Introduction to Accounting

communicated to the users. These are then interpreted, decoded and used by management and other user groups. It must be ensured that the information provided is relevant, adequate and reliable for decision-making. The apparently divergent needs of internal and external users of accounting information have resulted in the development of sub-disciplines within the accounting discipline namely, financial accounting , cost accounting and management accounting (refer box ).

Financial accounting assists keeping a systematic record of financial transactions the preparation and presentation of financial reports in order to arrive at a measure of organisational success and financial soundness. It relates to the past period, serves the stewardship function and is monetary in nature. It is primarily concerned with the provision of financial information to all stakeholders. Cost accounting assists in analysing the expenditure for ascertaining the cost of various products manufactured or services provided by the firm and fixation of prices thereof.

It also helps in controlling the costs and providing necessary costing information to management for decision-making. Management accounting deals with the provision of necessary accounting information to people within the organisation to enable them in decision-making,