Uniform costing
IT IS the use by several undertakings of the same costing principles and practices. Where uniform costing is introduced there must be some uniformity in the treatment of expenses and general accounting procedure. The important matters which require uniformity of treatment may be summarised as under:
General cost accounting policies and principles: the method of costing together with the techniques of costing such as standard costing, marginal costing to be employed should be determined in advance.
Classification of accounts: There must be uniformity in the classification and codification of accounts.
The definitions must be clear so as to distinguish between direct and indirect materials, wages and expenses. There must be a general agreement as to the methods and techniques of recording accounting data as well as submission of reports and statements for planning and control.
Allocation and apportionment of overhead: The organisation should be divided among suitable cost centres and the bases for the apportionment and allocation should be incorporated so that all members follow the same principles. These will ultimately help in analysis and comparison of cost of production and service cost centres. The methods of application of administration, selling and distribution overheads should also be uniform.
Absorption of overhead: Uniformity in the method of overhead absorption is essential under uniform costing. The method selected must be most suited to its requirements.
Treatment of some special items: Besides uniformity in procedure as regards materials, wages and overhead, there should be a general agreement as to the treatment of the following:
The method of depreciation and pricing of materials.
Whether interest on capital should be included and, if so, on what basis?
Whether notional rent charge or interest should be made for freehold land and buildings?
How expenses in connection with the buying, storing, handling and issuing of materials should be treated?
What should be the treatment of wastages, scraps, by-products, overtime, charitable donations and under- or over-absorbed overheads?
Standardised cost statements, forms, and so on, and their submission thereof.
Items which should be excluded in cost accounts.