The finance function cannot work effectively unless it draws on the-disciplines which are closely associated with it.
Finance in Relation to Other Allied Disciplines
The finance function cannot work
effectively unless it draws on the-disciplines which are closely associated
with it. Management is heavily dependent on accounting for operating facts.
Accounting’ has been described by Richard M. Lynch and Robert W. Williamson as “the measurement
and communication of financial and economical data. In fact, accounting
information relates to the production, sales, expenses, investments, losses and
gains of the business. Accounting has three branches namely, financial
accounting, cost accounting and management accounting.
Financial Accounting
It is concerned with the
preparation of reports which provide information to users outside the firm. The
most common reports are the financial statements included in the annual reports
of stock-holders and potential investors. The main objective of these-reports
is to inform stockholders, creditors and other investors how assets are
controlled by a firm. In the light of the financial statements and certain
other information, the accountant prepares funds film statement, cash flow
statement and budgets. A master plan (Budget) of the
organization includes and coordinates the plans of every department in
financial terms. According to Guthmann and Dougall, “Problems of finance are
intimately connected while problems of purchasing, production and marketing”. Cost Accounting
It deals primarily with cost
data. It is the process of classifying, recording, allocating and reporting the
various costs incurred in the operation of an enterprise. It includes a
detailed system of control for material, labour and overheads. Budgetary
control and standard casting are integral part of cost accounting. The purpose
of cost accounting is to provide information to the management for decision
making, planning and control. It facilitates cost reduction and cost control.
It involves reporting of cost data to the management.
Management Accounting
It refers to accounting for the
management. It provides necessary information to assist the management in the
creation of policy and in the day to day operations. It enables the management
to discharge all its functions, namely, planning, organizing, staffing,
direction and control efficiently with the help of accounting information.
Functions of management accounting include all activities connected with
collecting, processing, interpreting and presenting information to the
management. According to J. Batty, ‘management accounting’ is the term used to
describe the accounting methods, systems and technique which coupled with
special knowledge and ability, assist management in its task of maximizing
profits or minimizing losses. Management accounting is related to the
establishment of cost centres, preparation of budgets, and preparation of cost
control accounts and fixing of responsibility for different functions. Tags : Financial Management - Finance – An Introduction
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