64 / STRATEGIC FINANCE / December 2015

A Multi-DimensionalCareer Path BY Jyoti Pandey

once had an interviewer ask me about a timewhen my work didn’t translate into financialreward but I learned a lot in the process. I pausedfor a second and thought of my leadership experi-ence in IMA®. I’ve been involved with the IMAIndianapolis Chapter for several years and haveheld leadership roles in the last few. I’m currentlyserving my second stint as chapter president, andthe exposure and experience have been trulyenriching.

The local chapter offers unique opportunitiesto meet new people, listen to great ideas, and staycurrent on industry trends. While it’s true thatthese objectives can beachieved remotely via tech-nology, we can’t disregardthe value and importance ofhuman connection. Thevaluable experience teachesstrong career-sustainingskills, including how toattract new members, mar-keting strategies, stayingupdated on topics that couldhelp with career growth,how to strategically managea team, how to work and be resourceful withbudget constraints, and how to keep membersmotivated and be able to influence them.

I’m fortunate to have a diverse work experi-ence. I’ve held mid- to senior-level roles in manu-facturing, investment management, healthcare,education, and start-up companies. My naturalinclination is to find methodical solutions to com-plex problems, to look for process improvements,and to work toward maximizing efficiency, pro-ductivity, and cost reduction strategies. Earlier this

year, I decided to take my passion and experienceto the next level and pursue a credential thatwould add value to my work and make my résumémore marketable and internationally recognized.My extensive research led me to the CMA® (Certi-fied Management Accountant) certification.

The CMA was more attractive than other certi-fications in accounting for several reasons. First, itfocuses on three important pillars: performance,strategy, and management. Since I’m naturallypredisposed to thinking critically—looking at thebigger picture first to see what strategic role eachpiece of the puzzle plays in an organization—it

made sense to pursue the CMAto add further value in thatspace. In addition, it offersgrowth potential. The exam cov-ers relevant material to suitindustry needs. And since it’s aninternationally recognized certi-fication, the CMA opens manydoors, such as its strategic tieswith the Institute of CostAccountants of India (ICWAI).

As a member of IMA’s Indi-anapolis Chapter, I sometimes

give presentations to students who haveexpressed interest in the CMA. During thesemeetings, I realized that few students are aware ofthe CMA, and many aren’t encouraged to pursueit. The gap is because of “perceived value” vs.“real value” with other designations. What Ifound interesting, however, is that not everyonehas the desire to take the traditional publicaccounting career path after graduating. Manystudents would like to chart a different territory,and the CMA can help. SF

LIFE

Jyoti Pandey is thesenior managementconsultant in globalcompliance andstrategy solutions atIntegrity LeadershipPartners, LLC and amember of IMA’sIndianapolis Chapter.You can reach her atjsaum09@gmail.com.

I«We can’t disregardthe value and importance of HUMAN CONNECTION.»