Management Accounting provides useful information to management for decision-making, planning, and control. Here we have discussed what is management accounting and its importance.
What is Management Accounting?
Management accounting is a branch of accounting that focuses on providing financial and non-financial information to management for decision-making, planning, and control. It involves the use of accounting information to support internal decision-making, as opposed to financial accounting, which primarily provides information to external stakeholders.
Management Accounting Meaning
- Management Accounting is comprised of two words ‘Management’ and ‘Accounting’.
- It means the study of the managerial aspect of accounting.
The emphasis of Mgmt accounting is to redesign accounting in such a way that it is helpful to the management in the formation of policy, control of execution, and appreciation of effectiveness.
Definition of Management Accounting
Management accounting has been defined as the practice of identifying, measuring, analyzing, interpreting, and communicating financial information to managers for the pursuit of an organization’s goals.
Top Management Accounting Definitions by Various Authors
Here are the top definitions of Mgmt Accounting by different Authors.
- Management accounting is the process of identification, measurement, accumulation, analysis, presentation interpretation and communication of information that assist executives in fulfilling organizational objectives.” – Charles T. Horngren
- Mgmt Accounting is that form of accounting which enables a business to be conducted more efficiently.” – Charted Accountants in England and Wales
- “Mgmt accounting is the term used to describe the acting methods systems and techniques which worked with special knowledge and ability to assist management in the task of maximizing profits or minimizing loss.” – J Batty
- “Management accounting is concerned with accounting information that is useful to management.” – Robert N. Anthony
- Management Accounting is the process of identification, measurement, accumulation, analysis, preparation, interpretation, and communication of information that is used by management to plan, evaluate, and control within an entity and to assure appropriate use of accountability for its resources.” – CIMA (Charted Institute of Management Accountants)
- Traditionally management accounting systems have focused mainly on reporting financial measures. However, in response to the changing environment Mgmt accounting system has begun to place greater emphasis on collecting and reporting non-financial quantitative and non-qualitative information necessary in the formation of strategy.” – Colin Drury
Objectives of Management Accounting
- Better Decision Making
- Planning and Policy Formulation
- Controlling
- Motivate Employees
- Reporting
- To Provide Relevant Data and Information
- Helps in Coordination
- Measuring the Performance of Employees
Nature of Management Accounting
- It is an Advisory in Nature
- Provides Accounting Information
- Concerned with Future
- No Fixed Conventions
- Increase in Efficiency
- Use of Special Tools and Techniques
- It is not Continuous in Nature
Importance of Management Accounting
- Proper Planning
- To Measure Performance
- Maximizing Profitability
- Effective Management Control
- Helps in Decision Making
- Increase the Efficiency
- Improve Customer Service
Proper Planning
Management accounting provides managers with the information they need to plan effectively for the future. By analyzing data on costs, revenues, and other key performance indicators, managers can develop realistic budgets and set targets that are aligned with the organization’s objectives.
To Measure Performance
Mgmt accounting helps organizations to measure and monitor their performance by providing regular reports and analyses on key performance indicators. This enables managers to identify areas of underperformance and take corrective action as needed.
Maximizing Profitability
Mgmt accounting can help organizations to maximize their profitability by identifying areas where costs can be reduced or eliminated and revenues can be increased. By analyzing data on costs, revenues, and profits, managers can make informed decisions that lead to improved profitability.
Effective Management Control
Mgmt accounting provides managers with the tools they need to monitor and control their operations effectively. By providing regular reports and analyses on key performance indicators, managers can identify areas of underperformance and take corrective action as needed.
Helps in Decision Making
Mgmt accounting provides managers with relevant and reliable information that can help them make informed decisions. This includes information on costs, revenues, profits, and performance metrics, which can be used to evaluate alternatives, identify opportunities, and manage risks.
Increase Efficiency
Mgmt accounting can help organizations to improve the efficiency of their operations by identifying areas where processes can be streamlined or automated. This can lead to faster turnaround times, lower costs, and improved customer satisfaction.
Improve Customer Service
Mgmt accounting can help organizations to improve their customer service by providing information on customer needs and preferences. By analyzing data on customer satisfaction, managers can identify areas where improvements are needed and take action to address them.
