Filipino gets gold medal for earning highest mark in global certification for accountants

BACOLOD CITY — An accounting graduate of the University of Saint La Salle got the Institute of Certified Management Accountant (CMA) gold medal for garnering the highest score in the United States CMA examination.

Rodrigo Casiano Jr., 33, of Barangay Estefania, Bacolod City, took the two-part CMA examination at an authorized testing center in Makati City in May and June.

“This is similar to our local CPA, but this one is a global certification,” said Casiano, who now works for Accenture in Manila.

He currently has no plans of working abroad or in the United States, but topping the CMA examination “will come in handy later if an opportunity comes.”

“A CMA certification is recognized globally. If I move abroad or to the US, I can work there as a CMA. Unlike the CPA in the Philippines, which is only recognized here,” he said.

Casiano said he got his examination scores in August but the actual global ranking was not announced until this November.

“Since I got high scores (480/500), I was told I was a candidate for the global award. For me, it’s really just a bonus to get the award. Passing the global exam was my priority since it’s one of the prestigious and challenging global certifications,” he said.

“It’s an honor to receive the award. I hope I have brought pride to our country and inspired my fellow Filipino accountants to aim high and be globally competitive,” he added.