We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Gunther Friedl, Marcus Witter, Peter Schaefer, and Eline Schoonjans

Companies do not only need to know the costs of different products, but they also need to know whether they gain a profit or realize a loss. We explain how companies use cost information to calculate their profit and assess their profitability. Depending on how companies account for changes in inventories, we distinguish "absorption costing" and "variable costing". In addition, some companies structure their income statement according to the "nature of expense method", while others structure it according to the "cost-of-sales method". We explain both methods and discuss their advantages and disadvantages.

Enroll now

Two deals to help you save

We found two deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.
Save money when you learn. All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.

What's inside

Syllabus

Methods for preparing an income statement
Companies do not only need to know costs of different products, but they also need to know their operating income - did we make a profit or did we face a loss? To calculate the operating income, companies prepare an income statement that compares total revenues and total costs. In this module, we show you how companies prepare income statements to link costs and revenues and to assess the company’s profitability.
Read more
Absorption and variable costing
Depending on how companies account for changes in inventories, we distinguish "absorption costing" and "variable costing". In addition, some companies structure their income statement according to the "nature of expense method", while others structure it according to the "cost-of-sales method". We explain both methods and discuss their advantages and disadvantages.
Contribution-margin accounting
Many companies use contribution margin accounting to measure success instead of the income-statement formats. Contribution margin accounting is a special income-statement format that displays variable and fixed costs separately. In this module, we discuss the advantages of contribution margin accounting over traditional income statements. Further, we outline the differences of simple contribution margin accounting and multi-leveled contribution margin accounting.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores income statement preparation, which is critical for business operations
Compares absorption and variable costing methods, providing essential knowledge for financial decision-making
Introduces contribution margin accounting, a valuable tool for business profitability analysis
Instructed by industry experts Gunther Friedl, Marcus Witter, Peter Schaefer, and Eline Schoonjans
Leverages a multi-modal approach with videos, readings, and discussions for effective learning
Requires no prerequisites, making it accessible to learners regardless of their background knowledge

Save this course

Save Cost Accounting: Profit and Loss Calculation to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Cost Accounting: Profit and Loss Calculation with these activities:
Before taking a course, practice skills and procedures
Students who want to be successful should prepare and practice skills to accelerate learning and comprehension when the course begins.
Browse courses on Income Statement
Show steps
  • Review basic accounting principles
  • Practice reading and interpreting financial statements
  • Work through practice problems related to income statement preparation
Review the textbook
Reviewing the textbook in advance will improve students' understanding of key concepts and prepare them for class discussions.
Show steps
  • Read each chapter summary
  • Complete the end-of-chapter exercises
  • Create a study guide
Complete practice problems on income statement preparation
Practice is essential for improving accuracy and efficiency in preparing income statements.
Browse courses on Income Statement
Show steps
  • Find practice problems in the textbook or online
  • Work through the problems carefully, step-by-step
  • Check your answers against the solutions provided
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Attend an accounting workshop focused on income statement preparation
Workshops provide an opportunity for focused learning, networking, and exposure to different perspectives.
Browse courses on Income Statement
Show steps
  • Research and find an appropriate workshop
  • Register and attend the workshop
  • Actively participate and take notes
Participate in a study group focused on income statement preparation
Collaboration and discussion with peers can enhance understanding, identify areas for improvement, and foster a sense of community.
Browse courses on Income Statement
Show steps
  • Find a study group or form one with classmates
  • Meet regularly to discuss course material and practice problems
  • Work together to solve challenging problems and clarify concepts
Create a spreadsheet template for income statement preparation
Creating a spreadsheet template will help students automate and simplify the process of preparing income statements in the future.
Browse courses on Income Statement
Show steps
  • Design the template, including the necessary formulas and formatting
  • Test the template with sample data
  • Save the template for future use
Contribute to an open-source accounting software project
Hands-on experience with open-source software will enhance technical skills and provide valuable insights into the practical application of accounting principles.
Browse courses on Income Statement
Show steps
  • Identify an open-source accounting software project
  • Review the project's documentation and codebase
  • Contribute code, documentation, or bug fixes to the project
Mentor a junior student taking an introductory accounting course
Teaching others not only reinforces your own understanding but also fosters empathy and communication skills.
Browse courses on Income Statement
Show steps
  • Volunteer to mentor a junior student
  • Meet regularly to review course material and provide guidance
  • Provide encouragement and support

