A proud Certified Management Accountant (CMA) of ICMA Australia, Ivory F. De La Cruz brings over 15 years of progressive experience in finance, accounting, and business analysis, holding both regional and global roles in high-performing organizations. Throughout her career, she has championed finance as a strategic partner, leading financial planning, optimizing systems, and delivering actionable insights that drive business growth. Her expertise spans accounts receivable, financial reporting, dispute resolution, data governance, onboarding coordination, and end-to-end billing management—often working across Southeast Asia and beyond. In prior roles, Ivory spearheaded financial planning and analysis initiatives, managed global finance master data transitions, and consistently improved cash flow and operational efficiency. Academically, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, earned her CPA license in 2007, and has pursued multiple certifications, including Certified Global Business Analyst, SAFE® 6 Agilist, and Six Sigma Yellow Belt. Technically adept in SAP, Oracle, SQL, Excel, and Power BI, she bridges complex data with practical business applications—delivering measurable value with clarity, purpose, and precision.
Discovering CMA Philippines – When asked, “How did you discover CMA Philippines?” Ivory shared that she found it while researching globally recognized certifications to strengthen her expertise and credibility. Drawn to CMA’s strategic approach, practical focus, and international relevance—particularly in ANZ and multinational environments—she saw it as the ideal program to elevate her management accounting skills.
“My search for professional development opportunities in management accounting led me to the globally recognized Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certification offered by the Institute of Certified Management Accountants (ICMA). Discovering CMA Philippines, the organization promoting excellence in management accounting and representing strategic professionals in the field, solidified my interest. Their programs and support for the CMA certification, which emphasizes financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and ethics, perfectly align with my career goals and current responsibilities. My “discovery” essentially is a result that I am now in the CMA profession.”
Fuel for Career Growth – In response to “In what ways has being part of CMA helped your career grow?” she explained that the program deepened her knowledge in cost management, financial analysis, and strategic decision-making—skills she applies directly in her roles. CMA broadened her perspective on how financial insights align with operational goals, making her a stronger contributor in both customer-facing and internal capacities, while also boosting her confidence in handling complex financial matters and communicating value to stakeholders.
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In many ways, as CMA, it will not only confirm my existing skills but also significantly expand my strategic thinking, bolster my professional credibility, and open doors to valuable networking and ongoing learning opportunities. This contributes substantially to my career advancement by enhancing my strategic financial management expertise and increasing my professional recognition.”
Strategic Edge in Current Role – Addressing “How has CMA helped you in your current profession?” Ivory noted that the CMA framework guides her in assessing financial implications strategically, whether analyzing customer payment trends or evaluating the impact of service adjustments.
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My CMA certification has significantly enhanced my current role. It’s sharpened my strategic thinking when analyzing audit findings and strengthened my expertise in internal controls and risk management. More than just complimenting my audit skills, the CMA credential has transformed me into a more strategic partner, allowing for more effective and quality audits and greater contributions to the company’s overall financial health and operational efficiency.”
It has empowered her to approach challenges with a business-oriented mindset and to communicate financial insights effectively across different departments, reinforcing her role as a vital strategic partner in revenue operations and corporate finance.
