Introduction to basic methods and techniques related to managerial accounting and budgeting. The students will acquire knowledge and skills on data collection, analysis and interpretation and presentation of decision relevant information. 

Key topics:

• A finance function`s role
• Types of costs and cost allocation
• Perspectives on pricing
• Activity Based Costing (ABC)
• Cost- volume- profit analyses and decision making challenges
• Budgeting and planning
• Performance evaluation
• Sustainability reporting

Upon completion of the course, the candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills and general competencies:

The candidate has:

• knowledge of managerial accounting's strategic value
• Knowledge of different types of costs and different methods for cost allocation and calculation, including ABC calculation and is able to carry out cost- volume- profit analyses
• Awareness of different pricing models, including transfer pricing
• Knowledge of a traditional approach to budgeting, but also about new ideas and tools for planning, management and cost control
• The ability to discuss the purpose of budgets in general, the organising of the budgeting process and develop cash flow-, P&L- and Balance Sheet budgets
• Knowledge of diverse financial and non-financial performance targets, and is able to evaluate advantages and disadvantages associated with them
• Awareness of strategic management accounting models like the Balanced Scorecard, Economic Value Added (EVA) and Beyond Budgeting
• Knowledge of how to measure and report sustainability

General competencies:

The candidate can:

• Reflect on management accounting business issues from a management perspective
• Master managerial accounting terminology
• Convey key topics within managerial accounting both to peers and others in private enterprises or public entities
• Continue to deepen his or her knowledge within the area
• Develop spreadsheet models
• View managerial accounting in a wider business context
• Exercise critical thinking when evaluating calculations, management accounts and budgets
• Work independently and in cooperation with others in project groups
• Discuss theory in light of practical cases
• Distinguish between important and less important information

Terje Berg, Grunnleggende Økonomistyring, 3. utgave, (2021). 

Specifically marked articles and lecture notes are also mandatory reading.