Career center

Learners who complete Cost Accounting: Profit and Loss Calculation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Contador de Costos
Los contadores de costos analizan los ingresos y egresos de una empresa para determinar si la empresa está obteniendo ganancias o pérdidas. El curso Cost Accounting: Profit and Loss Calculation de la Universidad Técnica de Munich (TUM) enseña a los estudiantes cómo las empresas utilizan la información de costos para calcular sus ganancias y evaluar su rentabilidad. Este curso puede ayudar a los Contadores de costos a desarrollar las habilidades necesarias para realizar estas tareas de manera efectiva.
Consultor de gestión
Los consultores de gestión ayudan a las empresas a mejorar su desempeño y eficiencia. El curso Cost Accounting: Profit and Loss Calculation de la Universidad Técnica de Munich (TUM) enseña a los estudiantes cómo analizar los estados financieros y evaluar la rentabilidad de las empresas. Este curso puede ayudar a los consultores de gestión a desarrollar las habilidades necesarias para brindar asesoramiento a sus clientes sobre cómo mejorar su desempeño financiero.
Analista Financiero
Los analistas financieros utilizan información financiera para evaluar la salud financiera de las empresas y hacer recomendaciones sobre inversiones. El curso Cost Accounting: Profit and Loss Calculation de la Universidad Técnica de Munich (TUM) enseña a los estudiantes cómo analizar los estados financieros y evaluar la rentabilidad de las empresas. Este curso puede ayudar a los analistas financieros a desarrollar las habilidades necesarias para realizar estas tareas de manera efectiva.
Auditor
Los auditores examinan los registros financieros de una empresa para garantizar que sean precisos y que la empresa cumpla con las leyes y reglamentos aplicables. El curso Cost Accounting: Profit and Loss Calculation de la Universidad Técnica de Munich (TUM) enseña a los estudiantes cómo analizar los estados financieros y evaluar la rentabilidad de las empresas. Este curso puede ayudar a los auditores a desarrollar las habilidades necesarias para realizar estas tareas de manera efectiva.
Gerente de Finanzas
Los gerentes de finanzas son responsables de administrar las finanzas de una empresa, incluida la planificación financiera, la gestión de inversiones y la toma de decisiones sobre préstamos y otras formas de financiamiento. El curso Cost Accounting: Profit and Loss Calculation de la Universidad Técnica de Munich (TUM) enseña a los estudiantes cómo analizar los estados financieros y evaluar la rentabilidad de las empresas. Este curso puede ayudar a los gerentes de finanzas a desarrollar las habilidades necesarias para tomar decisiones financieras informadas.
Planificador Financiero
Los planificadores financieros ayudan a los individuos y familias a desarrollar planes financieros para alcanzar sus objetivos financieros. El curso Cost Accounting: Profit and Loss Calculation de la Universidad Técnica de Munich (TUM) enseña a los estudiantes cómo analizar los estados financieros y evaluar la rentabilidad de las empresas. Este curso puede ayudar a los planificadores financieros a comprender cómo las decisiones de inversión afectan la rentabilidad de las empresas y cómo ayudar a sus clientes a tomar decisiones de inversión informadas.
Investigador de mercado
Los investigadores de mercado estudian las necesidades y deseos de los clientes para ayudar a las empresas a desarrollar y comercializar productos y servicios que satisfagan esas necesidades. El curso Cost Accounting: Profit and Loss Calculation de la Universidad Técnica de Munich (TUM) enseña a los estudiantes cómo analizar los estados financieros y evaluar la rentabilidad de las empresas. Este curso puede ayudar a los investigadores de mercado a comprender cómo las decisiones de precios y marketing afectan la rentabilidad de las empresas.
Economista
Los economistas estudian cómo se producen, distribuyen y consumen los bienes y servicios. El curso Cost Accounting: Profit and Loss Calculation de la Universidad Técnica de Munich (TUM) enseña a los estudiantes cómo analizar los estados financieros y evaluar la rentabilidad de las empresas. Este curso puede ayudar a los economistas a desarrollar las habilidades necesarias para comprender y analizar los factores económicos que influyen en el desempeño de las empresas.
Analista de Datos
Los analistas de datos recopilan, analizan e interpretan datos para ayudar a las empresas a tomar mejores decisiones. El curso Cost Accounting: Profit and Loss Calculation de la Universidad Técnica de Munich (TUM) enseña a los estudiantes cómo analizar los estados financieros y evaluar la rentabilidad de las empresas. Este curso puede ayudar a los analistas de datos a comprender cómo los datos financieros pueden utilizarse para mejorar el rendimiento empresarial.
Especialista en nómina
Los especialistas en nómina son responsables de calcular y pagar los salarios de los empleados. El curso Cost Accounting: Profit and Loss Calculation de la Universidad Técnica de Munich (TUM) enseña a los estudiantes cómo analizar los estados financieros y evaluar la rentabilidad de las empresas. Este curso puede ayudar a los especialistas en nómina a comprender cómo las decisiones salariales afectan la rentabilidad de las empresas.
Representante de Servicio al Cliente
Los representantes de servicio al cliente ayudan a los clientes con sus preguntas y quejas. El curso Cost Accounting: Profit and Loss Calculation de la Universidad Técnica de Munich (TUM) enseña a los estudiantes cómo analizar los estados financieros y evaluar la rentabilidad de las empresas. Este curso puede ayudar a los representantes de servicio al cliente a comprender cómo las decisiones de la empresa afectan a sus clientes y cómo proporcionar un mejor servicio al cliente.
Asistente de contabilidad
Los asistentes de contabilidad ayudan a los contadores a realizar tareas contables, como registrar transacciones, preparar estados financieros y presentar declaraciones de impuestos. El curso Cost Accounting: Profit and Loss Calculation de la Universidad Técnica de Munich (TUM) enseña a los estudiantes cómo analizar los estados financieros y evaluar la rentabilidad de las empresas. Este curso puede ayudar a los asistentes de contabilidad a desarrollar las habilidades necesarias para realizar estas tareas de manera efectiva.
Asistente Administrativo
Los asistentes administrativos brindan apoyo administrativo a los gerentes y otros empleados. El curso Cost Accounting: Profit and Loss Calculation de la Universidad Técnica de Munich (TUM) enseña a los estudiantes cómo analizar los estados financieros y evaluar la rentabilidad de las empresas. Este curso puede ayudar a los asistentes administrativos a comprender cómo las decisiones de la empresa afectan las operaciones diarias y cómo brindar un mejor apoyo a sus gerentes.
Secretaría
Las secretarias brindan apoyo administrativo a los gerentes y otros empleados. El curso Cost Accounting: Profit and Loss Calculation de la Universidad Técnica de Munich (TUM) enseña a los estudiantes cómo analizar los estados financieros y evaluar la rentabilidad de las empresas. Este curso puede ayudar a las secretarias a comprender cómo las decisiones de la empresa afectan las operaciones diarias y cómo brindar un mejor apoyo a sus gerentes.
Recepcionista
Los recepcionistas reciben y saludan a los visitantes, responden teléfonos y brindan información general. El curso Cost Accounting: Profit and Loss Calculation de la Universidad Técnica de Munich (TUM) enseña a los estudiantes cómo analizar los estados financieros y evaluar la rentabilidad de las empresas. Este curso puede ayudar a los recepcionistas a comprender cómo las decisiones de la empresa afectan las operaciones diarias y cómo brindar un mejor servicio al cliente.

