Management Accounting: Systems, Techniques, and Applications

This document provides a comprehensive guide to management accounting, focusing on systems, techniques, and applications. It covers topics such as cost calculation methods, financial reporting, and the benefits of management accounting systems. The content is based on the case of Creams Ltd., a company specializing in selling ice-creams, doughnuts, and waffles.

Management
Accounting

Contents
Contents...........................................................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................3
P1: Systems of management accounting......................................................................................3
M1: Benefits of systems of management accounting..................................................................4
P2: Methods for reports of management accounting...................................................................4
M2: Application of techniques of management accounting........................................................5
D1: Critical evaluation of systems of management accounting...................................................6
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................6
P3: Cost calculation with use of techniques.................................................................................6
M2: Application of management accounting techniques...........................................................11
D2: Producing of financial reports.............................................................................................11
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................11
P4: Merits and Demerits of planning tools................................................................................11
M3: Analysis tools’ usage..........................................................................................................13
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................13
P5: Comparison between organizations.....................................................................................13
M4: Analysis of use of management accounting by organizations............................................15
D3: Evaluation of planning tools for solving financial problems..............................................15
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................16
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................17

INTRODUCTION
Management accounting refers to using financial data, facts, figures and information for
analysis and interpretation of financial statements of a company by the management
(Aggelopoulos and Georgopoulos, 2017). It helps managers a lot in getting deep insights into the
business and taking the required decisions for its benefit in the long-run. If the managers use this
data efficiently and effectively then it can benefit the organization a lot in the long-run. Properly
applying its strategies and techniques can lead a firm towards sustainable success in the future
and it can easily get ahead of the competition in the market. This report is based on Creams Ltd.,
a company which specializes in selling ice-creams, doughnuts and waffles. This project will
focus on systems of management accounting, applying a range of its techniques, explaining the
tools used for planning. Additionally, detailed analysis will be done on comparison of ways in
which organizations can use its data to respond to financial problems.
TASK 1
P1: Systems of management accounting
The use of various techniques for financial data and information for getting useful
insights about the business of company is known as management accounting. Creams Ltd.’s
managers can use it so that they can easily interpret their financial information.
There are different types of systems in management accounting which are explained as
follows-
Cost accounting system- It refers to a framework which is used by the firms in order to
find out details about their costs and use different techniques for reduction of cost. Creams Ltd.
can make use of this system so that it can identify its costs, excessive overheads and try to reduce
them so that its profits can be maximized.
Essential requirements- A good cost accounting system must be simple and practical to
use. It must help in identifying and segregating the costs in a company according to its various
products. It must display the required accuracy for getting the desired results in the context of the
organization. Thus, overall it must be able to provide managers the required information relevant
to them.
Inventory management system- It is a framework which can be utilized by
organizations by applying its various approaches such as LIFO, FIFO and Weighted Average
Cost to control, manage and track the inventory level in the organization (Alfian, 2017). Creams
Ltd. can make use of this system so that proper tracking of its stock level is done.

Essential requirements- A good inventory management system should track stock level
of the organization and should manage it effectively and efficiently. Also, it should be able to
effectively review the requirements of the firm.
Job costing system- It is a highly useful management accounting system for the
manufacturing firms (Bentley, 2018). As Creams Ltd. manufactures ice-creams, doughnuts and
waffles it can use this system effectively and efficiently so that orders can be properly managed
so that mismanagement does not occurs in the operations of company.
Essential requirements- A good system must be able to segregate the orders and
manage them according to their date of completion. Also it must be able to track the progress of
orders and the cost incurred in completing them. This will help in reducing the extra costs
incurred in completing orders and maximization of profits.
Price optimization system- It is useful when the company has to select a pricing strategy
relevant to the product. Creams Ltd. can utilize it to set price according to demand levels in the
market which can help it in setting of right price so that maximum profit can be earned from the
product. It is useful in changing strategies according to dynamic situations in the market.
Essential requirements- A good price optimization system should help in dealing with
the trends in the market. Also it must be able to adjust the price according to changes in market
so that it benefits the company the most in such a scenario.
M1: Benefits of systems of management accounting
Advantages are offered by management accounting systems to Creams Ltd. Cost
accounting system helps it in finding and avoiding the extra costs. Inventory management system
helps in tracking the stock levels, Job costing system helps in managing the orders. Price
optimization system helps in setting an appropriate price according to conditions in the market.
Thus it is up to the management of the company to use these systems effectively and efficiently
so as to bring the required smoothness in the operations and functioning of the firm. All these
systems can be applied within the organizational context which will lead to smooth functioning
of the processes of the organization.
P2: Methods for reports of management accounting
Creams Ltd. can use reports of managerial accounting so as to interpret and analyze the
overall performance in the company. It is to check whether it is up to the mark or not. The
methods which it can use are as follows-
Budget Reports- They help the small businesses in setting and managing the budgets for
monitoring and controlling the performance of their business (Curry, 2020). It can be used for
comparison purposes so that performance of current year with the previous year and to compare

