In a broad sense, cost accounting can best be defined within the accounting system as

A$.$ Internal reporting for use in planning and controlling routine operations.

B$.$ Intemal reporting for use in management planning and control, and external reporting to the extent its

product$-$costing function satisfies external reporting requirements.

C$.$ Internal and external reporting that may be used in making nonroutine decisions and in developing plans

and policies.

D$.$ External reporting to government, various outside parties, and shareholders.