CMA Course in Sri Lanka
IMA Certified Management Accountant — Exam Structure, Fees and Career Guide
The IMA CMA is one of the most efficient professional accounting certifications available to Sri Lankan finance graduates. With just two exam parts and a focus on practical management accounting, it delivers a strong return on investment for professionals in corporate finance.
What Is the CMA (IMA) Certification?
The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) credential is awarded by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), a US-based professional association with over 140,000 members in 150 countries. The CMA is specifically designed for finance professionals who work inside businesses — providing analysis, forecasting, budgeting, and strategic financial guidance to senior management rather than producing statutory accounts or conducting external audits.
In Sri Lanka, the IMA CMA is gaining recognition particularly among professionals employed by, or seeking roles with, multinational companies that follow US-influenced management practices. Companies in export processing zones, BPO/KPO operations, and US-listed parent companies increasingly list CMA or equivalent as a preferred qualification in finance job advertisements.
One of the CMA's key advantages over multi-level qualifications like CIMA or ACCA is its efficiency — the entire certification requires just two exam parts, making it possible for a degree-holding professional to become fully certified within 12 to 18 months of focused study.
CMA (IMA) at a Glance
- Awarding Body: Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), USA
- Number of Exams: 2 parts (Part 1 and Part 2)
- Experience Required: 2 years of management accounting or financial management
- Typical Study Time: 150 to 170 hours per part
- Exam Window: Offered in January/February, May/June, and September/October each year
CMA Exam Structure
Part 1 — Financial Planning, Performance and Analytics
- A.External Financial Reporting Decisions (15%)
- B.Planning, Budgeting and Forecasting (20%)
- C.Performance Management (20%)
- D.Cost Management (15%)
- E.Internal Controls (15%)
- F.Technology and Analytics (15%)
Part 2 — Strategic Financial Management
- A.Financial Statement Analysis (20%)
- B.Corporate Finance (20%)
- C.Decision Analysis (25%)
- D.Risk Management (10%)
- E.Investment Decisions (10%)
- F.Professional Ethics (15%)
Career Outcomes and Salary
| Role | Monthly Salary (LKR) | Sector |
|---|---|---|
| Cost / Management Accountant | 100,000 – 200,000 | Manufacturing, FMCG |
| Finance Business Partner | 180,000 – 300,000 | MNCs, BPO |
| Financial Controller | 280,000 – 450,000 | Corporates, listed PLCs |
| CFO (SME/Mid-market) | 350,000 – 600,000 | Commercial businesses |
*Indicative LKR ranges. MNCs and overseas employers typically pay above local benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CMA (IMA) certification and who awards it?
The CMA — Certified Management Accountant — is awarded by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), a US-based professional body founded in 1919. It is not the same as the UK CIMA qualification, though both focus on management accounting. The IMA CMA is widely recognised by US and Middle Eastern multinationals operating in Sri Lanka and is particularly valued in industries that use US GAAP or follow IMA-aligned financial management practices.
How is the CMA exam structured?
The IMA CMA has two parts. Part 1 covers Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics — including external financial reporting, planning, budgeting, forecasting, performance management, cost management, internal controls, and technology and analytics. Part 2 covers Strategic Financial Management — financial statement analysis, corporate finance, decision analysis, risk management, investment decisions, and professional ethics. Each part is a four-hour computer-based exam with 100 multiple-choice questions and two essay scenarios.
What are the entry requirements for CMA in Sri Lanka?
To register for the CMA exam you need a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (in any discipline) and two years of continuous professional experience in management accounting or financial management. You must also become an IMA member before sitting the exam. Students still completing their degree can sit the exam within the final year of study, then fulfil the experience requirement afterwards.
What are the indicative fees for CMA in Sri Lanka?
IMA membership, entrance, and exam fees are denominated in USD. As of recent years, total fees for both parts (membership + entrance + two exam fees) have typically ranged from USD 1,500 to USD 2,500 depending on IMA membership category (professional vs student rate). At current exchange rates that equates to roughly LKR 450,000 to LKR 750,000 in direct IMA fees. Local tuition at preparatory institutes in Sri Lanka typically adds LKR 40,000 to LKR 100,000 per part. Contact Ceylon Open Campus for the latest indicative tuition fees.
How does CMA compare to CIMA in Sri Lanka?
Both cover management accounting but differ in origin, exam format, and employer recognition. CIMA (UK) is more widely known in Sri Lanka, the UK, and Commonwealth countries, while IMA CMA is preferred by US-affiliated multinationals and in the Middle East. CIMA is exam-heavy with 16 assessments across four levels; CMA has just two parts and is faster to complete for degree holders. If you intend to work in a US or Middle Eastern MNC, CMA may open more doors; for UK-aligned employers and local conglomerates, CIMA is often the stronger signal.
What is the salary for a CMA-qualified professional in Sri Lanka?
CMA holders in Sri Lanka employed in MNCs or large local corporates typically earn LKR 150,000 to LKR 320,000 as newly qualified management accountants. With five or more years of post-qualification experience, Financial Controllers and Senior Finance Managers with CMA earn LKR 300,000 to LKR 500,000. In the Middle East, CMA-qualified Sri Lankans working for US-linked companies often earn USD-denominated salaries equivalent to LKR 600,000 to LKR 1,200,000 per month.
Enrol in CMA Preparation Today
Speak with our team about CMA study schedules, tuition fees, and how your current degree maps to the IMA entry requirements.
Phone
075 922 0083
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Ceylon Open Campus
Kattankudy, Sri Lanka