Management Accounting: Trends and Impact

This assignment delves into the contemporary landscape of management accounting. It examines current practices employed by organizations and analyzes their influence on business performance. Furthermore, the assignment explores emerging trends shaping the future of management accounting, considering factors like technological advancements and environmental sustainability.

MANAGEMENT
ACCOUNTING

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1 Management accounting and its different types....................................................................1
M1 Benefits of management accounting system........................................................................4
D1 Critical evaluation on management accounting report integrated within organisational
process.........................................................................................................................................4
TASK 2.......................................................................................................................................5
P3 Cost calculations to prepare an income statement.................................................................5
M2 A range of management accounting techniques...................................................................8
D2 Analysis and Interpretation of data.......................................................................................8
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................8
P4 Advantages and disadvantages of different types of planning tools for budgetary control...8
Budgetary control........................................................................................................................8
M3 Analysis on use of different planning tool for preparing and forecasting budgets.............10
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................10
P5 Comparison on how organizations are adapting management accounting system to resolve
financial problems.....................................................................................................................10
M4 Analysis on how management accounting lead to sustainable success..............................12
D3 Evaluation of how planning tools respond to solve financial problems.............................12
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................13
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................14

INTRODUCTION
Management Accounting is determine as a presentation of accounting information so as
to formulate different kinds of policies which can further be adopted by management of an
company in order to perform day-to-day activities (Lavia López and Hiebl, 2014). Thus, in
simple words, management accounting assist management in doing entire functions that includes
planning, organising, staffing, directing and controlling. Airdi is a company which is taken in
this assignment and firm deals in manufacturing Hand Dryer thus, this report will discuss about
different methods of management accounting for performing business operations in a better
manner.
Present report will focus on understanding of management accounting system, along with
application of range if management accounting technique is included in this assignment. In
addition to this, explanation of use of planning tools for management accounting is mentioned in
this report. Other than this, comparison of ways are included in this assignment which different
organisation can use for responding to financial issues and problems (Hiebl, 2014).
TASK 1
P1 Management accounting and its different types
Management accounting is consider as a process in which accounting information that are
obtained from financial accounting and cost accounting are interpreted, analysed, identified and
presented. Thus, it can be said that management accounting assist managers of a company in
formulating policies and making decision for day-to-day activities. Therefore, in an organisation
management accounting plays a crucial role in determining as well as forecasting cash flow. For
operating its business in a better manner it is important that Airdi has proper management
accounting department who can help managers in preparing effective reports of budget.
Company is manufacturing Hand Dryer, and is well recognised around the globe.
There are different types of management accounting system which Airdi can incorporate
for operating its business in an effective manner, therefore, crucial management accounting
system are explained below for better understanding (Chiarini and Vagnoni, 2015).
Job Costing System: This is a system that after monitoring the expenses helps an an
individual and management in assigning manufacturing cost for a specific products. Job Costing
system can be used by Airdi and is applicable when company's products are identical and can
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keep a record of order expenses. Therefore, job costing system is used by companies when they
have products that are different from one another. A significant variations in products
manufactured can be seen such as direct material can be directly linked with direct labour. Main
requirement of this, is to evaluate the actual cost and revenues of a product and commodity.
Price Optimising System: This is basically used for controlling the prices of resources,
thus, price optimising system can be incorporated by company so as to decide price of multiple
goods at the same time (Senftlechner and Hiebl, 2015). Therefore, for a firm it assist them in
determining the effects of demands after fluctuation in different price level. Moreover, Airdi
company will use this method in order to determine the price as per customer's segments so that
company can know their responses as per different price levels. Main purpose of this is to deliver
best quality products to its customers according to the needs and wants under limited period of
time.
Inventory management System: This basically guides company with when to order a
product and in what proportion. Inventory management system helps firm in minimising the total
cost of inventories so that organisation can generate high level of return. Therefore, with the help
of this method Airdi Ltd., can manufacture their products and keep them as a stock so that it can
be used whenever it is required. This can be further applied by using three different method
which is important for managing the inventory system are LIFO (Last In, First Out), FIFO (First
In, First Out) and ABC. In relation with Airdi Ltd., they are using ABC form for selling their
product. In this category products that comes under the category of A are need for attention
because it has a great impact in terms of finance. Likewise, B and C denotes moderate and low-
value commodities respectively (Bovens, Goodin and Schillemans, 2014).
