Small Business Shared Interest Group

  • 1.  Glad to Join the Small Business SIG

    Posted 09-15-2025 07:59 AM

    Hello Everyone,
    I'm glad to join this group and be part of such a valuable community.
    My name is Mohamed Eid, a Senior Accountant with 7 years of experience, and I'm currently preparing for the CMA exam in January 2026.

    I would really appreciate any advice or tips that could help me successfully prepare for and pass the exam.
    I look forward to learning, sharing experiences, and engaging in discussions with you all.



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    Best regards,

    Mohamed Eid,
    +201125274184
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohamed-eid-79b54b149/
    mohamedeid21194@...

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  • 2.  RE: Glad to Join the Small Business SIG

    Posted 09-16-2025 10:44 AM
    I had Wiley study materials, but when I took sample questions from some of the other providers, I wasn't able to answer the questions. I found that careful review of the IMA study materials and referring to the reading list helped me alot. Most of the reading list can be purchased really cheap used. I was able to pass on my 1st try for both sections even though some of the material was totally new to me.





  • 3.  RE: Glad to Join the Small Business SIG

    Posted 09-18-2025 04:50 AM

    Thank you for sharing your experience!
    It's very encouraging to know that reviewing the IMA study materials and the reading list made such a difference for you. I'll definitely consider following the same approach as I prepare for the exam. Your advice is really helpful!



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    Mohamed Eid
    Egypt
    +201125274184
    mohamedeid21194@...
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  • 4.  RE: Glad to Join the Small Business SIG

    Posted 10-10-2025 09:43 PM

    Welcome to the group, Mohamed! You are going to do fantastic on your CMA exam. In addition to the great advice by @Judi Aldridge, I found quite a few helpful videos on YouTube. I identified topics I felt unclear on, then looked up videos about those. Good luck, and we look forward to your participation in the group.



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    Jennifer Pinder, MBA, CMA
    Controller
    Watchdog USA, LLC
    Philadelphia, PA
    United States
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  • 5.  RE: Glad to Join the Small Business SIG

    Posted 10-13-2025 10:44 AM

    Hi @Mohamed Eid

    I utilized every free resource out there. I downloaded sample free Qs, sample exams. I also downloaded many versions of different free softwares and used the trial periods. I downloaded free outdated PDF books of questions and study material. I also got a ton for free on YouTube. I listened and rewrote the things I got wrong in note pads, then I would reread the note pads. 

    @Jennifer Pinder gave some good advice - I second that!

    I think I may have taken ~2,000+ test questions, did maybe a dozen practice exams, and utilized 6 notepads.

    Cost - $free$

    Cant wait to cross paths.

    I live in SC, am a CFO, CPA, CMA, I am part of a startup, I also engage on boards and committees and groups in and outside of IMA.

    I have a dog and we hang out outside and take in the greenery and air . . . 



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    Ilya Ilienko, dual MBA, CPA, CMA
    Board Member / Director
    East Coast - United States
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  • 6.  RE: Glad to Join the Small Business SIG

    Posted 10-14-2025 07:15 AM

    Thank you for sharing your approach!
    It's really motivating to see how you maximized free resources and built your own study system. I like your idea of using notepads to review mistakes - I'll definitely try that. I appreciate the inspiration and hope to follow a similar path toward passing the CMA exam!



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    Mohamed Eid
    Egypt
    +201125274184
    mohamedeid21194@...
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  • 7.  RE: Glad to Join the Small Business SIG

    Posted 11-03-2025 01:31 PM

    Of course, we are all here to help - just post on here and we can provide tips or engage in discussions.

    And similarly, very good engagement and support here as well

    Ask the Accounting Community  

    Thanks for becoming a member of our group(s) @Mohamed Eid



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    Ilya Ilienko, dual MBA, CPA, CMA
    Board Member / Director
    East Coast - United States
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  • 8.  RE: Glad to Join the Small Business SIG

    Posted 10-14-2025 07:19 AM

    Also Ilya Ilienko,
    Your dog looks adorable - seems like a great study buddy



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    Mohamed Eid
    Egypt
    +201125274184
    mohamedeid21194@...
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  • 9.  RE: Glad to Join the Small Business SIG

    Posted 11-03-2025 01:34 PM

    THANK YOU for the kind and warm words about my little doggy Aries.

    He is not a good study buddy . . . no no.
    But, but! 
    He easily substitutes an industrial shredder. If you have sensitive documents that need to disposed of, please send them my way, his teeth are ready LOL



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    Ilya Ilienko, dual MBA, CPA, CMA
    Board Member / Director
    East Coast - United States
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  • 10.  RE: Glad to Join the Small Business SIG

    Posted 10-14-2025 07:16 AM

    Thank you so much, Jennifer!
    I really appreciate the warm welcome and the encouragement. That's a great idea - I'll definitely start checking YouTube for videos on the topics I find challenging. I'm looking forward to learning more and engaging with everyone here.



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    Mohamed Eid
    Egypt
    +201125274184
    mohamedeid21194@...
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