ACCOUNTING OF COSTS AND ITS ORGANIZATION IN MODERN CONDITIONS OF ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The article comprehensively examines the organization of cost accounting at an enterprise in the conditions of modern economic development, when business is faced with growing competition, active digitalization and high uncertainty of the external environment. The authors emphasize that an effective cost accounting system is not only a financial reporting tool, but also an important element of management support for decision-making, planning and control. The work consistently analyzes the key stages of building such a system - from formalization and clear definition of objects and elements of costs (by areas, responsibility centers, types of activities) to the choice of methods for their distribution and the implementation of analytical accounting, which provides data detailing by production, service and administrative units. Special attention is paid to the issues of harmonization of accounting and management accounting: the need for harmonization of accounting policies, classifications and internal standards to ensure data consistency, ease of their use in budgeting and making operational decisions is shown. Modern challenges related to the automation and centralization of information systems are considered: integration of ERP solutions, building unified databases, ensuring compatibility of finance, production and logistics modules, as well as problems of data quality management, cybersecurity and user training. The study describes internal cost control mechanisms, budgeting methods (traditional, operational, flexible and activity-based - ABC), approaches to deviation management and performance analysis (KPI, dashboards, reports by responsibility centers). Based on the identified advantages and limitations, practical recommendations are proposed for improving cost accounting systems: phased implementation of IT solutions, standardization of accounting procedures, implementation of data screening and validation, personnel training, regular audits and adaptation of methods to the specifics of production or services. The authors conclude that an integrated, digitally-oriented, and flexible cost accounting system creates a competitive advantage for an enterprise by increasing the accuracy of management decisions and the efficiency of resource use.