Stock accounting is the clerical process of recording the movement of materials in and out of the stores. The basis of the stock accounting method is the stock record card (also called bin card), which provides an up to date record of the stock of materials. The stock record card is the main source of information on the availability stock code, description, unit of specification, stock location, stock level (i.e. minimum, maximum and re-order levels), source of supply, lead time for procurement, sequential data-wise record of receipt and issue quantities, balances at any point of time and other connected information as required. In particular, the stock levels set on the stock record card regulate the inflow and the outflow of materials, and sound a timely warning for commencing stock replenishment. An effective stock accounting system can assist in controlling materials stocks by ensuring that:

Typical Materials Stock Control Bin Card

Code No.                       Bin No.
Description                    Stores Ledger No.
Date
        Receipts
         Issues
Stock
Balance
Qty
GRN No.
Qty
REQ No.
Qty.
Balance B/F



A bin card shows level of stock of an item in a bin at a particular store location.

1.     Materials of the right quantity and quality are available in the stores at the right time.

2.     The stock levels are kept as low as feasible so as minimize the investment or inventory holding costs on the materials and to avoid occupying of excessive storage space resulting in high overheads.

3.     Stock quantities can be easily verified thus preventing pilfering, theft and wastage.

On the whole, the stock record card if properly maintained, can serve as the main source of information on materials to the materials department, planning department, costing department and finance accounting department.