Cost Accounting System: It is determine as a framework which is used by companies in
order to estimate cost of their products in order to get profitability. Therefore, it is crucial for
Airdi to know what kind of goods are profitable and which one are not. In addition to this, Cost
accounting system helps company in knowing and estimating closing value of material
inventory, work in progress and inventory of finished commodities so that financial statement
can be prepared. This includes two main cost accounting system i.e. job order costing: It is cost
accounting system that compile different manufacturing cost separately as per the job assigned.
Process costing: This is determine as a cost accounting system that accumulates cost of
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manufacturing according to the separate process. The main purpose of cost accounting system is
to estimate cost and revenue for the company (Shields, 2015).
P2 Methods for management accounting Reporting
Management accounting reporting helps management to determine the actual
performance of the organization. These reports are prepared weekly, monthly, quarterly or
yearly. It involves collection of data that gives material information about operations of
organization. Management reports helps the managers to forecast important business decisions.
Airdri Ltd. is a hand dryer manufacturing company. Airdri needs management accounting report
for better decision making because it will help the company to determine existing and future
operations and will provide accurate financial information. Different management accounting
reporting methods are as following:
 Budget Reports: Budgeting reports are prepared to analyze related estimated cost. It is
prepared on the basis of expenditure of previous years. It will help Airdri to evaluates the
performance of different departments and help them to control costs. It will also help in
analyzing the actual performance with budgeted performance (Schaltegger, and Burritt,
2017). These reports helps in providing incentives to employees and motivates them to
achieve desired objectives. Therefore, with the help of this report, managers of Airdi Ltd.,
will be able to compare their business performance in one financial year.
 Inventory and manufacturing reports: These types of reports are prepared by
manufacturing companies to make inventory and manufacturing process efficient. It
includes labor cost, per unit overhead cost and other cost which are included in
manufacturing process. This report will help Aridri in comparing different assembly lines
of business which provides area of improvement so that performance of the departments
and employees can be improved and it will enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
 Job costing reports: This kind of reports helps in determine the cost, expense and
profitability of particular projects. This report will help Aridri to identify the profitable
and non profitable business activities so that they can increase their efforts by focusing on
profit making activities. It will help them in reducing wastage of cost so as to make the
project more successful (Klemstine and Maher, 2014).
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M1 Benefits of management accounting system
Job Costing System and its benefits:
By incorporating this system, Airdi Ltd., can evaluate changes in behaviour of customers
as per different-different price strategy. Other than this, it assist firm in evaluating the quality of
work which is being done.
Price Optimisation System and its benefits:
With the help of this method Airdi Ltd., can determine the attitude and behaviour of
consumers based on different prices. As a result, through this method company can maximise its
profits (Bennett and James, 2017).
Cost Accounting System and its benefits:
This system measures the efficiency of process which is being incorporated by company
for making improvements. Cost accounting system is applicable for reducing cost of a
commodity.
Inventory Management System and its benefits:
Through this system Airdi Ltd., can improve their accuracy level and effectiveness as
well. It is being used by most of the companies because of its cost and time saving tendency.
With the help of this, stock of inventory can be maintained which can be used for future purpose.
D1 Critical evaluation on management accounting report integrated within organisational process
Types of reporting Integrated within organisational process
Budgeting Report Airdi, with the help of both integrated organisational
process and budgeting reports can make path for
companies activities so that targeted goals and objectives
can be achieved in an effective manner.
Job Cost Report Main purpose of Airdi Ltd., should be of achieving cost
objectives so that price strategies can be decided by
minimising overall cost of a product.
Inventory and manufacturing
report
This report will provide benefit to Airdi Ltd., to track and
monitor procedure of inventory.
