As finance roles in the Middle East continue to evolve, organizations are looking beyond traditional accounting skills. Today’s employers want finance professionals who can interpret data, drive strategic decisions, and support long-term business growth—not just report the numbers. This shift has elevated the demand for qualifications that blend technical expertise with business insight.
The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) credential, awarded by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), is a globally recognized certification designed to equip finance professionals with skills in management accounting, financial planning and analysis, and strategic decision-making.
Unlike traditional accounting qualifications that focus on compliance and reporting, the CMA emphasizes the application of financial insights to guide business strategy. According to the IMA’s 2023 Middle East/Africa/India Salary Survey, CMA holders in the region earn significantly higher compensation than non-certified peers, with mean base salaries reported at $47,838 compared to $33,928 for non-CMAs (IMA, 2023 MEAI Salary Survey)
Top Finance Roles for CMAs
CMA certification opens doors to a variety of high-impact finance positions, each offering unique opportunities to apply strategic insights and drive business performance in the Middle East.
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- Chief Financial Officer (CFO): The CFO is the senior-most finance leader in a company, overseeing all financial operations and reporting. They guide investment decisions, manage budgets and forecasts, and ensure the organization’s financial health aligns with its strategic objectives. In the Middle East, where organizations are growing rapidly, CFOs often play a crucial role in expansion projects, mergers, and cross-border investments.
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- Financial Controller: Controllers manage accounting operations and financial reporting within an organization. They ensure compliance with regulations, oversee audits, and coordinate the work of accounting teams. Controllers often serve as a bridge between daily accounting activities and the strategic decision-making required at the executive level.
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- Treasurer: Treasurers focus on managing an organization’s liquidity, investments, and financial risk. They are responsible for ensuring that cash flow and funding strategies support both operational needs and long-term business growth. In large companies, they may lead entire finance teams, while in smaller firms, they take a more hands-on approach with financial operations.
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- Financial Analyst: Financial Analysts typically report to a manager or director and play a key role in supporting the organization’s financial planning and decision-making. Their responsibilities include building and maintaining financial models, preparing budgets, forecasts, and supporting schedules, as well as tracking actual results against projections. Analysts also perform variance analyses, identify trends, and provide insights to support business decisions.
- Accounting Manager: Accounting managers supervise accounting staff, implement internal controls, and ensure accurate reporting. They also collaborate with other departments to align accounting practices with broader business objectives.
Broaden Your Career Horizons with a CMA Certification
CMA certification opens doors to a wide range of careers, from entry-level accounting to executive finance leadership. In the Middle East, organizations increasingly value finance professionals who combine technical skills with strategic insight, and CMA holders enjoy enhanced career opportunities, higher salaries, and a strong pathway to leadership positions (IMA MEAI Survey 2023).
For finance professionals in the UAE, the CMA provides a direct route to senior-level positions, higher earning potential, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on business performance.
At Kaplan, we make CMA prep straightforward and effective. You’ll learn using official Gleim materials, trusted by the IMA, and get guidance from CMA-certified trainers with global experience. Our 65+ hours of interactive classroom and online sessions are designed to keep you engaged and confident every step of the way.
And, when you enroll with Kaplan, you can claim a 40% discount on your IMA registration, a smart way to kickstart your CMA journey! Register here to learn more about the program.