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Cost and management Accounting MHRDM-MIM - JBIMS
Private & Confidential Page 1 By Dinesh Makani
COST: MEANING AND ITS ELEMENTS
The term cost means the amount of expenses [actual or notional]
incurred on or attributable to specified thing or activity. As per
Institute of
cost and work accounts (ICWA) India, Cost is measurement in
monetary terms of the amount of resources used for the purpose of
production of
goods or rendering services.
Elements of cost
Cost of production/manufacturing consists of various expenses
incurred
on production/manufacturing of goods or services. These are
the
elements of cost, which can be divided into three groups:
Material,
Labour and Expenses.
COST SHEET: MEANING AND ITS IMPORTANCE
Cost sheet is a statement, which shows various components of
total cost
of a product. It classifies and analyses the components of cost
of a
product.
Previous periods data is given in the cost sheet for comparative
study. It is
a statement, which shows per unit cost in addition to Total
Cost. Selling
price is ascertained with the help of cost sheet. The details of
total cost
presented in the form of a statement are termed as Cost sheet.
Cost sheet
is prepared on the basis of:
1. Historical Cost
2. Estimated Cost
Historical Cost
Historical Cost sheet is prepared on the basis of actual cost
incurred. A
statement of cost prepared after incurring the actual cost is
called
Historical Cost Sheet.
Estimated Cost
Estimated cost sheet is prepared on the basis of estimated cost.
The
statement prepared before the commencement of production is
called
estimated cost sheet. Such cost sheet is useful in quoting the
tender price
of a job or a contract.
Importance of Cost Sheet
The importance of cost sheet is as follows:
_ Cost ascertainment
The main objective of the cost sheet is to ascertain the cost of
a product.
Cost sheet helps in ascertainment of cost for the purpose of
determining
cost after they are incurred. It also helps to ascertain the
actual cost or
estimated cost of a Job.
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Cost and management Accounting MHRDM-MIM - JBIMS
Private & Confidential Page 2 By Dinesh Makani
_ Fixation of selling price
To fix the selling price of a product or service, it is
essential to prepare the
cost sheet. It helps in fixing selling price of a product or
service by
providing detailed information of the cost.
_ Help in cost control
For controlling the cost of a product it is necessary for
every
manufacturing unit to prepare a cost sheet. Estimated cost sheet
helps in
the control of material cost, labour cost and overheads cost at
every
point of production.
_ Facilitates managerial decisions
It helps in taking important decisions by the management such
as:
whether to produce or buy a component, what prices of goods are
to be
quoted in the tender, whether to retain or replace an existing
machine
etc.
COMPONENTS OF TOTAL COST
The Components of cost are shown in the classified and
analytical form in
the cost sheet. Components of total cost are as follows:
_ Prime Cost
It consists of direct material, direct wages and direct
expenses. In other
words Prime cost represents the aggregate of cost of material
consumed, productive wages, and direct expenses. It is also known
as basic, first, flat or direct cost of a product.
Prime Cost = Direct material + Direct Wages + Direct
expenses
Direct material means cost of raw material used or consumed
in
production.
It is not necessary that all the material purchased in a
particular period is
used in production. There is some stock of raw material in
balance at
opening and closing of the period. Hence, it is necessary that
the cost of
opening and closing stock of material is adjusted in the
material
purchased.
Opening stock of material is added and closing stock of raw
material is
deducted in the material purchased and we get material consumed
or
used in production of a product. It is calculated as:
Material Consumed = Material purchased + Opening stock of
material
Closing stock of material.
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Cost and management Accounting MHRDM-MIM - JBIMS
Private & Confidential Page 3 By Dinesh Makani
Illustration 1
Calculate prime cost from the following particulars for a
production unit:
Rs.
Cost of material purchased 30,000
Opening stock of material 6,000
Closing stock of material 4,000
Wages paid 3,000
Rent of hire of a special machine for production 5,000
Solution:
Details
Amount
(Rs.)
Direct Material: Material Consumed
Opening stock of material 6,000
Add: Material Purchased 30,000
Material available for consumption 36,000
Less: Closing stock of material 4,000
Material consumed
Direct Labour: Wages
Direct Expenses: Rent of hire a special machine
Prime cost
32,000
3,000
5,000
40,000
Factory Cost
In addition to prime cost it includes works or factory
overheads. Factory
overheads consist of cost of indirect material, indirect wages,
and indirect
expenses incurred in the factory. Factory cost is also known as
works cost,
production or manufacturing cost.
Factory Cost = Prime cost + Factory overheads
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Cost and management Accounting MHRDM-MIM - JBIMS
Private & Confidential Page 4 By Dinesh Makani
Illustration 2
Calculate factory cost from the following particulars:
Rs.
Material consumed 60,000
Productive wages 20,000
Direct Expenses 5,000
Consumable stores 2,000
Oil grease/Lubricating 500
Salary of a factory manager 6,000
Unproductive wages 1,000
Factory rent 2,000
Repair and Depreciation on Machine 600
Solution:
Statement showing Factory cost
Details
Amount
(Rs.)
Direct Material: Material Consumed
Direct Labour: Productive wages
Direct Expenses
Prime cost
60,000
20,000
5,000
85000
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Cost and management Accounting MHRDM-MIM - JBIMS
Private & Confidential Page 5 By Dinesh Makani
Add: Factory overheads
Indirect Material:
Consumable stores 2,000
Oil grease/lubricants 500
Indirect Labour:
Unproductive wages 1,000
Salary of a factory Manager 6,000
Indirect Expenses:
Factory rent 2,000
Repair and Depreciation on Machine 600
Factory cost
2,500
7,000
2,600
97,100
TOTAL COST AND COST SHEET
If office and administrative overheads are added to factory or
works cost,
total cost of production is arrived at. Hence the total cost of
production is
calculated as:
Total Cost of production = Factory Cost + office and
administration
overheads
Illustration 4
From the following information calculate the total cost of
production
Rs.
Direct material 90,000
Direct Labour 32,000
Direct Expenses 9,000
Factory overheads 25,000
Office and administration overheads 18,000
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Cost and management Accounting MHRDM-MIM - JBIMS
Private & Confidential Page 6 By Dinesh Makani
Solution:
Statement showing total cost of production
Details
Amount
(Rs.)
Direct Material: Material Consumed
Direct Labour: Productive wages
Direct Expenses
PRIME COST
Factory overheads
FACTORY COST
Office and administration overheads
TOTAL COST OF PRODUCTION
90,000
32,000
9,000
1,31,000
25,000
1,56,000
18,000
1,74,000
Cost of goods sold
It is not necessary, that all the goods produced in a period are
sold in the
same period. There is stock of finished goods in the opening and
at the
end of the period. The cost of opening stock of finished goods
is added in
the total cost of production in the current period and cost of
closing stock
of finished goods is deducted. The cost of goods sold is
calculated as:
Cost of goods sold = Total cost of production + Opening stock
of
Finished goods Closing stock of finished goods
Illustration 5
From the following information calculate the cost of goods
sold.
Rs.
Total Cost of Production 1,22,000
Opening stock of finished goods 12,000
Closing stock of finished goods 16,000
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Cost and management Accounting MHRDM-MIM - JBIMS
Private & Confidential Page 7 By Dinesh Makani
Solution:
Cost of goods sold = Cost of Production + Opening stock of
Finished
goods - closing stock of Finished goods
Cost of goods sold = Rs.1,22,000 + 12,000 16,000 =
Rs.1,18,000
Total Cost i.e., Cost of Sales
If selling and distribution overheads are added to the total
cost of
production, total cost is arrived at. This cost is also termed
as cost of Sales.
Hence the total cost is calculated as:
Total Cost = Cost of Goods sold + Selling and distribution
overheads
Illustration 6
From the following information calculate the total cost.
Rs.
Direct material 1,60,000
Direct Labour 52,000
Direct Expenses 19,000
Factory overheads 45,000
Office and administration overheads 28,000
Selling and distribution overheads 33,000
Solution:
Statement showing total cost
Details
Direct Material:
Direct Labour:
Direct Expenses
PRIME COST
Factory overheads
FACTORY COST
Office and administration overheads
TOTAL COST OF PRODUCTION
Selling and distribution overheads
Total cost = cost of sales
Amount
(Rs.)