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TASK 2
P3 Cost calculations to prepare an income statement
Cost indicates the value of money which are being put or used for manufacturing product
so that the same can be deliver to its customers (Cleary, 2015). This includes material required,
resources, time and utilities etc., Furthermore, cosy are of two types:
Fixed Cost: These are constant and doesn't change even after increase or decrease in
number of products or services which are being produced or sold. Fixed cost comes under
operating expenses which cannot be avoided by a firm. This is moreover used in break even
analysis so that level of pricing can be determined. For example: property taxes which has to be
Variable Cost: These are the cost which vary with the proportion of production output.
Variable cost can increase or decrease and it depends upon the goods produced. Therefore, it can
be said that this depends upon the products which are manufactured per unit. In order to calculate
variable cost one can use this formula that is given below:
Total variable cost = Quantity of output X Variable cost per unit of output.
Marginal Costing: This determine as a rate at which a change in total cost can be seen
because of the increase in production by one unit. Marginal cosy is important for an organisation
as it helps a company in taking effective decision for their business operations (Endenich, 2014).
Net income = (sales revenue – marginal cost of goods sold) = (contribution – fixed cost)
Absorption Costing: It is a cost accounting method for valuing inventory. It includes all
the costs of manufacturing a product like fixed and variable costs. This costing method gives a
more comprehensive and accurate view on how much it really costs to produce your inventory.
The components of absorption costing are: Direct material, direct labour, variable manufacturing
overhead and fixed manufacturing overhead. It is possible to use absorption costing to allocate
overhead costs for inventory valuation purpose. Absorption costing is a time-consuming and
expensive costing system.
Net Incomes = (Sales revenue – Cost of goods sold) = (Gross profit – Selling and Administrative
expenses)
Working Notes:
Income statement on the basis of marginal costing:
Particulars Amount
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Sales revenue = (no. of units sold x selling price of each = 600 x 55) £33000
Marginal Cost of products sold: £9600
Production = (units produced x marginal cost per unit = 800 x 16) 12800
closing stock = (closing stock units x marginal cost per unit = 200 x
16) 3200
Contribution £23400
Fixed cost ( 3200+1200+1500 ) £5900
Net profit £17500
Income statement according to absorption costing:
Particulars Amount
Sales = (selling price x no. of units sold = 55 x 600) £33000
Cost of goods sold = (total expenses per unit x actual sales = 23.375 x 600) £14025
Gross profit £18975
Selling & Administrative expenses = (variable sales overhead x actual sales +
selling and administrative cost = 1 x 600 + 2700) £3300
Net profit/ operating income £15675
Break-Even Analysis: This is a kind of tool which is used by company in order to
determine calculations so that on the basis of this margin of safety can be examined. In addition
to this, it assist firm in determining the relationship between variable and fixed cost. Most of the
company with the help of this, forecast their sales in order to know sat which point firm can
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generate the high level of revenues. Therefore, in relation with Aridi Ltd., Through break-even
analysis they are being able to determine how much products are needed to be manufactured so
as to reach the estimated cost level (Budding, Grossi and Tagesson, 2014).
A. Products that are to be sold in Break Even points.
Sales per unit 40
Variable costs VC = DM +
DL 28
Contribution 12
Fixed costs 6000
BEP in units 500
B. Sales revenue in relation with Break-Even points
Sales per unit 40
Variable costs VC = DM + DL 28
Contribution 12
Fixed costs 6000
Profit volume ratio PVR = Contribution /
sales * 100 30.00%
BEP in sales 20000
C. Quantity of goods that are to be sold so as to generate a profitability of £10,000
Profit 10000
Fixed costs 6000
Contribution 16000
Contribution per unit 12
Sales 1333.33
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D. Margin of safety after selling of 800 products
Formula for MOS
Margin of Safety = Budgeted or actual sales – Sales required to Break-Even
Actual sales in units 800
Break even sales in units 500
Margin of safety 37.5
Margin of safety (MOS): It is determine as a principle of investigating the difference
between break-even and budgeted sale of an organization. According to the above given
calculation it can be analysed that if a company has a actual sale of 800 units and its break-even
sale is of 500 units than their marginal cosy will be of 37.5 units.
