Scientific Seminar: Accounting and Analytical Support for Cost Management within Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12)

On February 12, 2025, the Department of "Finance and Accounting" held a scientific seminar as part of the course "Accounting and Analytical Support for Business Efficiency Management" (taught by F.K. Yerdalvetova, PhD, MBA, Associate Professor) for master's students in the educational program 7M04117 - Accounting and Auditing, according to the course syllabus. The seminar's theme was "Accounting and Analytical Support for Cost Management within Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12)."

The seminar addressed modern approaches to cost accounting and management in the context of sustainable development (SDG 12). Participants discussed how accounting and analytical tools can not only help reduce excessive resource use, minimize waste, and improve production efficiency, but also ensure the rational use of natural resources without compromising future generations.

Special attention was given to the practical application of target costing and activity-based costing (ABC) methods in large companies such as KazMunayGas, BIO Service, AlmatyEcoPlast, KAZ Recycling, and EcoTaxi, which widely use these cost accounting methods. These methods help optimize product cost while reducing environmental impact by providing timely information about cost volumes. The seminar also discussed mechanisms that allow businesses to integrate environmental and social aspects into their cost accounting systems, which, in turn, contributes to the development of a circular economy.

Furthermore, individual cost management strategies aimed at achieving SDG 12 were examined, including waste separation, use of reusable products, saving electricity and water, and conscious consumption. These measures demonstrate that cost management goes beyond the corporate level and includes the contribution of every individual to sustainable development.

At the end of the seminar, participants concluded that accounting and analytical cost support plays a key role in implementing the principles of responsible consumption and production. The development of cost accounting systems, resource optimization, and the implementation of innovative approaches in strategic management allow companies to strike a balance between economic efficiency and social and environmental responsibility.

The seminar was actively participated in by the leading professor of the Department of Finance and Accounting, D.O. Onaltaev.