Case Study: Cost Accounting in Manufacturing Company Background:XYZ Manufacturing Company is a well-established firm specializing in the production of electronic devices. As part of its commitment to operational efficiency and financial sustainability, the company employs robust cost accounting practices to manage and control costs effectively. Situation: In the last fiscal year, XYZ Manufacturing faced challenges related to cost fluctuations and increased production expenses. The management decided to conduct a comprehensive cost accounting analysis to identify areas for cost optimization and process improvement. Cost Categories: Direct Materials: The company sources high-quality electronic components for its products. Cost accountants meticulously track the purchase, usage, and inventory of these materials to ensure efficient resource allocation. Direct Labor: XYZ Manufacturing heavily relies on skilled labor for assembling and testing electronic devices. Labor costs, including wages, benefits, and overtime, are closely monitored to assess workforce productivity. Overhead Costs: Overhead costs encompass various expenses, such as utilities, rent, equipment maintenance, and depreciation. Allocating these costs appropriately to products helps in determining their true production costs. Varlable and Fixed Costs: The distinction between variable and fixed costs is crucial for understanding the company's cost structure. Variable costs fluctuate with production levels, while fixed costs remain constant regardless of production volume. Activity-Based Costing (ABC): XYZ Manufacturing utilizes activity-based costing to allocate overhead costs more accurately. By identifying cost drivers associated with each activity, the company gains insights into the true costs of specific products and processes. Budgeting and Forecasting: Cost accountants play a pivotal role in the budgeting process, collaborating with different departments to set realistic financial goals. Continuous forecasting helps the company adapt to changing market conditions and make informed decisions. Cost Reduction Initiatives: To address the challenges identified in the cost accounting analysis, XYZ Manufacturing implemented several cost reduction initiatives. These included renegotiating supplier contracts, optimizing production schedules, and investing in automation to enhance efficiency. Question: What cost category is typically associated with the expenses related to utilities, rent, equipment maintenance, and depreciation in a manufacturing company? A) Direct Materials B) Direct Labor C) Overhead Costs D) Variable Costs