Service department definition — AccountingTools (2024)

What is a Service Department?

A service department is a cost center that provides services to the rest of a company. The manager of a service department is responsible for keeping costs down, or meeting the costs stated in a budget. The services provided by a service department are then allocated to the other departments of a business that use these services. Some of the costs of a service department may not be allocated elsewhere, due to cost overages that cannot be passed through to other departments (as defined in service agreements that state the costs that can be allocated).

If the charges of service departments are assigned to the production area, these cost allocations will probably be included in a cost pool, and then allocated to goods produced. This means that some service department allocations may not be charged to expense until several months later, when the related goods are sold and charged to the cost of goods sold account.

There is a moderate trend favoring the outsourcing of service departments, on the grounds that outside suppliers keep tighter control over their costs, and so will charge less than an in-house department. Outsourcing of this type should be adopted with care, to ensure that only non-critical service functions are shifted out of a business.

Related AccountingTools Courses

Activity-Based Costing

Cost Accounting Fundamentals

Service department definition —  AccountingTools (2024)

FAQs

What is service department accounting? ›

A service department is a cost center that provides services to the rest of a company. The manager of a service department is responsible for keeping costs down, or meeting the costs stated in a budget.

What does "service department" mean? ›

Definition of 'service department'

1. a repair shop. 2. the department of a shop providing customer services.

What does the service department do? ›

The Customer Service Department plays a pivotal role in any organization as it addresses customer inquiries, handles complaints, and resolves concerns. It serves as the face of the company, representing the brand and ensuring customer satisfaction.

What is an example of a service department? ›

Examples of service departments are maintenance, administration, cafeterias, laundries, and receiving. Service departments aid multiple production departments at the same time, and accountants must allocate and account for all of these costs.

What is the basic of service department? ›

Answer and Explanation: Service Departments include all the departments, where such operations are conducted which are either used by other departments or are used by the company for other purposes than production. For example, for a shoe manufacturing company, the accounting department will be a service department.

Which of the following is a service department? ›

Expert-Verified Answer

The material handling department, factory custodial service department, and vehicle repair department are considered service departments in a business organization. The machining department is not (option e).

What does it mean to service dept? ›

Definitions of service department. the division of a business that provides customer services. type of: business department. a division of a business firm. a repair shop where cars and trucks are serviced and repaired.

What is the definition of a customer service department? ›

Customer service refers to the assistance an organization offers to its customers before or after they buy or use products or services. Customer service includes actions such as offering product suggestions, troubleshooting issues and complaints, or responding to general questions.

Where is service defined? ›

1. an act of helpful activity; help; aid. to do someone a service. 2. the supplying or supplier of utilities or commodities, as water, electricity, or gas, required or demanded by the public.

What is the role of service department in a company? ›

The purpose of a company's customer service department is to support a company's customers in whatever ways the customers need. A customer service department helps answer customer questions and provides assistance at all stages of the customer experience.

How to manage a service department? ›

These include:
  1. Responding promptly to customer inquiries and service requests; ...
  2. Resolving customer issues efficiently and effectively; ...
  3. Providing technical support and guidance; ...
  4. Coordinating with other departments to ensure smooth operations; ...
  5. Collecting feedback from customers and using it to improve products or services;
Nov 21, 2023

What is the main purpose of service? ›

Answer. The purpose of a service is to meet the needs and wants of customers by providing a solution to a specific problem or fulfilling a desire.

What is considered a service department? ›

Definition of Service Department

A service department is usually associated with a manufacturer's production departments. However, a service department does not produce any of the factory's output. Instead, it provides services to the production departments. Each service department is responsible for its costs.

What is the service example? ›

A service is an act or use for which a consumer, firm, or government is willing to pay. Examples include work done by barbers, doctors, lawyers, mechanics, banks, insurance companies, and so on. Public services are those that society (nation state, fiscal union or region) as a whole pays for.

What are the examples of service operations? ›

For example, the onboarding process falls under the umbrella of service operations. The touchpoints between when a prospect closes as a customer and when onboarding is complete are the bridge between sales operations and service operations.

What is the meaning of service accounting? ›

Service accounting refers to the process of tracking, analyzing, and reporting financial transactions related to services provided by a business or organization. It involves documenting revenues, expenses, and other financial metrics associated with delivering services to customers or clients.

What are the services of the accounting department? ›

The accounting department is responsible for recording and reporting the cash flow transactions of a company. This department has some key roles and responsibilities, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, financial reporting, and maintaining financial controls.

What is a service unit in accounting? ›

Recharge Units (Service Units): Units that provide goods or services to other university units or for various activities within their own unit. The direct costs for providing the goods or services can be easily and accurately identified and must be billed using an approved rate with the intention of breaking even.

What is an example of a service company in accounting? ›

An accounting firm is an excellent example of a service company. Accountants earn revenue by doing books, auditing firms, and assets, and preparing income tax returns.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Jeremiah Abshire

Last Updated:

Views: 5669

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (74 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Jeremiah Abshire

Birthday: 1993-09-14

Address: Apt. 425 92748 Jannie Centers, Port Nikitaville, VT 82110

Phone: +8096210939894

Job: Lead Healthcare Manager

Hobby: Watching movies, Watching movies, Knapping, LARPing, Coffee roasting, Lacemaking, Gaming

Introduction: My name is Jeremiah Abshire, I am a outstanding, kind, clever, hilarious, curious, hilarious, outstanding person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.