What is Managerial Accounting? Definition, Role, Job and Objectives

Introduction to Managerial Accounting:

Financial management is integral part of overall management. Managerial Accounting is also called as Management Accounting. Managerial finance deals with the managerial significance of finance assessments to determine the effectiveness of the business internally and externally. Questions asked in an annual report depicts the very difference between a managerial and a technical approach.

Managerial finance assess the techniques and strategies of any economic activity and considers all the possible scope of improvements to prevent any further loss. The approach is mixture between corporate financing and managerial accounting.

Managerial Accounting Definition:

Managerial accounting deals with allocation of the accounting information regarding financial and non-financial matters in such a manner that financial managers prepare themselves beforehand. It involves identifying, analyzing, recording and presenting financial information.

Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) defines managerial accounting as: “A profession that involves partnering in management decision making, fabrication of plans, improvisation of performance and management systems, and proffering competence in financial reporting and assistance in management, formulation and implementation of an organization’s strategy”.

Objectives of Managerial Accounting:

The basic objective of a managerial approach is to study the significance of figures in the annual report.

1. In managerial approach the financial manager compares the returns of their clients to returns of others businesses in their industry. He then questions about their performance in comparison to their peers.

2. If the performance is poor, the aim is to find and overcome the shortcomings, like checking expenses and enhancing profit margins.

3. Rationally analyzing working capital to predict future cash flow problems and maintaining regularity in liquidity of assets.

4. Assessment of balances in balance sheet or red flags that creates complications with bill collection or an inappropriate debt.

Role of Managerial Accounting:

Financial analysis techniques are preferred by managers to interpret financial results. They keep a regular check on every resource allocated to improve the economic activity. They have a detailed record of each activity including its costs and revenue generated by it. Managerial accounting techniques like activity based costing are used by managers. Managers often use method of variable budgeting to get a precise and better understanding about the future expenses.

Job of Managerial Accountant:

Below listed are some of the primary job or key tasks or services performed by management accountants. The complexity of the job are dependent on the abilities and skills of an accountant.

• Annual Budgeting.

• Rate and Volume Analysis.

• Business Metrics Development.

• Cost Allocation.

• Price Modeling.

• Capital Budgeting.

• Product Profitability.

• Sales Forecasting.

• Geographic vs. Industry or Client Segment Reporting.

• IT Cost Transparency.

• Sales Management Scorecards.

• Cost Analysis.

• Internal Financial Presentation and Communication.

• Cost–Benefit Analysis.

• Financial Forecasting.

• Cost-Volume-Profit Analysis.

• Life Cycle Cost Analysis.

• Client Profitability Analysis.

• Buy vs. Lease Analysis.

• Strategic Planning.

• Strategic Management Advice.

Conclusion:

For managing any company or an individual growth, financial planning and financial management strategies should in proper place to be successful. Managerial accounting places a crucial role in financial management. Hope this tutorial lesson has enhanced your knowledge to the great extent.