1,60,000
52,000
19,000
2,31,000
45,000
2,76,000
28,000
3,04,000
33,000
3,27,000
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Cost and management Accounting MHRDM-MIM - JBIMS
Private & Confidential Page 8 By Dinesh Makani
Sales
If the profit margin is added to the total cost, sales are
arrived at. Excess of
sales over total cost is termed as profit. When total cost
exceeds sales, it is
termed as Loss.
Sales = Total Cost + Profit
Sometimes profit is calculated on the basis of given information
in
percentage of cost or sales. In such a situation, the amount is
assumed
100 in which the percentage is calculated. Then the Profit is
calculated in
the following ways:
Case 1
If Cost is Rs.10,000 and profit on cost 10%. Assume the cost is
Rs.100 and
profit on cost is Rs.10. Hence Profit on cost of Rs.10,000
is
10,000 10/100 = Rs.1,000
Thus the sales value is Rs 11000 (10,000 + 1000)
Case 2
If Cost is Rs.10,800 and profit on sales price is 10%. Assume
sales price is
Rs.100. cost price is Rs.90 [i.e. Rs.100 Rs.10]. When profit on
cost of Rs.90 is Rs.10. Hence profit on cost of Rs.10,800 is
10,800 10/90 = Rs.1,200
10,800 + 1200 = 12,000 sales value
Case 3
If sales price is Rs.12,100 and profit on cost is 10%. Assume
Cost price is
Rs.100. Sales price is Rs.110 [i.e.100 + 10]. If sales price is
Rs.110, profit is
Rs.10. Profit on sales price of Rs.12,100 is
12,100 10/110 = Rs.1,100 profit
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Cost and management Accounting MHRDM-MIM - JBIMS
Private & Confidential Page 9 By Dinesh Makani
Illustration 7
From the following information, calculate the value of goods
sold.
Rs.
Total Cost of Production 1,45,000
Opening stock of finished goods 22,000
Closing stock of finished goods 6,000
Selling and distribution overheads 25,000
Profit 22,000
Solution
Statement showing Sales
Details
Amount
(Rs.)
Total cost of production
Add: Opening stock of finished goods
Less Closing stock of finished goods
Cost of Goods sold
Selling and distribution overheads
Total Cost
Profit
Sales
1,45,000
22,000
1,67,000
6,000
1,61,000
25,000
1,86,000
22,000
2,08,000
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Cost and management Accounting MHRDM-MIM - JBIMS
Private & Confidential Page 10 By Dinesh Makani
There is no prescribed format of a Cost sheet. It may change
from industry
to industry. A specimen format of a Cost Sheet is given as
under:
Particulars Total (Rs.)
A. Materials Consumed:
Purchases ..............
Add: Opening Stock of Raw material ..............
Expenses on Purchases ..............
Less: Closing Stock of Raw Material ..............
Direct Material consumed .............. ..............
B. Direct Labour (Wages) ..............
C. Direct Expenses ..............
D. Prime Cost (A + B + C) ..............
E. Factory/Works Overheads ..............
Add: Opening Stock of Work-in-Progress ..............
Less: Closing Stock of Work-in-Progress ..............
F. Works/Factory Cost (D + E) ..............
G. Office and administration overheads ..............
H. Total Cost of Production (F + G) ..............
Add: Opening Stock of finished Goods ..............
Cost of Goods available for sale ..............
Less: Closing Stock of finished Goods ..............
I. Cost of production of goods Sold or cost of good sold
..............
J. Selling and Distribution Overheads ..............
K. Total Cost (I + J) = Cost of Sales ..............
L. Profit ..............
M. Sales (K + L) ..............
Preparation of cost sheet
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Cost and management Accounting MHRDM-MIM - JBIMS
Private & Confidential Page 11 By Dinesh Makani
The various components of cost explained above are presented in
the
form of a statement. Such a statement of cost consists of prime
cost, works
cost, cost of production of goods; cost of goods sold, total
cost and sales
and is termed as cost sheet.
The Preparation of a cost sheet can be understood with the help
of
following illustration:
Illustration 8
From the following information, prepare a cost sheet for period
ended on
31st March 2009.
Rs.
Opening stock of raw material 12,500
Purchases of raw material 1,36,000
Closing stock of raw material 8,500
Direct wages 54,000
Direct expenses 12,000
Factory overheads 100% of direct wages
Office and administrative overheads 20% of works cost
Selling and distribution overheads 26,000
Cost of opening stock of finished goods 12,000
Cost of Closing stock of finished goods 15,000
Profit on cost 20%
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Cost and management Accounting MHRDM-MIM - JBIMS
Private & Confidential Page 12 By Dinesh Makani
Solution:
Cost sheet
Details
Amount
(Rs.)
Direct Material: Material consumed 12500
Opening stock of raw material 136000
Add: Purchases 148500
Less: Closing stock of raw material 8500
Direct wages
Direct expenses
Prime cost
Factory overheads: 100% of direct wages
(i.e. 100 x 54000
100
Works cost
Office and administrative overheads
20% of works cost, (2,60,000 20/100
Total cost of production
Add: opening stock of finished goods
Cost of Goods available for sale
Less: Closing stock of finished goods
Cost of goods sold
Selling and distribution overheads
Total Cost = cost of sales
Profit (20% On Cost i.e. 3,35,00 20/100)
Sales
1,40,000
54,000
12,000
2,06,000
54,000
2,60,000
52,000
3,12 000
12,000
3,24,000
15,000
3,09,000
26,000
3,35,000
67,000
4,02,000
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Cost and management Accounting MHRDM-MIM - JBIMS
Private & Confidential Page 13 By Dinesh Makani
Illustration 9
The following information is given to you from which you are
required to
prepare Cost Sheet for the period ended on 31St march 2009:
Consumable material: Rs.
Opening stock 20,000
Purchases 1,22,000
Closing stock 10,000
Direct wages 36,000
Direct Expenses 24,000
Factory overheads 50 % of direct wages
Office and administration overheads 20% of works cost
Selling and distribution expenses Rs.3 per unit sold
Units of finished goods
In hand at the beginning of the period (Value Rs. 12500) 500
Units produced during the period 12,000
In hand at the end of the period 1,500
Find out the selling price per unit if 20% profit on selling
price. There is no
work-in-progress either at the beginning or at the end of the
period.
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Cost and management Accounting MHRDM-MIM - JBIMS
Private & Confidential Page 14 By Dinesh Makani
Solution:
Cost Sheet for the period ended on 31st March 2009 (output 12000
units)
Particulars Total cost Cost Per Unit
Material Consumed:
Opening Stock 20000
Add: Purchases 122000
142000
Less: Closing Stock 10000
Cost of R.M. consumed 132,000 132000 11.00
Direct wages 36000 3.00
Direct Expenses 24000 2.00
Prime Cost 192000 16.00
Factory Overheads
50% of Direct Wages (i.e. 12000 1.50) 18000 1.50
Works/Factory overheads 210000 17.50
Office overheads
20% of works cost 42000 3.50
Total Cost of production 252000 21.00
Add: Opening stock of finished goods
(500 units @ 25) 12500
Cost of goods available for sale (12000 + 500) 264500
Less: Closing stock of Finished goods @ 21per 31500
Unit (1500 units)
Cost of goods sold (12500 1500 = 11000 units) 233000 21.18
Add: Selling & Distribution overheads @ per unit 330001
3.00
Cost of Sales 266000 24.18
Add: Profit 20% On S. P. i.e. 25% of cost of sales 66500
6.04
Sales (266000 X 25/100) 332500 30.22
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Cost and management Accounting MHRDM-MIM - JBIMS
Private & Confidential Page 15 By Dinesh Makani
Components of Total Cost
Prime Cost = Direct material + Direct Wages + Direct expenses
works/
factory cost;
Factory Cost = Prime cost + Factory overheads
Cost of production/office cost = Factory Cost + office and
administration
overheads
Cost of production of goods sold = Cost of Production + Opening
stock of
Finished goods closing stock of finished goods
Total Cost = Cost of Production of goods sold + Selling and
distribution
overheads
Sales = Total Cost + Profit
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Cost and management Accounting MHRDM-MIM - JBIMS
Private & Confidential Page 16 By Dinesh Makani
CONTRACT COSTING
Contract costing is A form of specific order costing;
attribution of costs to
individual contracts
A contract cost is Aggregated costs of a single contract;
usually applies to
major long term contracts rather than short term jobs
Features of long term contracts
contract costing situations, we tend to mean long term and
large
contracts: such as civil engineering contracts for building
houses, roads,
bridges and so on. We could also include contracts for building
ships, and
for providing goods and services under a long term
contractual
agreement.
contract costing, every contract and each development will
be
accounted for separately; and does, in many respects, contain
the
features of a job costing situation.
is frequently site based.
