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Microlesson · 5-min read

Cost Classification for Control (Controllable & Non-Controllable)

# Cost Classification for Control

For the purpose of control, costs are classified as Controllable vs Non-Controllable (C1).

## C1: Controllable vs Non-Controllable Cost

TypeMeaning
Controllable CostSubject to direct control at some level of managerial supervision
Non-Controllable CostNot subject to control at any level of managerial supervision

> Key insight: Controllability is relative to a level of management. A cost uncontrollable at one level (e.g., factory rent for a shop-floor supervisor) may be controllable at a higher level (e.g., the managing director who signs the lease). Whether a cost is controllable depends on who is being held responsible.

⚠️ Common exam mistakes

  • Treating controllability as an absolute property of a cost — it is always relative to a specific level of managerial supervision.
  • Assuming all fixed costs are non-controllable; many fixed costs are controllable at higher management levels.
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