Question

LO 4.5Why are the overhead costs first accumulated in the manufacturing overhead account instead of in the work in process inventory account?

Answer 1

Answer  Explanation:

For the manufacturing overhead occurs during the manufacturing process but unlike wages, the actual values are unknow thus, we cannot anticipate in a guarantee amount. Hence, the cost accounting works as follows:

It will stablish a predetermined overhead rate which will be charged against WIP based on another factor which can be measure (like working hours, machine hours, among others)

Then, during the period as the actual cost occurs they will be charged into manufacturing overhead account.

At the end of the period, we will be able to determinate the actual cost and adjust COGS, WIP and FINISHED GOOD if needed to represent the actual cost of the inventory produced.