Features of a Contract
The end product
The period of the contract
The specification
The location of the work
The price
Completion by a stipulated date
The performance of the product
Collection of Costs
Desirable to open up one or more internal job accounts for the
collection
of costs. If the contract not obtained, preliminary costs be
written off as
abortive contract costs in P&L In some cases a series of job
accounts for
the contract will be necessary:
to collect the cost of different aspects
to identify different stages in the contract
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Cost and management Accounting MHRDM-MIM - JBIMS
Private & Confidential Page 17 By Dinesh Makani
Special features
Materials delivered direct to site.
Direct expenses
Stores transactions.
Use of plant on site
Two possible accounting methods:
1. Where a plant is purchased for a particular contract &
has little
further value to the business at the end of the contract
2. Where a plant is bought for or used on a contract, but on
completion of the contract it has further useful life to the
business
Alternatively the plant may be capitalised with Maintenance and
running
costs charged to the contract."
Worked example
Contract ABC started on 1 July 2008. Costs to 31 December 2008,
when
the company's accounting year ends, are derived from the
following
information.
direct materials issued from store 40000
materials returned tos tore 1000
direct labour 36000
plant issued, at book value 1 July 2008 50000
written down plant value as at 31 December, 2008 30000
materials on site, 31 December, 2008 3000
overhead costs 5000
As at 31 December, 2008, certificates had been issued for work
valued at
Rs.100,000 and the contractee had made progress payments of
Rs.70,000.
The company has calculated that more work has been done since
the
last certificates were issued, and that the cost of the work
done but not
yet certified is Rs.14,000. The final contract price is
Rs.175,000 and the
estimated total cost of the contract is Rs.130,000.
Prepare the contract account
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Cost and management Accounting MHRDM-MIM - JBIMS
Private & Confidential Page 18 By Dinesh Makani
Solution
Contract account Dr Cr
Materials 40000
materials returned 1000
Labour 36000
plant issued at book value 50000
Overheads 5000
plant c/d 30000
materials c/d 3000
cost of worjk done not certified 14000
cost of work certified 83000
131000 131000
Work certified account
turnover (profit and loss) 100000
contratee account 100000
Contractee account
work certified 100000
cash (progress payment) 70000
balance c/d 30000
100000 100000
Estimating profit
In the early stages, no profit will be accounted for; and in an
exam
question, the profit taking method may be GIVEN.
Total anticipated profit
contract price 175000
costs incurred (14,000 + 83,000) 97000
estimated costs to complete (130,000 - 97,000) 33000 130000
Estimated profit 45000
Estimated degree of completion
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Cost and management Accounting MHRDM-MIM - JBIMS
Private & Confidential Page 19 By Dinesh Makani
Therefore, profit to date:
Sales basis = Rs.45,000 * 57.14% = Rs.25,714.29
cost basis = Rs.45,000 * 74.62% = Rs.33,576.92
Consider what the accountant's concept of conservatism might
have to
say about these calculations.
Completing the profit and loss account:
turnover - value certified 100000
profit (sales basis) 25715
cost of sales 74285
costs incurred 97000
cost of sales 74285
WIP 22715
Balance sheet disclosure
Cost of sales 74285
cost of work done 97000
-22715
If this is negative, it is WIP, otherwise it is a provision for
liabilities and
charges or creditors
Reconciliation of WIP:
value certified 100000
cost of work certified 83000
apparent profit to date 17000
profit recognised 25715
cost of work done but not certified 14000
-22715
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Cost and management Accounting MHRDM-MIM - JBIMS
Private & Confidential Page 20 By Dinesh Makani
Attributable Profit
That part of the total profit reflecting that part of the work
performed at
the accounting date, attributable profit not be recognised until
the
outcome of contract be assessed with reasonable certainty.
Terminology
Calculation of attributable profit
Taking total costs to date & total estimated further costs
to completion,
also the estimated future costs of rectification & guarantee
work, and any
other future work to be undertaken under the terms of the
contract. Profit
accounted for needs:
1. to reflect the proportion of the work carried out at the
accounting
date;
account any known inequalities of profitability in various
stages of
contract for certainty of profit
Illustration
M/s New Century Builders have entered into contract to build an
office
building complex for Rs.480 lakhs. The work started in April
1997 and it is
estimated that the contract will take 15 months to be completed.
Work
has progressed as per schedule and the actual cost charged till
March
1998 was as follows.
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Cost and management Accounting MHRDM-MIM - JBIMS
Private & Confidential Page 21 By Dinesh Makani
Particulars Amt in Lakhs
Material 112.20
Labor 162
Hire charges for equipment and other expenses 36
Establishment charges 32.40
The following information is available:
Particular Amt in lakhs
Material in hand 31st Mar 1998 10.50
Work certified (of which Rs 324 lakhs have been paid) as
on 31stMarch 1998
400.00
Work not certified as on 31st March 1998 7.50
As per Management estimates, the following further expenditure
will be
incurred to complete the work.
Materials : Rs. 10.50 lakhs
Labor: Rs.16.00 lakhs
Sub-contractor: Rs 20.00 lakhs
Equipment hire and other charges: Rs 3.00 lakhs
Establishment charges: Rs 6.90 Lakhs
You are required to compute the value of work in progress as on
March
31st, 1988 after considering a reasonable margin of profit and
show the
appropriate accounts. Make a provision for contingencies
amounting to
5% of the total costs
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Cost and management Accounting MHRDM-MIM - JBIMS
Private & Confidential Page 22 By Dinesh Makani
PROCESS COSTING
PROCESS COSTING IMPORTANCE: -
In process costing, particular attention is given to (a) cost
relating to the
process, i.e., both direct and indirect cost, (b) period for
which cost for the
process is collected, (c) complete units in the process at the
end of the
period and (e) determining unit cost of the process for the
period.
USE OF PROCESS COSTING: -
Process coasting is useful for industries with following
characteristics:
(a) Continuous and mass production
(b) Loss of identity of production against a particular
order.
(c) Homogeneous products
(d) Production involves different process and output of one
process
forms input of another process.
(e) Other uses: bottling companies, canning plants, packing,
breweries
and industries involved in processing milk products.
Process Costing under different inventory costing methods.
The effect of using FIFO method, LIFO method and average method
will
be differentiates on cost per unit of the process.
FIFO METHOD. : -
It is also referred to as First-in-First out method of inventory
costing. Under FIFO method it is presumed that units are completed
in the order of
introduction to the process. Units at the beginning are
completed first.
Then, newly introduced units are completed. Only after this,
work is done
on closing inventory. According to this method, it is assumed
that cost
incurred is used
(a) First to complete the units already in process,
(b) Then to complete the newly introduced units,
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Cost and management Accounting MHRDM-MIM - JBIMS
Private & Confidential Page 23 By Dinesh Makani
(c) For the work done to bring closing inventory to given stage
of
completion.
If units completed are more than units representing opening
inventory, it is
presumed under FIFO method that all unfinished units in opening
inventory
have been completed. When FIFO method of inventory costing
is
followed, units completed during the period are divided in two
categories
for the purpose of statement of equivalent production:
(a) Work done for completing opening work in process, (b) Newly
introduced units completed during the process,
LIFO METHOD. : -
It is also referred to as Last-in-First-out method of inventory
costing. It is presumed under LIFO method that cost incurred is
used:
(a) First to complete newly introduced units.
(b) Then to complete units already in process.
If there is closing work in process, it is supposed in LIFO
method that units
which represent opening inventory, remain in closing work in
process at the end of the period, because units representing
opening inventory are
attended to in the last. If units under closing inventory are
more than units
under opening inventory, it will be presumed that all units,
which
represented opening work in process, remain in closing work in
process at the end of period.
Under FIFO method work completed is divided into two categories
i.e. (i)
units lying under opening work in process but completed during
the
period and, (ii) newly introduced units completed during the
period.
When LIFO method is followed closing inventory is divided into
two
categories i.e.,
(i) Units, which represent opening work in process, but are
lying under
closing work in process at the end of the period.
(ii) Newly introduced units lyibg in closing stock.
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Cost and management Accounting MHRDM-MIM - JBIMS
Private & Confidential Page 24 By Dinesh Makani
Difference between Job Order Costing & Process
JOB ORDER COSTING / CONTRACT
COSTING
PROCESS COSTING
1 It is used in industries where production
is carried on according to specific job
order.
