Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Certification Practice Test

Which of the following is an example of an internal report?

1. Annual financial statement

2. Cost schedules

3. Tax filings

4. Regulatory compliance documents

The correct answer is: Cost schedules

An internal report is typically a document created for management and other internal stakeholders to assist in decision-making, operational planning, and performance monitoring. Cost schedules are specifically designed to provide detailed information on the costs associated with various activities or processes within an organization. These schedules help management analyze expenses, evaluate cost behaviors, and make informed budgeting decisions. They are often tailored to the specific needs of the organization and are not meant for external stakeholders. In contrast, annual financial statements, tax filings, and regulatory compliance documents serve external purposes and cater to investors, tax authorities, and regulatory bodies. These reports focus on the organization's overall financial health, compliance with tax obligations, and meeting regulatory standards, rather than providing insights for internal management purposes. This distinction highlights why cost schedules are the most appropriate example of an internal report among the given options.