performance with the established standards of the industry. This helps in finding out deviations
and variations so that they can be rectified quickly for optimizing the performance of the
company in the short-run as well as the long-run. Creams Ltd. can use it to check and monitor its
performance.
Accounts Receivable Aging Reports- Accounts receivables aging reports are used by
companies to check their cash flow from their debtors (Eisenberg, 2017). Managers of Creams
Ltd. can use these reports to check the cash flow, credit policy and identify those debtors whose
debts are due since a long time. It also helps the organization in making a list of receivables
according to their due date of payment. Also, potential bad debts can be easily identified by the
management so that a provision can be created for them for the future.
Sales Reports- Sales reports can be used by managers to monitor the level of sales in the
company (Su and et.al., 2016). Management of Creams Ltd. can use them for comparison and
analysis purpose to see whether there has been an increase or decrease in sales compared to the
previous year. This helps in comparing the own sales of organization with that of the
competitors. If the sales revenue has decreased and deviations and variations are found in sales
then the reasons for the same can be identified so that quick rectifying actions are taken to
increase the revenue. Forecasting of sales for the next year can be done using them which
enhances the company to set up relevant standards for the sales department to achieve the targets
of performance.
Performance Reports- Performance reports can be used by managers to analyze the
overall performance of operations in a business enterprise (Gao, Gao and Wang, 2017). The
managers of Creams Ltd. can use these reports to check, control and monitor the performance of
different departments of the enterprise such as production, marketing, finance, HR etc. Standards
and metrics need to be used for measurement so that comparison is done effectively and
efficiently relevant to the context of the organization’s business operations and mode of
functioning. This helps in preparing an overall report on the working of an organization during a
specific time period which is mostly a year. The performance can thereby be monitored and
compared with that of the other competitors so as to see whether the firm is ahead of them or
behind them. Suitable action can then be taken on the basis of findings.
Thus, Management accounting reporting is all about preparation of various reports so that
analysis and interpretation can be performed within an organization. The reasons why they are
produced and used by businesses is that they help in raising the overall efficiency and
effectiveness of processes and also allows for making specific strategies within the context of an
organization.
M2: Application of techniques of management accounting
They can be used by management of Creams Ltd. effectively and efficiently to get the
best performance out of the employees and optimizing the processes. Also, a lot of help is