Process Costing is used in continuous
and mass production industries
producing like units of standard
specification.
2 Cost is collected for each individual
job worked.
Cost is collected according to
process and departments
3 Items of prime cost can be traced with
job order.
Items of prime cost cannot be
traced with a particular order due to
continuous production.
4 Job cost is computed, when the job is
completed
Process cost is computed at the end
of the cost period
5 There is no transfer of work from one
job to another job, till it is necessary to
transfer surplus work or excess
production.
Costs of one process are transferred
to cost of next process, until goods
are completely manufactured.
6 The cost of each unit in production is
separately identified
The total cost for production during
the period is specified over units
produced, as the separate identity
of units is lost due to continuous
production. This process cost per unit
represents average cost per unit for
the period.
7 The basis of cost collection is job order
or batch.
Cost is collected by period i.e., on
time basis.
8 There may or may not be work-in-
progress at the end of accounting
period.
There is always some work in progress
at the beginning as well as at the
end of the period
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1) Example: Following information is available regarding process
A for the
month of Dec. 2008
Production record Units
Units in process on 30th November 2008 (50% complete) 10000
New units started in process during the month
20000
30000
Production report shows the following results:
Units completed 25000
Units in Process on 31dt December 2008 (80% complete)
5000
Loss in process Nil
30000
Cost Record
Work in progress as on 1st Dec.2008:
Rs.
Material 3600
Labour 5000
Overhead 2800
Cost for December 2008:
Material 7200
Direct Labour 16000
Overhead 15200
Total Cost to be accounted for
49800
Prepare:
(a) Statement of equivalent production
(b) Statement of cost for each element.
(c) Statement of apportionment of cost.
(d) Process cost account under following circumstances:
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(i) When, material is introduced at the beginning of the
process
(ii) When material is continuously introduced throughout the
process
(iii) When material is introduced at 30% stage of
processing.
(iv) When material is introduced at the end of process
2) Example: - from the following information for May 2009
relating to SV
Company Ltd.
Prepare process cost accounts for process III: -
Opening stock in process III 1000 units at Rs 14400
Transfer from Process II 42600 units at Rs 330800
Direct material added in Process III Rs. 160720
Direct wages Rs. 79240
Production Overhead Rs. 39620
Units Scrapped 2200 units
Transferred to process IV 37800 units
Closing stock 3600 units
Degree of Completion:
Opening stock Closing stock scrap
Material 70% 80% 100%
Labour 50% 60% 80%
Overhead 50% 60% 80%
There was a normal loss of 5% production and units scrapped
were
sold at Rs.3 each.
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3) Example: Product Zenu is made by three sequential process,
II, III, and I.
In process III a by-product arises and after further processing
in process XY,
at a cost of Rs. 2 per unit, by-product, XYZ is produced.
Selling and
distribution expenses of Re.1 per unit are incurred in marketing
XYZ at a
selling price of Rs.9 per unit.
Process I Process II Process
III
Standard provided for
Normal loss in process of input, of 10% 5%
10%
Loss in process, having a scrap value, per unit, of Rs.1 Rs. 3
Rs. 4
For the month of Apr 1990 the following data are given:
Process I Process II Process III Process XY
Output, in units 8800 8400 7000 420
Of Zenu of XYZ
Costs Rs. Rs. Rs. Total Rs.
Direct materials: 20000 20000
Introduced (10000 units)
Direct Material added 6000 12640 23200 41840
Direct Wages 5000 6000 10000 21000
Direct Expenses 4000 6200 4080 14280
Budget production overhead for the month was Rs.84000
Absorption is based on a percentage of direct wages.
There are no stocks at the beginning of end of the month.
You are required, using the information given, to prepare
accounts for
(a) Each process, I, I I, III;
(b) Process XY
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STANDARD COSTING
Def: A predetermined cost which is calculated from
managements
standards of efficient operations and the relevant necessary
expenditure. They are the predetermined costs on technical
estimate of material labor and overhead for a selected period of
time and for a
prescribed set of working conditions. In other words, a standard
cost is a
planned cost for a unit of product or service rendered.
Advantages
Standard costing is a management control technique for every
activity. It
is not only useful for cost control purposes but is also helpful
in production
planning and policy formulation. It allows management by
exception. In
the light of various objectives of this system, some of the
advantages of
this tool are given below:
1. Efficiency measurement-- The comparison of actual costs
with
standard costs enables the management to evaluate
performance
of various cost centers. In the absence of standard costing
system,
actual costs of different period may be compared to measure
efficiency. It is not proper to compare costs of different
period
because circumstance of both the periods may be different.
Still, a
decision about base period can be made with which actual
performance can be compared.
2. Finding of variance-- The performance variances are
determined by
comparing actual costs with standard costs. Management is
able
to spot out the place of inefficiencies. It can fix
responsibility for
deviation in performance. It is possible to take corrective
measures
at the earliest. A regular check on various expenditures is
also
ensured by standard cost system.
3. Management by exception-- The targets of different
individuals are
fixed if the performance is according to predetermined
standards.
In this case, there is nothing to worry. The attention of
the
management is drawn only when actual performance is less
than
the budgeted performance. Management by exception means
that everybody is given a target to be achieved and
management
need not supervise each and everything. The responsibilities
are
fixed and every body tries to achieve his/her targets.
4. Cost control-- Every costing system aims at cost control and
cost
reduction. The standards are being constantly analyzed and
an
effort is made to improve efficiency. Whenever a variance
occurs,
the reasons are studied and immediate corrective measures
are
undertaken. The action taken in spotting weak points enables
cost
control system.
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5. Right decisions-- It enables and provides useful information
to the
management in taking important decisions. For example, the
problem created by inflating, rising prices. It can also be used
to
provide incentive plans for employees etc.
6. Eliminating inefficiencies-- The setting of standards for
different
elements of cost requires a detailed study of different aspects.
The
standards are set differently for manufacturing, administrative
and
selling expenses. Improved methods are used for setting
these
standards. The determination of manufacturing expenses will
require time and motion study for labor and effective
material
control devices for materials. Similar studies will be needed
for
finding other expenses. All these studies will make it possible
to
eliminate inefficiencies at different steps.
Limitations of Standard Costing
1. It cannot be used in those organizations where
non-standard
products are produced. If the production is undertaken
according
to the customer specifications, then each job will involve
different
amount of expenditures.
2. The process of setting standard is a difficult task, as it
requires
technical skills. The time and motion study is required to
be
undertaken for this purpose. These studies require a lot of time
and
money.
3. There are no inset circumstances to be considered for
fixing
standards. The conditions under which standards are fixed do
not
remain static. With the change in circumstances, if the
standards
are not revised the same become impracticable.
4. The fixing of responsibility is not an easy task. The
variances are to
be classified into controllable and uncontrollable
variances.
Standard costing is applicable only for controllable
variances.
After setting the standard and standard costs for various
elements of cost,
the next important step is to compute variance for each element
of cost.
Variance is the difference between standard cost and actual
cost. In
other words it is the difference between what the cost should
have been
and what is the actual cost. Element wise computation of
variance is
given in the following paragraphs.
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A) Material Variance
Material Cost variance
Material price variance Material usage variance
Material Mix Variance Material yield variance
(A) MATERIAL COST VARIANCE =
(STANDARD UNIT X STANDARD PRICE) (ACTUAL UNIT X ACTUAL
PRICE)
(B) MATERIAL PRICE VARIANCE =
(STANDARD PRICE ACTUAL PRICE) X ACTUAL QUANTITY
(C) MATERIAL (QUANTITY) USAGE VARIANCE =
(STANDARD QUANTITY ACTUAL QUANTITY) X STANDARD PRICE
(D) MATERIAL MIX VARIANCE =
(REVISED STANDARD QTY ACTUAL QTY) X STANDARD PRICE.
Revised Standard Qty =
Total weight of actual mix / Total weight of standard Mix X Std
qty of material in question
(D) MATERIAL YIELD VARIANCE =
(TOTAL ACTUAL YIELD TOTAL STD YEILD) X STD YIELD RATE .
Where Std yield rate = Std cost of Std mix / Net Std output
(ii) Where actual mix differ from standard mix. The following
formula is used in this situation.
