from the day you paid the CMA entrance fee.
And yes, the ICMA introduced some changes in FASB rules and standards in Part 1 this year. Due to that, I undoubtedly recommend you to study from the latest releases.
I currently run a promotion on our Part 1 textbook, if you’re interested, please check it here.
We also offer a test bank with unique adaptive-learning technology at the CMA Exam Academy. It will diagnose your strengths and weaknesses by content area and then tailor your study sessions to focus on your learning needs. It’s very effective and will dramatically reduce your study time. Check it out here.
If you have any other questions, let me know! 🙂
Hi Nathan,
Am Shruthi from Dallas.
Firstly wanted to say thanks to you and you’re guiding many students and many are getting benefited out of this.
I would hereby request you to please help me with study materials for part 1, I have registered for CMA part 1 exam and I decide to do self study without going any coaching classes Is that possible to do ? please suggest what best thing i can do to sitting and studying at home.
I have done my Master in MBA finance and I have 7years experience in Accounts and finance stream.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Shruthi,
Thanks for reaching out!
Yes, you can surely self-study for the CMA exam. The study tools you’ll need are the textbooks and a test bank. They are both crucial for your exam success and you can find them here.
If you need anything else, let me know 🙂
Thank you
Hi Nathan Liao
Mohammed – from Egypt
i`m taking my part 2 exam next month , is financial calculator allowed for this exam or the simple one , and if not allowed how will problems like IRR and NPV and the like problem calculations be worked out .
thanks .
Hi Mohammed,
You’re allowed to bring in a calculator to your exam. Check out here the calculator rules.
Good luck on your exam!
Hi,
Nathan Liao,
I am from UAE. I would like to get your CMA Books both part 1 & Part2.
Can Please inbox me with your price with special discount.
Thanks & Regards,
Siraj.VK
Hi Siraj,
Click on the following link to place your order: https://cmaexamacademy.com/product/cma-textbook-combo-part-1-part-2/ and use coupon code CMACOACH at checkout to claim a 15% discount. Thank you, Nathan