M2 A range of management accounting techniques
Management accounting has a wide range and it includes several techniques that assist an
organisation in collecting valuable internal information. Therefore, by using these kinds of
techniques managers of Airdi Ltd., can prepare a report which can further help company in
taking effective decisions. Henceforth, some of techniques that can be incorporated by the firm
are explained below:
Standard Costing: It is determine as a technique that assist firm in recording account
transactions and through this company can further evaluate the difference between standard and
actual cost (Pavlatos, 2015).
Marginal Costing: This kind of technique is applicable and is accountant of Airdi Ltd.,
can use for decision making as it control cost and maximize profits in return.
D2 Analysis and Interpretation of data
With the help of above data mentioned it can be evaluated that management accounting
uses various kinds of methods for calculating cost of product according to the unit manufactured.
Under absorption cost all cost are incorporated for calculation part whereas in marginal cost,
only the variable cost is taken into consideration. Therefore, with the help of this, the value that
is evaluated on the basis of absorption and marginal cost is £15675 and £17500 respectively.
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TASK 3
P4 Advantages and disadvantages of different types of planning tools for budgetary control
Budgetary control
Budgetary control refers to planning that helps management in allotment of duties and
authorities, to assist in estimating the plans and policies for future, set standards for result,
provide aid to analyze the standard and actual performance with which management can analyze
performance of operations (Banker and et. al., 2014). It helps in minimizing the wastage in
unprofitable areas of operations and focus their time and skills in profitable areas. Every
organization need to prepare budget to allocate resources to mid-level and lower-level for better
functioning of operations and to achieve objectives and goals.
As any other organization Aridri ltd. also needs budgetary control for smooth
functioning of its operations. Managers needs to control finance activities in less productive
areas because this company deals at small scale. Therefore, every single pound in business is
precious. Moreover, budgetary control also helps in reducing risks which may arise due to
natural disaster(earthquake, flood etc.), fluctuations in economic conditions(changes in demand
and supply, exchange rates, interest rate, inflation, return on investment etc.), innovation and
introduction of new technology and terrorists attack. These kind of risks can affect organization
unfavourably. Thus, for reducing these risks, some control planning tools are given below:-
Planning Tools Usage Advantage Disadvantage
Forecasting planning
tool
Planning is viewed as
a roadmap for an
organization to
achieve its goals and
objectives. Forecasting
means prediction for
future activities.
Therefore, forecasting
tools are used to
anticipate future
uncertainties related to
Aridri Ltd. can use
forecasting tool to
build out strategies to
reduce risk and
achieving competitive
advantages.
As no one can predict
future with certainty,
any kind of change can
be harmful for the
organization because
then it will not be
according to the
forecasting (Mohamad
and et. al., 2015).
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the business. In
context with Aridri,
forecasting tools can
be used for analysing
the risk and
opportunities that may
occur in future.
Contingency planning
tool
Contingency refers to
happening of an
emergency event and
this tool assist
management in
managing funds for
emergencies that may
occur in near future. In
context with Aridri
Ltd. it can help in
managing emergency
events by building out
strategies.
It help Aridri Ltd. in
minimising the
negative impact of
emergency events on
organization. This will
help them for the
smooth functioning of
operations.
It can be expensive for
the organization
because they have to
train their employees
for the emergencies.
M3 Analysis on use of different planning tool for preparing and forecasting budgets
Controlling budget of a company is one of the main function of management accounting.
Under this process, managers can use different planning tools like contingency and forecasting
tools. Using these techniques, they can prepare proper future budget plan and prevent business
from severe conditions like natural disasters, terrorists attacks and more. These tools also help
enterprises to develop policies and strategies for budgetary control as well. Thus, in context with
Aridri Ltd., these planning tools aid its managers and working staff to work more efficiently
(Qian, Burritt and Chen, 2015).
