Cost accounting system

A cost accounting system is used to carry out cost and performance accounting in a company. With the help of a cost accounting system incurred are costs based on rules recorded and evaluated. Due to the variety of tasks, a distinction is made between a basic calculation (continuous and neutral) and a special calculation (dynamic and purpose-oriented).

Cost accounting systems are systematized with regard to the time reference and the physical scope of the charged costs. A combination of both dimensions is required, creating six different possibilities.

Time reference of the charged costs:

• Actual cost accounting
• Standard cost accounting
• Planned cost accounting

Material scope of the charged costs:

• Full cost accounting
• Partial cost accounting

In the recent past, process costing has significantly influenced the discussion and design of cost accounting. Process cost accounting is a variant of existing systems and addresses the practical deficiencies of traditional cost accounting systems, especially deficiencies in the treatment of overhead costs.

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Process cost accounting - definition in Gabler Wirtschaftslexikon