TheoryCMA Accounting Study Guide
Study for the CMA Accounting with exam topics, practice questions, a free PDF, video walkthrough and timed mock exam links.
How to study for CMA Accounting
- Read the topic list so you know what the exam is likely to cover.
- Answer the free practice questions and read every explanation.
- Download the PDF for offline review.
- Use timed mock exams when your untimed practice feels comfortable.
Topics to review
- The core topics and terminology you'll be tested on
- Rules, standards and best-practice procedures
- Real-world scenarios and how to respond
- Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Try CMA Accounting questions now
Q1Which budget is the starting point and foundation for nearly all other operating budgets in a manufacturing firm?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: The sales budget
The sales forecast drives production, materials, labor, and overhead budgets, so the sales budget is prepared first and underpins the entire master budget.
Q2A master budget is best described as:
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: A comprehensive set of interrelated budgets covering all operations for a period
The master budget is the overall financial plan, integrating operating budgets and financial budgets into pro forma statements for the organization.
Q3Under zero-based budgeting, each budgeting period a manager must:
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: Justify all expenditures from a zero base rather than from the prior year's level
Zero-based budgeting requires every activity and cost to be justified anew each cycle as if starting from zero, rather than carrying forward last year's amounts.
Q4A flexible budget differs from a static budget in that it:
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: Is adjusted to reflect the actual level of activity achieved
A flexible budget restates budgeted revenues and costs for the actual output level, isolating price/efficiency effects from volume effects.
Q5Budgeted sales are 50,000 units. Beginning finished-goods inventory is 6,000 units and desired ending inventory is 9,000 units. Budgeted production (units) equals:
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: 53,000
Production = Sales + Desired ending inventory - Beginning inventory = 50,000 + 9,000 - 6,000 = 53,000 units.
Q6A firm plans to produce 20,000 units, each requiring 3 lbs of material. Beginning material inventory is 5,000 lbs; desired ending is 8,000 lbs. Materials to be purchased (lbs) equal:
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: 63,000
Materials needed for production = 20,000 x 3 = 60,000 lbs. Purchases = 60,000 + 8,000 ending - 5,000 beginning = 63,000 lbs.
Full CMA Accounting bank + unlimited mocks
Try 30 questions free. Unlock the complete CMA Accounting question bank, every explanation, and unlimited timed mock exams. Practice on any device.
Unlock CMA Accounting →