Final answer:
Management accountants are most valuable in benchmarking when they provide complex mathematical analysis to examine and analyze financial data, identify trends, and make informed decisions.
Step-by-step explanation:
In benchmarking, management accountants are most valuable when they provide complex mathematical analysis. Mathematical analysis allows accountants to examine and analyze complex financial data, identify trends, patterns, and anomalies, and make informed decisions based on the analysis.
Complex mathematical analysis involves using advanced mathematical techniques such as regression analysis, time series analysis, and optimization models to analyze financial data. Accountants can use these techniques to forecast future financial performance, evaluate the effectiveness of business strategies, and identify areas for improvement.
For example, management accountants can use regression analysis to determine the relationship between sales and different factors such as advertising expenditure, pricing, and customer demographics. This analysis can help them identify the most effective marketing strategies and optimize resource allocation.