Managerial accounting is different from financial accounting in that:

• A. Managerial accounting only deals with historical data, while financial accounting focuses on future projections.
• B. Managerial accounting reports are always published annually, while financial accounting reports are prepared as needed.
• C. Managerial accounting focuses on providing information for internal decision-making, while financial accounting provides information primarily for external users.
• D. Managerial accounting is governed by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), while financial accounting is not.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the distinction between managerial accounting and financial accounting. Managerial accounting is designed to provide information for internal decision-making, such as budgeting, performance evaluation, and operational planning. Financial accounting, on the other hand, focuses on providing information to external users like investors, creditors, and regulatory agencies.
2. Recognize that managerial accounting is not governed by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). It is flexible and tailored to meet the specific needs of management. Financial accounting, however, must adhere to GAAP or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) to ensure consistency and comparability.
3. Note that managerial accounting often includes both historical data and future projections to assist in planning and decision-making. Financial accounting primarily deals with historical data to create standardized reports such as income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
4. Understand the reporting frequency difference. Managerial accounting reports are prepared as needed, often on a weekly, monthly, or even daily basis, depending on the organization's requirements. Financial accounting reports are typically published annually or quarterly to meet external reporting obligations.
5. Focus on the primary purpose of each type of accounting. Managerial accounting aims to improve internal operations and decision-making, while financial accounting aims to provide a clear and standardized view of the organization's financial health to external stakeholders.