Scope of Management Accounting
The scope of Mgmt accounting includes several key areas:
- Cost Accounting
- Budgeting
- Performance Measurement
- Forecasting
- Decision Making
- Risk Management
- Financial Accounting
- Inventory Control
- Management Reporting
- Internal Auditing
Functions of Management Accounting
There are two types categories of functions performed in Mgmt accounting.
- Primary Functions
- Providing accounting information
- Assistance in managerial activities
- Secondary Functions
- Protection of Assets
- Helpful in Financial Planning
- Helpful in Tax Determination
- Strategic Function
- Fixation of Accountability
Primary Functions
Providing Accounting Information: One of the primary functions of mgmt accounting is to provide managers with relevant and reliable accounting information. This includes information on costs, revenues, profits, and other key performance indicators, which can be used to make informed decisions and manage operations effectively.
Assistance in Managerial Activities: Mgmt accounting provides managers with the tools and information they need to plan, control, and evaluate organizational activities. This includes budgeting, forecasting, performance analysis, and other activities that support effective management.
Secondary Functions
Protection of Assets: Mgmt accounting helps organizations to protect their assets by providing information on risks and vulnerabilities. By analyzing data on internal controls, fraud risks, and other factors, management accountants can identify areas where safeguards are needed to protect assets.
Helpful in Financial Planning: Mgmt accounting helps organizations plan for the future by providing information on costs, revenues, and other key performance indicators. By analyzing data on historical trends and future projections, management accountants can help managers to develop realistic budgets and set targets that are aligned with the organization’s objectives.
Helpful in Tax Determination: Mgmt accounting helps organizations comply with tax regulations by providing information on taxable income, deductions, and credits. By analyzing data on financial transactions and other factors, management accountants can help managers to determine the organization’s tax liability and prepare accurate tax returns.
Tools and Techniques of Management Accounting
Here are the Tools of Mgmt Accounting.
- Financial Planning
- Analysis of Financial Statement
- Budgetary Control
- Marginal Costing
- Historical Cost Accounting
- Standard Costing
- Revaluation Accounting
- Capital budgeting
- Constraint analysis
- Trend Analysis and Forecasting
Techniques of Management Accounting
- Balanced Scorecard (BSC)
- Boston Matrix (BCG)
- Competitor Analysis
- Core Competencies (Prehalad and Hamel)
- Enterprise Risk Planning System
- European fundamental quality management model (EFQM)
- Re-engineering analysis
- Return on Equity and income analysis
- Responsibility accounting
- Six Sigma Analysis
- Risk Management and modeling
- Spread Rate Analysis
- Strategic planning and mapping
- SWOT Analysis
Advantages of Management Accounting
- Better Planning
- Better Organising
- Better Coordination
- Better Communication
- Better Controlling
- Helpful in Employee Motivation
- Better Decision Making
- Use for Reporting
Limitations of Management Accounting
- Manipulation of Accounts
- Accounting information is based on Estimates
- Reliance on historical data
- Accounting reports may be Biased
- Cost and Tome constraints
- Over-emphasis on financial measures
Manipulation of Accounts: Mgmt accounting information can be subject to manipulation by those who have access to it, such as managers or accountants. This can lead to financial reports that are inaccurate or misleading.
Accounting Information is based on Estimates: Mgmt accounting relies heavily on estimates, which may not always be accurate, particularly for long-term forecasts.
Reliance on Historical Data: Mgmt accounting is based on historical data, which may not be a reliable indicator of future performance, particularly in rapidly changing industries or environments.
Accounting Reports may be Biased: Mgmt accounting reports may be biased due to the influence of management or other stakeholders, who may have an interest in presenting financial information in a particular way.
Cost and Time Constraints: Mgmt accounting can be time-consuming and costly to produce, particularly for small or medium-sized businesses that may not have the resources to dedicate to this function.
Over-emphasis on Financial Measures: Mgmt accounting tends to focus on financial measures such as profit and loss, rather than non-financial measures such as customer satisfaction or employee engagement. This can lead to a narrow focus on short-term financial goals, rather than long-term sustainability and growth.
