The management reporting system plays a key role in effective business management. It is a tool that provides the company’s management with important data for decision-making, improving operational control and strategic planning.
Types of management reporting
The reporting system includes several types of reports, each of which has its own specifics and purpose:
- financial reports;
- operational reports;
- marketing reports.
Financial reports contain information on the company’s financial indicators, such as revenues, expenses, profits and losses. These reports help management assess the company’s financial condition, analyze performance and make informed financial decisions. Operational reports focus on the internal activities of the company. They include data on production processes, inventory management, logistics and other aspects of operational activities. These reports help in optimizing business processes and increasing work efficiency. Marketing reports provide information on the results of marketing campaigns, market analysis, consumer behavior and the effectiveness of advertising activities. These reports help in developing promotion strategies and improving the company’s market position.
The main difference between management and financial reporting is the focus of the data. Management reporting focuses on the internal needs of the business, while financial reporting focuses on information that is of interest to shareholders and external users. Before preparing a report, it is important to define the company’s goals and objectives. This will help focus on what exactly needs to be reported and what data will be most useful to management. To compile a report, it is necessary to collect the relevant data.
This can be done by conducting business research or using statistics prepared specifically for management reports. Data can be collected from a variety of sources, including internal databases and external analytical resources. Once the data has been collected, it must be organized so that it is convenient for analysis. This involves classifying the data, creating graphs and charts, and presenting the information in a structured manner.