provided to the managers in analysis and decision-making. Right decisions can be taken by the
mangers of the organization if they use these techniques appropriately. This leads to their overall
effectiveness and the company can touch new heights of success in the future leaving behind its
various competitors and maximizing its profits.
D1: Critical evaluation of systems of management accounting
The systems of managerial accounting can be used effectively and efficiently by
managers of Creams Ltd. They can do so by properly integrating these systems into various
organizational processes which helps not just in monitoring the performance of employees and
workers in these processes but also enhances the improvements that need to be done for bringing
more efficiency in the overall system of enterprise. Thus they help the mangers in taking the
right decisions at the appropriate time.
TASK 2
P3: Cost calculation with use of techniques
There are different types of costs which are prevalent in the context of an organization
(Huang, 2016). The detailed explanation of these costs in relation with Creams Ltd. is provided
as follows-
Fixed costs- These are constant costs which do not change at all even after a change in
the level of output in the company. In Creams Ltd. examples of these costs are rent, fixed
manufacturing costs etc. Change in the level of production in the company does not have an
impact on them.
Semi-variable costs- These are costs in which certain element is fixed while other is
variable in nature (Seppänen, 2016). In Creams Ltd. examples of these costs are repairs, monthly
telephone bills, and indirect labor costs. They are impacted by a change in the level of production
of goods in the company.
Variable costs- These costs are the ones in which can impact the level of output (Jamal,
Tayles and Grant, 2019). In Creams Ltd. examples of these costs are office expenses, variable
manufacturing costs, electricity bill etc. Change in the level of production impacts these costs.
Techniques used for calculation of costs-
Marginal costing-
It is a technique in which calculation of break-even point is faciliated. Creams Ltd. makes
use of this technique.

Advantages-
 The effects of production and sales policy and can be effectively implemented in this
technique.
 It eliminates the large balances which are left in the overhead accounts thus resulting in
more efficiency in costing operations of the company.
Disadvantages-
 It understates various elements of business which can provide misleading results and
underestimation of financial conclusions derived using this technique of calculation of
costs.
 Fixed overhead application is dependent on actual data and not on the estimates as
provided in the marginal costing approach. Thus it may result either in under-absorption
or the over-absorption of the overheads of the company which can impact the profits.
Absorption costing-
It is an approach of calculation of costs which helps firms by determining costs (Kramer,
Maas and Van Rinsum, 2016). It is a technique which helps in absorption of various
overheads of the organization. It also accounts for overheads which is something that the
marginal costing technique does not take into consideration.
Advantages-
 It is simple to use and inexpensive to apply to the operations and functions of the
company.
 There is no need to separate the fixed and variable costs in this technique as it is required
in marginal costing. This leads to accuracy in calculations and final results which can be
sued for analysis and interpretation of performance.
Disadvantages-
 Fixed costs are period costs and whether related with manufacturing or selling or
administration produce no future benefits and thus must not be included in the cost of the
product or inventory.

 Apportionment of overhead costs in absorption costing technique is done using arbitrary
methods and thus this sometimes produces inaccurate results.

M2: Application of management accounting techniques
The management accounting techniques of marginal and absorption costing can be used
effectively and efficiently by the managers of Creams Ltd. so that results can be obtained by
their application. The use of these techniques not only helps in finding out profits but also helps
in finding out ways to reduce the extra costs being incurred so that profits can be maximized and
goals and objectives of company can be realized. Thus they are analytical and interpretative in
nature which enhances the abilities and competencies of managers in finding out rational
solutions to the problems incurred.
D2: Producing of financial reports
Financial reports can be prepared on the basis of analysis and interpretation of data
provided in the financial statements and other accounts of the company. Managers of Creams
Ltd. can use these reports for checking the accuracy of calculations. Also these reports are
important in the context of business to draw conclusions and recommendations on the basis of
insights and information provided by them. This helps in development of competencies in a firm
which is always ready to improve in a dynamic business environment which will ensure that it
attains sustainable success in the future.
TASK 3
P4: Merits and Demerits of planning tools
Different types of planning tools can be used by the management of the organizations to
plan, cooperate and coordinate effectively for the future (Machete, F. and et.al., 2016). Various
goals and objectives can be set by the companies for the future which they need to achieve for
sustainable growth. Creams Ltd. uses the following tools explained as follows-
Cash budget-
It is used by organizations in order to forecast their cash revenues and expenditures
during a particular period of time (Ng, 2018). It can be used by managers of Creams Ltd. to
manage their cash operations.
Advantages-
 Cash budget can be used to limit the spending of cash on non-essential items in the
organization. This helps in preventing overspending.
 Cash budget helps in properly maintaing the cash and other cash equivalents thus
resulting in maintaining of liquidity position of the firm.
Disadvantages-

