Inventory Accounting vs. Inventory Management: What’s the Difference?
Introduction Many businesses confuse inventory accounting with inventory management. While both are crucial, they serve different purposes. Understanding their roles helps companies streamline operations and maintain financial accuracy. Let’s dive into the key differences. What Is Inventory Accounting? Inventory accounting tracks the financial value of a company’s stock. It records inventory purchases, sales, and costs, ensuring accurate financial reporting. This process helps businesses calculate profit margins and tax liabilities. Key Aspects of Inventory Accounting: Costing Methods – FIFO, LIFO, and Weighted Average. Financial Statements – Inventory valuation affects balance sheets and income statements. Stock Valuation – Determines the monetary worth of unsold stock. What Is Inventory Management? Inventory management, on the other hand, focuses on the physical stock. It ensures businesses have the right products in the right quantity at the right time. This process invol...