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Use of post-nominals by members
In order to provide for the recognition of its members as experienced professionals in the field of management accounting, the Institute of Certified Management Accountants (ICMA) allows the use of post-nominals in certain circumstances. Members who have met the eligibility criteria of ICMA shall be entitled to use the following letters:
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CMA – designating the member is a CERTIFIED MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANT
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AMA – designating the member is a ASSOCIATE MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANT
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GMA – designating the member is a GRADUATE MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANT
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RBA – designating the member is a REGISTERED BUSINESS ACCOUNTANT
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RCA – designating the member is a REGISTERED COST ACCOUNTANT
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CAT – designating the member is a CERTIFIED ACCOUNTING TECHNICIAN
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MAA – designating the member is a MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING AFFILIATE
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A Student Member is not entitled to the use of post-nominals
Post-nominals are used after the member’s name, such as Joe Citizen CMA and may appear on business cards, correspondence, professional profiles, and similar documentation. Members are encouraged to use the post-nominals as it provides public recognition of their commitment to continued professional development and commitment to the entire profession.
Members may use the ICMA post-nominals with that of other academic and/or professional qualifications from recognised universities/professional associations, such as Joe Citizen MBA (Harvard), CPA, CMA. However, the use of the ICMA post-nominals with awards from unaccredited universities or from businesses posing as professional associations, such as Joe Citizen PhD (Degree Mill U), AAFM, CMA will not be permitted. Members found to be using such unaccredited or unregistered post-nominals along with those of the ICMA will be asked to stop continuing the practice as it devalues the ICMA qualification. Members who opt to continue the practice risk losing their membership status with ICMA.
For a regularly updated list of unaccredited universities and businesses posing as professional associations, see http://www.unidegree.com.
The use of post-nominals provides members with a signature that identifies them as professionals in managerial accounting that have a genuine commitment to their careers and their professional development.
The benefits of post-nominals include:
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Recognition of the member’s commitment to continuing professional development;
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Identification by existing and potential clients of ICMA members as experienced professionals;
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Promotion, confidence and pride in the members’ work and the wider profession;
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Establishment of links with fellow professionals; and
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Increases in the members’ career options.
One of the key advantages that the use of post-nominals provides is the increased recognition of a member’s education, training and professionalism by existing and potential clients. The use of post-nominals by ICMA members means that potential employers and clients can identify and rely upon a member’s:
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Skilled and professional service;
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Administrative and technical competence; and
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Up-to-date knowledge of the science of managerial accounting.
Once members renew their membership for each financial year, they will receive the guidelines concerning eligibility to use the post-nominals. Post-nominals can be used only by financial members (i.e. those who are up-to-date with their subscriptions).
The use of post-nominals is a privilege and may be withdrawn by the ICMA Executive if a member becomes non-financial or is found by the ICMA – Professional Standards and Ethics Committee to have committed a breach of the ICMA Code of Professional Conduct (amongst other penalties).
For further information on the eligibility criteria or use of post-nominals, please contact ICMA Membership Services via e-mail at info@cmaaustralia.hk