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Cost Accounting: Profit and Loss Calculation.
Comprehensive textbook on cost accounting that covers all of the topics in this course. This book is especially strong on the theoretical underpinnings of cost accounting and useful reference for anyone who wants to understand the field in depth. It would also be useful for anyone who is interested in pursuing cost accounting beyond this course.
Well-reviewed textbook that lays out the theoretical basis for modern cost accounting techniques, including plenty of examples and practice material.
Highly-regarded textbook that provides a comprehensive overview of cost accounting, and includes a variety of case studies and practice exercises.
Good resource for anyone who wants to learn about cost accounting at a more introductory level. This book is clearly organized and well-written, making it a good choice for learners who are new to cost accounting. This book is also commonly used in academic institutions as a supplemental text.
Widely-used textbook that provides a comprehensive overview of cost accounting, and includes international case studies.
Takes an international approach to cost and management accounting, and considers the latest developments in the field.
Comprehensive textbook on financial and managerial accounting that includes a section on cost accounting. It good resource for anyone who wants to learn about cost accounting as part of a broader understanding of accounting. It is also suitable for learners who are interested in the overall integration of accounting concepts.
Provides a solid foundation in cost accounting principles and provides many opportunities to practice solving problems, making it a useful resource beyond the classroom.
Provides a clear and concise introduction to cost accounting, making it a good choice for those who are new to the field.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser