Management Accounts

Management accounts: An essential tool to improve company performance and increase profitability

What are management accounts and why do I need them?

Management accounts are a set of financial statements used for internal purposes. Although there is no statutory requirement to make management accounts they have a very important part to play in the company’s decision making.

These accounts are used by managers and business leaders to make informed , timely decisions which can positively impact the company’s performance, profitability and growth potential.

At Taxaccolega, accountants in Croydon, Surrey, London we have a team of seasoned management accountants who can prepare management accounts for you.

Who is responsible for making management accounts? ome of them are discussed below:

Management accounts are prepared by the finance team. Small and medium sized companies prefer to use an external accountant to prepare management accounts for their company.

There are several reasons why companies might prefer to use an external management accountant to prepare management accounts. Some of them are discussed below:

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1.Expertise and objectivity:

An external accountant brings objectivity and a fresh perspective. An external accountant is usually an expert in their field. Therefore, the management accounts prepared by an external accountant are of high quality providing high quality analysis and insights.

An external accountant works with other clients as well. Therefore they have more insights of the businesses in the same sector, they can cover areas in the management accounts which will help the management make an informed decisions in their business and be competitive and successful.

2. Flexibility and scalability:

An external accountant will have a team of expert accountants who can change the scale of the accounts according to business needs. They can provide monthly, quarterly reports according to the client’s business needs. They are more easily able to adapt to the changes in the business needs.

3. Access to accounting softwares:

external accountants have access to a variety of advanced accounting software which gives more accurate and reliable reports. The use of accounting software makes analysis of the report much easier.

An accounting software also provide reporting solutions with give real-time insights

4. Cost Effectiveness

A small business might not have a full finance team. Outsourcing the management accounting to an external accountant can be very cost effective and efficient.

In businesses where hiring a professional in house accounting staff is not financially or administratively feasible, using external accountants allows such businesses to access the professional expertise without having to hire the in house accountant.

At Taxaccolega we have a team of expert, professional and reliable accountants who can help you prepare your management accounts. You can discuss your reporting needs and deadlines with our management accountants to maximise the value of management accounts and to make sure they are tailored to your needs. We at Taxaccolega, accountants in Croydon, London ensure that there are secure and timely data sharing processes to produce more effective reports. You can always walk into our offices to review the insights and ask questions.

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What is included in the management accounts?

The key components covered in the management accounts are as follows:

1. Profit and Loss Statement (Income Statement)

The profit and loss statement in the management accounts helps management evaluate revenue streams and do cost management effectively.

The profit and loss statement includes the revenues generated and expenses, gross profit, operating expenses and net income. It covers the same reporting period as the statutory accounts for fair comparisons. Fundamentally it is the same profit and loss statement as prepared in the statutory accounts however, the presentation and details might differ. For example, the profit and loss statement in the management accounts will include departmental revenues and expenses, or specific categories of costs which helps in the decision making.

2. Balance Sheet

A balance sheet details the company’s assets, liabilities, and equity as of a specific date.

It provides insight into the organisation’s financial position, liquidity, and overall capital structure, allowing management to assess solvency and financial stability.

3. Cash Flow Statement

A report that tracks the flow of cash in and out of the business across three main activities: operating, investing, and financing.

Because it shows the company’s liquidity and cash management practices, it helps management understand how cash is generated and utilised. It also helps management ensure that the company has enough cash to cover expenses, pay suppliers and manage unexpected costs. It also helps the management improve operational efficiency.

4. Budget Variance Analysis

Management accounts often include budget variance analysis. This is a comparison between budgeted and actual financial performance, including explanations for significant variances.

Budget Variance Analysis identifies areas where the organisation is over or under budget. It aids in decision making by identifying performance gaps , it helps management identify areas of concern whether it might be due to overspending in certain departments or underperformance in sales.

Budget Variance Analysis helps management improve their resource allocation and improve the accuracy of budgets made in the past.

5. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

A set of measurable values that indicate how effectively the organisation is achieving its key business objectives.

