Doug Searles has just been hired as a management accountant for a large manufacturing firm near his hometown of Melbourne, FL. The firm manufactures a wide variety of plastic products for the automobile industry, the packaging industry, and other customers. At least initially, Dougs principal assignments have been to develop product costs for new product lines. Doug thinks he should begin to consider professional organizations and professional certifications that will help him in his career.

Required: Doug has asked you to help him select organizations and certifications that may be helpful to his career. What organization(s) do you think Doug should join initially? What certifications should Doug consider? (Discuss the pros and cons of him becoming a CPA vs. becoming a CMA.) As always, use complete sentences and proper grammar and punctuation.