Six Areas of Specialization For Managerial Accountants

Unlike a financial accountant, an accountantoperating, investing, and financial decision making
working with management has various areas offor management effectiveness and efficiency.
specializations. These areas are above and beyond3. Cost Accounting. The cost of producing or
those one would normally find a financialproviding services must be measured. Further
accountant performing. Some of the duties andanalysis is also done by an accountant working
responsibilities a financial account may perform arewith management to determine whether the
as follows: records, sorts, and files accountingproducts and services are being produced in the
information. The maintaining of one's specialty inmost cost-effective manner.
performing services covering cash management,4. Budgeting. In the budgeting process, a
payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable,managerial accountant helps management
inventory, or purchasing transactions. Finally, thedevelops a financial plan which positively impacts
financial accountant may also be involved in aprofitability and improves cash flow.
small portion of the total accounting responsibility5. Tax Accounting. Instead of hiring a public
for a firm as in relation to an accountant workingaccountant, a company may use its own
with management who has a broader view of themanagerial accountant. For example, one may
operation and greater responsibilities.focus on tax planning, preparation of tax returns,
The following are six areas of specializations oneand dealing with the Internal Revenue Service and
would expect a management accountant to beother governmental agencies.
able to perform in an effective and efficient6. Internal Auditing. Internal auditors review the
manner in compliance with Generally Acceptedoperating and accounting control procedures
Accounting Principles (GAAP):adopted by management to make sure controls
are adequate and are being followed. Managerial
1. Accounting Information System. Managementaccountant may also monitor the accuracy and
accountant in this area designs and implementstimeliness of the reports provided to
manual and computerized accounting systems tomanagement and to external parties for accuracy
gather managerial information for betterand compliance with rules and regulations in
management practices.accordance with GAAP.
2. Financial Accounting. Based on the accounting© Joseph S. Spence, Sr., 9/7/09
data prepared by the financial accountant,© All Rights Reserved
management accountant prepares various reportsSubmitted by "Epulaeryu Master.
and financial statements, and helps in analyzing,