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.



    ------------------------------
    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.



    Original Message


  • 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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    Original Message


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

    Posted 27 days ago

    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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    Original Message


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

    Posted 24 days ago

    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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    Original Message


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

    Posted 23 days ago

    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@...
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


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

    Posted 3 days ago

    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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    Original Message


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

    Posted 23 days ago

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



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    Mohamed Eid
    Egypt
    +201125274184
    mohamedeid21194@...
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


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

    Posted 3 days ago

    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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    Original Message


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

    Posted 23 days ago

    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@...
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


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