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TASK 4
P5 Comparison on how organizations are adapting management accounting system to resolve
financial problems
Finance is vital part of an organization without which a company cannot operate in
desired manner to achieve its goals and objectives. Every organization needs finances for smooth
functioning and achievement of goals and objectives. Profitability of an organization depends on
finances. Sometimes company faces some issues related to finances, these issues are common
and does not depend on location or industry. The sooner a business discover its issues, the sooner
it can achieve better position in industry. The following are most common reasons for financial
problems:
Overstock of equipment: sometimes organizations purchase a lot of equipment than its
need and this leads to overstock of equipment. Buying equipments more than needs can create
the problem of blockage of funds. Investing large amount in equipments can cause harm in
estimated budget (Angelakis, and et. al., 2015). Company lost opportunities for use or
investment of these blocked funds. Company can deal with this financial issue by reselling the
stock which are not required. This will bring money back and company use this money in the
organization to increase profitability.
Too much debt: In an organization one of the major financial issue is excessive debt.
Being in this kind of situation company will not be able to attract investors and not satisfy its
shareholders and stakeholders as the enterprise is not in the condition to pay good returns to
them. In this case reputation of organization will be at stake as they don't have enough assets to
repay the debt. This will lead the to bankruptcy (Agrawal and Cooper, 2017).
Therefore, for resolving such mentioned financial issues, employers of Aridri Ltd. has
used following two major techniques of management accounting as shown below:-
KPI (Key Performance Indicators): This system provides techniques by which a
company can address finance related issues. It also helps in checking performance of each
department and identify in which area, modification are required. As per relation with Aridri,
Key Performance Indicator helps in identifying issues related to financial and non-financial
performance. According to current situation this company faces various problems related to
finance. It includes overstock of equipment where to enhance business, this firm has invested
more than need on machinery. Along with this, debt of business also goes high, due to which this
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company fails to retain interest of stakeholders. Therefore, using financial KPI, managers of this
firm develop strategies by which they can gain interest of shareholders and assist them to make
investment for further activities. Moreover, they make more action plans by which in future,
occurrence of such issues can be reduced in future (Bradbard, Alvis and Morris, 2014).
Bench-marking: This systems also plays a vital role in improving performance of a
company. It check progress report of business by comparing with previous record in order to
evaluate strategies proves better to give advantage. If performance of business is not much
improved then this technique provides ways by which improvement in operational activities can
be done. As Aridri has faced losses due to extra expenses and debts. Therefore, by bench-
marking technique they can analyze reasons by which such problems has raised. Further, they
can develop effective strategies and plans that helps in reducing occurrence of financial issues in
future.
Comparison of Aridri with Hoffman Brothers, which is one of its competitor
Aridri Limited Hoffman Brothers
 Aridri is one of the finest
manufacturing company whose
products are found in best quality. For
managing and responding financial
issues, this enterprise has used KPI
technique. This tool helps in making
strategies by which they can achieve
sales target in given span of time.
 This firm adopt bench-marking system
which helps in tracking performance of
all departments and compare progress
of business with its previous
performance. This will aid in
formulating unique and effective
strategies by which financial problems
can be resolved.
 This enterprise deals in construction
sector and provide services like heating
air conditioners, plumbing and
electrical and appliance repair. It also
deals in small sector, therefore,
different types of financial issues. To
resolve such problems, its managers
used to prepare proper budget plan first.
They provide guidelines to workers to
perform as per demand of business so
that problems related to finance can be
reduced (Singhvi and
BODHANWALA, 2018).
 Its management team also use
contingency tool to respond financial
issues
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M4 Analysis on how management accounting lead to sustainable success
Management accounting plays a vital role industries to gain sustainability in business. As
per Aridri Ltd., way by which this management can lead success in business can be explained
as:- This system provides various tools and techniques by which managers can formulate
different plans and strategies to control budget. It also helps in giving solutions to this firm in
managing finance and expense as well by tracking business activities. It includes different type
of management reports like cost, budget, cost, inventories etc.
