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Introduction to strategic management accounting

The changing role of the management

accountant

4.1 Historic versus today

Role of management accountant Role of management accountant
historically today

 Limited role, for example  Strategic role helping provide
focused on tasks such as information for process of
budgeting and control strategic planning/control

 Focused on internal factors  Uses internal and external
information
 Focused on financial
implications  Considers financial and non-
financial factors
 Focused on the past
 Focus is on the future

4.2 Burns and Scapens

Studied how the role of the management accountant has changed in the last 20
years:

Focus changed from financial control to business support. For
1 example, how to get the most out of the MIS or developing a range of
KPIs.

Role called a hybrid accountant since makes a valuable contribution
2
to accounting and operational/commercial knowledge.

Often fully integrated into a department rather than sitting in a
3
separate accounting department.

Driving forces include:

 a change in management structure

 technological developments

 increased competition.

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