Here we will discuss Meaning,Scope of management accounting etc
Meaning of Management Accounting :
Definitions of Management Accounting :
The institute of Chartered Accountant of England and Wales has stated that,”any form of accounting which enables a business to be conducted more efficiently can be regarded as Management Accounting.”
The term ” Management Accounting” is used to describe the modern Concept of accounting as a tool of management in contrast to the coventional accounts prepared to show the financial position of a business organisation.
Management Accounting refers to accounting of management.
According to Robert Anthony:
“Management Accounting is concerned with accounting information which is useful to management”
Nature of Management Accounting
The nature of Management Accounting are as follows:
- It concerns with future: It collects and analyses information which helps in planning and decision making for future.
- It modifies , analyses and interprets data: On the basis of past data ,the projection and estimation are made by analysis and interpreting the past data.
- It provides only information and not decision: Management Accounting makes available useful information which assists in planning and decision making.
- It studies relationship between causes and effects: The financial statements i.e profit and loss A/c and Balance Sheet etc., do not analyses and interpret the causes which make profit or loss in business.
- It focuses attention towards nature of cost elements
- Management accounting has no specific set of rules like : financial Accounting
- It’s nature is selective type
Objectives of Management Accounting
The Objectives of Management Accounting are as follows:
- To assist in decision making
- To assist in control
- To assist in organisation
- To help in planning and making policies
- To help in Coordination
- To help in motivating employees
- To be useful in getting solutions of strategic business problem
- To fulfil the statutory requirements
Scope of Management Accounting
The scope of Management Accounting are as follows:
- Cost Accounting: Management accountants analyze and allocate costs to different products, services, departments, or activities within an organization.
- Budgeting and Forecasting: Management accountants play a crucial role in the budgeting process. They collaborate with managers to prepare budgets, set financial targets, and develop forecasts.
- Performance Measurement and Analysis: Management accountants develop and implement performance measurement systems to evaluate the organization’s performance and individual units or departments within it. They establish key performance indicators (KPIs), conduct variance analysis, and provide insights into the factors influencing performance.
- Decision Support: Management accountants provide financial analysis and information to support strategic and operational decision-making. They evaluate investment proposals, conduct cost-benefit analysis, assess the financial feasibility of projects, and provide insights into the financial implications of various alternatives.
- Strategic Planning: Management accountants contribute to the strategic planning process by providing financial and economic analysis. They assist in identifying strategic priorities, evaluating investment options, assessing risks, and developing financial strategies to achieve organizational goals.
- Financial Reporting and Analysis: Management accountants prepare internal financial reports for management, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and other financial analyses. They analyze financial data, interpret trends, and provide insights to support decision-making.
- Risk Management: Management accountants assess and manage financial risks within the organization. They identify potential risks, develop risk management strategies, and implement internal controls to mitigate risks related to financial operations.
- Performance Evaluation: Management accountants contribute to the evaluation of managers and employees by providing financial and non-financial performance metrics. They help in assessing individual and departmental performance against targets and benchmarks.
Also read:
Principles and conventions of management accounting
Marketing Management chapter 1 notes