 Cash budget leads to rigidity in cash operations of the company which can reduce its
financial flexibility.
 If prepared inaccurately a cash budget can be harmful for the prospects of the company
both in the short-run and the long-run because of the wrong analysis and interpretation.
Operating budget-
Operating budget refers to an estimation of operating revenues and expenses of a firm
over a certain time period (O'Leary, 2017). Creams Ltd. can use it to raise its operational
efficiency and effectiveness which will lead to increase in its profits.
Advantages-
 Operating budget helps firms a lot in planning for their operational needs both for the
short-term as well as the long-term.
 Operating budget helps the organizations in building flexibility in their operations by
setting aside a certain amount for operational expenses.
Disadvantages-
 Framing of an operational budget can lead to certain complications and problems in the
firm.
 Accuracy of information is a challenge as if wrong information is provided it will give
incorrect conclusions and recommendations. Applying these incorrect conclusions and
recommendations can lead to a decrease in the profits of the company.
Master budget-
Master budget is an overall and comprehensive budget covering all the details regarding
the operations and functioning of a company (Master budget, 2019). Managers of Creams
Ltd. can use it to determine the overall surplus or deficit. It also helps in forecasting and
analysis and interpretation.
Advantages-

 Master budget helps in determination of problems and issues of a business enterprise and
helps in planning ahead.
 Master budget helps in getting an overall view on the operations of a business.
Disadvantages-
 Master budget does not provide for specialized budget of different departments in an
enterprise which leads to lack of specialization.
 It is quite difficult to update and correct master budget if corrections are found in it. Thus
if a mistake is made while preparing a master budget it can be quite difficult to correct it
and thus it may impact the results as they can be inaccurate and misleading and may not
provide the true picture.
M3: Analysis tools’ usage
The planning tools for budgetary control i.e. cash budget, operating budget and master
budget are quite effective and efficient for the purpose of short-term and long-term planning by
the organization. Creams Ltd. can use them effectively and efficiently so that it can formulate its
strategies according to its available financial resources. Also, these planning tools are quite
useful for management in taking of strategic decisions which can put a firm ahead of its
competition and ensure that it attains sustainable success in the future time period by managing
its operations well. Thus, the main purpose of these planning tools is to effectively analyze and
interpret what may happen in the future in an organization. If the management uses these tools
effectively and efficiently the firm will never face any kind of financial problems in the future.
TASK 4
P5: Comparison between organizations
Financial Problems:-This problem refer as the challenge faced by running a
business while monitoring the actions of its errors. It creates negative impact on organisation
with delay in short and long-term goals. The managers of Cream Ltd., faces the following
financial problems which affects monetary issues and not able to be solved easily by corrective
measures. Some of the financial problems mentioned below in accordance for managers of
Creams Ltd., are as follows:-
 Increase in Bad Debts:- This financial problem increase bad debts of business by
spending more of their money. Managers of Cream Limited are unfavorably affected as
they are giving more money to others through loans, debts, etc.