D3 Evaluation of how planning tools respond to solve financial problems
Since finance is most important aspect of businesses therefore, to resolve financial related
issues, management accounting provides various techniques. For example- Managers of Aridri
Ltd. KPI and Bench-marking tools to address financial issues. It also helps in taking proper
action to resolve such issues and develop strategies through which occurrence of financial
problems in future can be reduced (Ismail and King, 2014). This firm also use contingency and
forecasting plans to control budget so that employers can respond from those issues which may
affect business in future. Along with this, importance of management accounting for resolving
financial issues can be explained by following process
Formulate Plans and Strategies: Concept of management accounting can aid managers
of Aridri to prepare plans as per objectives and goals of business. As currently, this firm wants to
enhance sales performance by 10% to 12% in upcoming to years. Therefore, formulating plans as
per desired manner, aid working staff to work in right direction so that set targets can be
achieved in given span of time (Lavia López and Hiebl, 2014).
Implementation of plans: Management accounting also helps in executing plans and
strategies more successfully. For this process, it give direction to managers how to allocate
resources to different departments in precise manner.
CONCLUSION
From this report, It is concluded that management accounting is an important managerial
concept for a company. It helps business to forecast and make proper future decision by
providing necessary information related to business activities. As various discrepancies are
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occurred in business which increase much difference between actual and estimated outcomes.
Therefore, techniques of management accounting help managers of a company to build on
positive variance as well as negative one. It also provides techniques for a company to resolve
financial issue and formulate strategies by which occurrence of such problems can be reduced.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Lavia López, O. and Hiebl, M. R., 2014. Management accounting in small and medium-sized
enterprises: current knowledge and avenues for further research. Journal of
Management Accounting Research. 27(1). pp.81-119.
Hiebl, M. R., 2014. Upper echelons theory in management accounting and control research.
Journal of Management Control. 24(3). pp.223-240.
Chiarini, A. and Vagnoni, E., 2015. World-class manufacturing by Fiat. Comparison with Toyota
production system from a strategic management, management accounting, operations
management and performance measurement dimension. International Journal of
Production Research. 53(2). pp.590-606.
Senftlechner, D. and Hiebl, M. R., 2015. Management accounting and management control in
family businesses: Past accomplishments and future opportunities. Journal of
Accounting & Organizational Change. 11(4). pp.573-606.
Bovens, M., Goodin, R. E. and Schillemans, T. eds., 2014. The Oxford handbook public
accountability. Oxford University Press.
Shields, M. D., 2015. Established management accounting knowledge. Journal of Management
Accounting Research. 27(1). pp.123-132.
Schaltegger, S. and Burritt, R., 2017. Contemporary environmental accounting: issues, concepts
and practice. Routledge.
Klemstine, C. F. and Maher, M., 2014. Management Accounting Research (RLE Accounting): A
Review and Annotated Bibliography. Routledge.
Bennett, M. and James, P., 2017. The Green bottom line: environmental accounting for
management: current practice and future trends. Routledge.
Cleary, P., 2015. An empirical investigation of the impact of management accounting on
structural capital and business performance. Journal of Intellectual Capital. 16(3).
pp.566-586.
Endenich, C., 2014. Economic crisis as a driver of management accounting change: Comparative
evidence from Germany and Spain. Journal of Applied Accounting Research. 15(1).
pp.123-149.
Budding, T., Grossi, G. and Tagesson, T. eds., 2014. Public sector accounting. Routledge.
Pavlatos, O., 2015. An empirical investigation of strategic management accounting in hotels.
International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management. 27(5). pp.756-767.
Banker, R. D. and et. al., 2014. The moderating effect of prior sales changes on asymmetric cost
behavior. Journal of Management Accounting Research. 26(2). pp.221-242.
Mohamad, N. A. and et. al., 2015. The Relationship among Strategy, Competition and
Management Accounting Systems on Organizational Performance. European Online
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Qian, W., Burritt, R. and Chen, J., 2015. The potential for environmental management
accounting development in China. Journal of Accounting & Organizational Change.
11(3). pp.406-428.
Angelakis, G. and et. al., 2015. Traditional and Currently Developed Management Accounting
Practices-A Greek Study. International Journal of Economics & Business
Administration (IJEBA). 3(3). pp.52-87.
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