This enables management to measure performance against strategic goals and provide actionable insights, allowing management to focus on critical areas for improvement.

6.Segment Performance

Analysis of financial performance broken down by business segment, department, or product line, showcasing revenues, costs, and profitability.

To help management assess which segments are performing well and which may need attention, aiding in resource allocation and strategic decision-making.

Management can then allocate the resources in high performing segments. Investing resources in developing strategies for underperforming areas can optimise overall performance of the company.

7. Cost Analysis

Management accounts often include Cost Analysis. It evaluates the costs associated with a specific business operation, product or a business project. It examines all types of costs categorising them into fixed and variable costs, and identifying and analysing their drivers.When the management can understand these drivers they can target specific areas for cost reduction, improving overall profitability.

As a result, management can make better pricing and operational decisions which again improves the overall performance and profitability of the company,

8. Forecast and Projections

Unlike statutory accounts, management accounts include forward-looking estimates based on historical data and current trends. It will also include future revenues, expenses, and cash flows.

The forecasts and projections help management anticipate financial needs and make informed decisions about growth and investment. These forecasts play an important role in the growth of our business.

9. Action Plan

To provide a clear direction on how to address issues identified in the management accounts and assign responsibility to the team members so they are aware of their roles in achieving the organisational roles an action plan is provided in the management accounts,

An action plan is a common specific recommendation and strategies based on the analysis provided in the management accounts.

An action plan also provides direction to improve performance, address variances, and achieve organisational goals.

10. Executive Summary

A management account includes the executive summary. This helps senior management and stakeholders look at the overall health of the company without having to look at the detailed report.

An executive summary summarises the key findings and insights from the management accounts. This section highlights the overall financial performance, KPIs, major variances, operational insights, action items and recommendations, market overview( economic conditions, industry trends), overall assessment (overall health including risks and opportunities).

11. Supporting Notes

Additional explanations or context that clarify the figures and analyses presented in the management accounts.

To enhance understanding and transparency, ensuring that all stakeholders have the necessary information to interpret the data accurately.

Typical supporting notes will include the following:

● Accounting policies

● Breakdowns of revenues, balance sheets, cashflows

● Variance explanations

● Assumptions

● Contingent Liabilities

● Future outlook

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FAQs

1.What are management accounts?

Management accounts are financial reports prepared for internal use by the management., It provides insights into a company’s financial performance and operations over a specific period.

2.Why are management accounts important for businesses?

Management accounts provide relevant and timely financial information which helps in decision-making, performance evaluation, and strategic planning.

3.How often should management accounts be prepared?

Typically, management accounts are prepared monthly, but the frequency can vary depending on the organisation’s needs and reporting requirements.

4.What key components are included in management accounts?

Common components include profit and loss statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, budget variances, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

5.How do management accounts differ from statutory financial statements?

Management accounts are designed for internal use and focus on operational details, while statutory financial statements are formal reports required by law for external stakeholders.

6.What types of decisions are supported by management accounts?

Decisions related to budgeting, pricing, investment, cost control, and resource allocation are informed by the insights provided in management accounts.

7.Can management accounts be used for Cash flow management?

They provide insights into income and expenses, helping businesses forecast cash flow needs and identify potential shortfalls or surpluses.

8.Are management accounts statutory?

No. Management accounts are not statutory, they are mainly used to assist the internal management team in decision making.

9.Who is responsible for preparing management accounts?

Typically, management accountants or finance teams are responsible, but collaboration with other departments is essential for accuracy and relevance. If it’s a small company the CEO himself will have to oversee the preparation of management accounts.

10.What is the significance of KPIs in management accounts?

KPIs provide measurable indicators of performance against strategic goals, enabling better tracking and assessment of organisational success.

If you need more information on management accounts or how to make them please do not hesitate to contact Taxaccolega, management accountants in Croydon, Surrey, London and our team of expert management accountants will be happy to help you. We will make management accounts for you tailored to the specific needs of your business.