 Personal outflow:- It is the problem which an entrepreneur usually faces while running
the business through using the funds of funds of enterprise for personal use which lacks
in monetary terms. Managers of Creams Limited are adversely affected by being not
aware of maintaining their business transactions which usually creates possibility of loss.
The techniques for solving monetary trouble are shown below:-
 Key Performance Indicator (KPI ):- This financial governance focus on providing
correct measurable figure to business that manages and controls the actions of an
organisation for accomplishment of goals and objectives achievement. It has the
capability to solve the increasing bad debts by stop providing unnecessary loans to others.
Managers of Creams Limited focuses on total quality management for restricting
mistakes through corrective measures for short and long-tem goal achievement.
 Budgetary Targets:- It is the method to estimate amount of money on specific period of
accounting through collection of operating and capital expenses. This has the capability
to maintain the proper budget by reducing its personal outflow. Managers of Cream Ltd.,
can use this to set goal for planning the budget with expected revenue and expenditure.
Financial governance:- This procedure of business identifies, analyse, collect and record the
data of monetary trouble. It controls business activities by directing and monitoring their actions
with eliminating mistakes through corrective measures. Managers of Creams Limited execute
this financial governance to manage and adjourn financial problems as it can increase instability
and may create negative impact on its economic growth which are to be controlled.
The difference between Creams Limited and is mentioned below as:-
Basis Creams Limited Vadilal Ice-Creams
Financial problem The Cream Limited faces the
financial problem of
increasing its personal
expense which impacts the
stability of business.
The Vadilal Ice-Cream is
adversely impacted by
increasing bad debts for
providing more monetary
terms to others which may
create loss.
Management accounting
system
The Creams Limited
implements Cost accounting
system as it is advantageous
for ascertaining the cost at per
unit that is being charged by
customer which results in
profit-margin.
The Vadilal Ice-Creams
implement Job costing system
as it analyses the actual price
on every unit of product
development for minimizing
price to enlarge buyers which
increase profitability ratios.
Usage of System The Creams Ltd managers
further aims to utilize this cost
accounting system for
identifying the expense or cost
The Vadilal Ice-Creams focus
on executing job-costing
system with the motive to
determine actual cost being

on every individual product. It
majorly focuses on
minimizing this for wealth and
profit optimization.
occurred on every business
activity that tends to increase
cost. It is essential for
company to develop various
strategies for effective
utilization of waste
management in order to
minimize price of commodity.
Financial governance The managers of Creams
Limited highly emphasize on
adopting Key Performance
Indicator (KPI) which results
in monitoring and controlling
business activities for
reduction of error and proper
management that leads to
attain goals with efficacy.
The managers of Vadilal Ice-
Creams adopts budgetary
target as it highly emphasize
on managing its revenue and
expenditure effectively as per
the estimated targets that leads
to gain high profit-margin.
From the above discussion it is analyzed that managers of Creams Ltd., focus on adopting
cost accounting system that leads to minimize the pricing strategy of products and services for
enlarging customers that leads to generate high profitability ratios. It further creates prospect for
company to maximise their competitive advantages for being sustainable at global marketplace.
This auxiliary adopts Key Performance Indicator as its being the best financial governance or
tool for developing opportunities to restrict errors through corrective measures. It results in
competing with rivalries such as Vadilal Ice-Creams for being sustainable at its competitive
position through generating potential power with good employee associations.
M4: Analysis of use of management accounting by organizations
Management accounting can be used by the organizations like Creams Ltd. to find out
their financial problems and use its systems to address them. They can use techniques like KPI,
benchmarking and financial governance to find out a solution for their varied issues and
problems. This will help them not just in overcoming and solving of problems and issues but also
in maintaining productivity in the organization’s functions itself. When an organization is faced
by financial problems it cannot achieve success in the market. Thus it should use the techniques
of management accounting so that problems can be solved. Solving of problems will ensure
smooth functioning thereby leading to increase in profits and thus the firm can ensure sustainable
success in the market.
D3: Evaluation of planning tools for solving financial problems
Management accounting’s planning tools such as budgetary control techniques can be
used by Creams Ltd. for solving financial problems. Cash budget can solve liquidity-related
problems, Operational budget can solve operational problems and Master budget can solve the
overall issues in the business. Thus these tools need to be used by the management in the right

manner leading to drawing of right conclusions and recommendations which are useful in the
context of the company. The planning tools which are used in budgetary control are quite
effective in order to find out the problems and issues concerning the organization. Also, the
deviations and variances can also be analyzed. Therefore the rectifying measures can be taken
effectively. Thus these tools are useful for obtaining sustainable success.
CONCLUSION
On a concluding note, it can be said that management accounting is very helpful for
managers in taking of different type of decisions. Its systems can be used according to varied
requirements of the company. Its reports give analysis and interpretation useful for managers of
the organization. There are various types of costs which can incur in an enterprise and techniques
can be used for determination of costs. Planning tools can be used by the mangers for developing
plans. Organizations are using different systems in order to resolve their various issues and
problems which come up in operations and functioning.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals: