Financial accounting (FiBu) and operational accounting (BeBu): Difference

Accounting is divided into two main areas: financial accounting (FiBu) and operational accounting (BeBu). Both fulfill different tasks and provide important information for different target groups in the company.

• Financial accounting (FiBu):
  It is required by law and documents all of a company's business transactions - i.e. expenses, income, assets and liabilities. The aim is to create an overview of the financial situation that is as accurate and comprehensible as possible, which is also relevant for external stakeholders such as tax authorities or investors.
• Operating accounting (BeBu):
  It is voluntary and focuses on the internal view. It shows exactly where costs are incurred, which services are provided and how economically individual areas operate. The BeBu primarily serves as an internal management tool for company management.

To summarize:
While financial accounting is externally oriented and complies with legal requirements, financial accounting provides detailed information for optimizing processes and costs within the company.

Together, both types of accounting form the basis for well-founded decisions, investment planning and sustainable corporate development.

The content covered in detail in a financial accounting or management accounting course can vary from school to school. Each educational institution determines how the focus is set. Use our contact form to forward your question directly to the desired school.