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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the major difference between financial accounting and managerial accounting?
A
Managerial accounting is only used by government agencies, while financial accounting is used by private companies.
B
Financial accounting deals only with future projections, while managerial accounting records historical transactions.
C
Managerial accounting is regulated by GAAP, whereas financial accounting is not.
D
Financial accounting focuses on providing information to external users, while managerial accounting is intended for internal decision-making.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the definitions of financial accounting and managerial accounting. Financial accounting involves preparing financial statements and reports for external users such as investors, creditors, and regulatory agencies. Managerial accounting focuses on providing information to internal users like managers for decision-making purposes.
Identify the key difference between the two. Financial accounting is primarily concerned with historical data and compliance with standards like GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles), while managerial accounting is more flexible and focuses on future projections and operational strategies.
Recognize the audience for each type of accounting. Financial accounting serves external stakeholders who need standardized and reliable information, whereas managerial accounting serves internal stakeholders who require detailed and actionable insights.
Consider the regulatory aspect. Financial accounting is governed by strict rules and standards such as GAAP or IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards), ensuring consistency and comparability. Managerial accounting does not have such regulations and is tailored to the specific needs of the organization.
Conclude that the major difference lies in the purpose and audience: Financial accounting is designed for external reporting and compliance, while managerial accounting is intended for internal decision-making and operational planning.