Comparative Management Accounting

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Motivation and goals of this study
• Methodological explanation
• Principles of comparative management accounting
• Comparative management accounting
• Management accounting versus controlling
• Management accounting terminology and definitions in the U.S. and the U.K.
• Management accounting terminology and definitions in Germany
• Determinants and factors of influence for differences in management accounting
• Culture as influence factor in management accounting
• Education, occupation and institutions of management accountants as influencing factors
• Economic background as influence factor
• Other potential determinants and factors of influence
• Concluding remarks concerning divergence versus convergence of management accounting
• Literature review
• Comparison of relevant management accounting aspects
• Tasks and objectives of management accounting
• Objectives and target groups of management accounting
• Long-term versus short-term goals
• Management accounting versus financial accounting
• Fields of activity for management accountants
• Tasks of management accountants
• Management accounting systems and instruments
• General ledger versus two circle system
• Management accounting instruments
• Organisational integration of management accountants in the corporation
• Hierarchical level of management accountants within the corporation
• Interrelations and connections to adjacent departments
• Organisational connection to the finance department
• Organisational connection to the cost accounting department
• Regional separation of financial and management accounting departments
• Size of management accounting departments
• Role of the Controller in the observed countries
• Role of management accountants in Germany
• Role of management accountants in the U.K. and the U.S.

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

The primary objective of this paper is to analyze and compare the characteristics of management accounting practices in Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It seeks to highlight differences in approach, identify potential drivers of convergence or divergence, and explore the influence of cultural, institutional, and economic factors. The study also aims to examine how current developments in management accounting are shaping future practices in these countries.

• National variations in management accounting terminology and definitions
• Cultural and institutional influences on management accounting practices
• The role of management accountants in different organizational contexts
• Convergence and divergence trends in management accounting practices
• The impact of international accounting standards on national management accounting systems

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The first chapter introduces the motivation and goals of the study, focusing on the need for a comparative analysis of management accounting practices in different countries. It also provides a methodological explanation for the selection of Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States as the target countries. The second chapter explores the fundamental principles of comparative management accounting, examining the different terminologies and definitions used in the three countries. It also analyzes the key determinants and factors influencing variations in management accounting, including culture, education, occupation, and economic conditions.

The third chapter delves into a detailed comparison of relevant management accounting aspects in Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It examines differences and similarities in the tasks and objectives of management accounting, including the target groups, the long-term versus short-term goals, and the relationship between management accounting and financial accounting. It also compares the respective management accounting systems and instruments used, such as the general ledger versus two circle system, and the application of Activity Based Costing (ABC). Finally, this chapter analyzes the organizational integration of management accountants in the corporation, examining their hierarchical level, interrelations with adjacent departments, and the size of their departments.

The fourth chapter discusses current developments in international management accounting, focusing on the approachment of management accounting and financial accounting in Germany. It examines the increasing implementation of international accounting standards, such as IFRS and US-GAAP, and the resulting trends towards a harmonization of internal and external accounting. The chapter also explores the potential influence of German management accounting on Anglo-Saxon practices.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This study focuses on the key concepts of comparative management accounting, examining the differences and similarities in management accounting practices between Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Key themes include the impact of cultural influences, the role of professional institutes, the importance of management accounting instruments like ABC, and the convergence and divergence trends in management accounting practices. It also explores the influence of international accounting standards, such as IFRS and US-GAAP, on national management accounting systems.