ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES: Problem Solving Survival Guide, Volume 2: Chapters 13-26, 10th Edition

CHAPTER 19

MANAGERIAL ACCOUNTING

OVERVIEW

Our study in this book prior to this chapter has centered on financial accounting. The main objective of financial accounting is to report useful information in the form of general purpose financial statements (income statement, statement of retained earnings, balance sheet, and statement of cash flows) to management and external users such as stockholders, creditors, and regulating agencies. In this chapter, we begin our study of managerial accounting. The main objective of managerial accounting is to provide reports for internal users; these reports are adapted to management's needs for information and control at the various administrative levels of an organization. Detailed reports about the internal activities and performance of the subunits of an organization are necessary for management's use in making decisions about the subunits to achieve the goals of profitability and stewardship for the entire organization over the long run. In this chapter, we will examine the functions of managerial accounting and explain cost concepts and financial statements for a manufacturer.

SUMMARY OF STUDY OBJECTIVES

1. Explain the distinguishing features of managerial accounting. The primary users of managerial accounting reports are internal users, who are officers, department heads, managers, and supervisors in the company. Companies use managerial accounting practices to issue internal reports as frequently as the need arises. The purpose of these ...