Question

Q4. Discuss the various reports provided by cost accounting department.

Answer 1

Following reports may be provided by a Cost Accounting Department:

(a) Cost sheets setting out the total cost, analyzed into various elements, giving comparative figures for the previous period and for other plants under the same management.

(b) Consumption of material statements, showing total quantity of materials issued for production, materials actually embodied in production and wastage.

(c) Labour utilization statements providing details about the total number of hours paid for, standard hours for the output, idle time (and amount involved) and causes thereof.

(d) Overheads incurred compared with budgets; overheads actually charged to production and the difference between the amount actually incurred and the amount so charged.

(e) Sales effected compared with budgets, showing the difference between the two because of quality being different from those taken into account while budgeting.

(f) Reconciliation of actual profit earned with estimated or budgeted profit.

(g) The total cost of abnormally spoiled work in the factory and abnormal losses in the store.

(h) The total cost of inventory carried, analyzed into raw materials in chief stores and other stores. The number of months for which stocks would be sufficient (on the basis of average consumption being worked out).

(i) Labour turnover, and the cost of recruitment and training of new employees.

(j) Expenses incurred on Research and Development as compared with the budgeted amount.

Reports about particular departments and operations (like transport or power generation) may also be compiled and submitted to the departmental manager concerned.