Difference between Standard Costing and Budgetary Control

Last Updated : 09 Apr, 2024

Standard Costing and Budgetary Control are two important tools used by organizations to manage their finances and operations effectively. Standard Costing involves establishing pre-determined costs for producing goods or services based on various factors such as historical data, industry standards, and management estimates. Budgetary Control consists of preparing and using budgets to monitor and control an organization’s activities. It sets targets for revenues, expenses, and other financial metrics, providing a roadmap for financial management.

What is Standard Costing?

Standard Costing is a method companies use to estimate the cost of making their products or delivering services. It works by setting specific costs beforehand for things, like materials, labor, and overhead, based on past data and industry standards. These pre-determined costs act as benchmarks for comparing against actual costs, letting businesses see where they might be spending more or less than expected. By comparing the actual costs to these benchmarks, companies can find areas where they’re not as efficient, keep track of how well they’re doing, and make decisions to improve cost control and profits. Essentially, standard costing helps companies understand how effectively they’re using resources and producing goods or services within expected cost limits.

Features of Standard Costing:

Pre-determined Costs: Standard Costing involves setting fixed costs for materials, labor, and overhead before production based on past data and industry standards.
Variance Analysis: Standard Costing includes analyzing the differences between actual costs and pre-determined standards to identify favorable or unfavorable variances.
Cost Control: It provides a system to monitor actual costs against pre-determined standards, helping companies control expenses and improve profitability.
Performance Evaluation: Standard Costing allows companies to assess departmental, product, or process performance by comparing actual costs with standard costs, enabling better resource utilization and performance enhancement.

What is Budgetary Control?

Budgetary Control is a method used by businesses to plan, monitor, and manage their finances effectively. It starts with creating detailed budgets for different areas, like sales, production, and administration, and outlining expected revenues and expenses. Throughout the process, actual financial performance is compared to these budgets regularly. Any differences are analyzed, and necessary actions are taken to keep the organisation on course to meet its financial goals. By actively overseeing budgets in this manner, companies can optimize resource allocation, control costs, and make informed decisions for long-term financial stability and success.

Features of Budgetary Control:

Detailed Planning: Budgetary Control involves creating thorough budgets for different aspects of the business, such as sales, production, and administration. These budgets outline expected revenues, expenses, and investments over a specific period, providing a clear financial roadmap.
Continuous Monitoring: Budgetary Control entails regularly comparing actual financial performance with the budgeted targets. This ongoing monitoring helps businesses stay updated on their financial status, promptly identifying any discrepancies from the planned budget.
Variance Analysis: An essential aspect of budgetary control is analyzing the differences, or variances, between actual financial results and budgeted figures. By examining these variances, businesses can identify areas of overspending, revenue shortfalls, or inefficiencies, allowing for timely corrective actions.
Flexibility: Budgetary Control allows for flexibility in adjusting budgets as circumstances change. Businesses can revise budgets based on new information or unexpected events, ensuring that financial plans remain relevant and aligned with organizational goals.