Management Accounting (Level 8)

Duration 12 weeks Full-time x 5 hours per week

Stage 2

NFQ Level Level 8

ECTS Credit 10

The Management Accounting module focuses on the use of accounting information for internal decision-making, planning, and control. Students learn key concepts such as budgeting, cost analysis, performance measurement, and variance analysis, which help managers make informed financial decisions and optimize resources. The module emphasizes the strategic role of management accountants in setting goals, assessing operational efficiency, and supporting long-term business objectives.

Through practical exercises and case studies, students gain skills to interpret financial data in a way that enhances managerial effectiveness, preparing them to contribute to organizational strategy and performance management.

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Indicative Syllabus

The scope of management accounting

The purpose and role of management accountant within an organisation;
Compare and contrast financial accounting and management accounting;
Functions of management accounting, planning, decision making and control;
The impact of the changing competitive environment;
Cost classification, direct and indirect, variable and fixed and stepped fixed;
Limitations of management accounting.

Accounting for materials, labour and overheads

Types of Costs;
1. Variable costs Direct & Indirect;
2. Cost pools;
3. Fixed costs;
4. Cost behaviour patterns;
Marginal costing;
1. Marginal profit costing statements;
2. Direct Materials/Labour hours.

CVP analysis

Breakeven point;
Margin of safety;
Profit Determination;
Importance of CPU;
CVP Analysis.

The budgeting process

Budgetary control and planning;
Stages in the budgeting process;
Preparation of and evaluation of budgets and analysis;
Behavioural aspects of budgeting.

Cost Accounting Techniques

ABC as a costing system;
Marginal v absorption costing;
Inventory valuation using marginal and absorption costing;
Calculate profit/loss under marginal and absorption costing;
Reconcile the profit/loss calculated under marginal and absorption costing;
Advantages and disadvantages of each.

Variance Analysis and evaluation

Standard costing system;
Variance calculations and analysis;
Reconciliation of budgeted to actual profit;
Use of spreadsheets

Performance Measurement

Performance monitoring, measurement and reporting;
Cost reductions and value enhancement.

Module Details

Minimum Intended Learning Outcomes (MIMLOS)

On completion of this module learners will have been enabled to:

Evaluate and comment on the role of the management accountant, the management accounting function in the planning, control and decision making and its contribution to organisational success;
Select and apply cost accounting techniques and outline its effect on profits;
Apply various budgeting techniques and evaluate variances in budgeted versus actual budgetary performance;
Evaluate varying levels of costs and volume, the impact on profits and the application of the CVP model;
Appraise and apply marginal costing systems.

Assessments / Exams

MIMLOs
Assessment
Percentage

This module will be assessed via a 80% Proctored Written Examination and 20% Continuous Assessment.

Reassessment Opportunity

Where the combined marks of the assessment and examination do not reach the pass mark the learner will be required to repeat the element of assessment that they failed. Reassessment materials will be published on Moodle after the Examination Board Meeting and will be aligned to the MIMLOs and learners will be capped at 40% unless there are personal mitigating circumstances.

Management Accounting (Level 8)

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If you have any questions specific to this course, you can speak directly with one of our course lecturers. Please get in touch, we’re happy to help!