Service Department Cost Allocation

Management Accounting and Cost Control · 3:27

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Lyrics

[Verse 1]
In the factory where departments align
Some produce goods, others serve behind
HR and maintenance, power and heat
Support the production that makes ends meet
But how do we split up these service costs
To find the true price when nothing gets lost

[Chorus]
Three methods to allocate and divide
Direct, step, reciprocal as your guide
D-S-R, remember the three
Cost allocation methodology
From simple to complex we climb the tree
Service departments distributed properly

[Verse 2]
Direct method takes the simplest road
Ignore the inter-service episode
Allocate straight to production lines
Based on usage that clearly defines
Machine hours, labor hours, square feet too
Direct allocation sees it through

[Chorus]
Three methods to allocate and divide
Direct, step, reciprocal as your guide
D-S-R, remember the three
Cost allocation methodology
From simple to complex we climb the tree
Service departments distributed properly

[Verse 3]
Step method adds one layer more
Services to services before
Order matters in this sequential dance
Highest cost or usage gets first chance
Once allocated, no looking back
Follow the predetermined track

[Bridge]
But what if services serve each other
Power to maintenance, back and forth they bother
Reciprocal method solves this puzzle
Simultaneous equations in the shuffle
Linear algebra finds the way
True costs revealed at end of day

[Chorus]
Three methods to allocate and divide
Direct, step, reciprocal as your guide
D-S-R, remember the three
Cost allocation methodology
From simple to complex we climb the tree
Service departments distributed properly

[Outro]
Choose your method, make it clear
Consistency throughout the year
Service costs now properly assigned
To production departments refined

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