THEORETICAL ASPECTS OF ORGANIZING THE ACCOUNTING OF OPERATING EXPENSES OF AN ENTERPRISE

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of the essence of expenses as an economic category that plays a crucial role in the effective functioning of an enterprise. Expenses represent a fundamental element of the management system, providing essential information for decision-making processes that impact the financial outcomes and stability of the enterprise. Furthermore, proper organization of expense accounting ensures transparency of financial flows and contributes to cost reduction, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of the enterprise’s operations.The aim of the article is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the essence of expenses as an economic category, examine the approaches to their interpretation in academic literature and legal regulations, and justify the effective organization of accounting for operating expenses as a key component of the enterprise’s management system. To achieve this objective, a set of scientific research methods was employed. In particular, the analysis method was used to study the category of «expenses», the comparative method – to contrast definitions found in legal documents and academic works, the logical method – to justify the structure of the expense accounting system, and the systems approach – to comprehensively examine the organization of expense accounting in the context of enhancing enterprise management efficiency.The scientific novelty of the article lies in the systematization of approaches to defining the essence of expenses as an economic category, particularly through the analysis of current legislation and scholarly perspectives. The paper offers a clarified definition of expenses based on a comparative analysis of various approaches, which enables a deeper understanding of their impact on enterprise performance. Special attention is given to the organization of accounting for operating expenses, which includes the development of expense classification, the choice of valuation methods, and the formation of accounting policies. Additionally, the article emphasizes the importance of integrating the accounting system with other enterprise information subsystems, ensuring a comprehensive approach to expense management and enhancing analytical flexibility in managing financial flows.The research results confirm the importance of a rational organization of operating expense accounting in ensuring the financial stability of an enterprise. The development of a clear accounting system contributes to cost reduction and increases the economic benefits of the enterprise.