1. Comparison of cost items and cost centers:
- Definition: Cost items refer to the individual expenses or costs incurred by a company, such as raw materials, labor, utilities, marketing expenses, etc. These costs are typically categorized and recorded separately in the financial statements. On the other hand, cost centers are specific departments, divisions, or units within a company that are responsible for incurring and managing costs. Cost centers are used to track and allocate costs to different areas of the organization.
- Focus: Cost items focus on the specific expenses incurred by a company, providing a detailed breakdown of the costs involved in producing goods or services. They help in analyzing the profitability of different products or services. Cost centers, on the other hand, focus on the organizational structure and the allocation of costs to different departments or units. They help in assessing the efficiency and performance of different areas within the company.
2. Construction of cost items and cost centers:
- Cost items are constructed by identifying and categorizing the various expenses incurred by a company. This involves analyzing the different cost components involved in the production process, such as direct materials, direct labor, and overhead costs. Cost items can be further classified into fixed costs (e.g., rent, salaries) and variable costs (e.g., raw materials, utilities) based on their behavior with changes in production levels.
- Cost centers are constructed by identifying the different departments or units within a company that incur costs. This involves analyzing the organizational structure and identifying the areas responsible for specific activities or functions. Cost centers can be constructed based on different criteria, such as geographical location, product lines, or functional areas (e.g., production department, marketing department, finance department). Once the cost centers are established, costs can be allocated to each center based on appropriate allocation methods, such as direct allocation, step-down allocation, or activity-based costing.