Material yield variance = (Actual yield Revised std yield) X Std
yield rate
Where Std yield rate = Std cost of revised Std mix / Net Std
output
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B) LABOUR VARIANCE
Labour Cost variance
Labour Rate or price variance Labour efficiency or usage
variance
Labour Mix Variance Idle time variance
(A) LABOUR COST VARIANCE =
(ACTUAL HOURS X ACTUAL RATE) (STANDARD HOURS X STANDARD
RATE)
(B) LABOUR RATE OR PRICE VARIANCE =
(STANDARD RATE ACTUAL RATE) X ACTUAL HOURS
(C) LABOUR EFFICIENCY OR USAGE VARIANCE =
(STANDARD HOURS ACTUAL HOURS) X STANDARD RATE
(C) IDLE TIME VARIANCE =
IDLE TIME VARIANCE = IDLE HOURS X STANDARD RATE
(D) LABOUR MIX VARIANCE OR GANG COMPOSITION VARIANCE=
(LABOUR MIX VARIANCE =(REVISED STD MIX OR TIME ACTUAL MIX OR
TIME)*STD.
Revised Standard Mix or Time =
Total time of actual mix of workers / Total time of standard Mix
of workers X Std time
of the respective category of workers
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C) OVERHEAD VARIANCE
STANDARED FIXED OVERHEAD RATE=
BUDGETED FIXED OVERHEAD / NORMAL VOLUME
STANDARED VARIABLE OVERHEAD RATE =
BUDGETED VARIABLE OVERHEAD / NORMAL VOLUME
OVERHEAD VARIANCE
Variable overhead cost variance fixed overhead variance
Variable overhead expenditure variance variable overhead
efficiency variance
Fixed overhead expenditure variance Fixed overhead volume
variance Fixed overhead efficiency variance Fixed overhead capacity
variance Calendar variance Seasonal variance
(A) VARIABLE OVERHEAD COST VARIANCE:
VARIABLE OVERHEAD COST VARIANCE = STANDERED OVERHEAD COST
RECOVERED ACTUAL OVERHEAD COST
(a) Variable overhead expenditure variance:
Based on rate per hour -
Variable overhead expenditure variance = (Std variable overhead
absorption rate per hr
X Actual hrs worked) Actual Variable Overhead.
Based on rate per unit -
Variable overhead expenditure variance = (std variable overhead
absorption rate per
unit - actual variable rate per unit) X Actual Output.
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(b) Variable overhead efficiency variance:
Variable overhead efficiency variance= (Actual Hrs Std hours for
actual output) X Std variable overhead absorption rate
Or = (Std Qty of output Actual qty of output) X Std rate per
unit.
(B) FIXED OVERHEADS VARIANCE:
Fixed overheads variance= (Std Hrs for Actual output X Std fixed
overhead rate) X
Actual Fixed Overheads
(a) Fixed overhead expenditure variance: = (budgeted Qty X Std
fixed Oh. rate per unit)
Actual fixed Oh
= (Budgeted fixed Overheads Actual fixed Overhead)
(b) Fixed Overheads volume variance = (Actual Qty Budgeted Qty)
X Standard rate
Of fixed Oh volume variance = (std hrs for Actual production
Actual hrs worked) X Std fixed Oh rate
(c) Fixed Overheads efficiency variance = (Actual Qty of
production STD Qty of production for Actual capacity) X Std fixed
Oh absorption rate
per unit or
(STD Hrs for Actual production Actual Hrs Worked) X Std fixed Oh
rate
(d) Fixed Overheads Capacity variance = (STD Qty of production
Revised budgeted Qty of production) X Std fixed Oh rate per unit
or
(STD Hrs for Actual production Actual Hrs of the period) X Std
fixed Oh rate per unit.
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(e) Calendar Variance = (STD Unit Revised budgeted unit) X Std
fixed Oh rate per unit or
(Std number of working days or Hrs Possible number of working
days or Hrs) X Std. Fixed Oh rate per day or Hour.
Calendar Variance = (Budgeted Hrs Actual Hrs) X Std rate.
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What Is Inventory?
Inventory is defined as assets that are intended for sale, are
in process of
being produced for sale or are to be used in producing
goods.
Beginning Inventory + Net Purchases - Cost of Goods Sold
(COGS) = Ending Inventory
How Do We Value Inventory?
The accounting method that a company decides to use to determine
the
costs of inventory can directly impact the balance sheet,
income
statement and statement of cash flow
There are five basic approaches to valuing inventory
1. Standard: Under the Standard costing method approach,
both
inventory and the cost of goods sold are based on the
standard
fixed cost assigned to the items within the item manager at the
time
of reporting.
2. First-in, First-out (FIFO): Under FIFO, the cost of goods
sold is based
upon the cost of material bought earliest in the period, while
the
cost of inventory is based upon the cost of material bought
later in
the year. This results in inventory being valued close to
current
replacement cost. During periods of inflation, the use of FIFO
will
result in the lowest estimate of cost of goods sold among the
three
approaches, and the highest net income.
3. Last-in, First-out (LIFO): Under LIFO, the cost of goods sold
is based
upon the cost of material bought towards the end of the
period,
resulting in costs that closely approximate current costs.
The
inventory, however, is valued on the basis of the cost of
materials
bought earlier in the year. During periods of inflation, the use
of LIFO
will result in the highest estimate of cost of goods sold among
the
three approaches, and the lowest net income.
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4. Weighted Average: Under the weighted average approach,
both
inventory and the cost of goods sold are based upon the
average
cost of all units currently in stock at the time of reporting.
When
inventory turns over rapidly this approach will more closely
resemble
FIFO than LIFO.
5. Average: Under the average approach, both inventory and
the
cost of goods sold are based upon the average cost of all
units
received in stock.
If prices are rising, each of the accounting methods produces
the
following results:
FIFO gives us a better indication of the value of ending
inventory
(on the balance sheet), but it also increases net income
because
inventory that might be several years old is used to value the
cost of
goods sold. Increasing net income sounds good, but remember
that it also has the potential to increase the amount of taxes
that a
company must pay.
LIFO isn't a good indicator of ending inventory value because
the
left over inventory might be extremely old and, perhaps,
obsolete.
This results in a valuation that is much lower than today's
prices. LIFO
results in lower net income because cost of goods sold is
higher.
Average cost produces results that fall somewhere between
FIFO
and LIFO.
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BUDGET & BUDGETORY CONTROL
A budget is a plan expressed in quantitative, usually monetary
term,
covering a specific period of time, usually one year. In other
words a
budget is a systematic plan for the utilization of manpower and
material
resources.
In a business organization, a budget represents an estimate of
future costs
and revenues. Budgets may be divided into two basic classes:
Capital
Budgets and Operating Budgets.
Capital budgets are directed towards proposed expenditures for
new
projects and often require special financing. The operating
budgets are
directed towards achieving short-term operational goals of
the
organization, for instance, production or profit goals in a
business firm.
Operating budgets may be sub-divided into various departmental
of
functional budgets.
The main characteristics of a budget are:
1. It is prepared in advance and is derived from the long-term
strategy
of the organization.
2. It relates to future period for which objectives or goals
have already
been laid down.
It is expressed in quantitative form, physical or monetary
units, or both.
Different types of budgets are prepared for different purposed
e.g. Sales
Budget, Production Budget, Administrative Expense Budget,
Raw-material
Budget etc. All these sectional budgets are afterwards
integrated into a
master budget, which represents an overall plan of the
organization.
ADVANTAGES OF BUDGETS
A budget helps us in the following ways:
1. It brings about efficiency and improvement in the working of
the
organization.
2. It is a way of communicating the plans to various units of
the
organization. By establishing the divisional, departmental,
sectional
budgets, exact responsibilities are assigned. It thus minimizes
the
possibilities of buck passing if the budget figures are not
met.
3. It is a way or motivating managers to achieve the goals set
for the
units.
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4. It serves as a benchmark for controlling on-going
operations.
5. It helps in developing a team spirit where participation in
budgeting
is encouraged.
6. It helps in reducing wastage and losses by revealing them in
time for
corrective action.
7. It serves as a basis for evaluating the performance of
managers.
8. It serves as a means of educating the managers.
BUDGETARY CONTROL
No system of planning can be successful without having an
effective and
efficient system of control. Budgeting is closely connected with
control.
The exercise of control in the organization with the help of
budgets is
known as budgetary control. The process of budgetary control
includes:
1. Preparation of various budgets.
2. Continuous comparison of actual performance with
budgetary
performance.
3. Revision of budgets in the light of changed
circumstances.
A system of budgetary control should not become rigid. There
should be
enough scope of flexibility to provide for individual initiative
and drive.
Budgetary control is an important device for making the
organization.
More efficient on all fronts. It is an important tool for
controlling costs and
achieving the overall objectives.
Budget Controller
Although the chief executive is finally responsible for the
budget
programme, it is better if a large part of the supervisory
responsibility is
delegated to an official designated as Budget Controller or
Budget
Director. Such a person should have knowledge of the technical
details of
the business and should report directly to the president or the
Chief
Executive of the organization.
Fixation of the budget period
Budget period mean the period for which a budget is prepared
and
employed. The budget period depends upon the nature of the
business
and the control techniques. For example, a seasonal industry
will budget
for each season while an industry requiring long periods to
complete work
will budget for four, five or even larger number of year.
However, it is
necessary of control purposes to prepare budgets both for long
as well as
short periods.
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Budget Procedures
Having established the budget organization and fixed the budget
period,
the actual work or budgetary control can be taken upon the
following
pattern:
STEPS IN BUDGETARY CONTROL
1. Organization for budgeting
2. Budget manual + Theory
"A document which sets out, inter alias, the responsibilities of
the persons
engaged in, the routine of and forms and records required for
budgetary
control."
The budget manual is a written document or booklet that
specifies the
objectives of budgeting organization and procedures. Following
are some
of the important matters covered in a budget manual:
3. A statement regarding the objectives of the organization and
how
they can be achieved through budgetary control.
4. A statement regarding the functions and responsibilities of
each
Executive by designation both regarding preparation and
execution of budgets.
5. Procedures to be followed for obtaining the necessary
approval of
budgets.
6. The authority of granting approval should be stated in
explicit terms.
7. Whether one, two or more signatures are to be required on
each
document
8. Should also be clearly stated.
9. Timetable for all stages of budgeting.
10. Reports, statements, forms and other records to be
maintained.
11. The accounts classification to be employed. It is necessary
that the
framework within which the costs, revenues and other
financial
amount are classified must be identical both in accounts and
the
budget departments.
There are many advantages attached to the use of budget manual.
It is a
formal record defining the functions and responsibilities of
each
executive.
The methods and procedures of budgetary control are
standardized.
There is synchronization of the efforts of all which result in
maximization of
the profits of the organization.
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Making a forecast
Consideration of alternative combination of forecasts:
Alternative combinations of forecasts are considered with a view
to
contain the most efficient overall plan so as to maximize
profits. When the
optimum -profit combination of forecasts is selected, the
forecasts should
be regarded as being finalized.
Sales budget
Past sales figures and trend. The record of previous experience
forms the
most reliable guide as to future sales as the past performance
is related to
actual business conditions. However the other factors such as
seasonal
fluctuations, growth of market, trade cycles etc., should not be
lost sight
of salesmen's estimates. Salesmen are in a position to estimate
the
potential demand of the customers more accurately because they
come
in direct contact with the customers. However, proper discount
should be
made for over-optimistic or too conservative estimates of the
salesmen
depending upon their temperament.
Plant Capacity. It should be the endeavor of the business to
ensure proper
utilization of plant facilities and that the sale budget
provides an
economic and balanced production on the factory.
General trade prospects. The general trade prospects
considerable affect
the sales. Valuable information can be gathered in this
connection from
trade papers and magazines.
Orders on hand. In case of industries where production is quite
a lengthy
process, orders on hand also have a considerable influence in
the
amount of sales.
Proposed expansion of discontinuance of products. It is affects
sales and
therefore, it should also be considered.
Seasonal fluctuations. Past experience will be the best guide in
this
respect. However, efforts should be made to minimize the effects
of
seasonal fluctuations by giving special concessions or
off-season discounts
thus increasing the volume of sales.
Potential market. Market research should be carried out for
ascertaining
the potential market, for the company's products. Such an
estimate on
the basis of expected population growth, purchasing power of
consumers
and buying habits of the people.
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Availability of material and supply. Adequate supply of raw
materials and
other supplies must be ensured before drafting the sales
programme.
Financial aspect. Expansion of sales usually require increase in
capital
outlay also, therefore, sales budget must be kept within the
bounds of
financial capacity.
Production budget
Inventory policies. Inventory standards should be predetermined
as that
neither there is a shortage nor over-stocking of goods.
Sales requirements. The quantity of goods to be sold would
decide to a
great extent how much is to be produced. Therefore, this
budget
depends upon the sales budget.
Production stability. For reduction of costs, stability in
employment and
better utilization of plant facilities, the production should be
evenly
distributed throughout the year. In case of seasonal industries,
since it is
not possible to have stable levels of production or inventory,
an effort
should be made to have the optimum balance between the two.
Plant capacity. How much can be produced depends upon the
available plant capacity. There must be sufficent capacity to
procede
the annual requirements and also to meet seasonal high
demands.
5. Availability of material and labour. Adequate and timely
supply of raw
material and labour should have an important effect on the
planning of
production.
6. Time taken in production process. The production should
commence
well in time deeping in view how much time it would take in the
factory to
translate the raw materials into finished goods.
Capital Expenditure Budget
The budget provides a guidance as to the amount of capital that
may be
Needed for procurement of capital assets during the budget
period. The
budget is prepared after taking into account the available
productive
capacitates, probable reallocation of existing assets and
possible
improvement in production techniques. If necessary separte
budgets may
be prepared for edach item o assets, such a building budget, a
plnat and
equipment budget etc.
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Cash budget
The cash budget can be prepared by any of the following
methods;
1. Receipts and payments method
2. The adjusted profit and loss method
3. The balance sheet method.
1. Receipts and payments method : In case of this method the
cash
receipts from various sources and the cash payments to various
agencies
are estimated. In the opening balance of cash , estimated cash
receipts
are added and From the total, the total of estimated cash
payments are
deduted to find out the closing balance.
2. The adjusted profit and loss method : In case of this method
the cash
budget is prepared on the basis of opening cash and bank
balances,
projected profit and loss account and the balances of the
various assests
and liabilities.
3. The balance sheet methos : With the helop of budget balances
at the
end except cash and bank balances, a budgeted balance sheet can
be
prepared and the balancing figure would be the estimated closing
cash/
bank balance.
Thus under this method, closing balances other than cash/bank
will have
to be found out first to be put in the budgeted balance sheet.
This can be
done by adjusting the anticipated.
Research and Development Budget
Research and development costs are to be incurred so that the
products
or the methods of the concern do not become out of date. The
research
and development budget is a forecast of all such expenses.
Zero-Based Budgeting ZBB A method of budgeting in which all
expenses must be justified for each new period. Zero-based
budgeting starts from a zero base and every function within an
organization are analyzed for its needs and costs. Budgets are then
built around what is needed for the upcoming period, regardless of
whether the budget is higher or lower than the previous one. ZBB
allows top-level strategic goals to be implemented into the
budgeting process by tying them to specific functional areas of the
organization, where costs can be first grouped, then measured
against previous results and current expectations.
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Advantages of zero-based budgeting
1. Efficient allocation of resources, as it is based on needs
and benefits. 2. Drives managers to find cost effective ways to
improve operations. 3. Detects inflated budgets. 4. Useful for
service departments where the output is difficult to identify. 5.
Increases staff motivation by providing greater initiative and
responsibility
in decision-making. 6. Increases communication and coordination
within the organization. 7. Identifies and eliminates wasteful and
obsolete operations. 8. Identifies opportunities for outsourcing.
9. Forces cost centers to identify their mission and their
relationship to
overall goals.
Disadvantages of zero-based budgeting
1. Difficult to define decision units and decision packages, as
it is time-consuming and exhaustive.
2. Forced to justify every detail related to expenditure. The
R&D department is threatened whereas the production department
benefits.
3. Necessary to train managers. Zero-based budgeting must be
clearly understood by managers at various levels to be successfully
implemented. Difficult to administer and communicate the budgeting
because more managers are involved in the process.
4. In a large organization, the volume of forms may be so large
that no one person could read it all. Compressing the information
down to a usable size might remove critically important
details.
5. Honesty of the managers must be reliable and uniform. Any
manager that exaggerates skews the results.
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Cost and management Accounting MHRDM-MIM - JBIMS
Private & Confidential Page 44 By Dinesh Makani
MARGINAL COSTING AND ABSORPTION COSTING
Marginal costing is formally defined as:
The accounting system in which variable costs are charged to
cost units and the fixed costs of the period are written-off in
full against the
aggregate contribution. Its special value is in decision-making.
(Terminology.)
The term contribution mentioned in the formal definition is the
term given to the difference between Sales and Marginal cost.
Thus
MARGINAL COST = VARIABLE COST DIRECT LABOUR
+
DIRECT MATERIAL
+
DIRECT EXPENSE
+
VARIABLE OVERHEADS
Marginal cost means the cost of the marginal or last unit
produced. It is
also defined as the cost of one more or one less unit produced
besides
existing level of production. In this connection, a unit may
mean a single
commodity, a dozen, a gross or any other measure of goods.
For example, if a manufacturing firm produces X unit at a cost
of 300 and
X+1 units at a cost of 320, the cost of an additional unit will
be 20, which
are marginal, cost. Similarly if the production of X-1 units
comes down to
280, the cost of marginal unit will be 20 (300280). The marginal
cost varies directly with the volume of production and
marginal cost per unit remains the same. It consists of prime
cost, i.e. cost
of direct materials, direct labor and all variable overheads. It
does not
contain any element of fixed cost, which is kept separate under
marginal
cost technique.
Contribution may be defined as the profit before the recovery of
fixed
costs. Thus, contribution goes toward the recovery of fixed cost
and profit,
and is equal to fixed cost plus profit (C = F + P).
In case a firm neither makes profit nor suffers loss,
contribution will be just
equal to fixed cost (C = F). This is known as break-even
point.
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Cost and management Accounting MHRDM-MIM - JBIMS
Private & Confidential Page 45 By Dinesh Makani
The concept of contribution is very useful in marginal costing.
It has a fixed
relation with sales. The proportion of contribution to sales is
known as P/V
ratio, which remains the same under given conditions of
production and
sales.
The principles of marginal costing
The principles of marginal costing are as follows.
a. For any given period of time, fixed costs will be the same,
for any
volume of sales and production (provided that the level of
activity is
within the relevant range). Therefore, by selling an extra item
of product or service the following will happen.
Revenue will increase by the sales value of the item sold.
Costs will increase by the variable cost per unit.
Profit will increase by the amount of contribution earned
from
the extra item.
b. Similarly, if the volume of sales falls by one item, the
profit will fall by
the amount of contribution earned from the item.
c. Profit measurement should therefore be based on an analysis
of
total contribution. Since fixed costs relate to a period of
time, and
do not change with increases or decreases in sales volume, it
is
misleading to charge units of sale with a share of fixed
costs.
d. When a unit of product is made, the extra costs incurred in
its
manufacture are the variable production costs. Fixed costs
are
unaffected, and no extra fixed costs are incurred when output
is
increased.
Features of Marginal Costing
The main features of marginal costing are as follows:
1. Cost Classification
The marginal costing technique makes a sharp distinction
between
variable costs and fixed costs. It is the variable cost on the
basis of
which production and sales policies are designed by a firm
following the marginal costing technique.
2. Stock/Inventory Valuation
Under marginal costing, inventory/stock for profit measurement
is
valued at marginal cost. It is in sharp contrast to the total
unit cost
under absorption costing method.
3. Marginal Contribution
Marginal costing technique makes use of marginal contribution
for
marking various decisions. Marginal contribution is the
difference
between sales and marginal cost. It forms the basis for judging
the
profitability of different products or departments.
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Cost and management Accounting MHRDM-MIM - JBIMS
Private & Confidential Page 46 By Dinesh Makani
Advantages and Disadvantages of Marginal Costing Technique
Advantages
1. Marginal costing is simple to understand.
2. By not charging fixed overhead to cost of production, the
effect of
varying charges per unit is avoided.
3. It prevents the illogical carry forward in stock valuation of
some
proportion of current years fixed overhead. 4. The effects of
alternative sales or production policies can be more
readily available and assessed, and decisions taken would yield
the
maximum return to business.
5. It eliminates large balances left in overhead control
accounts which
indicate the difficulty of ascertaining an accurate overhead
recovery rate.
6. Practical cost control is greatly facilitated. By avoiding
arbitrary
allocation of fixed overhead, efforts can be concentrated on
maintaining a uniform and consistent marginal cost. It is useful
to
various levels of management.
7. It helps in short-term profit planning by breakeven and
profitability
analysis, both in terms of quantity and graphs. Comparative
profitability and performance between two or more products
and
divisions can easily be assessed and brought to the notice
of
management for decision making.
Disadvantages
1. The separation of costs into fixed and variable is difficult
and
sometimes gives misleading results.
2. Normal costing systems also apply overhead under normal
operating volume and this shows that no advantage is gained
by
marginal costing.
3. Under marginal costing, stocks and work in progress are
understated. The exclusion of fixed costs from inventories
affect
profit, and true and fair view of financial affairs of an
organization
may not be clearly transparent.
4. Volume variance in standard costing also discloses the effect
of
fluctuating output on fixed overhead. Marginal cost data
becomes
unrealistic in case of highly fluctuating levels of production,
e.g., in
case of seasonal factories.
5. Application of fixed overhead depends on estimates and not
on
the actuals and as such there may be under or over absorption
of
the same.
6. Control affected by means of budgetary control is also
accepted
by many. In order to know the net profit, we should not be
satisfied
with contribution and hence, fixed overhead is also a valuable
item.
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Cost and management Accounting MHRDM-MIM - JBIMS
Private & Confidential Page 47 By Dinesh Makani
A system, which ignores fixed costs, is less effective since a
major
portion of fixed cost is not taken care of under marginal
costing.
7. In practice, sales price, fixed cost and variable cost per
unit may
vary. Thus, the assumptions underlying the theory of
marginal
costing sometimes becomes unrealistic. For long term profit
planning, absorption costing is the only answer.
MARGINAL COSTING PRO-FORMA
Rs Rs
Sales Revenue xxxxx
Less Marginal Cost of Sales
Opening Stock (Valued @ marginal cost) xxxx
Add Production Cost (Valued @ marginal cost) xxxx
Total Production Cost xxxx
Less Closing Stock (Valued @ marginal cost) (xxx)
Marginal Cost of Production xxxx
Add Selling, Admin & Distribution Cost xxxx
Marginal Cost of Sales (xxxx)
Contribution xxxxx
Less Fixed Cost (xxxx)
Marginal Costing Profit xxxxx
OBSERVATION
Sales Marginal cost = Contribution ......(1)
Fixed cost + Profit = Contribution ......(2)
By combining these two equations, we get the fundamental
marginal
cost equation as follows:
Sales Marginal cost = Fixed cost + Profit ......(3)
This fundamental marginal cost equation plays a vital role in
profit
projection and has a wider application in managerial
decision-making
problems.
The sales and marginal costs vary directly with the number of
units sold or
produced. So, the difference between sales and marginal cost,
i.e.
contribution, will bear a relation to sales and the ratio of
contribution to
sales remains constant at all levels. This is profit volume or
P/V ratio. Thus,
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Cost and management Accounting MHRDM-MIM - JBIMS
Private & Confidential Page 48 By Dinesh Makani
P/V Ratio (or C/S Ratio) = Contribution (c)
......(4) Sales (s)
It is expressed in terms of percentage, i.e. P/V ratio is equal
to (C/S) x 100.
Or, Contribution = Sales x P/V ratio ......(5)
Or, Sales = Contribution
......(6) P/V ratio
1. Contribution
Contribution is the difference between sales and marginal or
variable
costs. It contributes toward fixed cost and profit. The concept
of
contribution helps in deciding breakeven point, profitability of
products,
departments etc. to perform the following activities:
Selecting product mix or sales mix for profit maximization
Fixing selling prices under different circumstances such as
trade
depression, export sales, price discrimination etc.
2. Profit Volume Ratio (P/V Ratio), its Improvement and
Application
The ratio of contribution to sales is P/V ratio or C/S ratio. It
is the
contribution per rupee of sales and since the fixed cost remains
constant
in short term period, P/V ratio will also measure the rate of
change of
profit due to change in volume of sales. The P/V ratio may be
expressed
as follows:
P/V
ratio
=
Sales Marginal cost of sales =
Contribution =
Changes in contribution =
Change in profit
Sales Sales Changes in sales Change in sales
A fundamental property of marginal costing system is that P/V
ratio
remains constant at different levels of activity.
A change in fixed cost does not affect P/V ratio. The concept of
P/V ratio
helps in determining the following:
Breakeven point
Profit at any volume of sales
Sales volume required to earn a desired quantum of profit
Profitability of products
Processes or departments
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Cost and management Accounting MHRDM-MIM - JBIMS
Private & Confidential Page 49 By Dinesh Makani
The contribution can be increased by increasing the sales price
or by
reduction of variable costs. Thus, P/V ratio can be improved by
the
following:
Increasing selling price
Reducing marginal costs by effectively utilizing men,
machines,
materials and other services
Selling more profitable products, thereby increasing the overall
P/V
ratio
3. Breakeven Point
Breakeven point is the volume of sales or production where there
is neither
profit nor loss. Thus, we can say that:
Contribution = Fixed cost
Now, breakeven point can be easily calculated with the help
of
fundamental marginal cost equation, P/V ratio or contribution
per unit.
a. Using Marginal Costing Equation
S (sales) V (variable cost) = F (fixed cost) + P (profit) At BEP
P = 0, BEP S V = F
By multiplying both the sides by S and rearranging them, one
gets the
following equation:
S BEP = F.S/S-V
b. Using P/V Ratio
Sales S BEP = Contribution at BEP
= Fixed cost
P/ V ratio P/ V ratio
Thus, if sales is 2,000, marginal cost 1,200 and fixed cost 400,
then:
Breakeven point = 400 x 2000
= 1000 2000 - 1200
Similarly, P/V ratio
= 2000 1200 = 0.4 or 40% 800
So, breakeven sales = 400 / 0.4 = 1000
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Cost and management Accounting MHRDM-MIM - JBIMS
Private & Confidential Page 50 By Dinesh Makani
c. Using Contribution per unit
4.
Margin of Safety (MOS)
Every enterprise tries to know how much above they are from
the
breakeven point. This is technically called margin of safety. It
is calculated
as the difference between sales or production units at the
selected
activity and the breakeven sales or production.
Margin of safety is the difference between the total sales
(actual or
projected) and the breakeven sales. It may be expressed in
monetary
terms (value) or as a number of units (volume). It can be
expressed as
profit / P/V ratio. A large margin of safety indicates the
soundness and
financial strength of business.
Margin of safety can be improved by lowering fixed and variable
costs,
increasing volume of sales or selling price and changing product
mix, so
as to improve contribution and overall P/V ratio.
Margin of safety = Sales at selected activity Sales at BEP =
Profit at selected activity
P/V ratio
Margin of safety is also presented in ratio or
percentage as follows:
Margin of safety (sales) x
100 %
Sales at selected activity
The size of margin of safety is an extremely valuable guide to
the strength
of a business. If it is large, there can be substantial falling
of sales and yet
a profit can be made. On the other hand, if margin is small, any
loss of
sales may be a serious matter. If margin of safety is
unsatisfactory, possible
steps to rectify the causes of mismanagement of commercial
activities as
listed below can be undertaken.
a. Increasing the selling price-- It may be possible for a
company to
have higher margin of safety in order to strengthen the
financial
health of the business. It should be able to influence price,
provided
the demand is elastic. Otherwise, the same quantity will not be
sold.
b. Reducing fixed costs
c. Reducing variable costs
Breakeven point = Fixed cost
= 100 units or 1000 Contribution per unit
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Cost and management Accounting MHRDM-MIM - JBIMS
Private & Confidential Page 51 By Dinesh Makani
d. Substitution of existing product(s) by more profitable lines
e.
Increase in the volume of output
e. Modernization of production facilities and the introduction
of the
most cost effective technology
Problem 1
A company earned a profit of 30,000 during the year 2009-10.
Marginal
cost and selling price of a product are 8 and 10 per unit
respectively. Find
out the margin of safety.
Solution
Margin of safety = Profit
P/V ratio
P/V ratio = Contribution x 100
Sales
Problem 2
A company producing a single article sells it at 10 each. The
marginal cost
of production is Rs.. 6 each and fixed cost is Rs.. 400 per
annum. You are
required to calculate the following:
Profits for annual sales of 1 unit, 50 units, 100 units and 400
units
P/V ratio
Breakeven sales
Sales to earn a profit of Rs.. 500
Profit at sales of Rs.. 3,000
New breakeven point if sales price is reduced by 10%
Margin of safety at sales of 400 units
Solution Marginal Cost Statement
Particulars Amount Amount Amount Amount
Units produced 1 50 100 400
Sales (units * 10) 10 500 1000 4000
Variable cost 6 300 600 2400
Contribution (sales-
VC) 4 200 400 1600
Fixed cost 400 400 400 400
Profit (Contribution FC)
-396 -200 0 1200
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Cost and management Accounting MHRDM-MIM - JBIMS
Private & Confidential Page 52 By Dinesh Makani
Profit Volume Ratio (PVR) = Contribution/Sales x 100 = 0.4 or
40%
Breakeven sales (Rs.) = Fixed cost / PVR = 400/ 40 x 100 =
1,000
Sales at BEP = Contribution at BEP/ PVR = 100 units
Sales at profit 500
Contribution at profit 500 = Fixed cost + Profit = 900
Sales = Contribution/PVR = 900/. 4 = 2,250 (or 225 units)
Profit at sales 3,000
Contribution at sale 3,000 = Sales x P/V ratio = 3000 x 0.4 =
1,200
Profit = Contribution Fixed cost = 1200 400 = 800
New P/V ratio = 9 6/9 = 1/3
Sales at BEP = Fixed cost/PV ratio = 400
= 1,200 1/3
Margin of safety (at 400 units) = 4000-1000/4000*100 = 75 %
(Actual sales BEP sales/Actual sales * 100)
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Cost and management Accounting MHRDM-MIM - JBIMS
Private & Confidential Page 53 By Dinesh Makani
DECISION MAKING
Cost accounting has long been used to help managers understand
the
costs of running a business. Modern cost accounting originated
during the
industrial revolution, when the complexities of running a large
scale
business led to the development of systems for recording and
tracking
costs to help business owners and managers make decisions.
In the early industrial age, most of the costs incurred by a
business were
what modern accountants call "variable costs" because they
varied
directly with the amount of production. Money was spent on
labor, raw
materials, power to run a factory, etc. in direct proportion to
production.
Managers could simply total the variable costs for a product and
use this
as a rough guide for decision-making processes.
Some costs tend to remain the same even during busy periods,
unlike
variable costs, which rise and fall with volume of work. Over
time, the
importance of these "fixed costs" has become more important
to
managers. Examples of fixed costs include the depreciation of
plant and
equipment, and the cost of departments such as maintenance,
tooling,
production control, purchasing, quality control, storage and
handling,
plant supervision and engineering. In the early twentieth
century, these
costs were of little importance to most businesses. However, in
the twenty-
first century, these costs are often more important than the
variable cost
of a product, and allocating them to a broad range of products
can lead
to bad decision making. Managers must understand fixed costs in
order to
make decisions about products and pricing.
For example: A company produced railway coaches and had only
one
product. To make each coach, the company needed to purchase
Rs.60
of raw materials and components, and pay 6 laborers Rs.40
each.
Therefore, total variable cost for each coach was Rs.300.
Knowing that
making a coach required spending Rs.300, managers knew they
couldn't
sell below that price without losing money on each coach. Any
price
above Rs.300 became a contribution to the fixed costs of the
company. If
the fixed costs were, say, Rs.1000 per month for rent, insurance
and
owner's salary, the company could therefore sell 5 coaches per
month for
a total of Rs.3000 (priced at Rs.600 each), or 10 coaches for a
total of
Rs.4500 (priced at Rs.450 each), and make a profit of Rs.500 in
both cases.
Decision making in today business is one of most difficult work
of
manager. Decision making is the process to select best
alternative out of
different alternative for solving business problems. A prudent
cost
accountant can use different techniques of cost accounting and
make it
the best tool of decision making in business.
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Cost and management Accounting MHRDM-MIM - JBIMS
Private & Confidential Page 54 By Dinesh Makani
We can see most common problems in business like to fix the
price of
product, to reduce the cost of product and to increase overall
profitability
of business.
Cost accounting provides cost sheet, statement of material and
labour
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Cost and management Accounting MHRDM-MIM - JBIMS
Private & Confidential Page 55 By Dinesh Makani
utilization and some other reports like budget which can be
used
immensely for comparing the standard cost. After this,
businessman can
decide best price of products. We can also compile the
following
information of cost accounting which can be used for business
decision
making.
1. Cost Sheet
Cost Sheet is very helpful to find the cost of each unit. By
comparing it
with previous year or previous month's cost sheet, manager